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Try Spain

Seville oranges framing La Giralda, Seville's monumental cathedral

For well over 30 years, Spain has been the destination of choice for thousands of Brits. With over 250 days of guaranteed sunshine each year, Spain has been the automatic choice for holidaymakers for generations. But what else does this vast Country have to offer? Could it tick all the boxes and provide something different for those seeking disabled holidays in Spain? Here at the Guide we take a comprehensive look at mainland Spain and see what it has to offer.

Culture and ArtSpain is one of the art and culture hotspots of Europe hence ‘cultural tourism’ is fast becoming the alternative to the traditional sun and sangria holiday. It boasts one of the largest collections (over 20,000) of architectural and historical monuments on earth. In the Andalusia region for example, there are over eleven cathedrals ranging in styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Seville is a world heritage destination and home to Europe’s largest gothic building. For disabled holidays in Spain, this area is one worth visiting, especially if you are into the arts. You may also want to consider Cordoba, where you can experience a heady mix of Christian and Moorish art.

If you happen to be in Madrid, then there is even more to see. There are museums everywhere, covering everything from the Spanish Royal family archaeological and art collection to African artefacts. Madrid is also the home of the largest collection of Picasso’s works. There is so much to see here like the Almudena Cathedral, which was opened by Pope John Paul II as recently as 1993 or the Puerta Alcala, which is one of five ancient entrances to Madrid City.

For disabled holidays in Spain, Barcelona is one destination that has to be considered for serious connieussiers of art and culture. This stunning city is the home of world famous Gaudi architecture from the La Sagrada Familia church to La Casa Mila. Like Madrid, Barcelona has its fair share of museums including the Picasso museum and the museum of contemporary art. Admission prices vary from £2.50 for students to £5.00 for adults.

Food and WinesSpanish food is all about variety and adventure and the farther into Spain you travel, the more adventurous the foods. You can play it safe with traditional paella and tapas dishes or you can throw caution to the wind and dine in style in one of Spain’s many Michelin star-rated restaurants. But all well planned disabled holidays in Spain must include a trip to one of Spain’s many wineries. Due to their remote locations and age, some wineries are not accessible to wheelchair users but some like the Bodega Vina Real in La Guardia and the Bodegas Darien which is located on route to Zaragoza are. These are 21st century state of the art buildings complete with accessible restaurants and bars. For lovers of red wine, the best reds are produced in the northern regions of Rioja and Ribero Del Duero, while the Catalonia regions of Penedes and Rueda are for white wine and Cava enthusiasts.

Festivals/ FiestasRegardless of the time of year you choose to visit, disabled holidays in Spain will almost certainly land on a festival or fiesta of some nature somewhere. Such is the frequency with which festivals are held in this country. If you travel in January, there is the San Sebastian drum festival in the Basque country. In February, there is La Endiablada in Cuenca. If you travel in March or April then there is the Fallas De San Jose Fiesta in Valencia and the Fiesta of Moors and Christians, respectively. There are fiestas throughout the summer ranging from tomato throwing (La Tomatina) to bullfighting, culminating in a wine festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana) in Logrono, La Rioja in September.

So as we stated earlier in our article, disabled holidays in Spain are not just about sitting on the beach with a cocktail (though not a bad idea!!) but more about exploring and experiencing. For more information on Spanish culture and lifestyle, visit www.spain.info