Building peace in the minds of men and women. That is the goal of UNESCO. UNESCO creates a World Heritage List containing all of the world's special places. Many of these beautiful and historic places can be found in Latin America. Definitely worth a visit if you are in South America!

UNESCO was founded by the United Nations, the aim of which is world peace. The UN wants to improve the living conditions of all people in the world. They also strive to stimulate the development of universal values, in this way they hope to achieve freedom of want and freedom of fear.

UNESCO is helping in this endeavor by creating a World Heritage List. This list is divided into 3 parts. Namely; Natural Heritage, Cultural Heritage and Mixed Heritage, which is a combination of Natural and Cultural Heritage. There is also a separate list of endangered world heritage. In total there are 962 World Heritage Sites, spread over 157 countries.

Latin America is full of extraordinary places on this World Heritage List. 20 percent of all Natural World Heritage Sites on UNESCO's list are found in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Most world heritage sites in Latin America are found in Mexico and Peru. Thus, in Mexico you can see sights like one of the new 7 wonders of the world "Chichen Itza. In Mexico you will find no less than 31 (!) World Heritage sites. Take your pick!

One of the most important cities of the Maya was Chichen Itza. In the city you will find the Pyramid of Kukulcán (also called "el Castillo"). The pyramid is now more than 1,000 years old and great to see once! There are many more ruins to view, attracting millions of visitors. But that's not surprising, the city and its monuments are breathtaking and still exude all the historical charm of the past.

You certainly won't be bored in Peru either! Here you will find 11 different sights that are on the World Heritage List. There are many different cities, historical properties, parks and much more. Peru's most besproke n world heritage site is Cusco. This ancient village was originally the capital of the Incas.

In short: take a good look at the world heritage list and find a nice place to visit! Enjoy!

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As we all know, Spain is a country with a rich culture.... And the fact that Spaniards are proud of it is also evident! Many world heritage sites can be found and Spanish history has many literary writers and artists. The Spanish culture is not only noticeable in Spain, due to colonization much of South America has also been heavily influenced by Spanish culture!

By Spanish culture we mean the language, religion and history of Spain. But of course this also includes customs such as the many holidays and fiestas, siesta keeping and high regard for the family. Spanish food certainly cannot be missing from this list either! The wide variety of sausages such as chorizo, jamón ibérico or jamón serrano are typical of Spanish culture, as are paella, gazpacho and tortilla de patatas. A characteristic of the Spanish is that they have a ´tranquila mentality´, take it easy!

Spanish history shows how the Spanish passed on their culture to other countries. When Spain established colonies in many countries in South America between 1492 and 1898, Spanish culture was also transferred. In total, the Spanish empire consisted of parts in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Spain also left its mark in the Netherlands, just think of the national anthem: ´´...den koning van Hispanje heb ik altijd geëerd...´´.

Famous artists from Spanish history include Gaudí, Diego Velázquez, Pablo Picasso, El Greco and Francisco de Goya. The works of these artists can be viewed in Barcelona and Madrid, among others (highly recommended in this city is the Prado museum). But there is also much to see in Seville, where Diego Velázquez was born. As is the Picasso museum in Málaga. But, not only in Spain can Spanish art be admired. Spanish art is world famous and therefore can be found everywhere.

Of course, it is not only painters who have made Spanish culture so strong. Famous writers of Spanish literature include Luis de Gongora, Antonio Machado, Fernanado de Rojas, Pablo Neruda and Miguel de Cervantes, creator of the famous story of Don Quijote. Each of them played an important role in Spanish literature.

World Heritage sites in Spain can be found in many places. Typical are the old centers, universities and cathedrals. For example, you can visit the old town of Salamanca, the historic center of Cordoba or in Madrid the monastery and site of the Escorial. Also worth visiting are the Alhambra, Genralife and Albaicín in Granada.

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What many people tend to forget is that Spain offers more than a 2-week summer vacation. Spanish cities are excellent for a weekend getaway! Opt for a city break in one of the busy cities, go hiking in the Sierra Nevada or choose to laze away a few days at the beach! Here are a few recommendations:

Madrid

The capital of Spain is famous for its museums. These include the Prado museum, the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Spain's largest park, the Retiro Park, is also a very nice attraction. Furthermore, you will visit a lot of architecture during your city break in Madrid. What you should definitely not skip is Mercado de San Miguel, where you can choose from thousands of delicious snacks. And do you like to party? Then Madrid is the place to be!

Barcelona

In Barcelona you can go in all directions during your city break! Visit the Sagrada Família, Gaudí´s Parc Güell or one of the many museums with famous beautiful works. Barcelona is also a true paradise for the shopaholics among us! And if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, just head to the beach!

Seville

Seville, the city of hot summers and mild winters. You'll find everything here for an unforgettable city break! Spain's fourth largest city is teeming with sights. Royal palaces, ancient cathedrals, flamenco bars but also many modern buildings. Seville is the capital of southern Spain and is known for its artistic, cultural characteristics and the warm hospitality of the ´Sevillanos´.

Valencia

In this city bordering the sea there is a lot of modern architecture! There is also a southern European atmosphere. All year round you can enjoy beautiful weather, various meusea, different historical and modern buildings and of course the very best paella! Also in this city every year in March "Las Fallas" take place. This is a big celebration honoring the feast day of St. Joseph.

Of course, there are many other great Spanish cities for a city break in Spain. For example, visit Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands. It is also fun to visit Pamplona. This is just a little bit different because of its French and Basque influences. Other impressive and fun Spanish cities are Salamanca, Tenerife, Cadiz or Alicante.
Book a weekend trip to Spanish cities now!

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Where better to learn Spanish than in Spain? Barcelona is then a good choice. Although the official language is Catalan, everyone here speaks Spanish. In addition, you will find excellent language schools in Barcelona where you can learn Spanish at a fast pace.

Besides studying, there is plenty to do in this lively city. If you want to taste the atmosphere of this city, you would be wise to rent an apartment in Barcelona in the center. You are within walking distance of the famous Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Would you like to go to the beach as well as the city, then renting an apartment in Barceloneta is a good choice. This neighborhood is located on a beautiful sandy beach and is a 15-minute walk from the city center. You are also within walking distance from the Vila Olimpica where there are many trendy nightclubs and lounge bars.

At OK Apartment Barcelona you will find a large selection of apartments in Barcelona. You can rent an apartment for a few days, a few weeks or a month. If you want to stay as cheap as possible, you can choose an apartment just outside the center of Barcelona, such as in the districts of Poble Sec, Gracia, Sant Marti and Poble Nou.

If you choose an apartment as your accommodation, then unlike a hotel, you will stay among the locals. You will easily make contact with the other residents in the area. You will also have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal.

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Not nicknamed the ´Costa del Golf´ for nothing, the Spanish Costa del Sol is a real paradise for the golfers among us! It is known for its high quality and sometimes very distinguished golf courses, and of course its eternal spring. Also, playing golf in Spain is a wonderful way to relax.

The ´Costa del Golf´ runs from Málaga to Gibraltar. There are many luxury golf resorts and high quality golf courses in this area. Although previously golf clubs were only open to members, nowadays it is possible to play at almost every club as a visitor. All you need is your CFP, and for some courses a low handicap.

The golf courses in Spain are the number one in Europe and when you are in the right place, you can enjoy a game of golf all year round in wonderful springtime temperatures. The golf courses are excellently cared for and are always equipped with every luxury. The courses are varied and different, sometimes watery or surrounded by palm trees and often overlooking the sea!

One of the places you must visit for a golfing vacation is Marbella. This famous golf resort is known for its always pleasant temperatures and beautiful golf courses. Marbella is visited by people from all over the world. There are many options for a sports vacation. Golf vacations are also offered in Marbella in combination with a Spanish course. A perfect combination!

But not only on the Costa del Sol can you enjoy a wonderful golf vacation, as Spain has more than 590 golf courses. Most of them have 18 holes, with the exception of a dozen courses that have 36 holes. But, the golf course at the Mar Menor in Murcia has no less than 54 holes! With this wide range of golf courses, the choice is easily made, a golf vacation is done in Spain. Often there are several courses close to each other which provides a pleasant variety during your golf vacation. And if you want something else than golf, this is of course no problem. Especially on the Costa del Sol you have everything within reach, the beach, nature or the city.

Enjoy a golf vacation in Spain now!

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Study abroad, the big dream of many students. Choose to come to Spain and study at one of its highly regarded universities. Salamanca is home to the oldest university in all of Spain and the second oldest in Europe, which has made Salamanca a true student city.

Salamanca is therefore also the student city of Spain, it is not a big city and therefore has even more charisma. Furthermore, in the other Spanish cities you will also find very good universities as well as good opportunities for a top student life!

In all, there are 73 universities and colleges where you can study in Spain. In addition, there are also a number of American universities located in Spain. All classes at these American universities are taught in English. Good to know is that at all Spanish universities European students have as many rights as Spanish students, but for people from outside Europe there is only 5% place. In general, the higher education system in Spain is considered one of the better ones in the world.

Every year a world ranking of best universities is compiled. The best universities in Spain are: the Autonomous University of Barcelona , the General University of Barcelona, the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, the Autonomous University in Madrid, the University of Valencia, the Polytecnic Universidad de Valencia, and finally the University of Vigo.

These are a total of 7 Spanish universities on the list. The regions where most universities are located are Madrid (14), Barcelona (11), Andalusia(10) and Valencia (8). Also, the Madrid Business School was the best in Europe in 2012. This was revealed by the publication of the European Business School Rankings 2012 by the British newspaper Financial Times. A total of 3 Spanish programs appear in the top ten, this is the school in Madrid and two universities based in Barcelona, namely the Esade Business School and Iese Business School. The top 50 includes the fourth Spanish entry, also located in the Catalan capital; Eada Business School.

In addition to choosing a university in Spain, you can also choose to study Spanish in Spain at a language school. When you do this, you will learn the Spanish language and culture to perfection! Not only will you learn grammar and vocabulary, but you will also learn a lot about the country and its culture. Fun excursions are organized, you'll get to know other students in no time and, of course, you'll easily get to know the locals!

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After Christmas, it's time for New Year's Eve, ´Nochevieja´. After most Spaniards stay home until midnight, a big party breaks out!

Tradition during ´Nochevieja´ is that when the clock on the Puerto del Sol in Madrid begins to strike 12 o'clock, grapes are eaten. These 12 campanadas (chimes) are televised throughout Spain. At each chime, a grape must then be quickly gulped down! The idea of this came about when there used to be an ample grape harvest in 1909. From then on it grew into the tradition as we know it today. The 12 grapes represent each month of the following year in which you will be lucky. After the grapes are snatched, of course, the Cava comes out again. New Year is celebrated lavishly in Spain while partying until dawn!

Besides the 12 grapes, there are other traditions in Spain during New Year celebrations. For example, you can put money in your shoes so you have a greater chance of fortune in the coming year. Or wear red underwear to get more love in the coming year. Some people walk with suitcases to increase the possibility of taking a trip in the next year.

Where to be during New Year celebrations in Spain is Madrid! In the capital of Spain, there is an exuberant celebration in the many bars, nightclubs, squares but most of all in the streets! And with a glass of cava in your hand you will feel like a real Madrileen!

But New Year can also be celebrated well in Barcelona! Especially the Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya are crowded and here the New Year is celebrated exuberantly. No fireworks are set off by the Barcelonans themselves, but the municipality organizes fireworks shows at different places in the city, including the beach! On the beach there are also many nice tents where you are sure to have a top time during Nochevieja!

In Salamanca, all students celebrate Nochevieja on December 13. Most go home for the holidays, but in order to be able to celebrate together, they do it earlier. This is one of the biggest parties of the year in the student city. The whole Plaza Mayor is filled with partying students!

¡"Feliz Año Nuevo"! (Happy New Year!)

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Christmas and New Year are both important celebrations, which is why they are also celebrated in Spain in a big way! The Christmas atmosphere is very noticeable in the Spanish streets from the beginning of December. Everything is decorated, nativity scenes are placed and Christmas lights are also hung everywhere. In Spain, as in Holland, Christmas is celebrated with your family. Families eat a lot and a lot.

Christmas Eve in Spain is called "Nochebuena", which also means the good evening. During "Nochebuena" the Spaniards go to the Midnight Mass which is called "La Misa Del Gallo" (the Mass of the Cock). It is so called because a rooster announced the birth of Jesus. During the Nochebuena, children receive some small gifts, but the real "gift-giving" takes place in Spain when the Three Kings visit on January 6.

But Spaniards wouldn't be Spaniards if they didn't have special Christmas customs. Indeed, in Granada and Jaén, people jump over fires to protect themselves from disease. Also, in other regions, a special Christmas dance is performed that is more than a hundred years old. Spaniards, unlike us Dutch, only send Christmas cards to the people they will not see soon. If you do see someone often, you can also wish them a Merry Christmas in person, according to the Spanish.

At the Christmas markets in Barcelona and the surrounding area, there is also something funny to see; figurines of famous politicians and BE´ers (Famous Españoles) doing their business. These ´poopers´ symbolize the fertility that excrement gives to the ground. Besides, of course, it is also funny to see.

Therefore, the two most enjoyable Christmas markets in Spain are those of Barcelona, and of the capital Madrid. Barcelona's largest Christmas market is the Fira de Santa Llucía, where you can admire the nativity scene and stroll past more than 300 stalls. And there is even a musical parade! The Christmas market in Madrid's Plaza Mayor is large and characteristic every year. Spaniards and tourists alike come from far and wide to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in this square in December.

One of the most important events during Christmas in Spain is ´El Gordo´, which means ´the fat one´. This is the biggest state-run lottery and world famous! Spaniards look forward to this Christmas tradition for a long time and when the numbers are finally drawn, they are sung by school children.

After everyone has wished each other Feliz Navidad, or Merry Christmas, it's already time to celebrate New Year's Eve, which, of course, also happens in a big way. Keep the Cava coming!

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The Spanish Carnival is one of the things you must have experienced at least once in your life! For 2 weeks the streets of the Canary Islands are full of festivities with all the revelers creating a very special, but above all a lively and great atmosphere

Celebrate Spanish carnival in Tenerife in the Canary Islands! This carnival is the second largest in the world, second only to the carnival in Río de Janeiro! Characteristic of this celebration is the spectacular clothing. Women wear costumes made of plastic, metal, paper but mostly the most beautiful feathers! These costumes are sometimes so heavy that the women cannot walk in them. Then they are "just" driven onto the stage!

A queen is always elected. The election is televised throughout Spain. This always happens on Wednesday. The following Friday is the opening parade, or Apoteósis or Cabalgata, in which the queen leads the way with her bridesmaids and is accompanied by the comparsas, carnival groups that dance through streets to the infectious rhythms of samba and rumba! The comparsas mingle with the dancing and partying crowd during the Verbena, the street carnival, until early in the morning.

If you walk through the streets for the rest of the week you will find many parades, bars and stages installed in the streets and dancing all day long! On Monday there is a big electronic music festival "The Santa Cruz Dance Festival" with the most popular DJs! During the week there is a lot of dancing, parades and of course the burial of the Sardine. It is believed that this helps the fishermen get a good catch for the next year. During the weekend it is really over... But of course it ends with beautiful fireworks and one last party!

Tenerife is of course the place to be during Carnival in the Canary Islands, but Gran Canaria is no slouch either! Here, most towns and villages celebrate their own carnival, but the biggest party does take place in the main city of Las Palmas. Here you will also find the floats, carnival queen elections, street performers, fireworks and of course non-stop partying!

Carnival in Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience, you'd think you were in Brazil! Book your vacation to the Canary Islands or Spanish course in Tenerife now and see it with your own eyes!

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From the beginning of December, everything changes in Spain! Christmas decorations are hung in the streets, stores are decorated. Families like to get together at Christmas to eat and drink together, celebrate, and get presents.

Typical dishes of Spanish cuisine for Christmas Eve are suckling pig and lamb on a spit, turkey, not to mention, of course, fish and shellfish. After everyone has eaten a lot, the night mass is attended ´La misa del gallo´. But of course not before drinking a glass of cava, one of the traditions in Spain!

On Christmas Day, children receive gifts from ´Papa Noel´, but the gifts on January 6 from the Three Kings, Los Reyes Magos are much more popular! Especially for children, this is a big celebration! Weeks in advance they are busy writing letters and wish lists for the kings. The party is similar to our St. Nicholas party, with processions, water prepared for the camels and also charcoal for the little kids who were not so sweet. Furthermore, Christmas Day is mainly an addition to Christmas Eve. The family is visited and festive meals are eaten according to typical traditions in Spain.

As you probably know, good food is very important to Spaniards! Spanish cuisine has many delicacies. Real Spanish Christmas favourites are Turron from Alicante, Bacalao with cauliflower, crab, lobster, scallops, roasted prawns and turkey.

Other typical recipes for Christmas in Spain are dishes with oranges. such as caramelized oranges, flambéed oranges, fish filet á l´orange, there is an awful lot to choose from!

On Epiphany, a typical cake with decorations of dried fruit, or "Roscón de los Reyes," is eaten for breakfast or after lunch. The fruit symbolizes the rubies and emeralds of the three kings. There are 2 figures hidden in the cake. A gift that, when you find it, makes you kings or queens for the rest of the day. And a bean, which means whoever finds it will have to pay for the cake next time.

After Christmas is over, Spaniards have another fun tradition. Namely, on December 28, they celebrate ´1-April´. This is called the Day of the Innocent Saint or "Día de los Santos Inocentes" in Spain. On this day, Spaniards play pranks on their friends and family and strange and absurd news appears in the newspaper.

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