Coastal Spain - By Request
September, 2007

Bordering the enchanting Mediterranean Sea, the eastern coast of Spain has much to offer vacationers.

Cities from Málaga in the south all the way up to Barcelona in the north boast engaging cultural attractions, a selection of shopping options, and endless culinary delights.

Cuisine and Wine

"One of Spain's greatest attractions is its cuisine, which is one of the best in the world for both quality and variety," says Sara Sánchez of the Tourist Office of Spain.

The Mediterranean flavour of the coast in unmistakable and evident in many creations.

"Spanish cuisine is distinguished by the traditional use of olive oil ... as well as the inclusion of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables introduc[ed] by Moorish culture."

Sánchez particularly recommends Paella, Gazpacho and dishes featuring olives, fish and pastry. She adds, "Spanish wine has earned itself a well–deserved reputation for quality, an aspect that, nowadays, is subject to stringent controls and official demarcations."

"Mention must be made of La Rioja wines, which, on the merit of their bouquet, taste and body, have won international acclaim. Other highly-prized seals of origin are Ribera del Duero, Panedes and la Mancha, all of which have recently witnessed great advances in the quality of their wines. Sherry (vino de Jerez) is a fortified Andalucian wine enjoys great international prestige."

 

Distinctive and historic Plaza de Toros in Málaga

Beach landscape in the coastal province of Alicante

Coastal Hot Spots

Spain's 17 regional divisions are called autonomous communities (comunidades autónomas) that contain a total of fifty provinces (provincias). Starting in Malaga and travelling north, you'll pass through the communities of Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, and Catelonia.

Andalusia - Provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, Seville
Málaga, birthplace of Picasso, is the city most popular with tourists in this area, while Seville and Granada are centres of government. Other favourite stops for Canadian travellers in Andalusia are Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Estepona.

  • Zoologico de Fuengirola
    In Fuengirola, recently modernized zoo features tropical forest displays and captive breeding of endangered species.

  • Torre de Pimentel
    A waterfront watchtower in the town of Torremolinos, this defensive structure dates back to the 14th century.

  • Pablo Picasso
    In Málaga, a dedicated museum and the historical site of Picasso's birth house are sure to fascinate art fans.

  • Costa del Sol
    Spanning the entire community of Málaga, this semi-tropical coastal region is sheltered from the wind by mountains and home to many coves and beaches.

Murcia - Provinces: Murcia
With a capital city of the same name, Murcia is the smallest community on the coast, containing only one province - also of the same name. Visitors will enjoy a variety of festivals and architecture in the riverside plains setting.

  • Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena
    This cathedral was built between 1394 and 1465 features a combination of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

  • Glorieta
    Visit this landscaped square to experience the heart of Murcia.

Valencia - Provinces: Alicante, Castellón, Valencia
Popular destinations include Valencia City and Alicante. Noted for both mountains and beaches, Valencia has a generally mild climate.

  • The City of Arts and Sciences
    Valencia City features a riverside complex housing a science museum, planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and an aquarium.

  • Castillo (Castle) of Santa Barbara
    Above the ancient city of Alicante, this structure can be found on the slopes of Mount Benacantil.

Catalonia - Provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona
Barcelona, the community's capital, is the key city in this area and is also known for shopping and cultural attractions. Costa Brava Girona, Costa Dorada Tarragona City and Sitges are also popular with tourists.

  • Park Güell
    Originally, a housing project in Barcelona, this 1900-era development is both walkable and colourful featuring smooth lines and mosaic artwork.

  • Hospital de Sant Pau
    Founded in 1401, this Barcelona hospital is still a fully-functional facility as well as an architectural site of note.

  • Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet
    Built in 1151 in Tarragona province and restored in the 1940s, the Poblet Monastery was one of three Cistercian monasteries powerful in 12th century Catalonia.

 

An entrance tower at Park Güell with Barcelona in the background

An entrance tower at Park Güell with Barcelona in the background

 

RCI on the Coast of Spain

33 cities on the Mediterranean coast of Spain are home to RCI resorts. That's 107 resorts in total. So travellers have an excellent selection, but a few we noticed are:

Miraflores Vacation Club (#1056)
Hacienda Miraflores
Carretera de Cádiz Kilómetro 199
29650 Mijas-Costa
Málaga, Málaga, Spain
Phone: 952-930102
www.miraflores.com

Vera Beach Club (#3091)
Avenida Juan S. El Cano
Urbanización Pueblo Laguna
04620 Vera
Vera, Almería, Spain
Phone: 950-132345
www.petcheyleisure.com

La Quinta at La Manga Club (#3088)
La Manga Club
30385 Los Belones
Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
Phone: 968-331121
www.laquintaclub.com

Alfaz Paradise Club (#1462)
Calle Badia 50
Playa del Albir
03581 Alfaz del Pi
Albir, Alicante, Spain
Phone: 966-864161
www.alfazparadise.com


Transportation

"Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE," says Sanchez. Find the RENFE web site at: www.renfe.es.

However, she most heartily recommends buses for municipal and inter-city travel. "Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information."

 

Although Spanish is the official language in Spain, travellers will also find English and French spoken in most tourist towns and resort areas. Learning a few key phrases in Spanish is certainly recommended though.

Visit Mediterranean Spain for the sun, the cuisine or the culture, and you'll be delighted throughout your stay.

 

Special thanks to Lorna Davies for requesting information on Malaga, Barcelona and the eastern coast of Spain.

*Information on the Mediterranean coast of Spain found on tourspain.toronto.on.ca and en.wikipedia.org.

 

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