#7 best destination in the world
Benidorm
- City and tourist destination since 1925 when the port and hotels were first exapanded
- Became a popular summer destination in the 1950s, when a coastal resort was built
- Known now for its hotels, beaches, and skyscrapers
Beach of La Concha
- #6 of the top 25 beaches in the world
Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
- Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- #3 of the top 25 landmarks in the world
- Regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture
- Originally a small Visigoth church, in 784, the construction of the Great Mosque began under Abd al-Rahman I
- The city returned to Christian rule in 1236 during the Reconquista, and the building was converted into a Roman Catholic church
- Since the 2000s, Spanish Muslims have lobbied the Roman Catholic Church to allow them to pray in the cathedral, though this has been rejected by church authorities
Plaza de España, Seville
- Plaza in a park, built in 1928
- #9 of the top 25 landmarks in the world
- Great example of Regionalism Architecture, mixing elements of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles
PortAventura World
- Theme park opened in 1995
- #22 of the top 25 amusement parks in the world
- Park features 5 theme areas based on civilizations: Mediterrània, Far West, México, China and Polynesia
Museo del Prado
- Art museum largely considered to have one of the world’s finest collections of European art
- #9 of the top 25 museums in the world
- Art dates back to the 12th century to the 20th century
- Collection comprises drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures
Park Güell
- Public park composed of garden and architectonic elements
- Renowned for its Catalan modernism architectural design by architect Antoni Gaudí
- Built in 1914
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Alhambra
- Palace and fortress complex constructed as a small fortress in 889 AD
- Built over the remains of Roman fortifications
- The site of the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella, who Christopher Columbus received royal endorsement for his expedition
- Islamic architecture combined with 16th century Christian building and gardens
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Palau de la Música Catalana
- Concert hall designed in the Catalan modernista style in 1908
- Performances include symphonic and chamber music, from jazz to Cançó (Catalan song)
- Financed primarily by society but some important financial contributions were made by wealthy industrialists and bourgeoisie
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Burgos Cathedral
- Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the city of Burgos
- Construction began in 1221, in French Gothic patterns
- Now considered to be Gothic, although it is influenced by Renaissance and Baroque elements
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tower of Hercules
- Ancient Roman lighthouse built in the 2nd century
- Oldest Roman lighthouse still in use
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Teide
- Active volcano in the Canary Islands, with a height of 12,198 ft
- Most recently erupted in 1909
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Siam Park (Tenerife)
- Thailand themed water park in the Canary Islands
- Opened in 2007 by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Mercado Central, Valencia
- Public market in Valencia
- One of the main works of Valencian Art Nouveau
- Started in 1839
Palma Cathedral
- Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma
- Constructed from 1229-1601
- Built on the site of a Moorish-era mosque
Costs
all flights $1,712
food $37/day x 22 days = $814
hotel $83/day x 20 days = $1,660
tickets (all attractions) $323
TOTAL for whole itinerary $4,509
