Fiestas & Traditions The Passion of Flamenco Wines of Spain More on Wines of Spain Typical Spanish Recipes The Creative Souls of Spain Spanish Jewels All About Spain A Photo Tour of Spain Basic Spanish for Travelers The Prado Museum Museo Prado The Newspaper of Spain El Pais

Although I have never been, I have a passion for Spain and Spanish Culture. Covering four-fifths of the Iberian peninsula, Spain is separated from the rest of Europe by the imposing Pyrenees, and from north Africa by the Straits of Gibraltar, just 14 km wide. While bullfights and flamenco are often thought to capture the very essence of Spain, it is in fact a country of great diversity. The northern coast, bordering the Bay of Biscay, with its perpetual cloak of fine mist is often called the Costa Verde (the Green Coast), while the southern coast is aptly named the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun). The Moorish Occupation left an indelible imprint on Spanish art and architecture and many of Spain’s splendid cathedrals were built over mosques. Language also reflects the country’s diversity. Castilian Spanish is widely spoken, but the different regional languages are equally important. English is understood in the larger hotels and tourist resorts, though a phrase book is essential if travelling through Spain. With sun and golden beaches in the south, ski resorts, Gothic cathedrals, art galleries and exhilarating festivals, Spain has something for everyone.