Active vacations in Spain

The sports lovers among us should definitely take a trip to Spain! And not only the "regular" sports like soccer, basketball are popular. If you like water sports then you can't believe your luck in Spain! From rafting and surfing to diving and admiring the most beautiful spots of the sea. It's all possible in Spain! Is also a nice way to spend the winter in Spain, enjoying the sun ... With the Spanish climate you can do it all.

You can really practice many water sports in Spain. Because there are more than 250 harbors, you can sail well, so this is a popular sport in Spain. Furthermore, there are many sports here such as surfing, water skiing, kite surfing, kayaking and many more. Kayaking is best done in Catalonia, Gállego in Aragon, Carasa in Cantabria or Mino in Galicia. For surfing, water skiing and kitesurfing, head to the north coast.

If you want to dive you don't have to go far either! Spain has the most breathtaking spots! You can go diving on the north coast, these places are totally different from the marine life found on the Mediterranean coast, but incredibly beautiful. Of course, you can also go to islands like Mallorca and Ibiza, where you usually have a lot of visibility. Anywhere else is also possible as there are diving schools all along the Spanish coast!

Outdoor sports in Spain

In Spain you can find all kinds of daring outdoor sports. These are less known but certainly no less fun because of that! For example, you can go canyoning, then glide with a wetsuit through narrow and steep gorges. The best place to do this is in the region of Aragon in the Sierra de Guara - with over 200 gorges, this is one of the best places in Europe for canyoning.

What is also popular in Spain is puenting. In this sport, you usually jump from a high bridge and then you hit the water just or just barely. It's a bit like bungee jumping only now you don't have a rubber band pulling you back up. Of course, you hang from some kind of rope, but there's not much elastic in there. So the difference is, with bungee jumping you bounce and with puenting you swing.

There are so many different activities to experience in Spain. Because of the wide variety of different climates, you can always find fun water sports somewhere. In any case, you will never be bored!

You probably knew that Spain is a fun and beautiful country, but what are the real hidden treasures? Read on!

Hidden treasures

Pre Pyrenees: One of the best kept secrets of Spain are the Pre Pyrenees of Aragon. This mountain range is a beautiful piece of nature with deep valleys, fairytale villages and rocks. All the elements here have influenced the rock for centuries, creating a spectacular nature.

Albarracín in Aragon:What almost no one knows is that near Barcelona you can find a village that looks like it is growing out of the rocks. What is special about this village is that it is a beautiful village, where there is no mass tourism or heavy traffic. You really imagine yourself back in time. See the mud houses and colorful corners in this unknown hinterland of the Mediterranean.

Alquezar: While touring Spain, you will encounter many picturesque villages. Alquezar is a small village in northeastern Spain. The houses here are built against a mountain top. The village was founded by the Moors because of its inaccessibility, since next to the village runs a deep ravine. On top of the mountain are the remains of an old monastery and fortress. Definitely worth a walk into the gorge.

Playa del Silencio: This beautiful beach has not yet been overrun by mass tourism. It is only 330 meters long but voted by the Spanish as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain in 2012! The beach is surrounded by rocks creating a beautiful bay.

But besides nature and villages, Spain also has culinary treasures, of course. And, oh, how delicious that can be! Discover the most delicious tapas bars for yourself! Tip: always go somewhere where it is not so touristy, with many Spaniards and where it is not too clean, the dirtier the floor the tastier the food is the rule. Spaniards throw everything on the floor!

There are also real treasures

There are about 3000 sunken ships on the Spanish coast, many of them still loaded with gold, silver and diamonds. Close to the Bay of Cadiz, for example, there are +/- 850 ships of which 180 have a total value of 25 million.

According to the RAE (Royal Academy of Spanish,) the definition of castillo (castle, fortress) is: a place surrounded by walls for defense. Castles are not only former residences of kings and nobles, they also present images of the cities in which they are located. Spain, with its well-preserved, splendid castles, is a like living museum, where visitors can experience the country’s rich history and culture.

Castillo de Butrón is located in the town of Gatica (Vizcaya province), 20 kms from Bilbao. The origin of the castle dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, extra fortification was added. Unfortunately, it is privately owned and not open for public visits.

With its Majorcan gothic style, Castillo de Bellver is situated just a few kilometers outside of Palma de Mallorca. It has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. It was once built to be the residence of King Jaime II, and later, in the 19th century, it was converted into a coin factory.  

Castillo de Olite, in the Navarra region, was chosen as one of the Medieval Wonders of Spain and you will be amazed by its history. Its French architecture reflects the architectural preferences of the castle’s original owner, Carlos III. To reach the top of the castle you have to first climb up 133 stairs, but the sight is worth the effort.

The Alcázar de Segovia has been preserved for over 8 centuries. Built atop an enormous rock, this is often considered to be one of the most impressive fortresses ever created, and it’s no surprise that it was one of the castles that served as a source of inspiration for Disney’s famous cartoon castle that appeared in the film Cinderella. Today, it also serves as a Military Museum.  

Castillo de Peñafiel was built in German gothic style with Campospera stone. It is situated on a high hill where you can see the Duratón and Botijas valleys. Its structure is plain and it only has one door. The tower keep is 30 meters high with a rectangular shape. It is one of Spain’s National Monuments and it is the home of the Provincial Museum-Foundation of the Wines of Valladolid.

The size of the Castillo de Almodovar del Rio is impressive, but that’s not the only great thing about this building. Like other historical figures in Cordoba, it also represents a blend of Islam and Spanish architectural traditions. According to popular myth, the ghost of a Muslim princess who died in the castle appears every March 28th wearing a white dress floating about the tower keep.  

Islam and gothic art come together in Castillo de Manzanares el Real, one of the best preserved buildings in Spain. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It has appeared in several movies featuring famous actors such as Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

World Heritage Sites in Spain

Spain has the second highest number of Unesco World Heritage Sites in the world. This list includes everything about nature, historic buildings, modern cities, gardens and monuments. Each of these heritages is so unique and special that it must be protected. These World Heritage Sites are popular sights in Spain and also give an idea about the culture in Spain.

Some of Spain's World Heritage Sites:

Santiago de Compostela

The city in northwestern Spain is not the only World Heritage Site here. The pilgrimage route to Santiago is also Unesco heritage.

Old city of Salamanca

The city famous for its university is also on the World Heritage List. In the historic center of Salamanca, there is much to admire such as the Cathedral, the University, the Romano Bridge, Ingles de los Dominocos....

Alhambra and Albaicín in Granada

The Alhambra dates back to the Middle Ages. It was the palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the Kingdom of Granada in Andalusia. On a hill directly opposite the Alhambra is the "Albaicín" district. This is the old Arab neighborhood of Granada.

Works of Gaudí

The Works of Gaudí include 7 structures designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. 6 of these structures can be visited in Barcelona, and one in Santa Coloma de Cervello. The 7 structures include Park Güell, Palau Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, Gaudí's work on the Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló, Cripta Colònia, Güell.

Historic city of Toledo

When staying in Salamanca or Madrid, it is definitely worth visiting one of the oldest cities in Europe. Because of its rich history and culture, the city is on Unesco's World Heritage List.

There is also the Vizcaya Bridge, which is the oldest suspension bridge in the world. The Cathedral and Palace of Seville are also worth seeing, as well as the center and aqueduct of Segovia.  There are many more attractions in Spain, scattered throughout the country. Keep this in mind while planning your Spanish trip!

What many people tend to forget is that Spain offers more than a 2-week summer vacation. Spanish cities are excellent for a weekend getaway! Opt for a city break in one of the busy cities, go hiking in the Sierra Nevada or choose to laze away a few days at the beach! Here are a few recommendations:

Madrid

The capital of Spain is famous for its museums. These include the Prado museum, the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Spain's largest park, the Retiro Park, is also a very nice attraction. Furthermore, you will visit a lot of architecture during your city break in Madrid. What you should definitely not skip is Mercado de San Miguel, where you can choose from thousands of delicious snacks. And do you like to party? Then Madrid is the place to be!

Barcelona

In Barcelona you can go in all directions during your city break! Visit the Sagrada Família, Gaudí´s Parc Güell or one of the many museums with famous beautiful works. Barcelona is also a true paradise for the shopaholics among us! And if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, just head to the beach!

Seville

Seville, the city of hot summers and mild winters. You'll find everything here for an unforgettable city break! Spain's fourth largest city is teeming with sights. Royal palaces, ancient cathedrals, flamenco bars but also many modern buildings. Seville is the capital of southern Spain and is known for its artistic, cultural characteristics and the warm hospitality of the ´Sevillanos´.

Valencia

In this city bordering the sea there is a lot of modern architecture! There is also a southern European atmosphere. All year round you can enjoy beautiful weather, various meusea, different historical and modern buildings and of course the very best paella! Also in this city every year in March "Las Fallas" take place. This is a big celebration honoring the feast day of St. Joseph.

Of course, there are many other great Spanish cities for a city break in Spain. For example, visit Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands. It is also fun to visit Pamplona. This is just a little bit different because of its French and Basque influences. Other impressive and fun Spanish cities are Salamanca, Tenerife, Cadiz or Alicante.
Book a weekend trip to Spanish cities now!

Not nicknamed the ´Costa del Golf´ for nothing, the Spanish Costa del Sol is a real paradise for the golfers among us! It is known for its high quality and sometimes very distinguished golf courses, and of course its eternal spring. Also, playing golf in Spain is a wonderful way to relax.

The ´Costa del Golf´ runs from Málaga to Gibraltar. There are many luxury golf resorts and high quality golf courses in this area. Although previously golf clubs were only open to members, nowadays it is possible to play at almost every club as a visitor. All you need is your CFP, and for some courses a low handicap.

The golf courses in Spain are the number one in Europe and when you are in the right place, you can enjoy a game of golf all year round in wonderful springtime temperatures. The golf courses are excellently cared for and are always equipped with every luxury. The courses are varied and different, sometimes watery or surrounded by palm trees and often overlooking the sea!

One of the places you must visit for a golfing vacation is Marbella. This famous golf resort is known for its always pleasant temperatures and beautiful golf courses. Marbella is visited by people from all over the world. There are many options for a sports vacation. Golf vacations are also offered in Marbella in combination with a Spanish course. A perfect combination!

But not only on the Costa del Sol can you enjoy a wonderful golf vacation, as Spain has more than 590 golf courses. Most of them have 18 holes, with the exception of a dozen courses that have 36 holes. But, the golf course at the Mar Menor in Murcia has no less than 54 holes! With this wide range of golf courses, the choice is easily made, a golf vacation is done in Spain. Often there are several courses close to each other which provides a pleasant variety during your golf vacation. And if you want something else than golf, this is of course no problem. Especially on the Costa del Sol you have everything within reach, the beach, nature or the city.

Enjoy a golf vacation in Spain now!

Study abroad, the big dream of many students. Choose to come to Spain and study at one of its highly regarded universities. Salamanca is home to the oldest university in all of Spain and the second oldest in Europe, which has made Salamanca a true student city.

Salamanca is therefore also the student city of Spain, it is not a big city and therefore has even more charisma. Furthermore, in the other Spanish cities you will also find very good universities as well as good opportunities for a top student life!

In all, there are 73 universities and colleges where you can study in Spain. In addition, there are also a number of American universities located in Spain. All classes at these American universities are taught in English. Good to know is that at all Spanish universities European students have as many rights as Spanish students, but for people from outside Europe there is only 5% place. In general, the higher education system in Spain is considered one of the better ones in the world.

Every year a world ranking of best universities is compiled. The best universities in Spain are: the Autonomous University of Barcelona , the General University of Barcelona, the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, the Autonomous University in Madrid, the University of Valencia, the Polytecnic Universidad de Valencia, and finally the University of Vigo.

These are a total of 7 Spanish universities on the list. The regions where most universities are located are Madrid (14), Barcelona (11), Andalusia(10) and Valencia (8). Also, the Madrid Business School was the best in Europe in 2012. This was revealed by the publication of the European Business School Rankings 2012 by the British newspaper Financial Times. A total of 3 Spanish programs appear in the top ten, this is the school in Madrid and two universities based in Barcelona, namely the Esade Business School and Iese Business School. The top 50 includes the fourth Spanish entry, also located in the Catalan capital; Eada Business School.

In addition to choosing a university in Spain, you can also choose to study Spanish in Spain at a language school. When you do this, you will learn the Spanish language and culture to perfection! Not only will you learn grammar and vocabulary, but you will also learn a lot about the country and its culture. Fun excursions are organized, you'll get to know other students in no time and, of course, you'll easily get to know the locals!

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.

Whoever thinks of Spain, often thinks of high temperatures, lying on the beach... And of course you are absolutely right, but this is not always the case! Because in winter (and often also in spring!) you can enjoy winter sports in Spain! In Spain you will find many slopes that are a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts among us.

Go winter in Spain and book a winter sports vacation! There are more than 30 winter sports resorts in Spain. It is a pity that many people do not know that Spain is such a good winter sports place. The Spanish slopes are really worth it and in the evening you can eat delicious tapas! They are not inferior to Italy, Austria, Switzerland or other ski resorts. For example, you can go to the Spanish Pyrenees to spend a nice vacation. The Spanish resorts are located on the French border.

During your vacation in the Spanish Pyrenees, you will find 520 meters of ski slopes and usually a lot of sunshine here, too! Things are a little different here than in the ski resorts in Austria, for example. Where in Austria you can apres ski day and night, this is not the case in Spain. Of course there are some entertainment possibilities, but you go to Spain mainly for skiing or snowboarding.

You can also take a different approach. Because did you know that there are ski resorts near Barcelona, Madrid and Salamanca? Take a language course and spend a weekend skiing in between! The most famous Spanish ski resorts are Sierra Nevada, Formigal, Baqueira - Beret - Bonaigua, La Molina, Cerler, Masella, Candanchu and Panticosa.

Feel like skiing in the summer? Then just go to Spain's indoor Snowcenter, located in Madrid! This indoor slope is the only indoor ski facility in Spain, but it is the largest in all of Europe. You can find more information on Madridsnowzone. Note that this website is only available in Spanish, so good to practice!

What you can also do is opt for the best of both worlds! Skiing down the mountains during the day, and in the evening sitting on the terrace 25 degrees warmer and in your summer clothes! It's all possible when you go to Sierra Nevada in the spring. You have views of the sea and Africa from the slopes. The Sierra Nevada, "snowy mountain range" in Spanish, contains 85 km of ski slopes. The mountain range is close to the Costa del Sol, where winter temperatures average 18 degrees! Book now and enjoy a winter sports vacation in Spain in a few months!

Those who think that Spain only has something to offer on the famous, crowded Costas are wrong! If the nature on the coasts is already fantastic, inland Spain is overwhelming. For the Spain lover who wants to get away from the masses and wants something completely different from sun, sea and beach, there are no less than 10 national parks and 700 protected natural areas.

The island groups of the Balearic and Canary Islands also offer beautiful natural areas. For example, did you know that the highest mountain in Spain is on Tenerife? Of course, you can discover all this beauty with organized excursions by bus, but much more fun is to do it on foot.

Besides being very relaxing, hiking in the mountains is the way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get in touch with nature. There are beautiful hiking trails all over Spain, but Andalucía is the province par excellence to practice this sport. For the beginners there are short and easy routes and for those who have been hiking for some time there are longer and tougher routes.

All the trails are beautiful and some feature a theme. Like the shepherd's walk, for example. For about 3 hours or so, you will slip into the skin of the shepherd and be absorbed by the flock. Feel the energy of simplicity, unity, romance and take a peek into the world of the shepherd. There are further mountain walks in the Sierra Tejeda where you will encounter mountain goats and king eagles or the culinary routes where you will make stops to taste the local wines, cheeses and hams.

And, even in hiking, modern technology cannot be left behind and GPS routes are now available. This may not seem like the most adventurous solution, but it does have some advantages: getting lost is a thing of the past and you hardly ever look at the map to determine your route. So you do enjoy the hike much more. Another great thing about this type of hiking is that you can keep track of the distance you have walked, how fast you are walking or how high you have climbed.

All in all, well worth thinking about a hiking vacation in the beautiful surroundings of Sierra Nevada in Granada, Sierra Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama in Málaga, Sierra de las Nieves in Málaga above Marbella, Sierra Grazalema in Cádiz...