1. Barcelona

Located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is one of the most popular places in Spain to visit. It was originally founded as an ancient Roman city and over the millennia, it has flourished into the bustling metropolis that it is today. The city is surrounded with history and is filled with many historical sites that have attracted millions of visitors throughout the years.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Wolfgang Staudt

2. Madrid

The city of Madrid is the capital of Spain as well as being one of the largest cities in the country. With more than 7 million people residing in the metropolitan area, Madrid is the third largest urbanized area in the entire European Union. The Manzanares River can be found flowing through the city’s historical center where you will find countless historical landmarks.

Gran Via, Madrid, Spain by Felipe Gabaldón

3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Spain is the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria is the second most populous island of the Canary Islands that is located off from the African coastlines. There are countless beaches to lie along and many different archaeological sites that can be found on the island.

Gran Canaria landscape, Canary Islands, Spain by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

4. Ibiza, Balearic Islands

You will find the island of Ibiza situated off from the coastlines of Valencia in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of a small archipelago (Balearic Islands) for which Ibiza is the third largest in the island group. Over the years, the island has become known for its lively clubs and night life which attracts people from all over Europe and the world.

Cala D’Hort in Ibiza by Federico Capoano

5. Tenerife, Canary Islands

The island of Tenerife can be found within the Canary Islands archipelago. It is the largest and most populated island in the group. Annually, more than five million people make their way to the shores of Tenerife. While there are a lot of places to visit within throughout the island, most people make there way here to relax and simply enjoy their much-awaited holiday in the sun.

Teide National Park, Tenerife by JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA

6. Seville

You will find the Spanish city of Seville situated along the banks of the River Guadalquivir. Founded by the Romans thousands of years ago, Seville has grown into the fourth largest city in the country today. Its well-preserved historical town centre is one of the largest in the European Union.

Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain by seiho

7. Granada

The city of Granada can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills where the Darro, Beiro and Genil rivers merge. It is popular destination in Spain due to its pristine location and also thanks to Alhambra Palace. The shores of the Mediterranean Sea can be found only an hour from the city and the Sierra Nevada Ski Station is only a short distance from the city.

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by Alex Proimos

8. València

The city of València is the third largest in the country. The city was first founded by the Romans back in the first century B.C. Today it can be found along the Turia river banks where the river flows into the Mediterranean. The beautiful historic town centre is filled with countless historical treasures. There are countless places in València to visit, including the largest aquarium in Europe, which is why it has become one of the most popular destination in Spain.

Oceanografic, Valencia, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

9. Benidorm

The coastal town of Benidorm can be found along the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular resort town which is located just outside of València. There are countless beaches that can be found at the edges of town as well as a number of hotels that dominate the skyline and offer some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean and surrounding countryside. It is often called “Manhattan of Europe or Spain” thanks to its skyscrapers.

Benidorm, Spain by Phillip Capper

10. Menorca, Balearic Islands

Located just off shore of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, you will find a small archipelago group of islands known as the Balearic Islands. It is here that you will find the island of Menorca which has become a popular destination along the Mediterranean. The island is a mountainous one which is home to the 358 meter tall mountain, El Toro.

Calan Porter, Menorca by gerriet

11. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

You will find the island of Fuerteventura situated off the coasts of Africa. It is part of the Canary Islands archipelago. It is the second largest of the islands in the group and as such, offers more than 50 kilometres of pristine white sandy beaches. It also has an additional 25 kilometres of black volcanic beaches as well.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands by Ina Widegren

12. Calvià, Majorca, Balearic Islands

You will find the city of Calvià situated on Majorca Island, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off shore from Spain, Calvià has grown to become a very popular destination in the country. There are a number of historical monuments and buildings that can be found in the city, but most of the visitors to the islands come to relax under the Mediterranean sun.

Majorca, Spain by Son of Groucho

13. Málaga

The city of Málaga is considered to be the southernmost city on the European continent. Situated just east of the Strait of Gibraltar, along the pristine Mediterranean shorelines, the city has become a popular retreat due to its long summers and warm winters. At more than 2,800 years old, the city is also one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

El Alcazaba, Malaga

14. La Palma, Canary Islands

While the island of La Palma is only the fifth largest of the popular Canary Islands, it is one of the most populated islands in the archipelago. Much of the homes and buildings that can be found on La Palma were built back in the 17th century and are perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the island.

La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain by pizzodisevo

15. Lloret de Mar

The coastal town of Lloret de Mar can be found along the shorelines of the Mediterranean Sea. Countless visitors have made their way to the town over the years to enjoy a fun-filled holiday in the sun. There are a number of bars and clubs that can be found in the town which has helped to establish Lloret de Mar as a lively party destination as well.

Beach of Lloret de Mar, Spain by Iron Bishop

16. Salou

The city of Salou dates back to the days of the Roman Empire when it was home to one of the most important ports in the region. Today however, the city is known as a popular destination in the country on account of the beautiful pristine beaches that can be found along its shores. Salou is also the transportation hub for those seeking to spend their holiday on the Balearic Islands. One of the best attractions that can be visited close to Salou is PortAventura Adventure Park awarded as the Best Amusement Park in Europe for 2012.

PortAventura Theme Park near Salou by João Máximo

17. Córdoba

The geographical region of Córdoba has become known over the years for its tantalizing wines. There are a number of vineyards and wineries that can be found throughout the region which produces a number of different qualities to choose from. Countless people make their way to the region every single year to visit the vineyards and wineries which can be found throughout the countryside.

Córdoba, Spain by Juan Carlos Guijarro Moreno

18. Tías, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

You will find the town of Tías situated on Lanzarote Island in the popular Canary Islands archipelago. The town is the main municipality on the island and is also home to most of the island’s hotels. While there are countless beaches on the island, some of the finest can only be found in Tías. If you chose Lanzarote for your next holidays, check flighthub.com and find the cheap air tickets to Lanzarote and other parts of Spain.

Sunset in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain by torephoto

19. San Sebastián

In the northern part of Spain, you will find the coastal city of San Sebastián situated along the shores of the Bay of Biscay. With the French border a mere twenty kilometres from the city, it has grown to become one of the most famous holiday destinations in the country. San Sebastián is also known for its international film festival which is held annually.

The beach of San Sebastian, Spain by dynamosquito

20. Toledo

You will find the city of Toledo located in the central portion of Spain. The city is known for its role in the history of Spain as it was once the capital of the country. There are countless World Heritage sites that can be found throughout Toledo as well as a number of archaeological sites that can be found in the city’s outskirts.

Toledo by F H Mira

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Studio eLBee

1. Cities and towns by lakes often have a rich cultural history supported by the presence of that lake.
If you really want to visit a place that has it all, and expansive lake with a thriving cultural presence, then Italy’s Lake Garda – the largest lake in the country – is the perfect location. It is located in Northern Italy, about halfway between Verona and Brescia, and is easily accessible from the north by the Brenner Pass. There are many different places to stay during a visit to Lake Garda. There are pricey exclusive resorts, as well as affordable family sized villas for rent. On this south side of Lake Garda lies the ancient Roman city of Sirmione. Here you can visit ancient spa complexes, and Scaliger castle which was built in the 13th century. Gardaland is a theme park that is popular among the locals and tourists alike.

2. Lakes support a wide variety of relaxing activities.
Visiting a lake means that you can take part in lots of different activities. Lakes are excellent places to take part in water sports, like kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. The Masuria region of Poland has over 1,000 lakes in the north western part of the country, and is an extremely popular destination for water sports. These are all glacial lakes, and while relatively deep, they are calm and therefore excellent places to take sailing lessons. There are many rivers and streams that connect these lakes, and these are great for paddling expeditions.

3. Lakes are perfect habitats for nature lovers.
Lakes are large areas of freshwater that attracts many different kinds of animals. Lake Ladoga, one of the largest lakes in the world, and the largest in Europe, also has a very large population of water birds. Freshwater fish are also very numerous, making this lake great for fishermen. This lake, that spans across both Russia and Finland, is perfect for birdwatchers and naturalists. Why not find a local car hire company, rent a car and head over to Lake Ladoga, ecologically a very special lake, and invites all kinds of explorations.

4. Cleaner, more beautiful water.
Lakes are often disregarded over coastal areas in favour of beaches and a beach scene, but savvy travellers know that some lake beaches are even more beautiful and relaxing. Lake Annecy of France is regarded as Europe’s cleanest lake, and also happens to be France’s second largest lake. It is the cleanest because of strict environmental regulations. Swimming, biking around the shore and water sports are the most popular activities here. A visit to France is not complete without a getaway to beautiful, scenic Lake Annecy.

5. Beautiful mountain lakes are a true getaway all year long.
Lakes can be situated in many different habitats, and mountain lakes are especially unique. The landscape surrounding mountain lakes are refreshing, with the forest covered peaks and valleys. Lake Geneva is one of the most popular destinations for lake holidays in Switzerland and Europe. It is the largest alpine lake in Europe, sitting at an elevation of 1,220 feet. Visiting mountain lakes means that even in the winter there are surrounding activities. At Lake Geneva, skiing, as well as mountain and lake scenery make it a great place to visit, even in the winter. In the summer, yachting on the lake and lounging on the shores are very popular.

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There is still a large area awaiting excavation and this is forested with mimosa, pine and eucalyptus trees.

The archeological site is the most spectacular in the island because the ruins are very extensive and are in a wonderful state of preservation. For more than a 1000 years, the Ancient Salamis lay buried in sands which saved the site from wanton destruction in the Middle Ages. It must be remembered that all the ancient ruins in Europe were -free for all- quarries for the builders of the medieval castles. It was not until the late 19th century that various governments formed departments of antiquities which began keeping a watchful eye on ruins. In a similar way, Pompeii lay buried in volcanic ash, and was also saved from vandalism. As Pompeii is to Italy, so is Salamis to Cyprus.

View Salamis – Ancient Roman City in Cyprus in a larger map

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Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia by Giovanni Dall’Orto

Soon after the completion of the main road, which connected the town to Altinum, Aquileia would grow to become a powerful and wealth commercial center. At the peak of its time, the town of Aquileia was home to more than 200,000 Romans. The city was known for its glassmakers.

In 452, the town was attacked by Attila the Hun and set ablaze. Many of the glassmakers who had helped make the town prosperous, relocated to the area surrounding the Venetian Lagoon. It is here at the lagoon that some of the most famous glass shops min the entire empire rose.

Archaeological Area, Aquileia, Italy by Zumzum

The town of Aquileia today is a park which is opened to the general public. Many of the ruins in Aquileia such as the forum, necropolis and harbor can be visited by year round by the general public. Many people also take the time to wander through the two neighborhoods in Aquileia that have been recently opened to the public as well. There are two different museums in Aquileia that house the many artifacts that have been uncovered over the years in the archeological dig sites located throughout Aquileia.

It is important to note that the original Roman basilica which had been built back in the 3rd century was destroyed during the attacks of Attila the Hun. The present day basilica was built on the ruins of the originally by order of the House of Savoy back in 1031.

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