Charming, historic, economical lodging options. With maps, photos, and cultural background.

The historic Paradores of Spain are the fulfilment of every traveller's dream. These many lovingly restored castles and monasteries offer hospitality in the grand manner with food and wine to match. Their superb settings and romantic associations have made them famous amongst world travelers. Jan Read has been joined by his wife Maite Manjón to make this beautiful volume a very special celebration of these Castles in Spain. The chapter on each Parador starts with a concise historical introduction setting the building in its place in Spain's long history. Then follows a section on the regional foods written with discerning appreciation by two people who know some of the rarer delicacies of this fascinating country. The wines of the region in which the Parador is situated are critically viewed and for those with an interest in exotic cooking Maite Manjón has selected her favorite recipes. -- From publisher's description.

Art and architecture lovers, ecotourists, history buffs, gourmands, wine aficionados, culture scholars, outdoor sports fanatics—Spain truly has something for everyone. Its good weather and many varied attractions make it ideal for year-round vacationing. Spain is the home of diverse cultures and traditions. From the stoic independence of the Basques to the progressive architecture and design of the Catalans and the sultry rhythms and sun-drenched siestas of the Andalusians, you’ll discover an intriguing, welcoming country. This guide gets you going with info on: The three major areas: Northern Spain, including Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and the Basque Country; Central Spain, including Madrid and Castile, and Southern Spain, including Andalusia, Seville, Cordoba, and Granada How to get the best seats at a bullfight Strolling Barcelona’s La Rambia, a vibrant street parade, or tripping along on a tavern and tapas crawl Racing with beasts at the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or leisurely strolling the crooked streets in a lively old district such as Cordoba’s Juderia, Salamanca’s old quarter, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Granada’s Albaycin District, and more Exploring some of the finest art museums in Europe and seeing masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Miro, Dali, Chillida, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Rubens, and more Dining on Catalan haute cuisine in Barcelona, traditional Basque dishes in Bilbao, nueva cocina vasca in SanSebastian, truffles and foie gras in Madrid, regional and traditional French dishes in Cordoba, or tantalizing tapas anywhere Architecture dating back to the Romans and Moors, including Museo Guggenheim Bilbao, Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct, Avila’s city walls, and Granada’s Alhambra, a place of magic, mystery, and legend Staying in an opulent easly-20th-century palace, a 16th century convent, a farmhouse estate dating to the tenth century, an intimate inn, or roughing it and backpacking around Spain Meandering through Andalusia’s pueblos blancos amid the rolling hills and olive groves and near the famous sherry wineries and prancing horses in Jerez and the southern beaches of the Costa de la Lux and Costa del Sol Like every For Dummies travel guide, Spain For Dummies, 4th Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best hotels and restaurants for every budget Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages Whether you enjoy fiestas or siestas, vibrant cities or laid-back seacoasts, with this guide, you can plan a fantástico vacation.