Spain has gone through tough times for the last few years. The crisis is the main topic of the conversations and Spaniards have heard the word strike many times. It is just a phase that will pass and gone and in the meantime everyone is crossing their fingers, keeping a positive mindset with better ideas and looking for a brighter future.

It is for sure there also has been great news that made Spaniards make smile and proud. If we look back to the year 2012, one of the most lovely incident occurred when an old lady in Zaragoza tried to restore a 200 years old Jesus painting. The painting itself got so famous that it attracted hundreds of people to the church it is demonstrated. The name Ecce Homo and Cecilia Jiménez are recognized one of the top icons of the pop culture leading to several reproductions and marketing materials.

On silver screen it has been a fruitful year, Lo Imposible (The Impossible) has broken box office records which is quite a huge success obtained abroad as a Spanish local production. Adapted from the famous Grimm tale Snow White, Blancanieves, in which the stunning Maribel Verdú enchants with her talent and beauty, is one of the greatest Spanish movies of all times.  The tourism which is the fundamental sector of Spain has advanced with respect to previous years; Eurovegas complex is to be built in Madrid and surely will create job opportunities in additon to drag thousands to enjoy the capital city. Spanish language tourism has started to receive more interest in Castile and Leon region.

Spanish National Soccer (Football) Team has brought a great success and made Spain honored by winning the 2012 Euro Cup again after 2008. Also after winning 2010 World Cup, Spanish football team has gained the three big championships for the last 4 years which justifies the concrete fact that they are living their golden age. In motor race a talented young man has won the World Championship in Valencia that his name is Marc Márquez. In London Olympic Games, one of the remarkable moments to be remembered must be Mireia Belmonte who is the first swimmer to win two gold medals in Spanish Olympic history.

Against all odds Spain has power to keep the good faith inside along with dignity and hard work. This year would be an opportunity for a better start and undoubtedly we will hear more news of Spanish success in 2013 as well.  May everyone have a prosperous year ahead!!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_21f5824d-4b32-46fb-8e41-2f9800b47c6d

Wikilengua is a “wiki” designed and supervised by Fundeú BBVA (a foundation that the Royal Spanish Academy helped create to promote unity within the Spanish language). This “wiki” is an engaging resource for Spanish learners, formatted in a way that invites the user to explore everything from common errors made by native speakers, to fun linguistic curios; the site features one section that lists the names of animals which Spanish speakers around the world use to refer to different types people according to personality traits. For example, according to wikilengua, in Peru the word pulpo (octopus) may refer to a person with the ability to carry out a number of tasks at the same time.

At this point, many of you may be wondering what a wiki is. It’s just a website that lets the users themselves add, modify or delete content whenever and however they want. Wikipedia is probably the best known example. Those interested in adding or modifying Wikilengua.org just have to register first. If you’re reading this and considering posting purposefully false or insulting information on wikilengua to amuse yourself at the expense of those of us interested in delving deep into the richness of proper Castilian, keep in mind that Fundéu BBVA has monitors that proofread new content and intervene when necessary.

Anyone can contribute? Will that really foster correct usage of the language? At first glance, the Royal Spanish Academy’s use of this free-for-all concept in information resources seems contradictory to their purpose of establishing definitive Spanish rules as the highest authority on the matter. The site points out however, that Wikilengua’s purpose is not to establish language rules, but to offer a neutral perspective on language use, exposing national and international standard Spanish varieties, explaining to what degree different pieces of language deviate from those standards, and even exposing objections users may have to official rules. Users should keep content practical, avoiding overly complex articles with specialized linguistic jargon or theory. The site goes on to encourage users to be brave about modifying content, reminding them that although touching the work of others may feel a little funny at first, as if you were going to ruin it, you probably won’t (even if you do, the previous material can be retrieved).

Users are also encouraged to explore the site. The section entitled MINIATURAS in the bottom left hand corner of Wikilengua’s home page features a series of informative and entertaining sections such as one on common redundant expressions, short  word combinations in which one word is unnecessary, such as base fundamental (fundamental base, base here already means something fundamental). Another section here gives correct plural forms that people commonly say wrong. You’ll also find lists of important initials, what they stand for, and Spanish translations when the original meanings are in a different language, such as AI for Amnesty International, (Amnistía Internacional). Learners will likely also enjoy sections listed under LEXICO entitled Jerga juvenile, which offers all the latest in Spanish slang.

Wikilengua is an interesting resource for anyone wishing to broaden their knowledge of Spanish as it’s used today all around the Spanish speaking world. The still relatively new “wiki” format gives us a unique glimpse into Spanish beyond dictionaries, textbooks and other traditional reference tools, as speakers themselves present the language as they personally know and use it.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_91133885-4a93-417d-8f58-abde0726f54b

Travel Destinations in Spain

Winter is a wonderful time to experience the rich culture of Spain. Many Spanish travel destinations feature winter sunshine, which offers an attractive alternative to the icy grip that frosty grey skies cast over much of the rest of Europe during this time of year. Travel expenses are often cheaper in winter (sometimes up to half the price), and availability is usually much easier to come by when booking a hotel room, an air or train ticket, tickets for events, etc. Attractions (and the cities and towns themselves) are less crowded with tourists, which may make your trip more comfortable and even a more personal journey. Certain Spanish winter vacation plans listed below are clearly more appropriate for families while others are more suited to couples or folks travelling alone, and we’ve grouped ideas into convenient categories, however keeping an open mind when deciding where to go may open up some curious possibilities: 

Historic/Cultural destinations

Granada’s incredible 10^th century Moorish fortress palace the Alhambra is open in winter. The city of Granada also sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, where the nearby Sierra Nevada Ski Station offers skiers some of the best skiing in Spain.

The historic masonry work of Salamanca’s centuries old cathedrals, monuments and its university (one of Europe’s first) are just as stunning in winter as any other time of year. Visiting this historic university town in winter also gives visitors the special chance to experience the vibrant and youthful energy of its students, which summertime tourists miss. 

Flamenco excitement heats up Sevillian nights in winter. Seville is the home of flamenco, and winter visitors get to enjoy the city’s liveliest artistic traditions during the coolest time of year. The Royal Alcáhazar (Seville’s Moorish fortress/palace) and the Cathedral are open all winter long, along with a number of other attractions here in Andalucia’s largest city. 

Rural destinations

Spain offers a rich diversity of natural settings for wintertime travelers wishing to escape to a world of peaceful scenery. From the woodsy green landscapes of northern regions, particularly Galicia, where brave visitors could perhaps start the historic Camino de Santiago to do a little cool weather soul searching, to dry southlands, rustic vacation accommodations are available all over Spain. A casa rural may refer to just about any type of countryside lodging and some rural tourist sites offer activities such as horseback riding, guided hikes, skiing, etc. A Spanish countryside experience can be a relaxing retreat or an exciting adventure or both, depending on the kind of experience that most appeals to you.   

Theme parks

Many theme parks in Spain close during much of the winter, however some such as Port Aventura, about an hour south of Barcelona, and Madrid’s Warner Brothers Park, have special Christmas and New Year’s Eve promotions that are worth checking out, especially if you’re travelling with kids or if you’re just an amusement park lover.

Spa destinations

Imagine enjoying a hydromassage in a Jacuzzi in a spa resort nestled in the Pyrenees, surrounded by snowy mountain woodlands. You can do that at the Baños de Benasque Spa Resort and the Panticosa Spa Resort, which are also both located next to skiing facilities. In Southern Spain, Baños Arabes (Arab baths), particularly in Granada, offer an exciting way to experience the relaxing traditions of the Moorish Empire that flourished here hundreds of years ago.

Beach destinations

If you’re interested in Spanish wintertime beach fun in the sun, your best bet is likely somewhere on the Canary Islands. Temperatures on these islands located off the coast of western Africa remain warm all year round. Tenerife is the biggest and most popular of the islands, where the toasty black and golden sands of long scenic beaches await those hoping to escape chilly wintertime climates.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_f9b996d4-3181-464e-9d10-d87536093446

The Spanish Christmas Lottery (la Lotería de Navidad) is the most widely played chance game and every Spaniard dreams of being rich at the end of December. It is another trademark of Christmas traditions that one must live the excitement whether “El Gordo” (the biggest prize) will touch him this time.

The first contemporary lottery was created in 1812 in Cadiz to support the state revenue for public tax authority and in 1814 the first official drawing was held in Madrid which later has become the center and the day of 22^nd of December has been the official date for Christmas lottery, that is also acknowledged as the beginning of the holidays.  

The lottery tickets are official papers and counterfeiting is strongly prohibited. Each ticket is divided into series (195 series per number) and each series is divided into ten shares which is called decimos is at price of 20€. Since 2011 the number of series has been 100.000 started from 00000 to 99999. The biggest prize (the amount is 4.000.000€) is called el Gordo which literally means the fat one. It is not the biggest amount given considering the other lotteries though it is the most desired one among Spaniards even you should notice the phrase tocarle el gordo a alguien (to win el gordo) referring to get something you wish for with the help of luck. The winning numbers are chosen by randomly with two drums including boxwood balls on which the numbers are written with laser so as to keep the same weight. The first one contains 99.999 balls and the next drum is the prize drum that has all the 1807 balls determining the winners of the prizes. Since the beginning of the lottery, the students of San Ildefonso have the duty to sing out the winning numbers.

If you are staying in Spain during Christmas time, you should give a chance for el Gordo to touch you to start a prosperous year.  

Facts about the Spanish Christmas Lottery

It has been held every year without any cancellation not even during Civil War

The tickets are started to be sold in July

In 2002 the prizes are turned into Euro and the drawing took shorter 9 minutes less because it was not as long as the previous years when the prize was in pesetas.

The ticket ending with the number 1 is the unluckiest which has come out 8 times so far, the luckiest one is the number 5 coming 32 times.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_66800ea4-1828-41ca-97dd-d3d5eb21323b

The new year is just about to begin, and it's ready to bring us new possibilities for the future, which with a little luck, we'll be able to turn into reality.

Below we've prepared a summary of some of the popular festivities celebrated throughout Spain during the first three months, to give you an overview of Spain's celebrations and to help give an idea of where to go and when. These cultural and linguistic journeys are a wonderful way to not only learn the fascinating Spanish language, but to also naturally immerse yourself in the culture of Spain through personal contact with Spanish people.

In January, we'll enjoy the Reyes Magos celebrations that take place in practically all Spanish cities and towns: las cabalgatas de Reyes (Kings' parades), which happen in the evening on Jan. 5th, where wide eyed children watch as Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar arrive to deliver gifts that night to children who've been good, and coal to those who've been bad. We'll also taste the roscón de reyes, and hopefully be lucky enough to be crowned king of the fiesta.
The month of February is the month of Carnaval, and we recommend that you actively participate in the Carnival festivals of two cities that offer very different perspectives on this originally religious celebration. In Cadiz, the social commentary, wittiness and great dry sense of humor exuded by the gaditanos (people of Cadiz) are kings of the carnaval. Groups of party-goers known as carnavaleras, murgas, comparsas and cuartetos, decked out in imaginative costumes, gather in the streets and squares of the Tacita de Plata (a name for Cadiz) to sing and perform the numbers they have spent all year preparing. Smiles are guaranteed, and when someone says, tipo, tipo!, you have to have act out a representation of the character you've chosen to dress up as. This festival isn't meant to be observed from afar, it's for integrating oneself and sharing a shrimp omelette with gaditanos.

In Tenerife, Carnival celebrations are also experienced outside, but the scenery here, the costumes and the decorations are particularly spectacular. The queen of Carnaval, clothed in an outfit that seems to have been taken from a fairy tale, presides over the festivities. In Puerto de la Cruz, you can take part in the cross-country for dragqueens: the fun "Mascarita, ponte tacón" event, and on the 16th, in Coso, you'll dance all over the city and get to know locals and visitors in a lively atmosphere full of music, fun and optimism.

In the month of March, you're invited to visit Salamanca to enjoy the "Lunes de aguas" tradition , which takes place the Monday following Easter Monday, and recalls the yearly return of the town's prostitutes (after their brief obligatory exile during Holy Week), who would cross the Tormes River by boat to be met by eagerly awaiting university students. On the banks of the Tormes, you can enjoy an hornazo (traditional meat pie) and celebrate with the Salamancans on one of their most special fiestas.

Valencia must also be visited on this month, where on March 19th, Las Fallas take place. During this festival, Valencians take to the streets and manifest their creativity in the form of incredible monuments made of multi-colored cardboard and wood. These sculptures, built with surprising perfection, serve as a vital platform to reflect social reality and the Valencian sense of humor. The purifying fire puts an end to these short-lived works of art, and only one of these, the Ninot indultat, will be selected to be spared from the flames and placed in the museum dedicated to this festival. Don't be surprised if you're awakened in the morning by loud sounds of the mascletá, which are a part of many traditions in this region. Valencians put on the world's best fireworks shows, and these add a dazzling touch of color to this festival that should not be missed.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_1e566486-79c3-43c5-a30a-e996ad6d56b1

Chile, lies from north to south on the very west part of South America is neighbors with Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Within various options to enjoy you can go skiing and continue chilling out at golden beaches next to Pacific Ocean.

Having presented many important literary figures like Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda or Isabel Allende, this Latin American country proved its cultural richness introducing a deep and blend background along with dignity after going through a tough political stage. Right now it is one of the most popular emerging countries to invest and learn Spanish. 

The capital city Santiago welcomes the visitors with the wonderful image of snowy Andes and offering a vast of places to-go. On top of the list is Plaza de Armas which is the public square and the heart of the old city. Here is the meeting point for everyone and offers a panoramic view of the city centre. Another must see place is The Cathedral of Santiago or the Pedro de Valdivia statue and of course not to forget Palacio de la Moneda (La Moneda Palace). Barrio Patronato offers you the best prices for shopping or to find the shops of Luis Vuitton, Armani and many more top fashion brands the address is Alonso de Córdova. La Chascona, which is located at bohemian zone called Bellavista, is one of the houses of the poet Pablo Neruda. There you can see his personal items and writings as well as other belongings of his friends.

Getting a bit far from the capital and to explore the beautiful landscape, you should go up to the Andes where there are 18 ski centers such as Valle Nevado, Portillo, El Colorado or 5 knds of penguins spreading to several parts yet mostly in the south are waiting for you. Valparaiso as said in its name looks like a paradise with golden beaches and the typical colorful Chilean houses. Viña del Mar, situated in north-east of Santiago is a wonderful getaway holiday destination. In this region one place that is worth to see called Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are more than 800 statues created by the local Rapanui people. The Atacama Desert being the driest desert in the world is a great place for astronomic observations and sports activities like sandboarding.

It is quite amazing for such a small country in size to be the host of many historical and natural sights. While the summer breeze has just reached recently, it is the perfect time to learn Spanish and get to know Latin American culture in Chile.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_3a3b6161-bd0d-4d32-99a7-7c8ac5cc83ec

It’s no secret that the most effective method of learning a language is by speaking it. Studies confirm that learners that use new language skills to interact with others in meaningful or practical situations build and retain those skills much more than people that concentrate on passive study methods. Full Spanish immersion through a study abroad course, such as those offered by don Quijote, is the best way to learn Spanish. Television provides limited educational value, and passive study time may be better spent reading a novel in Spanish. One glance however at the programming from America’s biggest Spanish language TV networks, and learners may find it difficult, if not impossible, to resist taking a peek at some of the shows from the seemingly endless list of exciting titles on offer. Abismo de Pasión, Amor Bravío and Besos Ardientes are just a few of the intriguing series they air. New digital formats also make viewing more convenient, allowing viewers to watch shows whenever they want, and even where ever they want on their cell phones. 

Univision and Telemundo are the leading Spanish language networks in the U.S. According to Nielsen ratings from last November, Univision had an average prime time audience of about 3.7 million people and Telemundo had nearly half that number. These networks televise a wide variety of shows that include news programs and sports broadcasts. Watching the news on these channels is a great way to practice the language and stay on top of current events. Sports fans can pick up valuable sport vocabulary while enjoying their favorite sporting events. Court room judge shows such as Caso Cerrado and dating shows such as 12 Corazones, both offer learners candid and often colloquial varieties of Spanish, as content is largely unscripted. Some of the shows also have closed caption English or Spanish subtitles. A possibility is to start watching shows with English subtitles, then as your confidence builds, switch to Spanish subtitles, and finally turn off the subtitles altogether.    

The genre that is perhaps most associated with these stations is the telenovela. These soap opera series can entertain romantic learners with many of the universal, often predictable plot twists that any soap fan from around the world will easily recognize. Predictability and reoccurring themes of romance help viewers follow along and keep viewing exciting, even if they don’t understand all the words. Passion here is high, drama gets intense and suspenseful cliff-hanging endings will likely inspire anxious Spanish language students to continue tuning in for more small screen action, and more valuable language acquisition.

Univision has recently launched a digital network called UVideos.com. Users can log onto Uvideos through facebook or twitter to watch a wide variety of videos including news pieces and episodes of the network’s telenovelas. Users can also leave comments that can be seen by other viewers. (Television viewing may not be so passive after all).

While TV has its educational limitations, any type of exposure to a target language is helpful for building speaking and comprehension skills. Most native English speaking Americans that would like to learn or improve their Spanish are going to watch their favorite TV shows in English anyway, in which case exploring Spanish language programming and finding a new favorite show there may be an educational alternative.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_c461d8a1-f003-46d9-a4a5-fd02cded0e84

Don Quixote is the second most translated book after the Bible and the adventures of the famous Spanish hidalgo and his loyal fellow Sancho Panza are known by almost everyone in the world. The story inspired and led to several movie adaptations in many countries not only Spain.

Movie adaptations of literary works are seen as guarantee income opportunities with visual effects and after adding up a bit more spice to the screenplay. Nevertheless, Don Quixote’s story has not got the chance to be a blockbuster movie so far. Since last decade the director Terry Gilliam has been trying to revive the old knight yet didn't succeed in finishing owing to the constant changes in screenplay and funding problems. The doomed project is called The Man who Killed Don Quixote. In 2002 Gilliam finished a documentary called Lost in La Mancha showing the production stage and failed attempts of this project. It is still a big question whether the creative director of Brazil and the member of legendary Monty Python group would see his dream in theaters.

There is another rumor has been spreading that Johnny Depp is going to produce a Don Quixote movie partnering with Disney. He somewhat lost his faith in Gilliam’s project -he played Tobe in Lost in La Mancha- has undertook a modern adaptation of the 17^th century epic novel. We will be waiting impatiently to watch no matter whose project comes into life, the great story of Miguel Cervantes is worth to see by all means.

Some Don Quixote Facts on screen

1903 The first movie is a French short silent movie.

1933 The opera star Feodor Chaliapin stars as the knight. It represents the glamorous days of chivalric age and the death of the knight would tear down the image in spectators so they changed the ending showing the knight going back home disillusioned.

1957 Don Quixote is adapted in a Russian way. It was directed by Grigori Kozintsev and veteran Russian actor Nikolai Cherkasov plays the lead character. The storyline keeps the same path as the original script but the ending which contradicts the communist ideology was changed.

1992 Orson Welles' Don Quixote is one of his unfinished projects till somebody came up buying the rights of the movie and edited it with Welles' notes. It was not a masterpiece yet done with good intentions.

2010 Don Quixote revived in 3D in Chinese adaptation Tang Ji Ke De which the plot takes place in ancient China keeping some of the important elements like windmills and sheep army.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_396acb29-7efb-4e10-b6c3-c5b0d8a71b20

The benefits of volunteering abroad

Many people often express the desire to make the world a better place. It’s a pretty broad goal, and thinking of specific ways to begin achieving it can immediately turn into an overwhelming task. Looking at volunteer opportunities is an excellent place to start, as these provide a chance to make a difference in different communities, where you can personally get involved in the causes you feel most passionate about. Volunteering abroad often requires more sacrifices, but the rewards are also greater.  If you volunteer in Mexico for example, you’ll come home with valuable Spanish skills. don Quijote offers the chance to gain international work experience in a broad range of volunteer opportunities in Mexico, from ecological conservation, to working with children and indigenous communities, to providing medical care.

Many of the sacrifices one makes when volunteering in a foreign country, are paradoxically valuable benefits, such as: having to leave your home and likely give up many daily comforts you’re used to (you get to travel), having to speak a different language (you get to learn a language) and having to adapt to a new culture, climate, cooking style and way of life (you learn about a new culture and gain adaptability skills). The following is a list of what you get out of selflessly offering your time and services abroad.

Learn a different language

It’s no secret that full immersion in a foreign language is the most effective way to learn how to speak it. Speaking the language in meaningful situations also reinforces acquisition. If you associate vocabulary with personal interaction you’ve made with others, perhaps offering services that have made a positive difference in people’s lives, then that language will leave an indelible impression in your memory. The altruistic emotions you feel while using language in volunteer contexts will allow you to develop an intimate relationship with it that will also help maximize acquisition and your commitment to learning it.   

Get to travel

As a volunteer, you will gain valuable insight into local culture that tourists don’t usually get a chance to experience. The only way to understand and come to deeply appreciate a different culture is by integrating yourself into that culture’s way of life. Volunteers often report on returning home that they never realized how limited their view of the world was before their mind opening, life changing volunteer experience. It’s no exaggeration to say that your newly acquired intercultural awareness will contribute in a small way to the international understanding that is essential to maintaining stable relationships between entire countries.

Build a handsome resume

Employers love to see candidates that embrace a challenge and have proven their ability to adapt to new situations. Professional experience speaking a foreign language of course always makes you an appealing candidate for a wide variety of positions. Even if the language you acquired on your volunteer program doesn’t relate to the job you’re applying for, cross-cultural communication skills and awareness are essential aspects of many job profiles. You may also get the unique opportunity to gain experience in a field that may be difficult, if not impossible to access in a paid position without previous experience. You may even work in a field you never considered before, and you may find that you like it and would like to pursue it as a career.

Have fun, feel good about yourself and make new friends

Many volunteers explain that the experience made them more compassionate, and that they are eager to find more opportunities to enjoy the rewarding feeling of participating in an altruist effort. Furthermore, you will work with others that have similar goals of making a difference in certain communities and learning the language. Getting to know program participants and other volunteers, and exchanging ideas on project work will likely give you hope and inspiration. You may learn about how specific types of projects are carried out in different parts of the world. These people may become lifelong friends or valuable international contacts. One of the greatest benefits from volunteering is the feeling that you’ve made a difference in the world, getting that sense that you’ve achieved something.

Reverse the effects of aging

Okay, this one seems too good to be true, but a number of recent studies show that volunteering provides surprising health benefits. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that recent research confirms that volunteers have greater functional ability and lower mortality rates. The Wisconsin longitudinal study confirms that volunteering positively influences psychological well-being and self-reported health. Volunteering fights depression, builds self confidence, keeps you physically healthy.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_953e0b60-aab4-40e7-9684-c0c70a86d670

It is not wrong to say each part of Spain is worth to see and Andalusia is a bit different from the other regions with its history, art, culture and Spanish accent. If you consider a trip to Spain you should add these places to your list.

Seville which is the capital of Andalusia and the city of golden tower, split by the Guadalquivir River. You can start your trip with the Cathedral of Seville as you spend a little energy to go up to the Giralda -the bell tower- which is 95 meters high yet it is really worth to see the panoramic view of the city. Bear in mind that it is better not to be there on the hour otherwise you could have slight hearing loss. Another must go place in Seville is Plaza de España whose area is 50.000 square meters, is one of the fine examples of Renaissance architecture. If the time of your visit falls around April then you will enjoy the streets and the restaurants during Seville Fair (Feria de Abril)

La Joya Mora or in other words Moor Jewel completely fits to this attractive city. Granada is a total magnet located under the hills where the great Alhambra Palace takes place. Just next to Alhambra don’t forget to visit the Palace and the Gardens of Generalife. In winter it is a good opportunity to show your skiing skills in Sierra Nevada.

The enchanting scent of orange trees, the white Mediterranean houses with full of flowers and the fine blend of Moorish and Roman architecture, the time passes slowly in Cordoba. The most important historical place is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba which is one of the largest buildings of Islamic architecture.  

Cadiz, Spain’s coast of Atlantic Ocean is another fantastic city to visit. The oldest navy town of Spain is an attractive point offering a wide range of Andalusian history to local and international tourists. Cathedral of Cadiz is one of the landmarks of the city with its golden dome and Tavira Tower is the only remaining watchtower where it is possible to have a panoramic view of the old city with a pinhole camera.

Malaga, the birth town of Picasso is a shining diamond of Costa del sol. Famous for its long and golden beaches the city is a perfect holiday destination. Alcazaba of Malaga , which is the best preserved citadel in Spain, was built on a hill dominating an entire view of the city. It will be a pity if you don't pay a visit to Picasso Museum and also the house where the great painter was born. For a little fun, you should go to Juzcar, a small town where all the houses were painted in blue two years ago for the premiere of Smurfs.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_053e5551-d132-4513-9f34-88f40ac81c93