DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Spain (Travel Guide)

First edition 1996

Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited,
80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL

Published in the United States by DK Publishing,
1450 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY 10018

Copyright 1996, 2020 Dorling Kindersley Limited
A Penguin Random House Company

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

A CIP catalog record for this book
is available from the British Library.

A catalog record for this book is available
from the Library of Congress.

ISBN: 9780241407318
eISBN: 9780241441992

www.dk.com

Inspire / Plan / Discover / Experience

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t The Barcelona skyline seen from Park Gell

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t Overlooking the beach at Penscola, near Valencia.

Fiery flamenco, tables covered with tasty tapas and the scent of jasmine Spain is an intoxicating country. Infinitely varied, its home to Roman ruins and Gauds fairytale creations, beautiful beaches and a sizzling foodie scene. Whatever your dream trip to Spain includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

The largest country in southern Europe, Spain is bounded to the east by the turquoise Mediterranean and to the west by the wild Atlantic. Consequently, its framed by secret coves, long golden strands and wind-whipped cliffs. The towering peaks of the Pyrenees form the countrys northern border, and, further south, badlands and vineyards give way to the high, sun-baked plains of Central Spain and the undulating olive groves of Andaluca.

The cities, too, are equally beguiling. In Madrid, Spains fizzing capital, a trio of glittering galleries rub shoulders with jumbled flea markets. The spirit of Madrids rival sun-kissed Barcelona is embodied in Picassos paint, Gauds bricks and, now, on plates. The Catalan capital has a stellar foodie reputation, with experimental chefs reinventing classic cuisine. But San Sebastin is hot on its heels, serving up just-caught seafood and hearty pintxos. Bilbao the other jewel in the Basque Countrys crown has transformed from an industrial has-been to an artistic trail-blazer thanks to the Museo Guggenheim. While this futuristic building crowns the north, in the south Andalucas three seductive cities Seville, Cordoba and Granada are characterized by their Moorish structures, with their shaded patios perfumed by orange blossom.

So, where to start? Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best that Spain has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Spain.

A couple watching the sun set over Granada.

Corks for Rioja wine, made in Northern Spain.

The gleaming exterior of Gehrys Museo Guggenheim.

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The architecture is amazing; the natural landscape awe-inspiring. It has a packed calendar of curious festivals and comes alive after dark. Ask any Spaniard and youll hear a different reason why they love their country.

t Nowhere encapsulates the spirit of al-Andalus quite like . Its salons are replete with icing-sugar ceilings of delicate stucco and its courtyards have impossibly still, reflective pools.

Discover Reasons to Love Spain