| The first thing to do after you've decided to vacation in | | | | Gredos and Montes de Toledo are the biggest ranges |
| Spain is to get a map of the area. If you're not sure of | | | | in this area. These areas are generally only visited |
| where to go, or if you'd like to plan your itinerary, a | | | | when travelers are en route to the other side of the |
| detailed map of Spain is invaluable. It will help you | | | | country. |
| schedule your day trips and calculate driving times, | | | | The Mediterranean Sea borders the east side of the |
| making for a more enjoyable vacation. | | | | country. This region is divided into smaller coastal |
| If you're starting in the north, you'll find a variety of | | | | areas, such as the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. |
| coastal resorts and sleepy fishing villages, each with a | | | | Here you'll find the resort towns of Alicante, Torrevieja |
| different ambiance. The Pyrenees Mountains border | | | | and Barcelona. Tourists generally flock here for the |
| Spain and France, and offer the opportunity to enjoy | | | | beaches, shopping and nightlife. Travelers are also |
| hiking and walking tours. You'll enjoy immersing yourself | | | | drawn to the wide variety of golf courses in this area. |
| in Spanish culture in the small towns, including La Rioja, | | | | Whether you're traveling with a group or on your own, |
| where you can enjoy the fruits of the industry here: | | | | be sure to get a map of the area. Even if you're with |
| wine production. | | | | a group, you'll still find it helpful to have a map, to keep |
| Sprinkled throughout the small towns are fascinating | | | | from getting lost. Identify the areas on your map that |
| points of interest, such as ancient monasteries and | | | | you'll be visiting, to ensure you're on track. If you're |
| cave paintings. The metropolitan areas, including Madrid, | | | | traveling independently, it helps to have a very detailed |
| the capital of Spain, bustle with activity and house | | | | map. If you're driving, familiarizing yourself with the lay |
| many historical landmarks, including ancient churches | | | | of the land, the major thoroughfares and the local |
| and museums. Depending on your interests, you can | | | | streets may take some of the stress out of driving in |
| enjoy natural, outdoor activities, or more fast-paced | | | | a strange land. |
| ones. | | | | With a detailed map and a brief overview of the |
| The center of the country is populated by several | | | | popular areas of Spain, you'll be equipped to plan the |
| mountain ranges. The Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de | | | | vacation that you'll enjoy. |