Spain today conjures up many images, on one hand it’s a sunshine destination beloved my millions of tourists and expatriates who flock to the country to invest in Spanish property or looking for a taste of fiesta, siestas and a better quality of life. Yet at the same time its a majestic tapestry of landscapes and cultures shaped by its turbulent history of invasions lasting several centuries, none more so than the Moors or more accurately the Berbers of north Africa, who arrived during the eighth century and remained for almost eight hundred years occupying almost ninety-percent of the land, leaving a distinctive mark on many aspects of Spanish life.
It was against the back drop of tussles between the Moors and the Christians that much of Spain’s character and also the cities which were located more for strategic advantage than economic gain. Once the land had been regained, Spain began to look outwards dispatching explorers such as Columbus to conquer other corners of the world including the Canary Islands.
After a turbulent past and recent history of civil war and ensuing almost unimaginable changes in face of democracy, Spain today is a modern Monarchy divided into the following autonomous regions; Andalucía, Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Catalunya, Extramadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, the Basque Country, Valencia and protectorates of Ceuta and Melilla, plus the Canary and Balearic islands.
Each region has its own character, customs and even climates. However apart from the obvious images of bull fights and flamenco, it’s the famous Costas particularly the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean coastline running the entire length of Andalucía that often provide the most enduring images of Spain – sunshine, sea and the idyll of an attainable beachside lifestyle.
As a much valued member of the EU, Spain commands respect for its achievements since the end of the Franco era but also engenders deep affection for its passionate and distinctive culture and warm welcome.
