Spanish Fiesta

Barcelona, Spain's second biggest city and one of Europe's most important ports, is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besos. The capital of the district of Catalunya, it has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, and has plenty of things to do and see. Sample the delicious Catalan cuisine at Can Punyetes and La Flauta. Visit La Rambla, the most famous boulevard in Barcelona, stretching from the harbour to La Placa Catalunya. Other places to visit include Placa d'Espanya, Sant Pau del Camp - a Romanesque church, La Placa Reial, Estadi Olimpic Communication Tower, The Montjuic Castle, Tibidabo - offers a spectacular view of the city, Olympic Port - has a large number of restaurants and nightclubs, and FC Barcelona - a football fanatic's paradise. Also visit the Barcelona Zoo, and El Poble Espanyol, that is a village built out of replicas of characteristic buildings in Spain. Monestir de Pedralbes, a beautiful Gothic monastery, is also a must visit, as is L'Aquarium, the second biggest aquarium in Europe.

Sevilla, the capital of beautiful Andalucia, is one of Spain's largest cities. It has an interesting history, and has been occupied by the Moors and the Romans, making it a diverse place culturally. It is situated on the banks of the placid and smooth Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana. Sevilla, on the river, has acted as a sea-port for commerce of agricultural goods produced further West. There are many sights to be seen here, both ancient and modern, such as: The Cathedral of Sevilla (third largest church in the world), La Giralda (a large and beautiful minaret tower), The Real Alcazar (a beautiful palace in the Moorish style), The Jewish Quarter, Torre de Oro, Parque Maria Luisa, Plaza de Espana, The Museum of Fine Arts at Plaza del Museo, and Casa de Pilatos (a 16th century palace). The shopping in the city is also worthwhile, and the nightlife is lively.

The capital of Spain, Madrid is a wonderland of art, architecture, and uninhibited nightlife. There are many, many enormous cathedrals, more than a hundred museums, and plenty of monuments. Places that must be visited include The Royal Palace, the Town Hall, El Retiro, Prado, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Catedral de la Almudena, Gran Via, Le Casa de Campo, Plaza de Espana, and the Plaza de Cibeles. Madrid, famed for its nightclubs, has hundreds of bars and clubs, the most notable being those in La Latina, Tribunal, and Gran Via. Food in Madrid is excellent, with surprisingly good seafood brought fresh from the coast. Try dishes like Patatas Bravas, and Revuelto de Ajetes con Setas. One must also try the Jamon Iberico, Chorizo, and Morcilla, which are all made with the high quality ham that the Spaniards produce with pride.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, where the River Tagus meets it. It is a charming city, luring millions of visitors each year to its shores, who leave enchanted by its red roofs, cobblestone alleyways, sun bleached limestone buildings, and waterfront houses. The city, like Rome, Istanbul, and San Francisco, is built on seven hills, and is divided into distinct areas that have their own characters. Places to visit include The Gulbenkian Museum, St. George's Castle, the old neighbourhood of Alfama, Santa Justa's Elevator, Pra'a do Comercio, the neighbourhood of Belem and Belem Tower, and Jeronimos Monastery. Also visit Chiado, a beautiful historical shopping district, as well as Bairro Alto, which gives you remarkable views of the city and some wild partying in the many nightclubs there. Also head Downtown, or Baixa, as well as bridge Ponte 25 de Abril, the Lisbon Botanical Garden.