"Spain" Spain by asturnut

Spain Travel Guide: 53,314 reviews and 136,982 photos

Diverse Spain

Most people don't realize how diverse Spain is. The Spanish culture is anything but homogonous. There really isn't any such thing as a 'spaniard' in Spain. While some young people are buying into the homogonous pop culture being imported from the USA, a lot aren't. And better yet, there has also been a cultural backlash which rejects Americanization and is embracing the regional character, culture and traditions of their locality. Most of the older generations in Spain are fiercly loyal to the provinces and principalities which they call home. If you were to ask most Spaniards where they are from they will rarely respond "Spain". The response would likely be a proud "Valencia", "Asturias", "Andalucia" or certainly "Pais Vasco or Euskadi". (Some areas, especially in the north are actively seeking independance from Spain because the regional indentity is so strong.) Each region has it's own cuisine, language or dialect, landscape & climate, traditions & customs. For this reason, you can't just visit one or two places in Spain and expect to get the whole picture.

Many people, for reasons I don't understand never venture into northern Spain, which is a real shame- it has so much to offer. There are wonderful ancient ruins, fantastic beaches, great people, great food, warm hospitality, art & cultural activities and much more. I'm not suggesting that a visit to Spain should exclude sites such as Alhambra and Cordoba, I would just like to encourage visitors to Spain not to limit themselves to these places.

Discover Green Spain!!! Asturias is Beautiful!

The view everywhere!!! used w/perm by Jorge Tutor

When most people think of Spain, they think of places like Sevilla, Madrid, Cordoba and Barcelona. Images of a hot, dry landscape, flamenco music, paella, bullfights and soccer come to mind. A land full of the mysterious influence of the Moors, Jews and other Arabs was what I envisioned. What I found instead, was a mountainous, lush green paradise, "Pariaso Natural," Asturias.

Asturies, is a small autonomous principality in Spain flanked by the mountains in the south and the sea to the north. The location protected Asturies from the influences of the invaders that have flowed through Spain throughout the centuries; Asturies is the only area of Spain never to have been conquered by the Moors. The result is a folk-culture, music and cuisine that is distinct from that of the rest of Spain. Visitors to the region (rare as they are) are often surprised by how Asturies, both in climate and culture reminds them of what they would expect to find in Ireland or Scotland. Because of the sheltered location of Asturias, the Celtic influence planted there thousands of years ago remains there today.

I fell in love with Asturies. It has the perfect combination of gorgeous landscape, mountains and ocean; rustic country living and big city nightlife; delicious gastronomy; and of course, gracious people. To any traveler that wants the best of all worlds, a place that is uncorrupted by the tourism industry, this is the place for you!

A wonderful beach in Northern Spain (Asturias)

Please note: Most of the content within this "Spain" page is found in a more refined form in my "Asturias" pages. Since VT made the switchover I have been trying to reorganize my pages. Therefore, I suggest you also visit my Asturias pages. This page is still under construction

Last visit to Spain: Aug 1996
Intro Updated Apr 17, 2003
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Reviews (21)

Picos de Europa Things to Do (4)

PICOS DE EUROPA- I didn't actually go mountain climbing myself, but I can tell you that if you are into hiking and... more travel advice

Beaches in Northern Spain Things to Do (4)

Many people go to the southern and western shores of Spain and the Canary Islands for the fantastic mediterranean... more travel advice

Flamenco in Spain Favorites (5)

To visit Spain and not experience flamenco is like visiting Alaska and not seeing snow! There are many types of... more travel advice

Drinking in Spain Favorites (5)

If you are young and adventuresome and going to Spain, you are probably planning on doing a little drinking while you... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 19, 2002

5 photos

Joaquín Cortés- modern flamenco

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Comments (56)

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blint Dec 6, 2007 at 6:13 AM

You are right about what you say about the pinxos although this is a practice that only really happens in the north of Spain such as Pais Vasco. Some southern Spanish people won't know this custom either! :)
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undisputed Sep 5, 2005 at 9:32 PM

Cool pics of spain.Nice tribute to Flamenco..I was in spain last year..Really enjoyed my stay there for 3 months..
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RedEaredPanda Oct 11, 2004 at 2:32 PM

Enjoyed browsing your Spanish pages.. Love the picture of the elder generation sitting outside chatting.. I was in Spain for one year in 1988. Great place.. Thanks for the great pics and tips.. Rafi
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alza Jul 12, 2004 at 5:34 PM

really well done and useful, thanks again. I love Northern Spain too. Bravo for your input here! :-)
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dsantosh Jun 27, 2004 at 8:29 PM

Superb page, nice tips and phtographs.
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deecat Dec 21, 2003 at 8:36 PM

Brilliant! My love of Spain drew me to your pages, and I am so pleased. Great culture tips. Your passion for Spain is evident. Thanks so much for your wonderful pages.
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ncfg Oct 2, 2003 at 7:01 AM

Great overview about Spain. I like JOAQUÍN CORTÉS as well he is fantastic. Greetings
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Santander Aug 10, 2003 at 3:17 PM

hey girl, I put the Spanish name of the plant you like so much "Ortiga". And, when you return to Spain, come to Santander, just near Asturias. I'm Spanish and I really like your intro.. thanks!!!!
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sim1 Apr 11, 2003 at 10:27 AM

Excellent page! I loved reading it! So many well written tips about the Spanish culture!
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Rhondaj Mar 28, 2003 at 4:18 PM

Excellent observations!! (and I was the full cheek kisses (not air bussing) greeter. I guess they were thinking, "funny Americana girl!"