With a territory of 505,990 km2, it does not reach half the size of Colombia (42.4%) and has “very little waste.” This means it is very complete and varied, both in landscape and in gastronomy, culture, architecture, and history.
Sometimes we think that Spain (like Italy, France, or Germany) is a “monograph.” The reality is that it is NOT the same to visit the Hispano-Muslim Andalusia (How beautiful it is!), with its “white towns, its cheerful guitar, its Mediterranean resorts and its beautiful olive fields, than to “get lost” in the Cantabrian mountains and coast in the north of the country from Vasconia (“Euskal Herria” and the jewel of San Sebastián (Donosti=Easo) to Galicia (with Santiago de Compostela) the “mariñeiros” “da Costa da Morte” or the Roman Walls and Thermal Baths of Lugo.
Also in the middle of the way are Cantabria (full of beautiful medieval towns) and the Principality of Asturias, with the Picos de Europa (in Cantabria and León, too), Roncesvalles and Covadonga.
Don’t forget the beautiful white sand beaches and waves suitable for surfing along the entire coast of the Cantabrian Sea. The only “problem”: The water is “for MEN” (in capital letters): It’s cold!
And what do we do with the Mediterranean, from the border with France to Gibraltar? Ancient cultures like the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Muslims (from North Africa, almost for 8 centuries), and current tourists (mostly Europeans and Hispanics).
The regions of Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia (don’t forget “Al Andalus/Andalusia), all bordering the Mediterranean or “Mare Nostrum” (“Our Sea” according to Rome), this sea is “warm.” Of course, Colombia has the Caribbean (and Europeans love it, especially in our winter.)
And what do we do with the center of the Peninsula? Former kingdoms of León and Castilla (with its Mancha) and the ancient Extremadura, beautiful stone corners, surrounded by walls and vineyards.
Did you know that it is easy and affordable to sleep in centuries-old monasteries, castles, and palaces? Well, that’s it: It’s easy and affordable. My friends and I have done it.
Here are a couple of ideas. Very atmospheric horizons and panoramas!
Who’s up for a tour?
Until next time.
Edu.
