Spain from A to Z

Somo and Loredo (Ribamontán al Mar): Somo is one of the most famous beaches for surfers and the first surfing nature reserve in Spain. Ris (Noja): this four- kilometre long sandy beach is one of the busiest beaches in Noja. In addition, you can find over 200 kilometres of coast for surfing in the Canary Islands. El Confital (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria): the waves here are considered to be the best in the Canary Islands. El Quemao (Lanzarote): the volcanic rock bottom is particularly suitable for advanced surfers. El Socorro (Tenerife): this beach is particularly well-known due to its regular use for competitions and as a training area. Surfing options are available in other regions as well, including Mundaka beach in the Basque Country, Yerbabuena in Cádiz or Rodiles in Asturias. WINDSURFING One region that is internationally known for its prime windsurfing conditions is Tarifa, in the province of Cádiz, the so-called Wind Capital of Europe. The best-known beaches include Bolonia beach, where you can visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. You may also visit Playa Chica: the especially clear waters are only used by windsurfers during the winter season, as windsurfing is prohibited in summer. Valdevaqueros beach: the city beach of Tarifa, famous for its favourable winds. Dos Mares beach: a very long beach,

Above: Surfing by the Barceloneta beach, in Barcelona. Below: Mountain

climbing in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Europe. The country offers 35 ski resorts with optimum quality snow and many hours of sunshine (also in winter), along with first-class facilities, specially-designated areas for beginners, well-trained ski instructors and a wide range of additional activities for the perfect winter holiday. Numerous restaurants, pubs and discos lend a lively nightlife to the resorts. GOLF Spain is the European leader for golf tourism due to its optimum playing conditions. Marbella, in the province of Málaga, located in the south of Andalusia, is one

popular with windsurfing fans. The Canaries are also good for windsurfing: Gran Canaria with Pozo Izquierdo and Vargas, the beaches of Jandía and the Sotavento beach in Fuerteventura, Las Cucharas on the Costa Teguise in Lanzarote and the Médano beach on the southern coast of the island of Tenerife. SKIING From the peaks of the Pyrenees to the cliffs of the Iberian Mountain Range, from the Picos de Europa to the Sierra Nevada in Granada, Spanish ski resorts are among the most important winter sport destinations in

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