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Spain boasts an enormous amount of interesting monuments, natural parks and attractions. Different civilizations left behind their monuments, gastronomy and culture. While most of the important museums and art galleries in Spain are to be found at the largest cities, many of the most interesting sites in Spain are however not located in Spain´s top cities. This is why day excursions and tours are vital to get to know some of Spain´s top sights.

Spain day tours from main cities

Madrid is one of the few cities in the country that has 6 Unesco heritage sites at less than 1 hour drive. Some of these sites include the famous Spain royal palaces in Aranjuez, La Granja or El Escorial.  All of these incredible sites can be enjoyed with day tours that departure from Madrid, by train, and also by car through high-quality highways. Let´s review 4 of them plus other super interesting villages and sights. We have specific guides to each of these unique places, so in case you want to enjoy an excursion to one of them you will be able to find full details in them. 

Avila and its walls

Avila is located at one hour drive north west of Madrid. The most famous thing about Avila are its medieval walls. The walls of Avila are the best preserved walls in Spain and amongst the best walls in Europe. Fantastic churches, monasteries and traditional gastronomy (Spain´s most famous steak is from Avila) complete Avila´s offering for a great day from Madrid. 

Toledo and the 3 cultures

Toledo is probably the favorite excursion or tour for most visitors to Madrid. If asked, we would recommend to stay overnight in Toledo, though it can be enjoyed with a day tour. Toledo can be accessed easily with high speed train from Atocha station in Madrid. 

The Alcazar fortress, the Catedral Primada, the Alcantara bridge, its jewish quarter or its churches and  synanogues are amongst the top attractions of Toledo. 

Segovia and its amazing aqueduct

Locals from Madrid have a bad time to decide if they prefer Toledo over Segovia. Less famous than Toledo, Segovia is equally impressive. If you enjoy roman architecture Segovia is a must for you. In our view, local gastronomy is also an area where Segovia is above Toledo since its local gastronomy is one of the top attracions of Segovia. Segovia can also be accessed with hgh speed train (from Chamartin station) and it is at one hour drive from Madrid.  

El Escorial and its imposing Monastery

San Lorenzo del Escorial is a mid-sized town located at a bit more than 30 minutes drive from Madrid. The town grew thanks to the construction of the massive Monastery of el Escorial. Besides being a monastery, El Escorial also boasts a fantastic art museum, one of Spain´s best libraries. an impressive church and it isplace where Spanish kings are buried. 

The mid-sized town of Cuenca in Castilla la Mancha and the palaces and gardens at Aranjuez (30 minutes south of Madrid) also hold Unesco status. But there are many more interesting places to visit like small villages where it seems time stopped centuries ago: Pedraza,  Sepulveda or Chinchon are amongst these amazing places. 

Barcelona is Spain´s most visited city. Thousands of tourist stroll Las Ramblas street and enjoy La Sagrada Familia. But if you have time you will be able to enjoy some very interesting sights at less than 1 hour from Barcelona.

Sitges and its cool atmosphere

Sitges is located at less than 30 minutes drive from Barcelona. It can also be accessed by train and with some day tours. From being a small fishing village Sitges evolved into a weekend tourist destination for “barceloneses” and a upper-class second home residence. The late XXth century saw it evolved into a famous gay destination and nightlife here could even rival the famous nightclubs in Ibiza!

Montserrat Monastery 

Located 50 kilometers south west of Barcelona, this monastery is located at the Montserrat mountain. Its rounded shapes and pillars shaped by the erosion of wind protected the initial monastery that was built here. This is the most famous day tour from Barcelona and a must visit for pilgrims from around the world.

Salou and Port Aventura 

If you travel with children you may well want to spend a day or two in Port Aventura. Probably number one amongst the theme parks in Spain and one of Europe´s largest parks too. Port Aventura one that combines exciting rides with many activities and areas for smaller children. 

Girona and the land of Dali and 

North of Barcelona the coast becomes prettier and mid-sized resort towns co-exist with smaller ones that have preserved certain character. A bit more than an hour drive from Barcelona you will reach Cadaques, a beautiful village where Dali (one of Spain´s most famous persons) spent his summers. 

The smallest of the islands in the archipelago. El Hierro is just 270 square kilometers. This makes it the smallest of the islands in the Canary Islands. It is also the youngest of the islands, the one located further to the west, and the island with the lowest population per square kilometer.

Think of the soccer or baseball stadium of a mid-sized team. You will probably be able to get all the population of El Hierro inside such a stadium. With not much more than 10,000 inhabitants, el Hierro is also the island that receives fewer tourists in the Canary Islands.

So many “records” are good news for the rare visitor to El Hierro. The island holds also the record of having almost 60% of its surface protected due to its natural value. El Hierro is since 2000 a Unesco biosphere reserve  and the island proudly illustrates the example of a green energy island where fossil fuels are not used. The installation of hybrid wind and a hydro system produces 11,5 megawatts, enough to provide power supply for its population plus a similar number of tourists.

El Hierro guide - Contents

Where is El Hierro?

El Hierro is located to the southwest of both La Palma and La Gomera. For centuries it was considered to be the end of the world. The Greek astronomer Ptolemy marked El Hierro as the cero meridian (where else to put it if this was the end of the world!) and this stayed as such until in 1883 the meridian was moved to Greenwich in the United Kingdom. 

Things to enjoy in El Hierro

El Hierro is not an island where you will be able to stay at large resorts or enjoy partying till late at night. This is an island where you can breathe fresh air and slow down. The Paseos Reales offer excellent hiking opportunities, diving in clear waters, excellent fishing for those who enjoy fishing, and, as an extension, good local food, and even wines.

Diving in el Hierro. Though El Hierro may not be known as one of Spain´s top diving destinations, its popularity has increased in recent years and you will be able to find diving centers. Both la Restinga and Timijaraque are the main areas to enjoy responsible diving. Waters in La Restinga are part of a natural reservoir and the overall water temperature in El Hierro is higher than in the other islands in the archipelago. This implies you will be able to enjoy some tropical species here not found in the other islands.

Fishing. El Hierro offers fantastic fishing opportunities and locals typically gather in La Restinga, Tamaduste, or Punta Grande.

Hiking. If you enjoy walking you will be pleased with the many walking opportunities offered by El Hierro. Most routes are well maintained and signposted. Since public transportation is not well developed you will however need to rent a car to reach some of the “Caminos”.

Towns and villages in el Hierro

Valverde. This is the capital of El Hierro. It has some 2,000 inhabitants, which makes it the smallest of all capitals in the Canary islands. But it is the capital located at the highest altitude, being some 600 meters above sea level (Valverde is actually also the only capital not located by the sea. It usually gets chilly at night due to its altitude. There is not much to do in Valverde but there is an interesting church (Santa María de la Concepcion) and a museum (Casa de las Quinteras ethnographic museum) and also some good restaurants.

Tamaduste. Locals from Valverde come to Tamaduste to enjoy the sea and eat good fresh fish.

Timijaraque. The Parador Nacional hotel is located here. Clear waters and waves for those that enjoy surf.

Isora. Located at 1,000 meters high, Isora offers a fantastic viewpoint to enjoy views of El Hierro. There is a hike from Isora to the coast (this is a hard hike) The local buses from Valverde to La Restinga stop at Isora.

La Restinga. Most locals from el Hierro will describe La Restinga as their favorite town in El Hierro. La Restinga cannot be considered as a tourist resort, but it is the place where most tourists head to. La Restinga probably offers the best waters to scuba dive in el Hierro. Waters are clear and fresh fish arrives daily to its port. A fish meal is a must in La Restinga and there are many restaurants that specialize in fish. At 20 minutes drive from la Restinga you will discover Caña Tacorón. Great swimming and probably the best snorkeling in El Hierro. Besides, there is a lovely open-air restaurant that overlooks the bay.

Sabinosa. This is probably the most beautiful village in el Hierro and you will be able to enjoy some traditional houses. One of the most famous hikes in El Hierro start from Sabinosa and it leads all the way up to La Ermita de los Reyes (not the easiest walk you can enjoy in El Hierro though).

Quick facts about El Hierro

Despite el Hierro means iron in Spanish, it is commonly accepted that there is no connection between the name of the island and the metal. It seems the name of el Hierro comes from Hero in local language, which means milk, but this is only a theory and the actual origin of the name is a mystery.

The island´s economy depends on agriculture, fishing, livestock farming and tourism. Tourism has the least weight when compared to the other islands in the archipelago.

The top animal highlight in the island is the giant lizard (one of the most fantastic animals in Spain). This species was thought to had disappeared in the 1970s but when it was rediscovered a conservation program was put in place. They can be found in the area known as Fuga de la Gorreta though as they continue to be endangered tourists can best enjoy them at the conservation area of Las Puntas. The giant lizard of el Hierro can measure up to 75 centimeters.

On the side of trees and plants, there are small beech and laurel forests but the juniper tree is the island´s top attraction (besides the Garoe tree – see below in history of the island for more details on the Garoe tree). Juniper trees can be found in the southwest of the island in the Bosque encantado del Sabinar. The trees have strange shapes due to the very strong winds and this provides a flair of mystery to the area.

Brief history of el Hierro

The island was conquered by the Spaniards in 1405 and when they arrived the Bimbaches (the local inhabitants) were described as peaceful. As is the case in the history of the Canary Islands, the origin of those first settlers is not clear.

Probably the most famous story of el Hierro is one of a tree, water, and love. There is no river in El Hierro and water supplies have always been an issue (this is why today the wind and water energy system also takes care of transforming salty water into drinkable water.

The Garoe tree is a tree that collects water from moist that condensed in the area and provided water to nearby wells. This helped the local Bimbaches when it did not rain for long periods of time. The legend says the Spaniards considered leaving the island due to the lack of water but discovered that the bimbaches got the water from the tree. They got to learn of this through Teseida, a descendant of a Guanche king, who shared the location of the tree due to her love with a Spanish soldier. The Spanish invaders ultimately came to control the tree and cut it.

A new tree was planted and it is one of the top tourist attractions in El Hierro.

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There is a wide variety of beautiful and interesting Spanish Animals. In this article our local guides break down the most famous or elusive species that make their home on the Iberian peninsula. 

Check out all the coolest animals you can find in Spain. 

Spanish Animals: The Fauna Of The Iberian Penninsula

To start off this article, let’s go over the most famous animals you can find in Spain:

Iberian Lynx

The Iberian lynx has to be at the top of the list. This elusive cat, scientifically known as Lynx pardinus, is a species of wild cat that can only be found on the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberian Lynx is a very elusive and endangered creature. There just under 700 individuals left in the wild after an years of conservation efforts. During the 1960’s and all the way up to the 2000’s the Iberian Lynx population began to dwindle because of habitat loss and hunting. At one point there were as few as 100 individuals in the wild, concentrated in the south of Spain, when the Lynx had once roamed freely all the way up to Galicia and Northern Portugal.  The species is currently considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

The Iberian lynx is most commonly found in the doñana National Park in Huelva, in areas of Mediterranean woodland. They prefer areas with a combination of dense thicket and pasture. The species prey on the European rabbit and supplements its diet with rodents and partridge. 

Iberian Wolf

The Iberian wolf is almost a mythical creature, typically found in northern Spain. They inhabit the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, including northern Portugal.

Wild populations once roamed across Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, but by the end of World War II the species had been eradicated in most of Northern Europe and Central Europe. 

Iberian wolves inhabit forests, mountains, and plains, and in Spain, populations can be found in a large portion of Galicia and Asturias. The Picos de Europa National Park plays host to a number of these creatures. 

Iberian wolf packs hunt boars, red deer, roe deer, rabbits, and ibexes, and also feed on sheep, which has always made them the enemy of farmers in this region. 

Cantabrian brown bear

The Cantabrian Brown Bear is a subspecies of the European Brown Bear a characteristic inhabitant of mature forests in Europe. This unique type of bear is a rare sight but was once extremely common all across the Iberian peninsula, and in Madrid in particular.

These majestic animals can live up to thirty years. They can grow to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in length and adult males average 250 to 300 kg and can reach up to 481 kg (1,058 lb). Their coats can vary greatly, making them look almost like different sub-species: they can go from very dark brown to light gold and different shades of gray. 

They have poor eyesight in comparison to their other senses, although they can see in color at night. They detect objects more easily if they are in movement. Their hearing, however, is extremely acute and developed, as is their sense of smell, which is their most developed sense and the one that helps them the most in their daily lives. 

Their diet consists of a bit of everything they can find. They graze off the vegetation they find in the Cantabrian mountain range and in the Pyrenees, they gobble down insects and small prey and have been seen hinting wild ungulates and livestock as well.

Spanish Ibex

The Spanish ibex or the Iberian ibex is a species of ibex that has four subspecies. Unfortunately, two of these subspecies are now extinct, while the two remaining subspecies are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish Ibex lives in rocky habitats and prefer cliffs with scrub, deciduous trees, or coniferous trees.

This species is equally active during the day than at night, although its maximum hours of activity are during the morning and at the end of the afternoon, near twilight. 

They are sociable animals, but they often change herds. They inhabit both forests and grasslands, in mountainous heights between 500 and 2500 meters above sea level, rising in summer even above 3000 m. Their conservation has caused them to be distributed to previously totally unthinkable areas such as coastal areas of Malaga, Granada or Almería, where they can occasionally be seen on the seashore.

Iberian Pig

The Iberian pig is one of the most famous animals from the Iberian Peninsula. These amazing creatures are responsible for producing the ultra-famous and ultra-delicious Iberian Ham.

The black pigs are an ancient species that are more closely related to wild boars than modern domestic pigs. The species currently live in clustered herds in Spain, as well as southern and central parts of Portugal. They prefer sparse oak forests and their diet famously is heavy in holm oak acorns, and the species produces highly commercialized ham due to its superior taste.

Pyrenean Chamois

The Pyrenean chamois is a type of goat-antelope known in Spain as gamuza or rebeco. This unique species is most commonly found in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains. During summer, the Pyrenean chamois ascends the snowline, while in winter it descends to wooded regions.

Both sexes have hook-shaped horns, the male’s horns being thicker and with more closed hook shape. Their coats are light-colored in the head and throat and a dark spot covering the eyes like a mask. The color of the body is uniform, with a dark line that runs longitudinally on the back. The males are usually somewhat heavier than the females.

Its diet consists of flowers and herbs during summer, and lichens, and shoots during winter. 

Orcas or Killer Whales 

These beautiful black and white creatures are more commonly associated with the North-Western coast of the United States and Canada, but they have inhabited the waters surrounding Spain for thousands of years. 

They can easily be spotted off the coast of the Canary Islands, but their most famous appearances at the straight of Gibraltar. These whales show up in large numbers while chasing their favorite prey, tuna, as they make their way into the warm Mediterranean sea. The Andalusian city of Tarifa is a well-known spot where you can witness this daring chase. 

Common Genet

The common genet is a medium-sized mammal that is native to Africa but has since been introduced to the Balearic Islands and Southwestern Europe. There is a subspecies that can only be found in Ibiza which is considered to be at risk.

They usually live in trees or bushes, places that provide shelter and food, although sometimes they do so in open spaces, and even in rivers. They are solitary animals except in their breeding season, the female usually having two litters a year with between one and four young each.

They feed mainly on rodents, small reptiles, and rabbits, and insects, occasionally feeding on birds. They are hunted by raptors, owls, and foxes

European Mink

These beautiful little animals are linked to aquatic environments such as rivers, streams, lagoons, marshy areas, channels, marshes and coastal areas.

Its preferred habitat is middle and lower river courses, with slow currents, dense vegetation on the banks, and good water quality. In Spain it inhabits mainly oceanic rivers, such as the Ebro river. Mediterranean rivers are unsuitable due to the lack of water in summer and the lack of vegetation on the banks due to the strong variations in flow. Their consist of fish, small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and crustaceans.

They are most active at twilight and at night. They are also a solitary and territorial species. The territory of adult males includes 2-3 females.

In Spain the mink can be found in Navarra, La Rioja and the Basque Country. After a very rapid population decline in recent years, it is currently in critical condition.

Spanish Bull or Toro de Lidia

And last but not least, perhaps the most famous animal from spain: the bull. The Lidia bull to be more specific. These bulls are descendants of the aurochs bull type, from the subspecies Bos primigenius primigenius, ancestor of the current Bos primigenius taurus, a large species of cattle that in its time was hunted throughout Central and Northern Europe.

These bull became the preferred bulls for bullfighting and there is documentation detailing their use in bullfights all the way back to in the year 1215 in Cuéllar (Segovia).

During the reign of the Catholic Kings Isabel and Ferdinand these bull became famous, and the tradition of selecting the “toro bravo” or “brave bull” appear during the 15th and 16th centuries in the province of Valladolid. 

During the 19th century, cattle ranches began to develop in other parts of Spain. Andalusia took the lead in the breeding of bulls, although those that were raised on the banks of the Jarama, the so-called Jijones de Villarrubia de los Ojos, the Navarrese, and the Aragonese were all coveted breeds 

Thus, the current Spanish bull can be considered the result of selection and work that has been carried out since the beginning of the 18th century. 

The North of Spain looks very different than what you might think. The North of Spain is lush and green with sheer mountains with a harsh coastline that hides and protects some of the most amazing beaches in the country.

When we talk of “northern Spain” we are referring to the region that comprises the Autonomous Communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabrian, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Aragon, Zaragoza, and Northern Catalonia, and Northern Castilla y Leon. Here temperatures are cooler and precipitation is greater. Here we can find everything from glaciers, green valleys, rich pasture lands and orchards, and even arid plains of the central lowlands. Another huge influence on this area wildlife is the Ebro River, Spain’s largest by volume that runs west-east across the entire region.

Northern Spain is a haven for some of Europe’s most spectacular birds, including a wide variety of raptors (including imperial eagles), Bearded Vultures, Wallcreepers, Egyptian Vultures, Black Woodpeckers, Urogallos, or Capercaillies, and White-winged Snowfinches. You can also find more elusive species like the Great and Little Bustards, the very rare and elusive Dupont’s Lark, and Common Cranes flock to the plains during the autumn and winter. 

This region is also home to some of the more impressive mammals on the peninsula including the Pyrenean Chamois, fallow deer, the Alpine Marmot, Spanish Brown Bears, Iberian Wolves, and the Iberian Wild Cat. 

During the summer months, this region also plays host to one of the highest diversities of butterflies in Europe. In particular, the Pyrenees mountain range is home to a wide variety of butterflies and moths including the Apollo, the Clouded Apollo, the Spanish Moon, and Giant Peacock Moths.

Best sites to visit 

The most obvious awnsers are the 4 enclaves that are part of Spain’s national park system that we can find in this region: The Islas Cies, the Picos de Europa, Ordesa y Monte Perdidro, and Aiguaestores y el Estany de Sant Maurici. Other sites you can check out are the Laguna de Gallocanta, El Planeron Ornithological Reserve (near Zaragoza), Los Monegros desert, Irati forest, Hoces de Lumbier y Arbayún, Bardenas Reales Natural Park.

Best time of year to visit

It depends on what critters you are looking to find. late February is the best period of the year for bird watchers. during this time al sorts of species make their way north during their migration over the Pyrenees to their breeding grounds in Northern Europe.  The best time for butterflies and flowers in the Pyrenees is from mid-June to the end of July. As for the mammals aim for spring. 

The central portion of Spain is often overlooked in regards to its natural value. But, in this general region, we find some of the most spectacular and thriving natural habitats in the country. 

The Sistema Central, or Central Range is a mountain chain that spans the western border of the Community of Madrid. Within this beautiful bit of country, we find the Guadarrama National Park, home to a wide variety of species including the iconic Iberian Imperia Eagle. Just south of Madrid, in the Province of Toledo, is the Cabañeros National Park that is known for playing host to many Spanish big game species including Spanish Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Roe Deer, and Wild Boar, as well as their predators.

Las Tablas de Daimiel is another national park you can find in this region located in Ciudad Real. Las Tablas is a breathtaking wetland, surrounded by the arid countryside of Castilla la Mancha. This national park is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and amphibians, and many water-dwelling mammals like otters and weasels.     

Extremadura, located in the western portion of this region is arid and unforgiving. However, it is arguably the best place in Western Europe to see raptors and bustards. This is because it is home to the Monfragüe National Park, a prime destination for migratory birds traveling north from Africa. You can find all kinds of eagles, hawks, and kites as well as will find White and Black Storks, Ibis, Egyptian Buzzards, Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Great Spotted Cuckoos, and Roller. 

Best sites to visit 

Guadarrama National Park, Cabañeros National Park, La Albufera in Valencia, Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Monfragüe national park and Caceres Plains (northeast of Caceres), the Serena Steppes (southeast of Trujillo), and the Sierra de Gredos in Madrid.

Best time of year to visit

Mid-March to mid-April and early June are the best times if you are looking to spot rare birds. 

The portion of Southern Spain that is not bathed by water, in general, enjoys a semi-arid climate. However, those sections near sources of water, almost magically, seem to burst into life and attack an amazing number and variety of animals. The Mediterranean coast of Southern Spain is filled with life and famously attacks many dolphins and whales.  Particularly famous are the aforementioned killer whales that pass by Tarifa while chasing schools of tuna headed deep into the Mediterranean sea. 

The riverbanks of the large rivers of Andalucia are magnets for migratory birds, but the Guadalquivir River, the largest southern river, is the main attraction. The Guadalquivir’s estuary is the site of one of the most important National Parks in Europe: the Doñana National Park. This amazing area is home to 127 bird species including White Storks, Griffon, and Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed and Booted Eagles, Honey Buzzard and Montagu’s Harrier, and Northern Bald Ibis – one of the rarest birds on the planet.

Another incredibly rare animal that can be found in Doñana is the Iberian Lynx. doñana is one of the last places were wild Iberian Lynxes can be seen. Other mammals such as Spanish Ibex, Wild Boar, Red Deer, and Egyptian Mongoose also live in this area of Spain. 

Best sites to visit

Doñana National Park, Tarifa, the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park, La Laguna de Fuentedepiedra, Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, Laguna de Medina, Chipiona, La Janda, and Ronda.

Best time of year to visit

Early September is one of the best times to visit Southern Spain. this is normally the time when the greatest numbers and variety of storks and raptors migrate over the Straits of Gibraltar.

If you are interested in seeing Killer Whales try mid-August to early September.

If you are trying to spot Iberian Lynx the best time is late September to March. 

The peak of the spring migration of birds through Southern Spain happens mid-April and early May when the Doñana is arguably at its best.

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are located off the eastern coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea. The largest islands of the archipelago are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Each of the islands enjoys its own unique environment.

The fauna that inhabits the Balearic Islands is typically Mediterranean. Where there is more diversity, is clearly in the marine environment. Of the coast of the Balearic Islands, there are over 400 species of fish, a hundred crustaceans, 8 cetaceans, and some 400 species of mollusks, as well as a wide variety of seabirds (gulls, sea crows, and shearwaters, among others).

The Balearic vertebrate fauna, most are mostly non-native: green toads, martens, weasels, genets, hedgehogs, snakes, rats, and mice. Only the “ferreret” toad (Alytes muletensis) and the Balearic lizards survive from the prehuman endemic fauna.

But the insects of the islands are the big highlight. There are over 1,700 species of coleopterans, about 600 of lepidoptera, about 400 of hymenoptera. Some of them are endemic to the Balearic Islands and many are beneficial as natural controllers of pests or pollinators. 

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If the culture of a given country is defined, as it is often the case, as the group of elements that are shared by a particular group of people, it would soon strike us that Spanish culture is diverse. Beyond the most obvious stereotypes of siesta, bullfighters and flamenco dancer, lies a deeper way in which live is understood. Spanish culture is complex, dynamic and rich. As in many countries in the world, globalisation has introduced many changes to daily routines and even to what people believe is right or wrong. Nevertheless, there are many things which are clearly “Spanish” As in many other places in the world, Spanish culture is today best enjoyed and perceived away from the larger cities. It is in small towns in Spain and villages where shared behaviours shape routine, where culture is made more obvious and best enjoyed.

In this section we have compiled a group of in-depth articles that cover different dimensions of the so called Spanish culture. They range from gastronomy to famous people, from sports to arts, traditions, religion and party.

Articles on Spanich culture

The Spanish culture is best understood through the events and different cultures that spent time in the peninsula. From the Phoenicians, Spaniards learnt about the use of money, trading and even mining. From the Romans they learnt to grow wines, olive trees and build beautiful and delicate pieces of art. But the Romans also influenced on war and Spanish soldiers became very important for the Roman legions. Spain provided important writers to the Roman empire with Seneca, Cordoba´s most famous person, as the most obvious example. But Spain also provided Emperors: Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and Theodosius were all from Hispania.

When the Romans withdrew Spain was a Christian country, and this was what the Visigoths found when they followed the Romans. The visigoths were Arrianos but in 589, with King Recadero, Spain became Catholic, and a common belief was shared amongst the Goths kings. But this did not prevent fights, something which was well used by the Muslims who, within just twenty miles of water from Spain, perceived they could enjoy Africa without the heat up north. By 711 they crossed the strait of Gibraltar and in just 2 years they conquered most of Southern Spain. Spain and its culture profited. Tribal antipathies did not prevent the Moors to establish the Caliphate of Cordoba, which rivalled with Baghdad and where culture and arts thrived. At that time the city of Cordoba was Europe´s second largest city only behind Constantinople. The Moors thought people the techniques of irrigation, and they brought a sort of sybaritic fancy, best understood at the Alhmabra palace, and this vision which could have infused into local culture. The Reconquista started in 718 but took more than 7 centuries to get finalised. Through this long process, the Christian cross went up in Mosques and when the processes ended, Spain sent ships to America. The Spaniards may have thought themselves invincible at the time. That could have left certain traits of local culture, as well as also the new products that arrived from America, that developed local gastronomy, and merged with the scents of Moorish recipes.

As all empires through history, the Spanish Empire collapsed and out of many losses, the one of Cuba in 1898 left a proud country poor, an imperial attitude but not empire…

The XX century brought the darkest episode of Spanish history with its civil war, but if one thing is to be retained is that the country came out of it as a democracy, galloping down with great people in the highroad of history.