Honeymoon Tours Travel

The most familiar images of Spain - flamenco dancing, bullfighting, tapas bars, and solemn Easter processions — do no more than hint at the diversity of this country. Spain has official languages, two major cities of almost equal importance, and a greater range of landscapes than any other European country. These contrasts make Spain an endlessly fascinating place to visit.

This country is separated from the rest of Europe by Pyrenees, Spain reaches south to coast of North Africa, and has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The country's climate and scenery vary dramatically, from the snow capped peaks of the Pyrenees, through the green meadows of Galicia and the orange groves of Valencia, to the dry, barren regions in the south.

Madrid, Spain's capital lies geographically in the center of the country. The madrilenos — as the city s inhabitants are known — have an individual spirit and a sardonic sense of humor that set them apart from other Spaniards. Madrid may be nominal capital, but it is rivaled in commerce, sport, and the arts by Barcelona, the main city of Catalonia.

In the last 50 years Spain has undergone more social change than anywhere else in Western Europe. In the first half of the 20th century, it was largely a poor, rural country. Gradually people flooded into the cities, leaving the rural areas depopulated. The 1960s saw the beginning of spectacular economic growth, partly due to a burgeoning tourist industry. Since then Spain has become a major player in European and world affairs.