Things to do Spain

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest city of the country. It is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula and built on a series of small mounts between which flows the Manzanares River.

This metropolis is full of historical monuments, squares, churches and city gates. The most popular monument of them is undoubtedly the Palacio Real, the largest Royal Palace in Western Europe, even if we can also mention the magnificent Buen Retiro Park, founded in the XVIIth century, or the emblematic Puerta del Sol, one of the most well known and busiest places in the city.

Moreover, Madrid is one of the major cultural centers of the world. A visit of Spain's capital wouldn't be complete without a stroll around its art museums and galleries, such as the Museo del Prado which has been internationally recognized as one of the greatest museums of art in the world, or the Teatro Real, the prestigious opera house.

Moreover, Spain's vibrant and historic capital has made its mark as a burgeoning business tourism destination on the European and global market.The city hosts over 4,000 congresses and conventions every year, providing a wide range of venues, which include Madrid Convention Bureau (attention, le convention bureau n'est pas un lieu pour les réunions, c'est une association dont les lieux sont membres), Feria de Madrid trade fair grounds (Ifema) and the future International Convention Centre due to open in 2011.

Furthermore, the excellent communications such as Madrid-Barajas International Airport, its top-quality hotels, and its significant cultural and entertainment offer will surely make the organization of any business event a clear success.

Museo Del Prado

Founded in 1819, the Prado Museum is among Europe's greatest art galleries. Within its 7000 strong collection of XVIth to early XIXth century paintings, are masterpieces by Fra Angelico, Botticelli, El Bosco, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez, as well as evidence of the astonishing development of Goya - from his sun-soaked early paintings of dances and festivities to the grim madness of his black period.

In fact, the museum began as a Royal collection, to which its succeeding dynasties have added uniqueness and fame.The collection naturally focuses on the Spanish masters, particularly Goya, whose exhibited works follow the development of his painting from the sun-soaked early scenes of joyful festivities to the grim madness characterizing his 'black period'.

Royal Palace

The massive bright-white Royal Palace (Palacio Real) on the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid dates from 1734, when the 3000-roomed royal residence was commissioned by Philip V. It was last called 'home' by the royal family in 1931 - the present king, Juan Carlos, lives in the more subdued Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid.

Most of the rooms are now open to the public, and others are used for state business. English tours are run regularly, lasting about two hours, taking visitors to the reception room and state apartments, the impressive armoury and the royal pharmacy. The grandiose state apartments are filled with art treasures, antiques and opulent Rococo décor that could even rival Versailles.

The Plaza Mayor

Madrid's famous central arcaded square dates from 1619 and was built by Philip III whose statue still stands in the centre of the cobbled expanse. It is the starting point for any visit to the historical “old town” Madrid. In medieval times the Plaza de Arrabal, as it was then known, was the venue for numerous public spectacles, ranging from knights' tournaments and festivals to the burning of heretics at the stake.

Today it remains a public gathering place, but the majority of people who congregate in the sidewalk cafes to sip sangria on summer nights are tourists, enjoying impromptu music performances and watching the passing parade.

La Gran Via

The lively street is one of the city's most important shopping areas and is located in central Madrid. It leads from Calle de Alcalá, close to Plaza de Cibeles, to Plaza de España. It also contains a large number of hotels and large movie theaters. But what makes this street so special is the architectural design of many large buildings.

Now, most of the theaters are being replaced by shopping malls. It is considered a showcase of earlyXXth century architecture, with patterns ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco and others. Moreover, this main avenue which is part of Plaza Espana comprises some Questres statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

Located on the north-eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and one of the most amazing and interesting metropolis to visit. It is an important tourist destination in the country as well as in the world, offering an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm.

Travel to Barcelona and you will land in sunny Spain's major holiday city, cosmopolitan and lively, with tremendous architecture, superb shopping, great climate, beautiful beaches and plenty of Spanish pizzazz. Its cultural history dates back about 2000 years. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.

Moreover, the Barcelona area is a highly important attraction for foreign investment, especially in industry and advanced services, hosting more than 1600 foreign companies.

Furthermore, Barcelona has proved itself to be one of Europe’s most attractive and dynamic cities, and this has made it one of the preferred incentive trip destinations. It hosts the greatest number of international congresses, offering a wide range of amenities for the organization of congresses and large- or small-scale meetings, receptions and banquets in historic and enchanting settings, product launches and presentations in modern and well-equipped facilities.

Opened in 1963, the Picasso Museum is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona, housing one of the broadest collections of Picasso's works. Picasso is now one of the most recognized figures in 20th century art and is an integral part of the art culture in Barcelona.

Picasso Museum

This museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona’s La Ribera, exhibiting Picasso’s works in periods, such as the Blue Period, the African influenced period, Rosa period, Synthetic cubism and Analytic cubism.

The genius of the young artist is revealed through more than 3,800 works that make up the permanent collection. The museum also illustrates his deep relationship with Barcelona: an intimate, solid relationship that was shaped in his adolescence and youth, and continued until his death.

In fact, the Picasso Museum has undergone successive renovations and expansions, and it is currently starting to develop new programs, activities and services to become a reference place, envisaged to spreading knowledge and to fostering the visitor’s participation and critical views. It wishes to be a dialogue space, exploring new approaches to Picasso’s work and influence and offering new perspectives on the Museum Collection.

Moreover, the Picasso Museum is ideal for any kind of gathering like conference, seminar, exhibition, meeting, workshop or any other event.

La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, this giant temple is a striking example of Gaudi's unique Art Nouveau architecture, filled with religious symbolism and meaning.

Eight of the intended 18 towers have been built, rising to over 100 meters. The basilica offers as well three facades, filled with precise symbolism. Inside the Sagrada Familia, areas will be dedicated to religious concepts such as saints, virtues and sins, and secular concepts such as the regions of Spain.

You can take elevators to the top of the inside of the Nativity Facade and Passion Facade, or climb 400 steps. Once at the top, you can climb around the walls and into other towers and enjoy partial views of Barcelona through a jumble of latticed stonework, ceramic decoration, carved buttresses and a variety of sculpture.

Las Ramblas

La Ramblas is the most famous street in Europe and one of the main attractions in Barcelona. It is a 1.2 Km walkway through the very heart of the city centre. One can find there all sorts of stalls, restaurants, bars and street performers along with the many thousands of people that promenade up and down the Ramblas until the early hours of the morning.

Explore the St Joseph Market, La Boqueria Mercat, one of the best markets in Europe, dating back to 1701, where tourists and Spanish people go, not just to buy food, but to enjoy the fascinating atmosphere.

There are also human statues in the weird creative forms and some of the coolest costumes, dancers, musicians, magicians and marionettes. Just off Las Ramblas main area is Barri Gotic, the old city of Barcelona. This fantastic area is like a labyrinth, full of small, narrow streets and squares.

Parc Guëll

Built from 1900 to 1914 and designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Park Güell is one of the world's most intriguing parks. Gaudi was strongly influenced by natural shapes and used them in his work.

At the top of Guell park is a terraced area where you get a breathtaking view of the park and of Barcelona City. The gardens are festooned with examples of his work, including flights of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. The pink fairytale house standing at the entrance to the park was once home to Gaudi and his niece, but is now a museum containing some Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits.

The best and most famous example of Art Nouveau landscape-architecture has been designated a UNESO World Heritage Site.

Seville is one of Spain's major cities, located in the south of the country. This artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain has a lot to offer for tourists as well as for business travelers.

Sunshine, art, culture, history, folklore and party are all united under a mostly blue and cloudless sky. The city has an impressive collection of historical sites, including its Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic building in Europe.

Moreover, Seville is the regional capital of Andalucía, which contains the densely populated beach resorts of the Costa del Sol along its southern reaches, and the mountain villages of the Sierra Nevada. This is the home of flamenco and bullfighting, classic images of Spain's romance and grandeur.

It is the city to which people flock during the huge festivals of Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, with processions and wild celebrations that are among the most rousing in all of Europe.

Besides, Seville is one of the most important business travel destinations in Spain and, according to data published by the ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association), is among the top 50 congress and business destinations in the world. Every year, it hosts all kinds of fairs, symposiums, and professional meetings at the Exhibition and Convention Centre (FIBES), located at the gates of the city.

In addition, an extensive variety of hotels are available to cover each and every need of Congress, Convention, Business and Incentive Tourism, and of course all are adapted to the visitors needs.

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is the third largest church in the world and the largest Gothic building in Europe, completed in just over a century (1402-1506).

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, this massive Roman Catholic edifice was built on the site of a great mosque in the late XIIth century to demonstrate the city's power and wealth after the Reconquista. Its interior contains some marvelous sights in its 44 chapels, including mahogany choir stalls made from recycled Austrian railway sleepers.

Artworks to be seen include gilded panels, glittering icons, and intricately carved altarpieces.

Alcázar of Seville

The Alcazar of Seville is one of Andalucía’s gems, a beautiful architectural masterpiece, whose history tells the story of Seville.

Located in the heart of the old city near the Cathedral, this monumental complex has been occupied by the city’s rulers since Roman times, and has been a favored residence of Spanish kings since the middle ages, consisting of a series of palaces from different times and styles. There are so many aspects about this edifice to fascinate and intrigue visitors, both inside the rooms, in the patios and the wonderful gardens.

The luxurious rooms and reception halls are decorated with carved wooden doors. It also features extensive manicured gardens including the Jardín de las Poetas, the Jardín Inglés, the Jardín de la Alcubilla, and the Jardín de la Vega Inclan.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville is located, from 1839, in an old convent in the heart of Seville. It is considered to be the second most important fine arts museum in Spain after the Prado in Madrid, offering exclusive collections of Spanish art even from the medieval and Renaissance period.

As you explore the museum, you will get an insight into the artistic development, evolution and preferences of the country. The museum exhibits the religious paintings of Esteban Murillo as well as interesting works of other artists like the famous Spanish painters Juan de Vales Leal and Francisco de Zurbaran.

You should not miss out watching two bold and enticing paintings by El Greco. In addition, it houses interesting ceramic, gold and silversmithery, and weapons.

Maria Luisa Park

Created in the late XIXth century, Maria Luisa Park is regarded as one of the loveliest parks in Europe, planted with palms, orange trees, elms and Mediterranean pines. It is the city's principal green area, delightfully decorated with plenty of ceramic-tiled benches, fountains, pools, statues and monuments.

There's even a small mountain, the Monte Gurugú, with an artificial waterfall and a small island with a gazebo. But tourists often head straight to the star attraction of the park: the Plaza de Espana, a majestic crescent-shaped complex arranged around a central square. Also fronting the park is the city’s archaeological museum, focusing on the Romans and prehistory of the province of Seville.

Occupying a tiny peninsula on the south coast of Spain, Cadiz is the right destination for everyone who wants to explore a typical but also exciting Spain city. It is one of the oldest cities in the Western World and was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC.

This popular and fascinating town is visited by many tourists throughout the entire year, who are mainly attracted to the long stretches of golden sandy beaches beside the blue waters and the moderate climate. The peaceful countryside with brown mountains dotted with small white villages acts as a perfect retreating destination.

There are also highly captivating historical and cultural monuments like churches, towers and museums, all close to the blue waters of the Bay of Cadiz. When exploring the Historical Quarter, be sure not to miss the Baroque Cathedral, a majestic structure with an impressive golden dome.

Moreover, this port city has three festivals of International Tourist Interest: the prestigious Carnival of Cadiz, one of the most exciting and colorful events in the region, the unique horse racing events on the beach at Sanlucar de Barrameda, and the elegant Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera. Furthermore, Cadiz is a popular business travel destination: conferences, meetings, conventions etc. In fact, there is a wide selection of hotels equipped with high standard business meeting facilities, ensuring satisfactory recreation for conference participants after a long work day.

Cadiz Cathedral

Built in the 18th century, Cadiz Cathedral is one of Spain's largest Catholic churches. It took 116 years to complete, so the mix of styles is evident.

The church is crowned with a dome of gilded tiles which gives it an imposing appearance. The top of the tower affords outstanding views over the city below. The cathedral museum has exhibitions of the city of Cadiz as well as religious paintings and sculpture.

Donana National Park

Donana National Park is the largest National park in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. Declared a World Heritage Site, the park consists of several unique ecosystems benefiting from the mild climate.

Receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, this site is home to many important plant species and a wealth of wildlife. Many rare birds migrate here.

As you drive or walk through the park you will see vast expanses of low pine trees, tiny natural waterways and marshland. Very close to Doñana is located other natural areas that, although located outside the boundaries of the National Park, they shared similar views as well as the habitat of several animal and plant species.

Tavira Tower

Cadiz is known worldwide for its watchtowers. They are witness to the trade and prosperity which the city experienced in the 18th century.

At this time, the Tavira Tower was the highest point in the town at 45 meters above the sea level. Don Antonio Tavira was the first watchman of the tower and used his telescope to see the ships full with goods coming from America.

Today the tower has become a Camera Obscura, an interesting device consisting of a white concave screen inside the tower that allows you to see a projection of the panoramic views of the city.

Malaga is the main resort along the world-famous Costa del Sol, in the Andalucía area of Spain. Its spectacular coastline and sunny weather combine to make this destination a major tourist hotspot, with tourism actively promoted in the region . Malaga is home to the second largest Mediterranean port (The Port of Barcelona is the largest port in the Mediterranean Sea) which entices the visitor with pedestrian charm by day and a vibrant party scene by night.

With 3000 years of history, the metropolis is bursting with Roman, Muslim and Spanish sites and its illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to the IXth century and is now a fascinating archaeological museum. Many of the resort's best beaches are centered on the Bay of Malaga, offering a range of activities and water sports, with a good selection of shops and restaurants nearby. Birthplace of Picasso, this attractive and cosmopolitan city also features several galleries displaying his work.

In addition, the open, commercial and hospitable nature of the capital of the Costa del Sol and its inhabitants have leant Malaga dynamism and made a great contribution to the city’s economic growth. Together with its deep-rooted traditions and culture, the wide range of available services make the city a national and international business destination for celebrating important events.

Malaga Trade Fair and Congress Centre has reinforced the city’s leadership as a privileged zone, equipped with the latest technology, where businessmen and professionals from all over the world can do business, open new markets and exchange experiences. To sum up, Malaga offers all you could possibly need to ensure the success of your conference, presentation, convention or any other kind of event, with the best climate in Europe in the capital of the Costa del Sol.

The Cathedral

Standing in the heart of the old city, the Cathedral is one of the main attractions in Malaga, within easy walking distance of other attractions, including the Alcazaba Palace, the Picasso Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre and surrounded by narrow winding streets crowded with enticingly cool bars and street cafes.

Built between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a Moorish Mosque, this edifice is celebrated not only for the splendor of its architecture and richly ornate interior, but also for its lopsided appearance, resulting from the failure to finish building its planned second tower.

Alcazaba

La Alcazaba is one of the most distinctive buildings in Malaga, built by the Moors in the IXth century on the remains of a Roman castle. This fortress lies on a hill top with a panoramic view over the town and the sea.

An important example of Moorish architecture, the Alcazaba contains three magnificent palaces and beautiful gardens with several ornate fountains. It also houses the Archaeological Museum, home of numerous Phoenician and Muslim finds. Just below the entrance to the Alcazaba are the ruins of a Roman theatre dating to the IInd century.

Picasso Museum Malaga

Since 2003, Malaga became home to the Picasso Museum, where Picasso was born, a new museum devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century. Located in the historic city center, the museum is housed in the wonderful XVth century Palacio de Buenavista.

In its twelve halls, it displays almost 200 works of art which constitute the permanent collection. The art gallery also includes 4 other halls for temporary exhibits. Among the numerous works to be seen for the first time are Olga Kokhlova con Mantilla (1917), Madre y Niño (1921-1922) and Retrato de Paulo Con Gorro Blanco (1923).

The Picasso Museum offers also an international center for the arts, with large-scale galleries for temporary exhibitions, as well as an auditorium, education center, library and archives, restoration facilities, bookstore, and gift shop. Moreover, it is ideal for any kind of gathering like conference, seminar, exhibition, meeting, workshop or any other event.

The Caves of Nerja

First discovered in 1959, the Caves of Nerja are one of the main attractions in Spain which attract hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, lying about 48k m from Malaga. They are perfectly situated in the picturesque surroundings of typical Mediterranean villages, full of the unique beauty of Andalusia.

They are called the Natural Cathedral of Prehistory due to their incomparable beauty and historic importance. The Nerja Caves, which have been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, are not only famous for their archaeological sites and stone formations, but also for the International Festival of Music and Dance, which is repeated every year during the month of July.