Tucked away inland behind the costas and a myriad of mountains, lie three of Europe’s most culturally enriching cities – Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla. For many, old Andalucia epitomises Spain: Bullfights, Moors, gypsies and flamenco dancing. For centuries, Andalucia was one of the poorest parts of Spain, but because of its past and deep-founded love for simple pleasures that have become so embedded into Spanish culture, the fortunes of this region have changed, helped inexplicably by the huge amounts of tourists that visit Andalucia’s three most culturally credited cities each year.

Sevilla Cathedral

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For the last 20 years Catalonia has celebrated its day of national pride on September 11. This historical date refers back to September 11 in 1974, when Barcelona, following a 13-month siege, surrendered to the Castilian and French soldiers.

There are many regions of Spain, all of which are distinct in landscape, history and culture, but no more so than Catalonia, proudly retaining an identity which borrows little from the rest of Spain. The Catalan National day is yet more evidence of Catalonia’s yearning for independence from the rest of Spain.

Calella de Palafrugell

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Made famous by Salavdor Dali and his description of a “perfect and dreamy town”, the small fishing village of Cadaques, in the north-east corner of Spain, is being recreated 6,500 miles to the east, by Chinese developers in Xiamen Bay, China.

For decades Cadaques, with its translucent bay, gentle sea breezes, astonishing light and home and inspiration of the great Spanish artist Salvador Dali, has been a popular destination for artists and tourists alike.  

The original Spanish village of Cadaques

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In 1979, Costa Natura near Estepona on the Costa del Sol – Spain’s first ever nudist beach – was officially opened. Since then nudity has been practised with a vengeance, perhaps as an act of rebellion against a repressive society led by a dictator, which the people of Spain had to conform to for many years. Today there are more nudist beaches in Spain per kilometre of coastline than in any other country in the world and naturists find themselves very well catered for in all areas of the coast.

Spanish Playas Naturistas

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Did you know that Costa Brava has 24 protected areas of natural beauty? Crammed with fauna and thousands of species of wildlife these areas are a must for birdwatchers, adventurers and those who want to see some of what the best of what Costa Brava has to offer.

Here are our top three, but for more information on the rest of the pack please check out the official Costa Brava tourist board website.

Banyoles Lake

You’ll find the impressive Banyoles Lake in the Garrotxa region. The lake itself has a surface of 107 hectares and is shaped like a figure of eight (if looking from above!). It is in fact one of the largest lakes on the Iberian peninsula. It’s heaven for wildlife lovers and well worth taking a picnic along to enjoy.

More information here.

Banyoles Lake - Beautiful at any time of day

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