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San Sebastian


About the city

San Sebastian or Donostia-San Sebastian is placed in northern Gipuzkoa province, in Basque region. The city is placed at Atlantic coast and almost bordering along France. The beauty of San Sebastian lies in its natural geographical position. Its sandy beaches are sloping toward the end of La Concha bay. In addition to those marvelous beaches, the city is bounded by mountains - Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull.

Although the city's name is mentioned even in medieval sources, the history of urban development has begun in 19th century, after the great fire in 1813. San Sebastian. Donostia, as it is called in the Basque language, was used as naval and commercial port due to its exceptional geographical location.

Today, this beautiful city has over 190,000 citizens. The citizens of San Sebastian earn their living mainly from tourism, festivals, and by trading. San Sebastian is a preferred destination of Spain and is toured by many.It is interesting that San Sebastian is a candidate for European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Parts of San Sebastian

San Sebastian has several parts: Parte Vieja Antiguo, Amara Zaharra or Old Amara, Amara Berri, Gros, Egia, Intxaurrondo, Altza, Trintxerpe, Ibaeta. Loiola, Martutene, Igeldo and Zubieta.  If you want to get know the city you can go on foot, by bicycle or taxi.

City has two outstanding beaches La Concha and La Zurriola.

La Concha Beach is supposedly the most famous beach. Next to it is Ondarreta beach, which is the most peaceful beach. On the other hand, La Zurriola is very windy so it is ideal place for surfers.

City Attractions

However, among the greatest landmarks are the Miramar Palace, Kursaal Bridge, the church of San Ignacio de Loiola, the Cathedral, and the beautiful Square of Guipúzcoa. If you have fun hiking, you can visit the statue of Christ, which is placed at the top of the Monte Urgull between the beaches.

Furthermore, there is splendid Aquarium and amusement park.

Festivals

San Sebastian has numerous festivals and carousing going on, which attract plenty of tourists. Amongst the most famous festivals is the Film Festival, which has the international recognition. It is always held in September, every year. In addition to it there is famous San Sebastian jazz festival. Then, there is San Sebastian Theater Festival in mid June.

Other important festivals are La Tamborrada and the Semana Grande celebrated with fireworks. The origin of La Tamborrada is in not clear enough, however during that night people dress up as chefs and soldiers and they are accompanied with the music of drums.

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Places of interest in Spain – Zaragoza


This fifth largest city of Spain, Zaragoza is a part of Aragon province. The history of Zaragoza dates back to the Roman period. Although Zaragoza has semi arid continental climate; with temperature rising to about 40 degrees centigrade, it still holds its top position in the tourist map of Spain. Let us take a look at some of the important tourist spots of Zaragoza.

Las Fiestas del Pilar:

We are commencing our tour on 12th October which is festival day in Zaragoza. On this day, according to the legend, Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James the Great. She was standing on a pillar. To commemorate this happy event a basilica was also constructed. Incidentally it was on this day hat Christopher Columbus discovered the sea route to America. The festival of del pillar is held for a period of nine days with People participate in dancing, participate in the religious processions etc. The entire city of Zaragoza wears festive look with streets being illuminated.

City hall:

This is located on the banks of the Ebro River. This beautiful building of the city hall was earlier used as a place for currency exchange. The location of the city hall is so ideal that one can have a view of the panoramic view of the Ebro River and other places surrounding to it.

Cathedral:
This cathedral of San Salvador is another magnificent building which should never be missed. Historians say that this cathedral has been built on a mosque. Although there is no specific date when this cathedral was built, historians say that the cathedral was partially renovated in the 11th century. The apse of the cathedral bears the Romanesque architecture. The Baroque tower of the cathedral is another place which certainly catches the eye of every visitor. The cathedral is beautifully decorated with intricate works of sculpture, art and artifacts. This immaculately beautiful cathedral is certainly a place which should never be missed.

Moorish Castle:

This is another beautiful building which stands today as an example of the professionalism moors had achieved in designing and constructing buildings. This castle also called as Aljaeria is now converted into Aragonese Parliament. This building also attracts large visitors every year.

Other places of interest:

Apart from the above, Zaragoza is having beautiful palace, museums, and parks etc which are of interest for the tourists. Zaragoza has many villas and apartments which comfort the tourists in a luxurious environment and it has many restaurants, bars etc serving most delicious food which make the tourist comfortable.

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Places of interest in Spain - Vigo


This moderately populated city of Vigo is a part of the Galicia province. Historians trace the earliest civilization of Vigo to middle ages. The average temperature of the city is about 15 degree centigrade. With this pleasant temperature and blessed with natural beauty and imposing landscape, Vigo has become the best choice of the tourists. Some of the places of interest in Vigo are briefly mentioned here:

Beach:

Vigo is blessed with many beautiful beaches. Prominent beaches are Coruxo, Samil, O Bao, Alcabre, Argazaba and Saians. The nature around the beaches is simply beautiful. The tourist does not feel like leaving the beach. The water sports available there keeps the tourist busy throughout. There are many restaurants and bars to relish the tourist.

Forts:

There is a hill very close to the beach. There are two historical forts on this hill. Castillo de San Sebastin and Castillo del Castro are the two forts which are believed to have been built centuries ago. In fact it is the most ideal place to have a glimpse of the beautiful nature around Vigo. The fort is now preserved as a tourist spot.

Museum:

This provincial museum is housed in a building believed to have been constructed in the 17th Century. This is a very beautiful building and it is also popular for its aesthetic beauty. The museum has collection of works of arts dating back to Galician period. There are also antiques dating back to prehistoric period. There are many exhibits which give a glimpse of the history of the town.

Cambados:

The town of Cambados is located next to Vigo. This town of Cambodas has many places of interest like La Toja, Plaza de Fifinanes etc. These are the most beautiful buildings which one should never miss. The architecture of this building has no parallel in the entire Europe. Other interesting places in Cambados are the row of houses known for its beautiful works of architecture and a mansion believed to have been constructed in 17th century. The church of San Benito is yet another place which is frequented by visitors throughout the year. The Church Santa Marina is another interesting place; but this church is in a dilapidated condition.

Marin:

This is another neighborhood place of Vigo. Marin is a popular Naval Base of the Spanish Army. It also has a ship building dock. The village adjacent to Mari is a fishing village and the village is known for its beautiful roads and for the traditional food prepared in the restaurants located there.

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Places of interest in Spain – Salamanca


This historic city of Salamanca is located to the west of Spain and is about 200 kms of Madrid. The city is influenced by many popular tribes like Celts, Romans, visigoths and Moors. The place is known for its old buildings, parks, museums and of course, for its natural beauty. Salamanca is now on the top of the tourist map of Spain. Some of the important places of visit in Salamanca are briefly explained here:

Augustinian monastery:

This beautiful monastery is popular amongst people of Salamanca as also among visitors. No visitor misses to visit the tomb of the count and countess de Monterrey. Some of the works of arts by the renowned artists of Spain are also on display. The other place of interest is the White Chapel of the Trues Cross. This chapel is believed to have been constructed in the year 1700. It is in typical Baroque style and has Renaissance portal. The chapel has undergone several changes in later years.

Palza mayor:

This is located at a place called as ‘Central Square’ of Salamanca. This square is believed to have been built in the year 1800 by Andre Garcia. This is the most beautiful place and it has been recognized as Europe’s Best Square. The square is surrounded by beautiful garden. It is a place worth visiting. According to history, this was the place where bullfights were being held. But, now concerts are held here regularly. It has seating arrangement for about 20000 people. This plaza is just behind the Central Market. This market is popular for selling traditional goods like handicrafts, clothing, works of arts and artifacts.

old Romanesque cathedral:

According to historians, this cathedral was built in the year 1200. In order to provide protection during the spring season double arcade has been made on the windows. From this arcade the tourist can see the famous mosque Hagia Sophia in Insanbul, Turkey. This cathedral is an outstanding example of unchallenged architectural experience of those who built this masterpiece cathedral.

Golden City:

The city of Salamanca is better known as Ciudad Dorada which means ‘the Golden City’. This name has been derived because of the influence of Renaissance civilization. In the Renaissance period, people had perfected the art of constructing buildings using sandstones. The people of Salamanca perfected this technology and started producing the sandstone in large scale. These sandstones are manufactured from a quarry at a place near Salamanca. Many buildings have been constructed in Spain using these sandstones.

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Places of interest in Spain - Mijas


A town under the Malaga province, Mijas is also called a ‘whitewashed city. The town is located on the top of a hill and all the buildings here are whitewashed. Those who look at this city from a distance find all the structures here in nothing but white color. It is a spectacular view. The city close to the sea and the average temperature of the city is about 18 degree centigrade. This is the most ideal temperature for a person to feel relaxed. From the top of the hill one can have a spectacular view of the sea and the nature around. Apart from the natural beauty, the city of Mijas has many places which are of interest for the tourist.

Palace:

The famous Alhambra palace is located at the neighboring city of Granada which is about two hours drive form Mijas. This beautiful palace is believed to have been built centuries ago. The palace is luxuriously decorated with great works of sculpture. Just another two hour’s drive from Granada is the world famous Sierra Nevada Mountain. The spectacular view of this mountain should be seen than being explained. Those who like adventure sports can enjoy ski riding from this mountain.

Gibraltar:

The famous city of Gibraltar is just about one and half hours ride from Mijas. Normally organized tours are conducted in Gibraltar which would take about one full day. Of course, the tourist should have valid passport to cross the border of Spain so as to visit Gibraltar.

Shopping:

Mijas is popular among those who have fascination for shopping. There are rows and rows of shops selling various items from traditional arts and artifacts to fabrics, electronic goods, and works of sculpture, jewelry, leather goods and many more products. The rates are quite reasonable.

Museums:

Almost every city, province and even a village in Spain has a place of learning; museums. Mijas is no exception to this. Mijas has many museums. Some of the popular museums of Mijas are bullfighting museum, museum on the significance, manufacturing process etc of olive oil, Mijas museum of miniatures, Museo Historico Etnologico. Interestingly these museums receive large number of visitors every day.

Restaurants:

This is another attractive feature of Mijas. The tapas bars, restaurants serve the traditional food of Mijas and the popular Spanish wine. You name the type of bar, you have it; this is what every tourist who visit Mijas say. Of course, the rates charged in the restaurants and bars are quite reasonable which every visitor can afford.

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Places of interest in Spain – Denia

 


Denia, a town of the Alicante province is one of the most preferred places of visit for tourists. Apart from a tourist spot, it is also popular as the best place for fishing. This great historic place has evidence of human inhabitation even during the prehistoric time. Many great civilizations like the Romans and Moors had made Denia their administrative capital. Later, Christians took control over the city in the year 1244. According to historians many wars were fought by people of earlier civilizations to take control of this important city. From the tourism point of view, this great city is popular for its spectacular natural beauty and for the most imposing buildings like churches, rocky crag, etc. Fishing is one of the important trades in this city and for those who have fascination for fishing there is no better place than Denia.

Rocky Crag:

The important place of visit in Denia is the castle which is built on a rocky crag overlooking the great sea. According to historians, this beautiful castle has been built in the 11th century. From the top of the castle one can view the spectacular view of the sea and the city and the nature around it. A museum called the ‘Palau del Governador’ which is located in this castle provides very clear information about the city of Denia, the castle, etc.

The beach:

This is one of the most beautiful beaches of Alicante. Certainly the tourist will be fascinated when he visits this beach. The nature around the beach makes the visitor speechless. Varieties of water sports are available here. Safety has been given the primary importance. The city is very close to the beach and within walking distance.

Festivals:

It is said that people of Denia celebrate more festivals compared to any other part of Spain. Some of the popular festivals include Falles bonfire festival where spectacular display of fireworks followed by bonfire is held. The other festival of fame includes the Patron Saint festival which is held to show respect to Most Holy Blood. A mock fight between Moors and Christians is another most popular festival. The All Saint Attraction fire is popular amongst children. Large numbers of people take part in these festivals.

Interestingly, Football is the popular sport of Denia. The club Deportivo Denia is the leading football club of this town. This club has played in many important national and international football games.


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