Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler Fall 2018

SPAIN TRAVELER Cosmopolitan

Fall Edition | October - November 2018

ECOTOURISM CLUB

REGION OF MURCIA

GREEN SPAIN

Discover amazing landscapes, unique biodiversity, and local culture with the Ecotourism Club of Spain.

Enjoy life in the open air. Come and discover the Region of Murcia through its history and diverse landscape.

Take the Northern Route and explore the coastal Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

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Fall Edition | October - November 2018

The Tourist Offices of Spain form part of a network of 33 worldwide offices of TURESPAÑA, Spain’s government tourism promotion authority based in Madrid. Four branch offices in the USA (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami) promote leisure and convention travel to consumers, press, and travel professionals in their respective geographic jurisdiction.

CONTENTS

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

LOS ANGELES (West Coast USA) losangeles@tourspain.es

CHICAGO (Midwest USA) chicago@tourspain.es

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Region of Murcia Explore a land of contrasts lying in the center of Spain’s Mediterranean coastal arch. Ecotourism Club Learn more about Spain’s wide network of national parks, reserves, and geoparks.

NEWYORK (North-East USA) nuevayork@tourspain.es

MIAMI (South-East USA) oetmiami@tourspain.es

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Paradors of Spain: Lorca Embark on a journey through time.

14 Green Spain

500 miles to admire and savor places and wineries along the route to Santiago.

CONNECTWITH US

ON THE COVER

Real Casino de Murcia, Murcia City, Spain More on pg. 6. Photo by Michael C. Snell

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Letter from the Editor

One of the key features of Spain is its great variety of geography, climate, landscapes, culture, traditions, festivals, cuisine… Each time you go to Spain you will discover different experiences that will remain part of you. With the most relevant biodiversity in Europe and a wide network of pro- tected territories, Spain combines the discovery of nature with cultural manifestations, which makes it a great place to enjoy ecotourism. If you are an ecotourist, you not only will visit a natural protected area, but you will also be living a memorable experience, contributing to the conserva- tion of nature and to the well-being of the local population. As a region of “crossing cultures”, a privileged climate, and welcoming destination, the region of Murcia offers a wide range of possibilities: experiencing its millenary culture through its fabulous Arab medinas, Roman vestiges, Christian castles and churches, along with the ancient Roman theater in Cartagena, and its emblematic Cathedral in the city of Murcia. But you cannot miss the extensive cultural programming offered by El Batel Auditorium and Conference Centre, located in the Port of Cartagena. Enjoying Green Spain implies getting to know the meaning of the spirit of the north, traveling its 500 miles for admiring and savoring their pal- aces and wineries. Along the Cantabrian coast you will be admiring the Palace of Charles V in San Sebastian, the GuggenheimMuseum in Bilbao, the Magdalena Palace in Santander, modernist mansions in Asturias, and country houses in Galicia; but don’t forget that along the way, you will be savoring their wines.

Tourist Office of Spain

Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler

Ecotourism Club

Ecotourism means much more than visiting a natural protected area; it means living a memorable experience, contributing to the conservation of the place and to the well- being of the local populations, as defended by the International Ecotourism Society.

• Do you like discovering natural protected areas, its fauna and flora and its culture and gastronomy knowing your travel is contributing to their conservation? • Do you want to watch birds, explore forests or learn about the land- scapes you visit with professional guides, with whom you will live unforgettable experiences? • Are you a fond of traveling through protected areas on foot, cycling, horse riding or canoeing with those who know and respect them best? If the answer is YES…… YOU ARE AN ECOTOURIST! ECO TOURISM CLUB ARE YOU AN ECOTOURIST?

The Ecotourism Club in Spain is a pioneer- ing initiative to find:

Ecotourism means living a memorable experience, con- tributing to the conservation of the place and to the well- being of the local populations. ” • Experiences and various activities suit- able for all ages and interests, to enjoy while discovering the spaces, such as birdwatching, wildwatching, hiking, cycling, cultural activities, and local gastronomy. • Protected areas throughout Spain which stand out for their landscapes and for implementing a sustainable tourist plan. • Professional and high quality accom- modation and tourist service com- panies, which collaborate with the protected areas, supporting the con- servation and the local development.

S pain is the European country with the most relevant biodiversity and the largest protected surface. It has very dif- ferent climates which make it possible to practice ecotourism throughout the year, enjoying several experiences which target all interests, sensibilities, ages and physical conditions.

Reserves, 11 UNESCO geoparks, more than 170 natural parks and the Natura 2000 network. All together account for almost 30% of the total surface area of Spain and 20% of the Natura 2000 Network in Eu- rope. These areas are ideal to combine the discovery of nature with the most genu- ine cultural manifestations, gastronomy included. Therefore, Spain is also a great place to enjoy ecotourism.

Read more about Ecotourism in Spain: www.ecotouristinspain.com

Spain has a wide network of protected areas with 15 national parks, 48 Biosphere

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Ecotourism Club - National Parks in Spain

Cabañeros – Toledo Mountains

Doñana

Ebro Delta

Garajonay

Geopark Villuercas, Ibores, Jara

Gredos – Tietar Valley – Oropesa

La Garrotxa

La Jara and Toledo Mountains

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park

Monfragüe

Muniellos – Fuentes del Narcea

Sierra de Cazorla

Sierra Espuña

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Norte de Sevilla

Sobrarbe Geopark

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Region of Murcia

REGION of MURCIA Makes you feel happy!

Murcia, a region of “crossing cultures”, is privileged by a mild climate that makes it worthy of the name that ac- companies it: “Costa Cálida”. Located in the South-East corner of Spain and surrounded by Castilla La Mancha, Valencia, and Andalusia, the region of Murcia is chalked full with innumer- able activities to do: Art and culture, wine and tourism, golf, beaches and nature, summer festivals... discover them all!

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Region of Murcia

M urcia retains its traditions not only through its culture, but also in the way that the land is cultivated . La huerta murciana is a valley through which the Segura River flows, with a millenary irrigation system (the oldest in Spain) that was initiated by the Romans and perfected by the Moors. The huerta murciana shows an immense mosaic of dispersed settlement population due to the need of inhabit- ants to live next to their crops.

It’s a natural environment which highlights its typical vegetation of fruit trees, where the lemon tree stands out in a space lined with veg- etables and with the abundant presence of the mulberry tree.

Murcia region also means getting to know its 270 miles of coastline where small beaches and cliffs alternate. Its geography provides one of the most important coastal areas of Spain: La Manga, the tongue of land that forms the Mar Menor with smooth and gentle waters in which to swim and enjoy the sun.

To complete the tourists attractions of this region, Murcia offers a magnificent representation of buildings that treasure modernist and Art-Deco works: The Llagostera House and the Alessón Building in Cartagena and the old Agrarian Chamber Building in Lorca.

Downtown Cartagena City Photograph by Michael C. Snell

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Region of Murcia

Romea Theater, Murcia Photograph by Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia

City of Murcia

The city of Murcia offers a wide range of possibilities. In addition to its millenary legacy, you should not miss its reli- gious monuments such as The Cathedral, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Fuensanta, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Beautiful places to visit include: El Castillo de Monteagudo, 3.5 miles from the city of Murcia and from where you can get a panoramic view of the valley where Huerta Murciana extends. The Almudí Palace, a building built in the 15th century and the Esplanada del Malecón, are places that you cannot miss when you visit this friendly and welcoming city.

Murcia is an open and dynamic city, with a favorable loca- tion in the Mediterranean arc, making it a highly attrac- tive city for gatherings and cultural activities. When you walk through the streets of Murcia, you will find beautiful architectural treasures, among which we can highlight, the Cathedral that began to be built in the 14th century with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements; the 18th cen- tury Episcopal Palace; and the eclectic style of the Romea Theater of the 19th century, which is one of the most important cultural references of the city.

More about the city of Murcia: www.murciaturistica.es/en/murcia

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Region of Murcia

Cartagena

If you aren’t yet aware of what Cartagena has to offer, just keep reading in order to have a broad view of its possibili- ties. It is one of the main naval bases of the country, and an appealing tourist destination thanks to its historical-artistic heritage, including vestiges of the Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine era, military buildings of modern and contem- porary times, as well as with neoclassical and modernist buildings. The most characteristic symbol of this city is the Roman Theater which, although built in the 1st century BC, was not discovered until 1990. The architectural ensemble of which is made up of the Museum of the Roman Theater was designed by Rafael Moneo. In the cultural field, with the initiative of Cartagena Port of cultures, an attempt has been made to unify the varied cultural possibilities that this city offers, enhancing its tour- ist visibility.

it is also known for its major festivals of Carthaginians and Romans and the processions of Holy Week, both being declared of International Tourist Interest, for its Punic Wall, and much more. The port of Cartagena is the berthing point of numerous cruises with different destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, it is the 8th port in Spain with the largest num- ber of cruise passengers, who enjoy the cultural and leisure activities upon arrival at the Port of Cartagena. But the Port of Cartagena is also the place where the El Batel Auditorium and Palace of Congresses is located. It is a superb construction of cultural character whose design of straight lines and great luminosity has its references in Cartagena’s marine traditions.

More about the city of Cartagena: www.murciaturistica.es/en/cartagena

Roman Theater, Cartagena Photograph by Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia

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Region of Murcia

Festivals

Every month of the year there is a festival in the Region, a reason why it’s likely that your visit coincides with any one of them. Noteworthy, for being of international tourist interest: Holy Week of Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca; the Águilas Carnival; the Bando de la Huerta and El Entierro de la Sardina (The Burial of the Sardine) in Murcia; the festivals of the Santísima and Vera Cruz de Caravaca, and the Cante de la Minas de La Unión Festival (Minas International Flamenco Vocals Festival).

Parque Minero in La Unión Photograph by Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia

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Region of Murcia

Art and Culture

If you enjoy golf, Murcia Region offers you the possibility to play your favorite sport in the most modern facilities surrounded by the sea in a luxurious environment. With 22 golf courses spread across the region, more than 300 sunny days per year, and a 50-mile stretch of golf courses, you will feel that Murcia Region is your destination. Golf

Its magnificent location in the so-called “Mediterranean Arc” has favored this crossroads of cultures that has so enriched the cultural and historical heritage of the Region of Murcia. The fabulous legacy of the Moors, Romans along with the Christian culture, has been splashed to this Re- gion with Arab medinas; Roman vestiges; Christian castles, churches and temples that make up a beautiful heritage full of history and tradition. The archaeological and cultural heritage which can be visited at its original places as well as their magnificent network of museums are sufficiently attractive proposals so that the visitor does not hesitate to discover cultural Murcia. Among these interesting cultural offerings, it is essential to mention the International Festival of Cante de las Minas in La Unión , an annual Spanish flamenco contest. Each August, the city of La Unión is the meeting point for flamenco singers, guitarists, and other instrumentalists in the incomparable setting of the Public Market building -now also known as the ‘Cathedral of Flamenco Song’.

Wine Tourism

The numerous sunny days per year, the different varieties of soil and a very mild climate make Murcia an ideal place for wine growing. The three D.O. wine appellations from the Region of Murcia -- Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla --have been gaining prestige and quality in recent years delighting diners. The Region of Murcia’s wines are marked by the charac- teristics of the Monastrell grape, a red variety with small, compact bunches, which is perfectly adapted to the envi- ronmental conditions in this area.

Golf in the Region of Murcia Photograph by Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia

www.murciaturistica.es/en Visit Murcia

@Visit_Murcia @Visit_Murcia

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Parador de Lorca Lorca, Region of Murcia, Spain P A R A D O R S O F S P A I N

Built on the site of Lorca Castle, the Parador de Lorca offers visitors the chance to embark on a journey through time.

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U nique to the Parador de Lorca, an archaeological site located under the hotel is completely integrated into the building. Remnants of the past include a 15th-century synagogue, Muslim cistern, Almohad walls and castle citadel known as the Fortaleza del Sol (Fortress of the Sun), which has been converted into a themed cultural and entertainment space with exhi- bitions, living history reenactments, workshops, and children’s areas. Lorca has many beautiful places to discover: medieval walls, Christian tow- ers which proudly guard the city, Jewish quarters, cisterns, synagogues, or- ange groves and vineyards. The city stands at the feet of the Parador de Lorca, an ideal place to dis- cover the culture, history and tradition of this beautiful part of the Region of Murcia.

How to arrive

Lorca is 65 km fromMurcia via the A-7. The Autovía del Mediterráneo (A-7) connects Lorca with Granada, a distance of 216 km. Address

Castillo de Lorca s/n 30800 Lorca Murcia Telephone +34 968 406 047 Email lorca@parador.es Fact Sheet Parador de Lorca (PDF) More Information: www.parador.es

Parador de Lorca Photograph by Michael C. Snell

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Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler GREEN SPAIN The spirit of the North

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Begin the route by admiring Hondarribia and the Castle/Palace of Charles V, now a Parador de Turismo hotel, admire the views of Bidasoa Bay. In San Sebastián , feel like Hitchcock or Coco Chanel when you stay at Hotel María Cristina and admire Miramar Palace. In Bilbao , admire the Guggenheim. In Santander , admire Magda- lena Peninsula and the palace of the same name; admire the unique collection of architecture in Comillas . Admire Oviedo , admire the mansions of the indianos, Asturians who made their fortune in Latin America, including Selgas Palace. Admire and stroll through the Panrico Gardens in Luarca . Admire Santiago de Compostela , admire Galician country houses such as Pazo de Oca and Pazo de Fefiñanes, admire the camellias ... admire , admire and admire again.

And while you’re admiring , savour . Savour our wineries and their wines, such as Marqués de Riscal in the Rioja Alavesa region. Savour Cantabrian spirits such as Orujo de Potes, a traditional drink from the Liébana valley. Savour a cider , right from the source, where it is made using traditional methods, in a typical Asturian cider mill. And be sure to savour the Galician wines from the Rías Baixas-Albariño Designation of Origin ... savour , savour and sa- vour again.

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Walk. Discover the Northern Route, the Coastal Route, the oldest of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago. Its immense natural and scenic heritage offers pilgrims the best of the North. In the Basque Country , walk to San Telmo Chapel or Itzurun Beach, dis- cover the geological treasure known as ‘flysch’ in the cliffs en route to Deba.

Options on the Northern Route in Cantabria include boat trips to enjoy the landscape diversity. The Liébana Route (2017 Jubilee Year) leads to Santo Toribio de Liébana, one of the five holy places, along with Rome, Jerusalem, Caravaca de la Cruz and Santiago de Com- postela.

Tradition has that the tomb of St. James the Apostle was discovered under the reign of Alfonso II of Asturias , called the Chaste. Alfonso II is considered the first pilgrim, the first to travel the Northern Route, which starts in Oviedo. In the Mariña Lucense region of Galicia , we find a ‘cathedral’ sculpted by the power of the sea. Nearby awaits the quintessential cathedral, Santiago de Compostela .

www.tourism.euskadi.eus/en

www.turismodecantabria.com

www.turismoasturias.es/en/

www.turismo.gal

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Concha Beach - San Sebastián

Not all those who wander are lost. — J. R. R. Tolkien A line from the poem “All that is gold does not glitter”, from The Lord of the Rings

San Sebastián , a medium seaside town of 186,000 yet home to an astounding eleven Michelin-star restaurants, is the cullinary gateway to the Basque Country. With the sea and mountain, character and history, traditional and modern architecture, Bilbao is the gateway to the Basque cultural universe. Both cities will be featured in our next edition of Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler.

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SPAIN TRAVELER Cosmopolitan

About Us TURESPAÑA is the government tourism agency responsible for marketing Spain around the world, creating value in its tourism industry, and driving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Spanish destinations. Its mission is to break new strategic ground in Spanish tourism, coordinating and leading public and private actors. All our activities form part of our tourism brand España Global . Our network of 33 Tourist Offices abroad act both as centers of knowledge and marketing, and as business platforms for the tourism sector. Their role abroad is essential for the execution of our international tourism promotion strategy.

Design and Layout: Tom Milanovic, Marketing Manager - Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago

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