• Andalusia (Andalucía), and its capital city Seville, which is the centre of Andalusian culture, flamenco and bullfighting. The sumptuous palace of Alhambra with its gardens can be found in Granada. Cordoba historically bears the marks of traditional Arab architecture. Some of Europe’s oldest cities, permeated with history, are Cadiz and Malaga. One can find some of the cosiest beaches and coves in Costa del Sol, especially in the luxurious resort of Marbella, most of which fly the blue flag of the E.U. – a quality mark, a sign of crystal-clear water and developed tourist infrastructures. Other magnificent beaches can be found in the oceanic region of Costa de la Luz, notably next to the city of Tarifa, which are some of the best for surfing in Spain;
• Aragon (Aragón). The ancient city of Zaragoza has been marked by many civilisations, which can be seen in its palaces, cathedrals, monasteries and ancient Roman monuments. The capital city of Teruel is profoundly marked by the unique Mudejar architectural style. Aragon is not just home to architectural wonders, it also boasts unforgettable national parks and reserves: Ordesa and Monte Perdido (Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido), Wildlife Refuge of Laguna Sariñena (Refugio de Fauna Silvestre de la Laguna Sariñena), to name a few. Some of the region’s most popular wineries are Bodegas Pagos de Moncayo (D.O. Campo de Borja) and Bodegas San Valero (D.O. Cariñena);
• Asturias (Asturias). The medieval city of Oviedo is abounding with both Art Nouveau buildings and ancient historical monuments, neighbouring each other in perfect fusion. The ancient port city of Gijon, which was already renowned during Roman times. The sanctuary of Covadonga is a popular pilgrimage location, and also the place where the Reconquista started. Last but not least, the opulent National Park of Picos de Europa (Parque nacional Picos de Europa);
• Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares) - are the largest tourist centre for beach lovers and a heaven for yacht excursions, where you can find picturesque lagoons and azure water, surrounded by pine groves. They house some of the world’s most famous resorts: Ibiza - mostly popular amongst the younger generations for its active night life, the more proper Mallorca - prised by parents with children and seniors, Menorca - for those who seek tranquillity and peace, and Formentera - with the opportunity to meet world-famous stars in a restaurant, like Leonardo Di Caprio or George Clooney;
• Valencia (Valencia) – is a city founded by the Romans, where one can witness not only perfectly preserved medieval cathedrals and monasteries, but also ultra-modern buildings in the world-famous architectural complex "City of Arts and Science". On the coastline, one can relax in popular resort towns: Benidorm - nicknamed the Spanish New-York for its skyscraper hotels, has unforgettable beaches spanning on 4 km, which were recognised on many occasions to be the best on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Gandia – a city which acquired its reputation by the days of Giovanni Borgia, when a sublime palace was built for the noble duke on top the ruins of the ancient Arab fortress, and remains standing by this day, Villajoyosa – notable for its bright, multi-coloured fishermen houses and its traditional Christian and Moor festivals which take place on the 28th of July since over 250 years;
• Galicia (Galicia), and its capital Santiago de Compostela is the centre of European pilgrimages: one can find there the tomb of St. James the Apostle. In La Coruna stands tall and proud Europe’s most ancient lighthouse, the "Tower of Hercules", mirrored by the lighthouse on Cape Finisterre. The ancient city of Lugo, which was founded by the Romans to serve them as an outpost, and the large port city of Vigo on the Atlantic coast. Natural wonders do not lack: the coastline is an intricate maze of river deltas and the National Park of Atlantic (Parque nacional de las Islas Atlanticas de Galicia) with its exquisite beaches;
• The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) – islands surrounded by a warm ocean during the whole year, covered with fragrant pine forests, Martian landscapes of lava, long stretches of sand dunes and numerous prehistorical monuments. Tenerife is home to the National Park Teide, the Loro Park, its capital city Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the cosy little town of Puerto de la Cruz. Gran Canaria with its capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has many sights to see: National Park Maspalomas, Archeological Park and Museum of Cave Pintada, and the truly charming “Canarian Venice” – the little town of Mogan. Lanzarote is covered in some of the country’s most beautiful vineyards, and under the ground one can visit the mysterious caves of Jameos Del Agua. Last but not least, the Fuerteventura Island has strong wind, thus making it a beloved location of Spain’s surfers.
• Cantabria (Cantabria) – capital city Santander, a luxurious resort town. The region has two National natural parks, Cabárceno and Picos de Europa, and an ancient cave with wall painting of the late Palaeolithic period, known as Altamira Cave;
• Castilla and Leon (Castilla y León), is a land of medieval fortresses and castles. Many ancient towns can be found in the region: medieval town Avila - enclosed with ramparts, old city of Burgos - and its majestic cathedral, hometown of Sid-Liberator, Leon - a town of architectural diversity, spanning from the gothic style to Gaudi’s, Salamanca – with one of the oldest universities in Spain and another imposing cathedral, Segovia – a town with a curious castle, ancient aqueduct, yet another sublime cathedral and numerous restaurants serving the favourite local dish; suckling pig. The very prestigious Winery DOC Ribera Del Duero can be found in the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Segovia and Valladolid;
• Castilla-La Mancha (Castilla-La Mancha) and its cities Ciudad Real, Albacete and Cuenca is the birthplace of Manchego cheese. The wondrous city of Toledo, surrounded by ancient yet strong ramparts, was the ancient capital of Spain in medieval times and city of the painter El Greco, and is now known for its Christmas marzipans. The simultaneous presence of a cathedral, synagogue and mosque bears witness to the peaceful coexistence of many cultures in Toledo during the period of Arab rule;
• Catalonia (Catalunya) — its capital city is Barcelona, one of Spain’s most popular towns amongst tourists and the second most influential in the country. It’s mostly famous for its picturesque gothic district, large pedestrian boulevard of Ramblas, Boqueria market, and of course Antonio Gaudi’s intricate and puzzling houses and palaces, especially the breath-taking and unique Sagrada Familia cathedral. The Salvador Dali Museum can be found in the city of Figueres, alongside the medieval towns of Girona and Lleida, and the mountain Montserrat. Costa Brava is home to many resort towns like Lloret de Mar – mostly alive at night and a favourite of tourists, having many architectural monuments ranging from the baroque to modernist style; Costa del Maresme with its town of Malgrat de Mar, known for its 4.5 km of well-kept beaches marked by the blue flag of the EU; Costa Dorada, and on one hand the town of Sitges, a central hub for the younger tourists, and on the other Salou, a town beloved by tourists travelling with their families for its 3 kilometres of pristine and white beaches. Tarragona, often nicknamed the Spanish Rome because of its well-preserved monuments of the Roman period – the gladiator arena, theatre, and forum, but also its clean coastline, spanning on 13 km, with cosy beaches;
• La Rioja (La Rioja) is Spain’s most notorious winery. Apart from the vineyards and beautiful national parks, one can visit the capital of the region, Logroño, the picturesque cities of San Vicente de la Sonserra, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Casalarreina, San Millan de la Cogolla also known as the city of monasteries, and the monastery of Santa Maria la Real in Najera;
• Madrid (Madrid) is the sublime capital city of Spain, and has many monuments to be visited: the Prado National Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía Centre, the historical centre of the city dating back to the era of the Habsburg – a little Vienna in the heart of Spain, Plaza Mayor and Plaza Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace with its gardens, and the Park of Buen Retiro. Situated 45 km from Madrid, in the foothills of the mountains of Sierra de Guadarrama lies the monastery, palace and residence of Spanish King Philip II, the architectural complex of El Escorial, and the tombs of the Spanish Kings;
• Murcia (Murcia) has a picturesque and historical city centre, a cathedral and numerous baroque churches. The city of Cartagena, or New Carthage, was founded by the Carthaginians and preserved many monuments of Roman architecture. The resort of Manga del Mar Menor is a peaceful lagoon formed by a 24 km long strip of sand;
• Navarre (Navarra) – capital city Pamplona, was founded by the Romans during the first century BC, and earned its worldwide reputation thanks to the annual bull race of San Fermin. Its major cities are the medieval town of Estella, nicknamed “Northern Toledo” and Zugarramurdi, the town of witches. The region houses the Natural Park of Bardenas Reales – with its mountains and plains, and also the wineries of DOC Navarra - Bodegas Julián Chivite, and Bodegas Irache;
• The capital of innovations Bilbao in Basque Country (País Vasco) with its famous Guggenheim Museum and Calatrava Bridges. In San Sebastian resort you will find the finest urban beaches in the world. La Concha (The Shell), so named for its resemblance to the shape of a scallop shell, is recognized one of the best beaches in Europe. National natural parks and reserves. Rocky coastline with isolated bays and fishermen villages;
• Extremadura (Extremadura) has three main cities: old Badajoz, medieval Caceres and Merida, its capital, bearing the mark of Roman reign up to this day. Other notable places to visit are the monastery of St. Mary of Guadalupe, the well-preserved Moorish castle of Alcazaba, and the notorious city of Trujillo, known for being the birthplace of many Conquistadors who went off to discover and conquer America. The little picturesque town of Zafra is known in the region as “Little Seville”. The region is also home to some natural parks and reserves, like Natural Park Monfragüe (Parque Natural de Monfragüe), or Natural Theme Park Alkeva (Parque Temático Natural Alqueva).

CIUDADES PATRIMONIO DE LA HUMANIDAD DE ESPAÑA from Readmore Films on Vimeo.