top travel destinations

There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spain than the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There is never a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps
especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with the unmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi
who single-handedly landed the city on the architectural map. A stroll down the grand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in front of both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila
which are incredible feats of art and design and fully accessible to the public. Make reservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on the Alice In Wonderland-like rooftop of Casa Mila (only available for the summer season). Wind your way through the narrow passages of the Gothic Quarter
the oldest part of town
until you find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral (just remember to watch your pockets!).

Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres is Northern Spain's most interesting and unique museum. The Dali museum is so extraordinary because it was designed and constructed by the artist himself and the collection of his works is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastline north of Barcelona
extending to the French border
is known as the Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive and beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally
Catalonia's countryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards and olive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona
it will be extremely difficult to leave; however
there are a few other gems in the north to explore in order to have really traveled Spain.

San Sebastian (Donostia)
A blend of cosmopolitan chic and sophisticated resort town
San Sebastian offers all the luxuries of a big city while providing the Atlantic coastline with its most popular beach getaway. San Sebastian
the heart and soul of the Basque region
is widely known for its world-class restaurants and irresistible tapas bars; its location just south of the French border has added a unique flare to the culture and cuisine found nowhere else in Spain. Just a short bus ride inland takes you to Bilbao
home of Frank O. Gehry's spectacular architectural triumph
the Guggenheim Museum. This is one stop that must be made when you travel Spain!

Pamplona
The captivating words of Hemmingway and the dangerous art of bull running are inescapable symbols of this historic township. Another cultural staple of the Basque region
Pamplona should be a stop on as you travel Spain in July when La Fiesta de San Fermin (The Running of the Bulls) takes place over 14 days. The population of 250
0
explodes to over 1 million
so reserve a place to stay early or simply do what the locals do: eat
drink and dance in the streets until the sun comes up and the bulls begin to run!

Months would be needed to travel Spain's diverse cultures and distinct regions. With more limited time
these fascinating destinations provide an intimate window into the authentic Spanish way of life.

For more information on travel to Spain and other destinations in Europe
and discount airfare to Spain
visit www.cfares.com.

The Autonomous Province of Murcia in Spain is easily found on the map because it touches borderlines with Alicante on the Costa Blanca passing through Torrevieja and you will know that you are in the region of Murcia because you will be surprised by the beautiful scenery of the salt swamps at San Pedro del Pinatar. Its capital city has the same name as the province and within its boundaries
it has a sea or lagoon called the Mar Menor ( or small sea) separated from the Mediterranean by the so called Manga
a sandy stretch of land which looks like a sleeve ( literal translation of the Spanish word manga). It then curves around a peak and the all so important city of Cartagena comes into view and lastly
when you are almost leaving this province you have a fantastic beach resort area and city called Aguilas. This Spanish region has got very hot summers
many a day reaching temperatures as high as 40 degrees and the winters are mild and short. It is usually described as having a very arid landscape on the inlands but has managed to be known to have fertile land for growing vegetables and legumes.

There is evidence that Mursiya
as it was called when it was an Islamic city
dates back to 831 AD when it was founded by Abderraman II. It had suffered and had lost a lot of prestige
but made a come back with the arab domain
becoming the capital in the basin of the Segura River.

Let’s get to Murcia and then we’ll see

Either a quick flight into the airport of San Javier which is about a 30 minutes drive from the city of Murcia right near the Manga in the Mar menor or flying into the Alicante airport of the Altet
about a 40 minutes drive to the city
your hotel will be awaiting you. As every visit requires
we will soak up some architecture and culture before delving into the modern day happening
nightlife and good food.

The Cathedral
dating back between the 14th and the 18th century is a potpourri of more than five centuries of different styles of architecture; the Baroque carved art on the front door of Pardon
the Gothic Chapel of Velez
The Renaissance Chapel called Junteron and the emblematic Tower measuring 96 metres tall with 25 bells.

The Sanctuary of Fuensanta ( the good saint ) from the 18th century found on the outskirts
is the patron saint of Murcia. The slender figure of this saint is carried around in a procession from the sanctuary to the cathedral among a very devote crowd at Easter and during the Murcia festival in summer.

The Museum of Science and Water is an interactive one installed together with the Segura River and has been developed around the idea of water
an important and vital element in our everyday lives. There is a kids’ planetarium
the Science Square where experiments are demonstrated
modules of perception
temporary exhibitions and thematic shows.

Party time and good food in Murcia

There are two great festivities which have been declared of national touristic interest so that your visit to Murcia could be greatly highlighted
During Easter week with the processions and Easter Sunday
and the Spring festivals. In the summer there are all kinds of music festivals and this year 2005
the XI edition of the Sea of Music festival will be held from July 1st to the 23rd in Cartagena.

There are two special countries which will be present
Turkey on July 15th with Mercan Dede and othrs and Brazil with special artists like Chico Cesar and Ray Lema on the 16th. But if you miss it this year
you know that it is held every year!

The Murcia region has one of the best irrigated lands for cultivating vegetables and legumes. This can be tasted if trying kale slowly fried in olive oil
rice with kidney beans
spinach and chick pea stew and the most popular of all – meat pie. Having the sea nearby
they also make good use of the angler or sea bass as well as exquisite prawns and crawfish. To accompany such fine cuisine
some wine from either Jumilla
a red wine from Bullas or a rose from Yecla. And to finish off
sweets made from fruit.

But do not be lazy and take a drive in your car rental and head for the beaches in the Manga
where incredible luxury hotels and golfing resorts are at your full availablitity. Or further up the coast
enjoying the Costa Blanca of Alicante and maybe a quick spin to Calpe
you can make your holiday stay to Murcia complete.