Spain is a cultural haven of southern Europe. This hot-blooded country is the home of bull-fighting and tapas as well as countless pristine beaches and modern and sophisticated cities. Learn about Spain’s rich history and get a sense of its traditions in sports, dancing and cuisine.

The city of Barcelona is in many ways a separate entity from the rest of Spain. Understand its distinct Catalan culture with a trip to the city center. Appreciate its spectacular Gothic architecture. Gaze up at the unfinished basilica of the Sagrada Familia and admire Antoni Gaudí’s almost cartoonish, melted design.

Cross the northern part of Spain to reach the Basque city of Bilbao, which is known for the fascinating avant-garde architecture of the Guggenheim Bilbao museum. Visit the capital city of Madrid for its many cultural highlights, such as the Prado Museum. This gallery is known for its collection of Francisco de Goya’s works.

At the southern end of the country is the coastline from Costa del Sol to Costa Blanca. Consider a trip to Vera Playa, which includes a nudist resort hotel. Try watersports at Tarifa near the Straits of Gibraltar. Enjoy hot summers and mild winters with trips to the beaches of Marbella and Malaga.

A little northeast of the resort towns is the city of Granada, which features the Moorish palace of the Alhambra and the serene gardens of the Generalife. Head west to the eclectic city of Seville, which has the Plaza de España at its center. Watch a flamenco performance in the Triana neighborhood, which is said to be the source of this expressive dance.

This large country is in southwestern Europe, with Northern Africa just across the sea from its southern coast. It shares land borders with Portugal, Andorra and France. Fly to one of Spain’s many international airports across the country and get around by rail or domestic flights. Spain has a hot and feisty culture, with lively resorts and a dramatic topography.