Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mishkabear

If you’re planning a trip to Spain in the future, these are some items you should definitely put in your itinerary:

1. Check out the Alhambra Complex.

The Alhambra is a breathtaking palace complex constructed by Moorish rulers in the mid-14th century. This fortress is so vast that it will take you practically an entire day to explore it!

2. Visit the Cathedral of Santiago.

Located in Galicia, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s oldest churches and one of Spain’s most popular tourist spots. You will be amazed at this cathedral’s grand architecture and lavish interiors!

3. Visit the Guggenheim Museum.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is one of the most unique buildings in the world. Catch world-class exhibitions inside this museum of modern and contemporary art.

4. Go skiing in Sierra Navada.

If you’re craving a little snow adventure, then head on to the Sierra Navada Mountains to do some skiing. The best months for snow are December up until April.

5. Walk by the Old Town of Avila.

The Old Town of Avila boasts of the most preserved and beautiful medieval walls in all of Spain and even Europe. Visit the Old Town of Avila and see just why it was made a World Heritage Site.

6. Stop by Cibeles Square.

Are you a Real Madrid football fan? Pass by Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid and have your photo taken at the traditional spot where die-hard fans celebrate their football team’s triumphs.

7. Spend a few hours at Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the beautiful outdoors, then head on to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. You can also take the family for a scenic climb or hike!

8. Check out San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

This historical landmark less than an hour away from Madrid is home to the mausoleum where all Spanish kings and queens are laid to rest. If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely enjoy the guided tour!

9. Witness the Running of the Bulls.

This 7-day festival in Pamplona is one of the most thrilling spectacles you could ever witness. Run with the bulls or watch others do it! Either way, your adrenaline will surely be pumping!

10.  Stroll around Las Ramblas.

Check out this lovely street in Barcelona lined up with charming cafes and restaurants, outdoor markets and various boutiques. You can also shop and dine at the indoor shopping center located at the end of the pier.

11.  Shop at El Rastro.

El Rastro, one of the largest open air flea markets in Spain, is a wonderful place to dine and shop to your heart’s delight. Bargain hunters most certainly need to do their shopping here!

12.  Experience Gaudi’s Architecture.

No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing Antoni Gaudi’s marvelous and magical architecture. Parc Guell, in particular, is home to tilting buildings, elaborate fountains and colorful tiles.

Of course, there are so many wonderful things to do and see in Spain. These are just 12 of the items to put on your itinerary the next time you are headed to Spain in order to make your trip one for the books!

About the Author:

Kristine M. is an adventure blogger who writes about the most exciting places to be in. She greatly fancies the various activities that anyone can do in the bustling nightlife in the various cities around the world. During her spare time, she helps Broadband Expert, a high speed internet provider, with its office administration and blogging activities. Check out her next blog post for her next adventure.

The post Introducing Spain – 12 Places to Include in Your Itinerary appeared first on Europe Explored.

View Piazza Pretoria with the Fontana Pretoria on the Larger Map

Imaginary center of Palermo is Piazza Vigliena where meet two main streets of the city – Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio Emanuele. It was designed in the 17th Century by well-known Florentine architect Giulio Lasso. The square is surrounded by four majestic buildings with a richly decorated facade. In front of each of them there is a fountain. The sculptures in various niches show four seasons, the Spanish king and saint patron of the city. Sometimes the square is called the “Solar Theater”, since when come here at any time of day, at least one of the facades is beautifully illuminated by the sun.

View Piazza Vigliena on the Larger Map

Just a few minutes away you will find a major landmark of the city – Cathedral of Palermo. It was built in the 12th century at the former place of basilica and mosque. Even today, observant visitors may have noticed engraved version of the Koran in one of its pillars. The building has retained its Norman Sicilian style, however the most of what we can see today dates back to the Renaissance period.

View Cathedral of Palermo on the Larger Map

Quite morbid, but for someone attractive can be a visit to the catacombs of the Capuchin Monastery – Catacomb dei Cappuccini. There are located approx. 8000 mummies of the former residents of Palermo. You definitely should not miss a tour to a nearby hill of Monte Pellegrino, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.

The airport is located thirty kilometers west of Palermo and you can get a bus to the centre of Palermo, which I personally think that it is the most craziest city in Europe and that I have ever seen.

What to see in Palermo

• Quattro Canti is a small square
• Piazza Pretoria with the Fontana Pretoria
• The Teatro Politeama
• The Teatro Massimo
• Palermo Cathedral – the city’s cathedral and main church
• San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi church
• San Giovanni degli Eremiti
• Chiesa della Martorana
• San Cataldo
• Santa Maria della Gancia
• Santa Maria della Catena
• San Giuseppe dei Teatini
• Oratorio di San Lorenzo
• Orto botanico di Palermo
• Capuchin Catacombs

The post Palermo – the craziest city in Europe | Sicily, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.