Victorio V. Spain and Portugal

Spain There is so much to do that you don’t know what to do first. There are different cultures, climates, and topographies. The weather is so nice! There’s always sunshine and its always warm. There is so much to do but you just don’t know what to do. There are 2 exquisite beach regions the Costa Blanca with is southeast of Spain. The there is the Costa del Sol in the southern coast of Spain.

How travelers get there (Spain & Portugal) Spain's Gateways are ran by Madrid’s Barajas Airport, served by North American carries and Iberia, the Spanish Airline. The flights are from Ney York and Boston (6.5 hours each), Chicago and Miami (8 hours each) and Los Angeles (11 hours) Then you have to go to different Airports such as, Picasso Airport on the Costa de Sol, El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Portela Airport in Libson, and TAP Air Prtugal.

Weather Patterns (Spain) In the North and Northeast winters are rainy with plenty of snow in the mountains. Central Spain has chilly winters with frequent showers. The costal areas of Spain are most like the southern part of California, with occasionally mild rainy winters, and hot dry weather for the rest of the year.

Getting Around in Spain For being the second biggest country in Europe (only France is larger). People will get around by flying because the highways and rail systems aren't as extensive or efficient as other European Countries. The Spanish national railroads railway uses good equipment and is high speed along with long distance. Other routes are slow and can be uncomfortable.

Portugal It’s only the size of Indiana and it has its own beach resorts. The beach resort is Algarve on the southern coast. Its capital is Lisbon it rests up against the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese Azores, are about 800 miles west of Lisbon, they're gentle islands with spas and beach resorts. The Madeira Islands are 400 miles west of Morocco.

Weather Patterns (Portugal) Portugal's climate has less temperature variation year-round, with more winter rain than Spain. Water temperatures along the Algarve are warmer than on Portugal’s Atlantic coast.

Getting Around (Portugal) The trains in Portugal are modern and comfortable. There’s also a connection between Lisbon and Madrid. The buses are comfortable in Portugal and there are rental cars to choose from. A self-drive may not be the best because Portugal, along with Spain have high accident and car break- in rates.

Important Places (Spain & Portugal) Madrid, Spain It’s the largest city in Spain. It has free enterprise, new personal freedoms, and burgeoning arts and it’s a strong and beautiful city. The Prado is one of the worlds premier and most influential museums. The Spanish art is superb. The Plaza Mayor, an imposing square in the city’s Old Madrid section. The Royal Palace, once the home of King Charles III and today and art museum with one of the finest medieval arms.

Important Places (Spain & Portugal) San Sebastian Its near the French boarder on three hills. It has fine beaches and an elegant casino it’s a popular summer resort Pamplona, it’s the little village best know for “The Running of The Bulls” Costa Blanca Its south of Barcelona in the center of the popular beach town of Alicante. It’s the driest areas of Spain with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year

Important Places (Spain & Portugal) Costa del Sol Its one of the preeminent beach resorts in Europe. Its best of having very busy nightlife. Andalusia The mountain region is the land of flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and lavish Moorish. Lisbon It’s the capital of Portugal and it has ancient history going back to the time of Ulysses who found the city.

Important Places Pictures Madrid Spain San Sebastian Costa Blanca Costa del SolAndalusia Lisbon

Sources Part IV: Europe Chapter17: Spain and Portugal : Everything under the Sun Pages in the book.