Smile, you are in Spain

One of the world's most interesting places just got even more accessible and inviting. The biggest news in European travel this year is the shiny, new $7.4-billion Terminal Four at Madrid's Barajas International Airport. The terminal, its satellite, and two new runways will double the airport's capacity, making Barajas the second largest airport in Europe and the world's 10th largest. The innovative, state-of-the-art terminal building features a rolling, wing-like roof and glass walls that bathe travelers in natural light. This artful new construction is an appropriate welcome to Spain, setting the stage for a collection of architectural wonders on view throughout the country.

Spain's renowned museums offer an evenly artful display. Through September 3rd,"Picasso:Tradition and Avant-garde" is on view at the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Timed to match with the 25th anniversary of the return of Guernica to Spain and the 125th anniversary of the artist's birth, the exhibits showcase more than fifty masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, many never before exhibited in Spain.

Through September 30th, Seville's spectacular Real Alcazar will host "Ibn Khaldun, the Mediterranean in the 14th Century: Rise and Fall of Empires." Almost 300 works gathered from throughout Europe and the Middle East will show the political, economic, and social relationships between Europe and the Arab-Maghreb world. As attractive as the exhibit itself is its location—the beautiful Mudejar palace of the Real Alcazar, Seville's main focal point, its most outstanding historic complex, and the oldest royal palace still used by a European monarch. For this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, the Real Alcazar is offering special evening viewing hours so visitors can also walk among the gardens, fountains, pavilions and terraces of the royal residence by moonlight.

Two other Spanish cities - Malaga and Barcelona - are also commemorating Picasso with year-long programs of exhibitions, operas, ballets and activities for children and families running through February 2007. The Museo Picasso Malaga will present three shows in honor of that city's most famous native son and Barcelona will host three exhibitions, three ballets and several concerts to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the artist's return to that city.

Spain is one of the best places for windsurfing in Europe. Every year, thousands of windsurfers from all over the world come to Spain’s beaches to follow their favorite sport and it is no surprise that Spain is the country to host the most world championship competitions. You will also find that the Spanish coast has many other advantages, including excellent hotel and services communications and the chance to enjoy a broad range of leisure facilities and cultural attractions. If the surfboard is a vital part of your holiday, then make sure Spain records in your travel plans.

Legendary locations
You can go windsurfing all year round in Spain. The pleasant year-round temperatures in the Canary Islands mean that you can sail whenever you want, while the beaches of mainland Spain are ideal from the beginning of April to the end of November, at the least. The best seasons are spring and autumn, however, on account of the favorable winds and less crowded beaches.

There are certain locations with international popularity, either for their windsurfing tradition or good access. This is the case of the Canary Islands, known as the Hawaii of Europe in windsurfing circles. Here you will find spots with perfect waves and almost year-round trade winds: in Gran Canaria, a destination that has created many windsurfing champions, you will find the mythical Pozo Izquierdo, in the municipal district of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 37 kilometers from the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Also outstanding are the beaches of Jandía in the south of the island of Fuerteventura, especially Sotavento in Pájara. In Tenerife, a safe place for windsurfing is El Médano, in the south of the island.

Special talk about should be made of Tarifa, on the southern coast of mainland Spain, known as the “European wind capital”. This area of the province of Cadiz has all but untouched beaches, a remarkable atmosphere, and lives for windsurfing. The thermal winds of the Mediterranean coast make for more peaceful, leisurely sailing conditions, ideal to enjoy as a family. On the Costa Brava, the infrastructure of the Gulf of Roses area, in Girona, offers close to 12 kilometers of recreational beaches, although the prevailing north winds in autumn and winter also make it an ideal spot for windsurfing. On the Costa Cálida in Murcia, the Mar Menor area has ideal conditions to start learning how to windsurf. It has a complete Maritime Resort, with fifteen or so schools to perfect your style. These are just some of the most famous places to have fun with your board, but the list of spots apt for windsurfing in Spain is huge. El Ejido in Almería, la Lanzada in Pontevedra and Pollensa, on the island of Majorca are a few of them. Furthermore, in nearby towns and villages you will find numerous companies offering equipment hire and windsurfing schools.

Don’t get left behind: whether you are a beginner or a pro, Spain is an unbeatable travel destination for windsurfing. Spain is waiting for you.

Cheap online booking of hotels and car hire is available for polpular holiday spots such as Malaga and Alicante.