Spain

, The contemporary design of Barcelona, the artistic heritage of Madrid and the sexy allure of the Canary Islands. These are just three of the beautiful marvels that await any visitor to Spain. A country of varying sights, sounds and textures, Spain is a multi-layered beauty that only gets more breathtaking as each layer unfolds.

A country full of old-world charm and ambiance, Spain is located in Mediterranean Europe bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. From the daring "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a Spain vacation is filled with sights and experiences unlike anywhere else in the world and it's one of the most culturally diverse countries on the planet.

Visiting Spain

For American tourists who travel to Spain, it is no longer required that you have a visa. A valid passport is enough to get you into the country.

Flights into Spain can arrive at a number of different airports depending on where you are planning to visit. The airport nearest to Madrid, Barajas International Airport (IATA: MAD), is the most popular in the country. Barcelona International Airport (IATA: BCN) is another of Spain's busier airports.

If it's your first visit to Spain, you may have to get accustomed to their meal times. In Spain, meals are stretched out in wider increments during the day. For instance, breakfast is enjoyed at the regular time in the morning, but lunch typically isn't until two or three in the afternoon with dinner not being served until nine or ten at night.

The climate in Spain is as nearly diverse as the culture. Summers can be stifling hot with some regions experiencing quite a bit of rain, while winters can get quite cold in the Northern areas. Be sure to pack your clothes accordingly for trips to Spain beaches or otherwise, and always have a Spanish-American dictionary on hand to help you communicate.

Spain's Attractions

Finding something to see or do in Spain is never an issue. Each city has its own unique trademarks and sights. Here are a few of Spain's must-see attractions.

If you are visiting Spain in February, a trip to Cadiz should be on your itinerary. Cadiz is the oldest city in Western Europe and they hold a magnificent annual Carnival in the second month of the year.

The city of San Sebastian is home to some of the country's most popular and beautiful beaches and it is a natural haven for surfers. The city also features a nice aquarium and a fun amusement park, which may be small by current standards, but still fun nonetheless.

The Olympic city of Barcelona is always a much-valued stop on any vacation to Spain. Visitors to Barcelona should also take the time to see Palau de la Música Catalana (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and enjoy a nice stroll along Las Ramblas.

Bilbao is a city filled with incredible museums, some of which include the famous Guggenheim, the Basque Museum, the Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (the Museum of Sacred Art). These are at the top of the list of Spain tourism. What attractions not to miss include architecture as well.

Spain's cities are architectural marvels where each building is a photographic opportunity. From the gothic cathedrals to the expansive Golden Museum Triangle in Madrid, guests can expect to go through an excessive amount of film!

Where to Stay in Spain

Just like the country's attractions, Spain offers a wide variety of accommodation choices. From five-star regality to more humble, but no less comfortable rooms at an affordable hotel, Spain has a restful sleep for every visitor. However, you should be warned that the big cities seem to come alive at night and if you don't watch yourself, you may just find yourself partying well into the early morning hours! Here are a few samples of Spain's hotels.

The Villa Real Hotel in Madrid offers uncompromised luxury in each of its 115 rooms. In a city where ambiance is bountiful, expect to find it in spades at the Villa Real Hotel. The hotel provides five-star luxury and each of the rooms are classically designed in 19th Century Spanish motif. Indulgence and sophistication combine for a truly one-of-a-kind experience at the Villa Real Hotel, where rooms begin around $243 per night.

With 303 rooms and five-star quality, Barcelona's Hotel Majestic certainly lives up to its name! Perfectly situated, guests are conveniently close to Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia and many other local attractions. The hotel also includes a host of delicious dining options including the Restaurant Drolma, which features traditional Mediterranean cuisine. With amenities galore, the accommodations at Hotel Majestic begin around $271 per night.

The Miro Hotel in Bilboa offers contemporary and modern accommodations seemingly inspired by the local artistry found in the city's museums. With 50 rooms starting around $154 per night, guests can expect outstanding quality along with complete convenience of location. The hotel's rooms feature the latest in technological advancements and all of the most popular amenities and services.

Planning a Vacation to Remember in Spain

When planning a memorable trip to Spain, the at-home vacation planner should always use the Internet in his or her quest for the perfect trip. The Internet makes it easy to compare airfare, to find cheap flights to Spain or to track down affordable hotel rates so you can experience the best trip possible at the best price available. Before setting your trip in stone, search Spain's cities and create a workable itinerary so while you're there, you can spend time enjoying the sights and not feel overwhelmed with the choices!

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Don t set out on your next vacation without doing your destination homework. We have compiled a huge database of destination guides and traveling advice to make your next trip smooth sailing. And when you can t get out and see the sights for yourself, watch AOL Travel correspondent Peter Greenberg s video articles on fabulous places all over the world. You just might be inspired to book airline tickets to the featured destination. Regardless if you need flights for exotic international locales, or are cruising just around the corner, AOL Travel has the discount airline tickets, great hotel deals, unforgettable cruises and car rentals to get you there for less.

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