Besides beautiful beaches, great culture and magnificent nature, Spain has much more to offer. For example, how about the many museums with a variety of works from different periods of Spanish history. Many Spanish museums have found a good balance between combining ancient art with modern art and often beautiful architecture. The range of Spanish museums is enormous, so below is a very small sample of the Spanish museum guide.

The Prado museum in Madrid

The Prado museum in Madrid is one of the most famous and also one of the largest museums in the world. Among other works of Bosch, Albrecht Dürer, Botticelli, Velazquez, Gaudi, Michelangelo and Van Dyck are exhibited in this museum. In addition to paintings, the museum also contains and large array of fine art, coins and other works of art. In total, the museum owns more than 8,500 works of art. These artworks are not only exhibited in the same building, no these artworks are distributed in 2 buildings, "The Villanueva" and "Cason del Buen Retiro. During a trip to Madrid, a visit to this museum is definitely worthwhile. Every year millions of people visit the museum. In 2011, the museam had a visitor count of 2.9 million.

The MNAC in Barcelona

Besides Madrid, Barcelona also has a wonderful museum. The Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, also known as MNAC. The museum is located in the Palou Nacional on Montjuïc hill. But from Plaza España, you can enjoy a great view of the museum. Many people find the Palau Nacional somewhat akin to the Vatican City. The museum's main collection is its collection of Romanesque art. Most of the works in this collection are representative of Romanesque art in Catalonia. In addition to this collection, the museum also has a large collection, Gothic art as well as works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The museum also has several works by Rubens and Picasso, among others. In total, the museum owns more than 150,000 works. If you buy a ticket to this museum, you will have 2 days to see the museum. If you are not much interested in the art, just stop by to admire the beautiful architecture.

Dalí Museum in Figueras

North of Barclona is the town of Figueras. This place is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí. This is why the Dalí Museum is located in this place. The collection consists of thousands of objects from different periods of Dalí's life. More than 4,000 works of art result from Dalí's use of different techniques, materials and media. Coastal works include jewelry, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Most of the collection is on display year-round at the Dalí Theater museum. Two special aspects of the museum are its architecture, and the fact that Salvador Dalí is buried in the museum! However, a visit to Dalí's grave is not possible.

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Flamenco

The best-known phenomenon in the Spanish music industry is flamenco music. The origin of flamenco lies in southern Spain, Andalusia. However, besides flamenco, there are many other Spanish influences in the music known in the Netherlands. Flamenco is one of Spain's most famous musical genres. Flamenco is an umbrella term for the dance, music and singing that originated in the second half of the 19th century in southern Spanish Andalusia. The first things that immediately stand out about flamenco is the twelve-tell system, the Arabic sound influences and the lavish embellishments such as clothing style used in this genre of music. Flamenco is mostly known as powerful, expressive and spirited.

The basis of flamenco is singing. This singing is also called cante flamenco. The cante flamenco is supported by the baile flamenco, the dance style. The baile flamenco consists of often graceful arm and hand movements and intricate footwork. The footwork is also known as "taconeo.

When looking for information about flamenco, one also often comes across the word Duende. Duende is the moment when the guitarist, singer or dancer becomes so absorbed in the music that it creates something more than song, dance or music. The moment a duende takes place, the audience is breathlessly focused on the person possessing this Duende.

Spanish Pop Music

Besides flamenco, there are a number of Spanish singers who have made their mark in Spanish pop music worldwide. Alejandro Sanz and David Bisbal are good examples. David Bisbal gained name recognition in the Netherlands after Jeroen van der Boom released the song "Jij bent zo" in 2007. The original of this song is Spanish-language and was sung by David Bisbal. During Jeroen van der Boom's concert, David was therefore one of the guests of honor. The covering of "Silencio" to "You are so" was not the only song that created worldwide fame for David Bisbal. Outside the Netherlands and Spain, David became very well known worldwide for the song 'Wavin´ Flag' which he released together with K´naan, an African artist as the title song for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This song became a huge hit, and since then David Bisbal has been a much sought-after artist all over the world. He also has a number of Latin Awards to his name.

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Salamanca, ´Ciudad Dorada´. Salamanca is also called ´the golden city´. This name is due to the type of stone with which many monuments and other buildings are built. This stone comes from Villamayor, a village in the region of Salamanca. This type of stone has a high iron content, giving the city a golden glow especially at sunrise and sunset. Besides this stunning appearance, Salamanca has much more to offer. Such as the new and the old cathedral, among others, and definitely do not forget the beautiful University of Salamanca.

The Romanesque architectural style

The origins of Romanesque architecture date back to the early 11th century. The construction of the old cathedral of Salamanca was started in the 12th century; it was not completely finished until the 14th century. The old cathedral therefore has many features of Romanesque architecture. For example, the cathedral has thick walls, with small windows and narrow doorways. The walls of this type of building carried almost the entire weight of the building. It was therefore feared that if one made openings too large, the walls could no longer bear the weight. So this is why many buildings with Romanesque architecture have dark interiors. Some other features of the Romanesque architectural style that can be found in the old cathedral include the round curved walls, quiet and clear shapes, many decorations and a cross shape as a floor plan.

The Gothic architectural style

Gradually around the 15th century, the Romanesque style gradually passed into the Gothic architectural style. Therefore, the new cathedral built between the 16th and 18th centuries has many features of the Romanesque architectural style, but also some features of the Gothic architectural style. The main difference between the Romanesque and Gothic styles is that Gothic construction left out many elements that were previously important to ensure that the building would stand. Instead of these elements, more use was made of cross-ribbed vaults, pillars and pointed arches. All of these uses made it possible to make the buildings much taller than previously possible.

The University of Salamanca has influences of different architectural styles, for example, the buildings have Romanesque, Gothic and as well as Platoresque features. The main features of the latter architectural style are much reflected in the facade of the University of Salamanca. This facade is beautifully decorated with various ornaments such as chandeliers, garlands and various other ornaments. For example, in addition to the famous frog in the facade, there is also a time traveler. This one symbolizes the "journey" that the University of Salamanca has gone through.

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Spain's oldest university can be found in Salamanca. Salamanca is located in the province of the same name, about 200 kilometers northwest of Madrid. The University of Salamanca is not only the oldest university in Spain, but also the second oldest in Europe after the University of Bologna.

• The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 by King Alfons IX of Leon. Christopher Columbus, among others, was a professor at this university.
• In addition to a Spanish course, there are numerous other options for studying in Salamanca.
• There is a frog in the facade of the university's main building; legend has it that students who find it will have a prosperous time studying.

Now what makes Salamanca such a great student city is that, among other things, it speaks the purest Spanish, it is a modern city with beautiful architecture but still has the charm of a village. This is because everything is within walking distance and because you do come into contact with international and national students everywhere. The beautiful architecture of the city has made the old center of Salamanca, including the university and the old and new cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

The number of students at the university increased until 1580. At that time there were 6,500 students studying at the university. In the seventeenth century, the number of students decreased. Today, more than 30,000 students study in Salamanca every year. This therefore makes Salamanca the student city of Spain.

The Spanish language

In addition to studying Spanish language, writing and culture, there are numerous other options for studying in Salamanca. In the past, students could choose to study medicine, law, technology, art-philosophy, mathematics, music, humanities and, of course, linguistics, among others. Today, there are still numerous options. For example, there are several opportunities to study the Spanish language. But there are also still opportunities to study medicine, psychology, mathematics, history, literature, philosophy, law science at the University of Salamanca. Studying in Salamanca for an entire academic year, a semester or just during the summer are some examples of the many options at the university.

The facade of the university's main building has caused the frog to become Salamanca's city symbol. Something of this city symbol can be found in every souvenir shop. Now it is not that the frog is a special animal for the Salamantinos (inhabitants of Salamanca) but because a frog can be found on the beautifully decorated facade of the university. Not only on the facade of the university but also at the richly decorated door on the west side of the new cathedral, the frog can be found. Legend has it that students who find the frog face a prosperous student life. For non-students, the frog ensures good luck in love. So while visiting Salamanca, it is well worth trying to find the frog.

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As you know, Spain consists of the Spanish peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. But what you probably didn't know is that there are also two enclaves in Morocco that belong to Spain, Ceuta and Melilla. So there are many more Spanish facts you probably don't know yet. Like that besides the official national Spanish language, there are also four official regional languages in Spain.

Melilla and Ceuta

Melilla and Ceuta are two Spanish enclaves located off the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. The neighboring country of these enclaves is Morocco. Melilla is about 20 kilometers from Nador and Ceuta is a little closer to the Spanish mainland, near the Strait of Gibraltar. The enclaves are easy to visit from Spain. For example, there are daily ferry crossings from several cities in Spain. What makes it attractive to visit these cities is that although Ceuta and Melilla belong to the European Union, they are exempt from European tax legislation. So tax-free shopping! These enclaves belong to Spain because until 1950 Morocco was part of Spain. In 1950, Morocco gained independence, but Spain kept the two enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish is therefore spoken in Ceuta and Melilla, although a passport is required when visiting these cities, as these cities are not within Europe.

The Spanish language

In addition to the Spanish language spoken throughout Spain, there are several dialects found in Spain, just like in the Netherlands. However, in Spain, four of these dialects have been named official reginonal languages. Galician, Basque, Catalan and Valencian. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, their regional language is often considered the main language. In many public places, such as on road signs, you will find Catalan or Basque first, with the Spanish meaning given underneath.

The Spanish climate

By now you already know a lot of information about Spain. You will also know that Spain is a very suitable winter destination. However, not all areas of Spain are suitable for wintering. Spain has three climate regions. The south and east coasts of Spain have a Mediterranean climate, as do the islands and enclaves. The north and northwest of mainland Spain has a maritime climate, and finally the central interior has a continental climate. The inland and northwest side of Spain can be compared to the Dutch climate, which has mild winters and cool summers. Of course, in Spain, as in the Netherlands, there can be outliers that make it either warmer or cooler. So the islands, Ceuta, Melilla, the south and east coasts are the best winter destinations.
 

 Photo by i-Dave

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Spanish culture has many different customs and traditions. The siesta, the special division of the day with no less than 4 meal times and then there are the dozens of different types of Tapas. There are many other special, "crazy" customs from the Spanish culture. For example, what about the bullfights in Pamplona or La Tomatina in Buñol. Below is a small selection of the sometimes very unusual customs of Spanish culture.

Siesta

Many stores, supermarkets and other public places in Spanish towns and cities close between 2 and 5 p.m. To many people, siesta is known as the afternoon nap of those who work in Spain. However, this is by no means the case. Only a small part of the Spanish population actually takes an afternoon nap. Since the time of siesta is also sometimes the time when lunch is eaten in Spain, many Spaniards choose to spend this time with family or in a café for a sumptuous lunch. The Spanish lunch that takes place between 2 and 3 p.m. is similar to the evening meal eaten in the Netherlands. Large hot dishes that are often eaten with the whole family. After the Spaniards finish their afternoon nap or their extensive lunch, they return to work until 7 or 9 pm.

Tapas

After the extended lunch, tapas is often eaten between 6 and 7 p.m. with colleagues. Almonds, olives, ham, chorizo and shrimp are just a few examples of tapas. These small bites are mainly used to whet the appetite, because around 10 p.m., the people of Spain will begin their last meal of the day, dinner. Dinner is much lighter than the Spaniards' lunch. This is why tapas are eaten between lunch and dinner.

La Tomatina

Finally; La Tomatina this is a festival celebrating the harvesting of new ripe tomatoes from the land. The festival begins every last Wednesday of August at 10 a.m. with a ham being hung on a greased pole. The start of the tomato fight takes place as soon as someone manages to get the ham off the greased pole. At that moment, trucks full of tomatoes enter the Plaza del Pueblo and the fight can begin! After exactly one hour, the final signal will be given and all locals and tourists make their way to the nearest garden hose to get rid of the tomato residue. Since 1957 the tomato fight was officially authorized and since 1980 tomatoes have even been handed out by the municipality. The next tomato fight will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013. During a Spanish course, Buñol is definitely worth a visit.

Photo by renotahoe

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The Dutch student life: study, move in as soon as possible and hit the bars with your friends/student association! The Spanish student life is similar, but a little different. For many Dutch students it is hard to imagine living at home until the age of 27!

The Spanish student life means lots of partying (if you want you can go every night of the week!), living at home for a long time and of course lots of studying. In Spain, most students live at home until the age of 27, with some exceptions, of course. The students who will study a little further away and would therefore have to travel for a long time do move into rooms. They become really independent only when they have their own jobs.

Speaking of jobs... Many Spanish students did have side jobs a few years ago, but we all know the financial situation in Spain. There is hardly any work to be had. This has already led to major protests throughout the country several times. 50% of young people are unemployed. Then again, what is very nice to see is that many Spaniards remain so cheerful and sociable despite the unemployment figures! They don't lose their charm because of it!

Study in Spain

Spain is one of the favorite countries among foreign youth to study for a while. You then have the choice of studying at a Spanish university or taking a Spanish language course. Typical among students are the botellones that are held. In the park or somewhere else outdoors with a large group of people from many different countries having a drink. This drink is bought in the supermarket and put in large plastic bottles. Usually this is cola with red wine: calimocho. But cava is always good too!

Contrary to popular belief, Spanish students do receive years of English in school. However, because classes are in Spanish and series or movies on television are dubbed, they do not have the opportunity to practice the language so they do not master it. Fortunately, many foreign students do speak Spanish which allows for good communication. Plus, you learn to speak Spanish much faster when you practice it outside of school!

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It already starts with dinner: in Holland punctually at 6 p.m. but in Spain usually around 10. Earlier or later is also allowed, it doesn't matter. As long as you have taken a siesta in the afternoon!

The cultural differences between Spain and Holland are quite noticeable. My first time in Spain, I was out with some friends and at 02.00 o'clock at night the little children were still running over the streets! I had never seen this before! But yes, in the summer this is the most normal thing in the world here.

Spanish food

I was just talking about dinner time, but the food itself is different, of course! In the afternoon, Spaniards eat a hot meal. I sit there every day with my sandwiches... I still haven't managed to get used to such a large meal at noon. In the evening they eat something smaller, usually tapas or a sandwich.

Spaniards love a drink! But then they don't do it like us Dutch, with half a liter of beer in your hand. In Spain it starts somewhere in the morning with a glass of red wine. Some alcohol in your coffee is also possible. In the afternoon some more wine and in the evening of course it can't be missed! We can't expect anything else from the largest wine country in the world.

Elderly people in Spain

Nice to see in Spain are the elderly people who sometimes spend whole afternoons sitting on benches talking. You won't easily see this in the Netherlands. They sit there for a while people watching and talking, it does look relaxing.

In the summer, everyone here sits comfortably on the ground! And then especially in Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is fun, all groups of people sitting on the ground talking. All this is also possible and not dirty, as the streets are cleaned EVERY night! And if you are not careful, the cleaners just spray you wet too.

As we all know, Spain has a 'mañana, mañana' culture! But really, there is nothing wrong with that, is there? Spaniards always stay calm and don't rush into things. Much more sociable. I hope that after this information about Spain, you too will now say, "I want to go to Spain!"

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The Spanish Tortilla

It is not called "Tortilla Española" for nothing: the tortilla de patatas is one of Spain's showpieces. In every tapas bar in Spain, you will come across a tortilla de patatas as standard. This is a kind of large omelet made of egg and potatoes and often with onion. Your visit to Spain is not complete without having tried this cake! It is also fun and delicious to prepare it yourself!

Other Spanish dishes that are also highly recommended in the local tapas bars:

Patatas bravas

Typical Spanish tapa, not really something special but oh-so-tasty! Deep fried potatoes with spicy salsa.

Gambas a la plancha

Fried shrimp with garlic and parsley on a piece of baguette. Especially delicious on the coastal areas, these areas are known for their good fish! By the way, these areas are also a very good place to eat Paella, another one of Spain's specialties.

Calamares a la romana

Deep-fried squid rings. Even if you normally don't really like fish, these are often still found tasty!

Chorizo

Tasty piece of sausage, usually also well seasoned with spicy paprika.

Lomo

This is the most delicious piece of meat from a pig. Not comparable to other pork!

Boquerones en vinagre

Sprat in vinegar. You must have tried this once.

Albóndigas

Small meatballs in sauce. Not like the Dutch meatballs, but very tasty!

Croquetas de jamón

These Spanish croquettes are nothing like our Dutch croquette. They are small and usually made of cheese, ham, shrimp or stockfish.

In Spanish cuisine, it is normal to eat these dishes with a piece of baguette. You often get a tapa, or also called a pincho, for free with a drink. There are many more tasty dishes, which you get to try for yourself in Spain!

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Active vacations in Spain

The sports lovers among us should definitely take a trip to Spain! And not only the "regular" sports like soccer, basketball are popular. If you like water sports then you can't believe your luck in Spain! From rafting and surfing to diving and admiring the most beautiful spots of the sea. It's all possible in Spain! Is also a nice way to spend the winter in Spain, enjoying the sun ... With the Spanish climate you can do it all.

You can really practice many water sports in Spain. Because there are more than 250 harbors, you can sail well, so this is a popular sport in Spain. Furthermore, there are many sports here such as surfing, water skiing, kite surfing, kayaking and many more. Kayaking is best done in Catalonia, Gállego in Aragon, Carasa in Cantabria or Mino in Galicia. For surfing, water skiing and kitesurfing, head to the north coast.

If you want to dive you don't have to go far either! Spain has the most breathtaking spots! You can go diving on the north coast, these places are totally different from the marine life found on the Mediterranean coast, but incredibly beautiful. Of course, you can also go to islands like Mallorca and Ibiza, where you usually have a lot of visibility. Anywhere else is also possible as there are diving schools all along the Spanish coast!

Outdoor sports in Spain

In Spain you can find all kinds of daring outdoor sports. These are less known but certainly no less fun because of that! For example, you can go canyoning, then glide with a wetsuit through narrow and steep gorges. The best place to do this is in the region of Aragon in the Sierra de Guara - with over 200 gorges, this is one of the best places in Europe for canyoning.

What is also popular in Spain is puenting. In this sport, you usually jump from a high bridge and then you hit the water just or just barely. It's a bit like bungee jumping only now you don't have a rubber band pulling you back up. Of course, you hang from some kind of rope, but there's not much elastic in there. So the difference is, with bungee jumping you bounce and with puenting you swing.

There are so many different activities to experience in Spain. Because of the wide variety of different climates, you can always find fun water sports somewhere. In any case, you will never be bored!

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