The Provinces of Spain
LEON lies in the north west of Spain with crossroads between Asturias, Galicia and Castile and fertile lands are crossed by the Esla, Sil and Sella Rivers. The Cantabrian and Picos de Europa mountain ranges to the north and the hills of Leon to the west set the boundaries of the province which includes some superb mountain scenery. Winter sports are particularly well catered for in San Isidro and Pajares passes where all kinds of ski-lifts can be found. The purity of the water in Leon is ideal for catching trout in its famous rivers. Part of the province's wealth is constituted by the Romanesque, Mudejar, Gothic and Plateresque architecture of the churches which line the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostels. The capital is a progressive city with its magnificent buildings, the 13C Cathedral of Gothic architecture is a perfect example, the basilica of San Isidoro, a Romanesque gem of the 11th century containing the pantheon of the Kings of Leon. San Marcos an ancient hostelry and hospital on the road to Santiago has a Plateresque style façade dating from the 16th century and has recently be converted into a luxury hotel.
Other interesting buildings are the Palace of the Guzmanes, the Casa de Botines built by the artist Gaudi, and the city walls etc. Natural resources and pastures of the mountains of Leon produce rich milk and meat, including cheese, butter, Villamanin hams and sausages from Trobajo. Trout is cooked and dressed in a variety of ways and there is even an annual cooking competition held at the same time as the International Trout week. The maragato stew is an excellent dish. Another place to try the local cuisine is in the Bierzo region where you have a typical sausage , potato dish, ham with turnip tops and octopus. All these dishes are related and found in neighbouring provinces but have original and independent flavours of their own. For those with a sweet tooth, there are cakes from Astorga, sponge cake from La Bañeza, crystallised egg yolks from Leon and syrup soaked fruits from Bierzo.
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The only Catalonian province which does not border on the sea is LLEIDA, but it offers the visitor its beautiful mountains, the barrier of the Pyrenees which serve as a natural frontier with France. Also it borders on the Principality of Andorra in the north with valleys such as Aran, Ribagorza-Bohi, Aneu, Assuá, Cardos etc. as well as the Aigües Tortes and Lago de San Mauricio National Park. The forest, hunting and livestock wealth of the mountain zone is complimented by a tourist growing industry, largely due to the skiing resorts of Baqueria, Tuca, Super-Espot, Llessui, Port del Comte and San Joan de L'Erm. The mountains slowly descend to the south where extensive arid plainspredominate the regions of Segarra and Las Garrigas famous for their olive oil, and La Noguera and Urgell popular for their garden produce.
The climate is mild in the province although it can get hot in the plains during summer and temperatures are gentle in the mountains. Lerida has lakes, rivers and channels which provide water for some of the dams. You can also find historical monuments such as the Romanesque churches in the Arán and Bohi Valleys, Cathedrals of Seo de Urgell and Solsona, Cistercian Convent of Vallbona de los Monjes, the old University of Cervera and the annual performance of the mystery play "Cristo". Capital of the province , the ancient Roman Llierda, is situated along the banks of the Segre River in the middle of a wide plain. An important crossroads it conserves valuable monuments such as Seu Vella cathedral built between 12th and 14th century. Church of San Llorente 12th century, Church of San Martin 13th century, old hospital of Santa Maria and the La Paheria, the Lerida city hall which houses an original museum. the old Cardeny Castle of the Knights Templars and the ancient remains of an Arab fortress.
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In northwest Spain is the province of LUGO which offers the visitor contrast and variety. Northwards is 100km coastline with the towns of Reinante, Barreiros, Foz, San Ciprian, etc. with important fishing centres. A plateau in the centre of the province surrounds the capital as well as a mountain zone in the Meira Sierra. The valleys are ideal for hunting, winter sports or just to enjoy the countryside. Rabbit and hare are the most popular among the small game here, while deer, chamois, capercaillie and the wild mountain goat can be found in the mountains especially in Ancares National Game Reserve. Salmon and trout fishing can be found in the rivers Miño, Eo, Navia, Lor and Ulla and the reservoirs here are also perfect for water sports.
Scattered throughout the towns and villages are places of interest such as the Romanesque buildings and the Celtic remains, and in the capital a Roman wall which was recently restored, and on the upper part an original promenade. There are several places of interest for the visitor including in the southern part of the province the Romanesque pilgrim's way which centuries before led to Santiago de Compostela. This route leads through Castro de Viladonga, the source of the Miño River, Meira Sierra and Ribadeo. Summer resorts should not be missed as there are the Spas of the province, Guitiriz, Incio, Céltigos and the Roman hot springs or baths of the capital. Local dishes of Lugo are well worth sampling, such as a variety of shell fish, salmon and trout, shoulder of pork with turnip tops, sausages and Lugo ham.
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MADRID lies at the centre of the Iberian Peninsula and is the administrative, economic and cultural capital of Spain. Protected from the rigours of the climate by the Guadarrama and Somosierra mountains it guarantees pure air and clear skies during most of the year. This is a very active city with libraries, universities, museums especially El Prado, art galleries, theatres, cinemas and congress halls for cultural events. Historical and monumental attractions of the old area of Madrid are also of great interest, especially those which were built under Austrian and Bourbon rule, remains of Mudéjar architecture can also be seen.The visitor can enjoy lots of nightlife including shows, discotheques and cabarets. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a number of attractions as well as winter sport on the nearby mountains. Tourists centres are Aranjuez and El Escorial, and the provinces of Toledo and Segovia are close by.
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MALAGA with its agreeable climate lies in the southern part of the province along the Mediterranean coastline, where inland there is wild countryside with various white villages. The whole area is divided into zones around the following towns. Ronda, a historical city the birthplace of bullfighting and departure point for visits to the mountain range which it gives its name. Vélez-Malaga capital of the Axarquia is situated in the local countryside where the famous wines and raisins are produced. Antequera has churches which are a work of art together with prehistoric monuments such as Dolmen of Menga. Torcal, which is a few kilometres away, has the landscape modelled to create a lovely stone city. Along the entire coastline are cosmopolitan tourist towns forming the Costa del Sol, such as Nerja situated upon a cliff with caves where ballet take place and prove very popular.
Torrox with a nice sandy beach , Algarrobo, Torre del Mar and Rincón de la Victoria with its legendary treasure cave. Malaga, a city which was founded by the Phoenicians and has had a rich history ever since with its famous gardens and sights, for instance, Gibralfaro Castle, the Arab Alcazaba or fortress Roman Theatre, Cathedral and the Archaeological, Fine Arts and Cathedral Museums. Along the coast we find Torremolinos a popular tourist centre with excellent beaches and its Congress and Exhibition Hall. Benalmádena is a quiet place with modern buildings, apartments and hotels along the beaches.
Another popular place for tourists is Fuengirola where you can find tropical plants and the ruins of Sohail Castle built by the Arab King Abd dl-Rahman lll. Then Marbella which has three marinas, golf courses and riding clubs. San Pedro comes next where the eucalyptus trees grow next to the sea. Estapona is a traditional fishing harbour with a marina for pleasure boats. Finally Manilva with its marina, quiet beaches and excellent fishing.
A modern airport 8km from the capital connects Malaga with regular flights to the principal cities in Europe, United States and North Africa. A suburban railway runs along all the towns of the Costa del Sol as far as Fuengirola and by sea there are regular lines to the Canary Islands, Melilla, Tangiers, Genoa, etc. Finally, excellent roads link all the towns and cities along the Costa del Sol.
| Malága | Nerja | Fuengirola |
| Marbella | Torremolinos | Ronda |
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The city of MELILLA is situated in Northern Africa and is the ancient Mediterranean Rusidar of the Phoenicians, and located opposite the coasts of Almeria. It is a city with strong contrasts due to the fact the modern part of it is one of the most beautiful and sunny centres along the African coast, while the older part offers an old fashioned quietness and Spanish flavour in its neighbourhoods and along the 15/16th century walls. Magnificent beaches sloping to the sea with very fine grain sand and can be used for a large part of the year, due to the Melilla-Mediterranean climate and offering showers, bathing cabins, sunshades and a first aid clinic.
The city has 65,000 Spanish inhabitants who live in ideal harmony with Moroccans, Jews, Hindus and other nationalities. It has been a free port since 1863 which contributes to the lively commercial activity and oriental products found there. A shopping spree is a must. An airport serves as a link to Malaga, Almeria and other Spanish Ports and bus stations which are located on the frontier with the neighbouring Kingdom of Morocco to ensure communications with this country. Melilla has a variety of cooking principally based on Andalusian and Levantine regional recipes and especially appetising are the shell fish and fried fish dishes as fish is plentiful along these coasts. Patron saint fiestas are held in the month of September every year in the city, coinciding with the festivities of the Virgin of Victory.
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