Five favourite photos from Spain

We've enjoyed many great trips to Spain and it's so hard to decide on our favourite places. That said, here are five of them. Whilst you may know some of the cities, hopefully you don't know them all.

Parque de Retiro, Madrid
The Retiro Park, in Madrid's Jeronimos district, takes its name from Felipe IV's royal palace complex which once stood there. Today all that is left of the palace is the Cason del Buen Retiro and the Salon de Reinos. These days the park is a destination for city dwellers, to enjoy the beautiful open space of the park, you'll see cyclists, runners, roller bladers, walkers and many people simply relaxing & talking with friends and family members. On a sunny day, the Retiro is a fantastic place to visit and watch the citizens of this wonderful city.

Parque de Retiro

Plaza Mayor, Salamanca

This 18th century square in Salamanca, is one of Spain's largest and grandest. On the east side of the square you'll find the Royal Pavillion, decorated with a bust of Felipe V, who built the square. Compared to its namesake in Madrid, it seemed to us more relaxed, less full of visiting tourists and the prefect place to relax with a Cerveza.

Plaza Mayor

Las Negras, Cabo de Gata, Andalucia

To many people, beach holidays in Spain are associated with the Costa del Sol, or one of the islands. Las Negras is a small costal resort, situated in the beautiful nature park of Cabo de Gata. It is an Andalucian gem, this is real Spain. For a nice change from areas such as the Costa del Sol, you won't hear to many English, Dutch or German accents. Enjoy!

Las Negras

The Albaicin, Granada

Perhaps, the main reason for visiting the enchanting city of Granada is obviously the Alhambra. Without doubt, it is a very special place, but if you visit Granada, don't miss the opportunity to wander round the streets of the Albaicin. This neighbourhood, on the hillside opposite the Alhambra, is perhap where you can get closest to the city's Moorish ancestry. Along the cobbled streets stand carmenes, villas, with Moorish decorations and gardens, hidden from the passing eye by high walls. Added to this there are plenty of interesting shops & bars where you can stop to get some much needed refreshment.

Albaicin

The City of Segovia

Just a short trainride on a fast train from Madrid, Segovia is a perfect place to visit if you are staying in the Spanish capital. The city is spectacular, set high on a rocky spur surrounded by the Rio Eresma and the Rio Clamores. The Roman aqueduct, the city's cathedral and the Alczar are just three of the attractions of this compact city. 

Segovia's Aqueduct

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