Spain is now a Kingdom once more and covers four fifths of the Iberian penisula. It has a population of 40 million people and an area of 500,000 square kilometers. Much of its inland area comprise of high tablelands  the Mesetas  and they are criss-crossed by five mountain ranges. In Europe, only Switzerland exceeds Spain for average height above sea level. However, Spain's landscape is diverse ranging from the green wetlands in Galicia to the virtual desert condition you will find in southern Andalucia. Areas of the south also contain mountainous wildernesses culminating in rugged coastlines interspersed with hot sandy beaches. Northern Spain contains the vast Pyrenees mountain range with its snow-capped peaks so that Spain's natural environment covers a vast and varied collection of terrains all waiting for you to explore.

The cooler average temperatures of northern Spain are counterbalanced during June and September by the hot sunny condition of its coast attracting native visitors from the towns and cities of inland Spain, where conditions can become almost unbearably hot, as well as visitors from abroad. However, there is always more than enough accommodation to go round whether it's a cottage in the Pyrenees or a villa on the Costa del Sol. Whatever your holiday needs Spain can provide you with a relaxing holiday location anywhere you choose. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hot summers on the vast array of beaches dotted along the Spanish coastline or in the cool grandeur of the Pyrenees for winter skiing.

For culture seekers Spain boasts a vast array of Roman ruins and Gothic cathedrals throughout its entirety , with Moorish palaces common in south and central Spain. Almost every town and village boasts a medieval castle nestling amongst its cottages and farmhouses. Spain's capital, Madrid, has several museums, including the world famous Prado which is also one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture making Madrid one of its best visited cities. Further south at Granada the Alhambra Palace is perhaps the finest example of Moorish architecture built during the islamic occupation of Spain. Barcelona, is emerging as another popular city resort, full of dynamic style and culture. Spain is a natural attraction for foodies. The gastronomic delights of Paella, gazpacho and tapas have many regional variations and the primary influence for Latin-American cooking. Spain's location at the southernmost end of Europe means that an afternoon siesta allows for a leisurely lunch and the time to enjoy a long and colourful night life.

Sea-faring is a traditional amongst the inhabitants of the green landscape of Cantabria. This part of the Iberian peninsula contains the prehistoric relics of its oldest inhabitants. The oldest cave paintings in Europe can be found here at Altamira. The breathtaking scenery of the mountains makes Cantabria the perfect holiday area away from the the overbearing heat of the likes of Andalucia in the south. However, Andalucia can offer other attractions. Its sparkling, azure coast contains spectacular monuments heavily influenced by the Moors in its hill towns. It contains some of Spain's most beautiful scenery with the provinces of Almeria and Seville providing a fabulous mountain backdrop. In south-eastern Spain, a holiday villa rented in Denia, a holiday apartment in Moraira or a villa in Javea will give you easy access to the natural attractions of Alicante.

One of the most popular areas for the sun-lover is the Costa del Sol which stretches along the most southerly coast of Spain. Its sun-drenched sandy beaches and rental apartments and villas, often with private pools, provide the sort of quality accommodation that attracts tourists from around the world. Further east lies the idyllic Costa Blanca where the azure Mediterranean laps the pure white sand of its many beaches. It also can offer a plethora of quality accommodation for the discerning holidaymaker.

So, the choice is yours. The holiday opportunities that exist in the many regions of Spain are so diverse and fascinating that its many visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer a sun-drenched villa on the Costa del Sol or a holiday apartment in Barcelona or in an away-from- it- all mountain farmhouse the perfect family holiday is guaranteed in this idyllic and unique corner of Europe.