We all know Spain is a very unique destination. Part of its charm lies in the geographic diversity of its landscapes. Throughout the country, you will find beaches and mountains, big forests, and desertic areas. There are superb castles scattered all over the national territory, whose walls have witnessed important kings, queens, and centuries of history go by.

However, there is something else not everyone knows: Spain is home to many filming locations in Game of Thrones. Now that the 8th and final season of this popular TV show is approaching, we invite you to revisit some of them. Join us in this fantastic route and discover the most legendary spots in Spain! Click here if you want to read this article in Spanish.

1. Castillo de Zafra (Guadalajara)

A big tower located at the foot of Dorne’s Red Mountains, an epic battle in the Tower of Joy, a story that would change the course of events in the series… All this took place in the Castillo de Zafra, in Guadalajara. Halfway between Madrid and Valencia, you can visit this castle and step on the same stones as the production’s protagonists. 

2. Real Alcázar (Seville)

The palace of Dorne’s popular capital is inhabited by the Martell family. It is in the southernmost kingdom and the warmest one in this universe. With these characteristics, it could not be located anywhere else than in Seville. The Real Alcázar, with its gardens and luxurious halls, has delighted millions of viewers all around the world.

3. Bardenas Reales (Navarra)

Daenerys, the Dothraki people, dragons, a large entourage… All of them find themselves walking in the Natural Park of Bardenas Reales, in Navarra. This spot happens to be the perfect place to set the most popular dragons on TV free and watch them fly.

4. Castillo de Santa Florentina (Barcelona)

Do you remember the Tarly House, in Horn Hill? These slopes under the Red Mountains are actually in spectacular Barcelona. The second largest city in Spain is home to the house where Samwell Tarly was born.

5. Bullfighting ring (Osuna)

In the arena of this location, a death battle among warriors takes place. Somewhere in the crowd, Daenerys watches everything from her seat. The typical bullfighting ring in Osuna happened to be the best place to shoot this scene. You will feel like a champion when you step out onto the sand!

6. Castillo de Peñíscola (Valencia)

The sixth season of the series shows Tyrion, Missandei, and Grey Worm walking in the streets of Meereen. Well, guess what? Those cobblestone streets and breathtaking castle are part of the Castillo de Peñíscola, a charming place that remains authentic centuries after its construction.

7. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Vizcaya)

Dragonstone is the title of the first episode in the 7^th season. Even though the Targaryen’s fortress is located in the faraway Westeros, it is actually closer than you might think: in the Basque Country. The popular stone staircase that leads to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe’s chapel has already gone down in TV history.

These are just some of the many Spanish spots that appear in Game of Thrones. Girona, Almeria, and Caceres have also seen the film set work in their streets. Now that you know where to begin, we invite you to discover the geography of Spain through the scenery of one of the world's most popular TV show in recent times.

The snow season has already begun! Even though Spain is popular worldwide as a sun and sand destination, the truth is that the geography of the country offers everyone who visits many other possibilities. In winter, there are several spots where you can enjoy the mountains and practice snow sports.

Whether you are a ski enthusiast or just taking your first steps into this world, we recommend three ski resorts in Spain where you can experience the snow this season. Click here to read more about them in Spanish. Now, grab your skis. We are ready to go!

Sierra Nevada

The first stop on our tour is in Andalusia. High above the mountains of the Sierra Nevada rises Mulhacén. This is the second highest peak in Spain and the highest in the peninsula.

Less than 20 miles from the city of Granada, the Sierra Nevada has the biggest vertical drop in the country (3940 feet). The resort has 131 ski runs in total, with several difficulty levels. It also has a snow park and areas for children.

Around the resort, you will find restaurants of all kinds, parking, public transportation, and other services.

Formigal

Let’s continue with our route through the best ski resorts in Spain. It is time to head up north and visit Formigal, in the Pyrenees of Aragón. This resort is split into four big areas and several valleys.

Its 112 skiable miles offer 146 runs sorted by category. In addition to skiing, you will be able to participate in photography courses, sledding, snowshoeing, and children's activities.

Baqueira-Beret

We bring you the last resort on the list: Baqueira-Beret. Located in the Catalan Pyrenees, this is one of the most popular places to ski among the jet set. It is the biggest resort in Spain and the only one on the northern slope of the Pyrenees.

From Baqueira, you can look at peaks higher than 9,800 feet, like Aneto. The resort has 98 ski runs and a slalom course. All around there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. The youngest members of the family can play on four different playgrounds.

Now that you know the top spots for skiing in Spain, go check them out and tell us about your experience. The mountain is waiting for you!

Sun, sea and beach are the images that usually come to mind when we think of Alicante. We could therefore mistakenly think that it’s not a very interesting destination in autumn. But it sure is, as Alicante has many hidden surprises during this time of year. Like to come along to see them?

Read the spanish version

First of all, we should not forget about the beach. Even if we can’t go for a swim, we can always enjoy a relaxing along the sand or, if the sun is still shining, organize a little picnic on the shore. And best of all, you can even do it by yourself.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll be surprised by the five castle routes in the province of Alicante. This region boasts of several castles and fortresses that date back to the time when the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon where frontiers. Routes with such evocative names as the Key to the Kingdom, the Mountain, Vinalopó, Tudmir, the Frontier of Fear… These routes will make you feel like a true medieval knight visiting amazing castles and palaces like Castillo de la Atalaya, in Villena; Castillo de Biar or the Palacio de Altamira! Venture beyond Santa Barbara Castle!

Autumn is the perfect time to hike in Alicante: temperatures are mild, there are hardly any tourists and the trails are tinted with precious golden and orange hues. Alicante has so many routes to walk, revealing its natural charms. And with the myriad to choose from, we want to highlight a 10-kilometer route very close to Alcoy, which takes you from a place called Preventori to Barranc del Cinc. It’s beautiful, simple, and at the same time stunning. The perfect example of Mediterranean landscape.

Autumn is also an ideal time of year to visit museums: The Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Volvo Ocean Race interactive space... you already know these. We can only tell you that at this time of year you’ll find very few visitors and will almost have the museums to yourself. But if you go a little outside the city, in particular to the town of Villajoyosa, you will find one of the sweetest museums in the world... It’s dedicated to chocolate!

Although we love fideuá (similar to paella, but with noodles), black rice and arroz a banda (rice cooked in a fish broth), there are many specialties to savor in Alicante, and autumn is the ideal time to try something different. Game meat, mushrooms, marinades... are all added to paellas and soups. Our favorite dishes? Undoubtedly arroz caldoso (rice soup) and the olleta (a hearty stew). Ideal for the weather that’s just beginning to chill! Ah! And don’t forget, autumn is also the time the oranges are being picked. Imagine making juice with oranges almost straight from the tree!

And these are just a few suggestions. As soon as you walk out of the classroom you will see that, even in autumn, there are many options to have fun and enjoy the city. With so much on offer, Alicante is very much the ideal city!

If you're interested in studying Spanish in Madrid with don Quijote this winter, you're in for a unique spectacle. With the cool temperatures of autumn, the city enjoys a charming transformation: the air becomes crisp, t-shirts and sandals are put away and give way to sophisticated coats and boots, many dishes, comforting and warm, and the urban vegetation is tinged with vivid reds, oranges and yellows. Apart from the typical seasonal changes, Madrid also offers fun events during this season. So take your Spanish learning experience out of the classroom and pay attention to our guide of the best things to do this November in Madrid.

Let the weather guide your stomach

Let's start with everyone's favorite topic: food! Spanish gastronomy is known for its long tradition of seasonal dishes, tapas and drinks (just try to find a person who drinks gazpacho in winter, we dare you!). The weather, so cool, is perfect for comer con cuchara (eating with a spoon) and, as Spaniards, a good, healthy cocido madrileño. The city's most famous, cocido madrileño, is cooked with garbanzo (chickpeas), vegetables and meat. Other hot and traditional dishes in Madrid are callos (yes, they're beef intestines, but trust us... they're delicious!) and garlic soup.

Another dish you must try is the famouscochinillode Segovia. Just an hour from Madrid, the city of Segovia will surprise you with its medieval beauty and, after a great walk, you can calm your stomach with this local specialty. And if you want your gastronomic route to go one step further, why not make a reservation at Casa Botín? Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, Casa Botín was founded in 1725 and its specialties are typically madrilenians and Castellan dishes.

And, of course, don't forget to try the churros con chocolate, which are considered part of a typical breakfast in Spain... Because there's no better way to start a cold winter day than with churros and a good cup of chocolate.

Enjoy unique gastronomic festivals

November is a month of events and festivals in Madrid, designed to satisfy all palates. If you are a jazz lover, for example, you will love the International Jazz Festival that takes place throughout the month. This festival will not only offer you more than 100 musical performances, but also jazz-related discussions, film screenings and exhibitions. On the other hand, the Madrid en Danza festival starts on November 18 and stands out for its innovative aesthetics and its commitment to international and local dance.

For foodies, there is MadrEAT, an outdoor gastronomic market where you will have at your disposal more than 20 vans specialized in gourmet food and craft beer. MadrEAT takes place in the gardens of AZCA during the third weekend of November. Finally, for those with more diverse interests, Madrid also hosts Science Week (Nov. 7-20) and Madrid Horse Week (Nov. 27-27). Never seen a horse show? Why not do it this month?

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Get out into nature

Just because temperatures have dropped doesn't mean outdoor activities end. With the change in vegetation, areas of Madrid such as Retiro Park are transformed into a spectacular paradise of copper and golden colors. So why not take a bike or the metro and discover all the beauty of the city? In addition to the Retiro Park, you can visit others such as the Parque del Oeste, the Sabatini Gardens or the Dehesa de la Villa (former hunting ground of King Alfonso VII). The Casa de Campo is another gem: because it is the largest park in Madrid and because it houses the Parque de Atracciones and the Madrid Zoo. The park also organizes guided tours and walks.

Here it is! If you are studying Spanish in Madrid this year, don't let it go by without discovering all the beauty, culture and fun that the city has to offer!

We’re bringing you everything you need to know about how to survive the heat and the crowds this August.

If you are learning Spanish in Spain this summer, it's important that you know how to make the most of the month of August. Some Spaniards take a whole month of vacation, pack their bags and take off to the beach.  Regardless of age or social status, there are many who engage in this “summer migration”: there are the employed taking their well-deserved vacation days, the retired looking to get a change of scenery, and of course the students who so eagerly look forward to their summer vacation. Understandably, for foreigners who come to Spain, it can be a bit strange to find some cities emptier and quieter than usual or their towns suddenly saturated with Spaniards that usually do not live there but that are spending their vacation there, just like any other tourist.

But that's not to say all Spaniards engage in this August vacation custom. Many won't take a whole month off, especially those who work for a private company; many others take their vacations in June or July, and others prefer to have a "staycation" in their cities  and simply opt for small trips to the beach or the mountains. It all depends on the individul company or professional sector in which a person works.  There are no hard or fast rules about vacation in Spain, but what we can do to help our students is highlight some cultural trends and provide tips on how to survive (and have the best ever) August in Spain.

Get creative and get talking

No doubt that while you’re staying in Spain, you'd like to plan your activities and trips to avoid running into too many crowds.  Want some advice? When planning, don't just stick to the typical places, get creative! Of course we all want to hit the beach over the summer, but keep in mind that some parts of the coast are filled-to-the-brim with tourists and Spaniards alike in August. Best to choose other lesser-known spots to have a beach getaway; for example, the Cala La Rostella is a great choice if you're in Barcelona on the Costa Brava, or Maro if you are in Malaga.

When you're not away on your own weekend trips, you can always cool off with a drink on a terrace, in a park or municipal swimming pool, all places where you're sure to meet local Spaniards who can help you discover other interesting or exclusive spots. So, our other piece of advice is to get talking! Not only is it the perfect way to practice your Spanish, you’ll also find out about those “best kept secrets” spots! For those in Madrid, for example, did you know that the Universidad Autónoma has a pool just for adults? The only requirement to either be a current or previous college student (any student ID or a copy of a diploma should do the trick). Sure, it’ll still be crowded, but at least you’ll avoid the overwhelming congestion of the public pools – and the screaming kids.

Keep cool like a local

Spaniards have their own tricks to beat the heat during the very hot and super fun month of August.  For example, the famous siesta  that everyone now associates with a nap, actually has less to do with sleeping and more to do with avoiding the hours when the sun is at its strongest. But that doesn't mean you have to stay at home during the midday closure hours! There are plenty of cool ideas for this time of day, such as visiting a museum, going to movies, or even checking out one of the many shopping malls Spain's cities are saturated with... why not take advantage of the August rebajas or sales and update your wardrobe? You'll be glad to be taking advantage of the central air conditioning as well!

Another local trick to keep the August heat at bay is to choose the type of food and drink for your meals wisely.  For example, a Spaniard wouldn't be caught dead eating a hot potaje or estofado during the hotter months. Instead they’ll opt for cold soups like gazpacho or salmorejo, and cooling tapas like boquerones en vinagre or ensaladilla rusa. And to wash it all down, Spaniards sometimes opt for their curious alcohol-mixed-with-soda concoctions: a clara, for example, is a beer mixed with lemon Fanta; tinto de verano recipes can vary but generally include red wine, a lemon-lime soda or seltzer and fruits; the refreshing and light rebujitos, very popular in Andalusia, are often some combination of sherry or white wine and Sprite or a lemon-flavored soda. All, of course, served very, very cold.

If you are studying in Spain this summer, and specifically in August, you'll no doubt enjoy the incredible variety of local activities and events that all Spanish cities have to offer. Most of these activities are out in the streets, where summer is truly lived and loved. But if you ever get too hot, remember that you can always escape to the beach to discover some special, unique spot guaranteed to keep you cool and content. However you choose to live your August, we're positive you will enjoy every minute of your experience in Spain. So get out there! What are you waiting for?

Spain is known to many Dutch people as the ideal summer destination: sun, sea and beautiful Spanish costas. Spain has much more to offer than just this. For example, there are several large mountain ranges in Spain and there are also some perfect ski resorts.

• The largest mountain range in Spain is the Pyrenees.
• Two thirds of Spain consists of a central plateau.
• The Sierra Nevada is the most famous winter sports destination in Spain.
• Spain has the most mountains in Europe except for Switzerland.

The largest mountain range in Spain is the Pyrenees. The Spanish Pyrenees are located in northeastern Spain on the border with France. The Pyrenees are about 430 km long from east to west. Of the Pyrenees, about two-thirds consist of the Spanish Pyrenees. The Pyrenees are great for a skiing or hiking vacation. Fromigal is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees. Fromigal has more than 137 km of slopes.

Another well-known winter sports destination is the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Nevada is located in the Betic Cordillera in southeastern Spain. It is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. The Sierra Nevada has 65 km of slopes and the ski season lasts 5 months. In the Sierra Nevada, Pradollano and Borreguiles are the main ski slopes. The Sierra Nevada has as many as 16 mountain peaks that rise above 3,000 meters. The highest point on the Spanish mainland is therefore found in the Sierra Nevada and has a height of 3482 meters. The special thing about a winter sports vacation in the Sierra Nevada is that while skiing you have a view of the Spanish coast! Skiing in Spain combined with a few days at the beach is therefore an excellent possibility!

Besides the Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees, Spain has a number of other Spanish mountains. For example, there is also the Castilian dividing mountain range. Spain consists of about two-thirds Spanish plateau with an average height of 600 meters. This mountain range, as it were, splits the Spanish plateau in two. The Castilian Divide mountain range begins north of Madrid and runs south of the region of Castile y Leon to just across the border with Portugal.

In northwestern Spain there is also the Cantabrian Mountains. This mountain range lies west of the Pyrenees and is the separation between the green Atlantic coast and the dry Spanish plateau. Although the Cantabrian Mountains also have some ski resorts, this mountain range is mostly known for its many hiking opportunities. This mountain range is also home to the deepest caves in Spain.

Besides all these outdoor skiing opportunities, there is also the possibility to enjoy the snow in the heart of summer in Madrid. This is because Madrid has the largest indoor ski center in Europe. Its perfect location in southwestern Europe and its many opportunities make Spain the sunniest winter sports destination in Europe.

Its mild climate, beautiful coastline, diverse marine life, rich history and unique cultures make the Mediterranean Sea one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The Mediterranean covers an area of over 2.5 million km² and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and North Africa. The sea gives as many as 21 countries a beautiful coastline, making them very interesting destinations to seek the adventure of the Mediterranean. Moreover, do not miss the 23 beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, including Ibiza and Mallorca. A wide variety of countries, vast coastlines, beaches of unparalleled beauty and a mild climate make the Mediterranean a true paradise for adventure activities and sports.

Cruises

There are numerous companies offering cruises across the Mediterranean. They usually last from 3 to 14 days. The itineraries mainly pass through a number of important ports, where you can find traces and remains of ancient civilizations and exotic cultures. Mediterranean cruises can be divided into three categories: East Mediterranean cruises, West Mediterranean cruises and South Mediterranean cruises. Choose a West Mediterranean cruise to discover Spanish culture. The cruise ships often dock in Valencia, Barcelona or Mallorca.

Diving

The Mediterranean has many perfect diving sites. The water has a pleasant temperature ranging from 14°C to 24°C and shows a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Strait of Gibraltar, in southern Spain, is narrow and shallow, making it perfect for diving.

In the Mediterranean there are many places where you can find excellent diving for reef and shipwrecks. For those who want to combine this, Torrevieja in Spain is the perfect place. Other wonderful diving destinations in Spain are the Canary Islands, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands.

Surf

Abundant beaches with big waves make the Mediterranean Sea a wonderful destination for surfers. Big waves can be found in the north, in the Cantabrian Sea. That's also where the name "Bay of Biscay" comes from. On the coast of the Mediterranean, however, there are also some great spots for surfing. For example, take a look at these beaches: El Bogatell, El Castell, Morro de Gos, Playa Fiesta, Torrevieja and, perhaps the most famous, Playa del Voramar in Benicasim!

The best place in the Mediterranean to spot whales and dolphins is: the Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway to the Mediterranean. The cold waters of the northern hemisphere and the warm, tropical waters meet here, creating a perfect place to observe migrating whales. The best place for this in Spain is probably Tarifa, where you can see species such as bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, striped dolphin, pilot whale, sperm whale, and orcas.

Cycling Sports

There are many companies dedicated to cycling in the Mediterranean. Routes from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and from coastlines to mountains, there is a little bit of everything. There are also routes with different themes, such as Mediterranean gastronomy and many others!

Kayaking

The Mediterranean is a great place to get acquainted with kayaking! Many kayaking routes are combined with hiking trails so you can do excellent scenic exploration. Sardinia, Malta and Tunisia are the best kayaking spots in the Mediterranean. Another, great place to kayak is on the Catalan coast in Spain, where you will see the most beautiful cliffs, rock openings, caves and much more! In the south of Spain is Andalusia, another great place for water adventures. Go to Tarifa, for example, where you can kayak, canoe or raft. Moreover, there are many tour operators on the Costa Blanca that will make sure your kayaking, canoeing or rafting adventure will be amazing!

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a popular sport, so what could be better than practicing it in the Mediterranean? Israel and Turkey offer tours and trails along the Mediterranean, but for those seeking an authentic Mediterranean adventure, Spain is a must because of its pure Andalusian thoroughbred horse. Spain also has a rich equestrian history and there is a wide range of equestrian trails to choose from. For breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, however, we recommend Catalonia, where many of the adventure tours offer two days of horseback riding on the beach.

The Mediterranean is a beautiful cruising area rich in history and cultural values. Sailors from all over the world come to the Mediterranean to sail near the Greek Islands, Turkey, Sardinia, the French Riviera, the coastline of Spain and the Balearic Islands.

It is Spain's largest autonomous region and is conveniently located in the warm south of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape consists of mountains, dry plains, green natural areas and extensive sandy beaches. Within this autonomous region are the gems of Andalusia. These gems can sometimes be seen in towns or small villages, each of which has its own unique character. Andalusia is very versatile and therefore has much to offer throughout the year. This is partly due to the excellent temperature that makes it possible to organize many festivals, markets, fairs, etc. Some of these large and small pearls are described here: Seville, Ronda and Córdoba. There is also room for two lesser-known tourist places.

• Seville is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and is located in the province of the same name, Seville.
• Ronda, as a “romantic city,” is excellent as a wedding venue.
• Also the somewhat less touristy known places, such as Juzcar and Aracena are unique. You will see something that not everyone has seen yet.

Seville

This is the capital of Andalusia and has more than 700,000 inhabitants. This makes Seville the 3rd largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona and is probably one of the places in Spain where true Spanish culture is best preserved. It is the birthplace of flamenco and it shows: flamenco theater performances, flamenco shows over a romantic dinner in a restaurant and a flamenco museum are plentiful. It is a city with Spanish and Arab influences and has a modern and historic feel. Major tourist attractions include “Plaza de España,” “La Giralda” and “Metropole Parasol. For those looking for the most traditional Sevillian tapas dish should ask for 'Solomillo al Whisky.' Here, a deliciously tender piece of meat is served with a dash of whiskey. 

Ronda

On the road from Seville to Málaga lies the romantic town of Ronda. This picturesque town averages about 36,000 inhabitants and belongs to the province of Málaga. It has a rocky landscape and a rugged appearance due to the many gorges, mountains and valleys that surround this city so beautifully. The most characteristic feature of Ronda is the monument “Puente Nuevo. This massive stone bridge connects the two parts of the city. It has a number of imposing arches, one of which is as high as 38 meters! This has also been the setting for an episode of the Dutch program 'Wie is de Mol'. The beautiful weather, fantastic views and romantic aura of this city make this the ultimate wedding venue.

Córdoba

On the northeast side of Seville lies the city of Cordoba. Known as one of the hottest cities in Europe, it has a historic downtown that is also a World Heritage Site. The city houses the world's only “Mezquita cathedral” and shows many Moorish influences in the details of its historic buildings. It is the third largest city in Andalusia by population after Seville and Málaga and is a busy city. Besides the large mosque-cathedral, the bridge “Puente Romano de Córdoba” is very imposing. For a long time, this was also the only access to the old part of the city. Besides sightseeing, this city also holds the festival 'Festival de los Patios Cordobeses'. During this festival in the third week of May, patios can be viewed and the most beautiful patio is chosen.... This special festival is also listed by UNESCO.

Of course, Andalusia has much more to offer than these places. The slightly lesser-known places include the “smurf village” of Juzcar and Aracena. In Juzcar, all the houses are colored blue and bear pictures of various characters from the cartoon series the smurfs. In the mountain village of Aracena, a visit to 'La Gruta de las Maravillas' (the wonder cave) is highly recommended. Here you walk a guided route through this immense cave and can admire crystal clear water, stalactites and stalagmites. However, it is recommended to rent a car, as you cannot get there directly via public transport. This makes it even more special to visit. Andalusia stands for even more such villages of surprise. It is therefore recommended to rent a car so that you can explore the country and discover these pearls during your trip.

In Spain, you can go all out and spend a lot of money, or go low budget with as little as possible. However, it doesn't matter how you spend your vacation, because both ways are easily achievable here. You can easily get by on about 35 - Euros per day. Going on vacation cheaply does not necessarily have to be simple. In fact, there are different ways of going on vacation cheap in Spain, so that everyone can have a carefree vacation without spending too much.

• Travel type, duration, period and destination are all influential in going on a cheap vacation in Spain.
• It is good to look in advance for different discount codes and promotions. This can make a trip a lot cheaper.
• Besides a regular vacation, you can also enjoy Spain through other ways, such as doing seasonal work.

Backpacking, camping or visiting family/friends are all ways to spend the vacations cheaply. Of course, this does depend on your own spending habits at the destination itself. Not only does the type of visit affect a cheap vacation, accommodation factors are also part of it. Location is very important here. In larger cities, there are certain neighborhoods where they mainly offer various cheap lodging options, such as hostels, inns and guesthouses. Here you can then choose to share the room with one or more people. This can even amount to shared rooms with twelve people. Besides paid ways, there are also certain communities on the Internet where you can stay for free with locals. It is also a great way to get even closer to the culture of Spain. In addition to the type of accommodation, the travel period also has a lot of influence on the price. For those who would like to save money with this, but would still like to visit a popular resort like Barcelona, it is better to go outside the high season. Prices can easily rise to certain “extortionate prices” in high season. In addition, even in the off-season, the temperature is still pleasant enough to sit on a beachfront terrace.

A vacation in Spain can be realized by various means of transport: by car, train or plane. Each means of transport has its own advantages. Those who prefer the comfort of a plane can fly from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Düsseldorf for little money. However, it is important to monitor prices carefully in order to anticipate the right moment. If you would like to take your campervan to the south, you should keep in mind that there are many toll roads in France. Here you already spend more than 100,- Euros yourself and should definitely be included in the calculation. Also in Spain itself, the possibilities to move yourself from destination to destination are extensive. High discounts are given to travelers who order tickets online well in advance. In addition, it is good to keep a close eye on other discount offers from public transportation. For visits to the somewhat less accessible and unknown cities, the bus is a cheap solution. These buses are very comfortable and equipped with all the necessary modern facilities. To explore the city by yourself, renting a bicycle is excellent. In more and more cities the facilities for cyclists are excellent. In addition, it is a very economical and ecological way to move yourself around the city.

If you want to spend a somewhat longer time in Spain you can also do seasonal work. Popular regions where there are many Dutch people is on the Costa Brava. In the summer, many campsites often ask for Dutch people on a part-time basis. This way you can also enjoy a sun-drenched stay and at the same time save and even earn some money. All in all, these options make Spain a perfect destination for a little less money.

Far in the south of Spain, between the provinces of Huelva and Seville and at the mouth of the Guadalqivir River is Doñana National Park. This is the second largest national park in Andalusia after Sierra Nevada and has a 700-year history. UNESCO has also already recognized this special park and in 1994 included it on the list as a World Heritage Site and Reserve. There are several reasons for this, as the park is characterized by a diversity of biotopes (natural habitats of plants and animals) and special ecosystems. It is home to several wild animals and migratory birds including some endangered species. Wild horses, sea turtles, wild boar and birds are not unthinkable here.

• Of the Spanish national parks, Doñana National Park is the only one to have an ecosystem with moving dunes.
• At the foot of the national park is a small village called El Rocío. This village takes you right into history and is the perfect starting point for a horseback ride through this special area.
• An alternative way to visit the park is via Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz. By boat, you can easily dock at Doñana and then take a long walk along the kilometers of moving dunes.

In Andalusia, 17% of the total territory consists of protected natural areas. Of that 17%, the Doñana National Park comprises more than 26,000 hectares of protected area. This is slightly more than half of the total area consisting of some 50,000 hectares. Forest and scrubland, beach lakes, marsh and moving dunes mark the nature reserve here. These dunes are up to 30 kilometers long and are so called because the wind causes the dunes to be in constant motion and because of this they change shape and size all the time. This is unique in Spain and therefore one of the most special attractions of the park. Doñana is also special because it is the habitat of the following endangered species: the pardellynx, the Spanish imperial eagle, the marbled duck and the white-headed duck. In addition, it is another annual wintering site for about 500,000 waterfowl. Because the land is so well regulated by nature, there is plenty of fertile soil to be found on and around the park. So chances are that the strawberries in the store come from this region; in fact, Spain boasts the largest strawberry export worldwide. Moreover, 90% of Spain's total fruit cultivation is concentrated mainly in the Huelva and Seville area around Doñana National Park.

Every year a pilgrimage takes place through Doñana National Park.This starts from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz and lasts three days and two nights.In it, nearly 9,000 people walk the road to Almonte. A special journey that teaches how to enjoy paradise: the earth. This trek also passes through the village of El Rocío. A visit to this village is really recommended. In fact, it lies at the foot of Doñana National Park and completely takes you back to the past. For those who always wanted to get an impression of how comic book character Lucky Luke lived, this is the proclaimed opportunity! This may not be the town on which the famous comic strip is based, but it is certainly not inferior. As soon as you arrive on a narrow dirt road, you see the first phenomena that give you the impression of having gone back in time. In the distance you can see the wooden houses with porches and stands for horses. Indeed, here people often go out on horseback, by horse and carriage or on foot. For those who are completely excited to go horseback riding themselves in this special village, there is the possibility of making a tour on horseback through the beautiful surroundings with El Rocío as a starting point.

There are several ways to get to Doñana National Park. The park is about a one-hour drive from Andalusia's capital, Seville. For those who are in Seville and want to spend a few days at Matalascañas beach, they can choose to take the indirect bus to Matalascañas. This route passes through the village of El Rocio and the park itself. This could be the perfect starting point for a combination visit to El Rocío, Matalascañas ánd the Doñana National Park. Another possibility to visit the park in a special way is via the small seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz. With a small boat you sail towards the park. Once docked, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful beach here. A long beach walk along the kilometers of moving dunes is already unique in itself. There is also a good chance of encountering wildlife along the way. For true birdwatchers and nature lovers, this area is a walhalla, because a visit to this park shows the real wilderness of Spain. In short, and true adventure!