The Provinces of Spain
CORUÑA in the north western corner of Spain forms part of the Community of Galicia with a population of over one million inhabitants. The temperatures vary very little throughout the year and the climate is mild. It is the most maritime province in the Peninsula, opening to the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. Its coastline has the most striking contrasts, from the gentle Rias Bajas of Arosaand Muros-Noya to the rough seas of the coastline near legendary Finisterre and Toriñana Cape the most westerly point of Spain or from the broad Rias Altas to the cliffs of Estaca de Bares and Ortegal.
Coruña has many fine sandy beaches and coves some of which are opposite the sea while the majority are protected by peaceful estuaries or coves. There are many water sports and fishing for salmon, reo and trout is available. The cuisine here consists of seafood, fish, meat and vegetables, and among the most popular are pork with turnip tops, tripe, meat or fish turnovers, octopus and not forgetting the fine wines available here. During fiestas and holidays which include folklore and culture, we should point out the lace from Camariñas made in the very difficult skilled palilleira style, artistic jet trinkets and silver work from Santiago de Compostels, also ceramics from Castro and Buño.
There are some interesting places to be visited in Coruña such as the legendary Tower of Hercules constructed by the Romans and considered to be the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. In the old part of the town there is Collegiate Churches and monuments of artistic value as well as Los Cantones and La Marina. The Provincial Museum and recently inaugurated House of the Sciences are especially interesting. The beaches and recreational clubs are on the outskirts of the city and special mention should be given to La Zapateira Golf Course which is very popular.
Santiago de Compostela, the seat of the Galician Autonomous Government and the destination of pilgrimages to the tomb of St. James Apostle, an ancient European tradition dating back to medieval times. A visit to the old quarters of Santiago is very interesting to see The Cathedral with its famous Portico de la Gloria, Hostal de los Reyes Católicos today a hotel, San Martin Pinario, Fonseca Palace, the site of the University, and many more. Other important places are Betanzos the former capital of the province of the same name, El Ferrol, Arzúa, Mellid, Puentedeume, Ortigueira and Cedeira.
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In the province of CUENCA there are three different zones known as Serrania to the east and north, La Mancha to the south and west and La Alcarria to the north. Landscape of Serrania contains huge rock masses in different forms. La Mancha is a level plain with vast horizons. La Alcarria is a honey producing flower and osier area. Fishing and boating can be offered in the Buendia and Alarcón dams. Priego is a little town set in lovely surroundings. Belmonte has two national monuments, a castle and collegiate church. Alarcón a fortress which was once the home of the infante don Juan Manuel and very historical.
The Spanish Golden age is reflected by San Clements. The capital Cuenca stands 1,000m. above sea level and is a very picturesque spot. The old quarter surrounded by the rivers Júcar and Huécar and clinging to a huge rock are overlooked by the hanging houses. Holy Week ceremonies and Religious Music Week run in conjunction with them. Festivities of St. Julian take place from 20th July to 28th August and excursions can be arranged to the Enchanted City. Popular dishes in this area are lamb, La Mancha cold raw vegetable soup. The local drink, Resoli is made from corn-brandy, coffee, cinnamon, orange rind, essence and sugar.
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In north eastern Spain is the maritime province of GERONA which borders France and is the eastermost province on the Iberian Peninsula bounded by the Pyrenees to the north along the frontier with France until they reach the Costa Brava. It has a variety of climates and landscapes with forests, meadows, fields and reservoirs. For those looking for winter sports, there are ski resorts at La Molina, Nuria, Masella and Vallter Tean 2000 all equiped with ski-lifts.
Various monuments and archaeology features may be found in Ripoll, Besalú, Pals, Ullastret, Ampurias, Rosas, Figueras and many more. From Barcelona, Gerona is 100km and from the French border 60km. The coastline, known as the Costa Brava is an interesting area for the tourist since they can visit popular tourist centres such as Lloret de Mar, Playa de Aro, Blanes, Palamós, Palafrugell, etc. as well as typical towns like Cadaqués, Puerto de la Selva, Llansä and many more, with quiet protected beaches with clean sand and the pine trees grow right down to the waters edge.
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