So what is it that makes Spain such an attraction for all these tourists and holidaymakers?

One of the most obvious reasons is the beautiful Spanish weather which becomes more and more appealing as the Northern European winters and even summers seem to become wetter and gloomier year after year. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it is true that regions such as the Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria are a tremendous draw for anyone looking to escape the grey of a Northern Europe winter or even Northern European summers of late!

From soaring snow capped mountain peaks to palm fringed golden beaches, to barren sun baked plains where several of the famous "spaghetti westerns" were filmed, you will soon realise that Spain is a country of great scenic variety. After Switzerland and Austria, Spain comes third in the league table of most mountaineous European countries. Having driven from the top to the bottom of the country in one very hot Spanish summer I can certainly vouch for this quite surprising statistic? Well, you can in the Sierra Nevada mountains which lie just 1 hours drive north of Malaga and the beaches of the Costa Del Sol.

-Culturally, Spain is amazingly diverse as you will notice in its art and architecture, cuisine and its peoples. All across the southern province of Andalucia, itself a Moorish word, you will find evidence of a people who came to occupy this part of Spain from North Africa hundreds of years ago, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, linguistic and architectural styles and mores. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is probably one of the most famous and impressive legacy of Moorish architecture in the whole of this region.

-Linguistically too, Spain is very diverse. Catalan, a language as much akin to French as Spanish, is widely spoken in the North East of Spain and in great historical cities such as Barcelona you will see signs written in both Catalan and Spanish.

-Perhaps one of the biggest attractions for many tourists is the Spanish way of life. Whilst the often referred to "manana" culture can sometimes be very frustrating if you need something done in a hurry, there is no doubt that the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by the Spanish people is much to be admired and envied by us Northern Europeans who are confined to indoor activities only for many months of the year.

Surely the essence of a relaxing holiday is to be able to relax over an evening meal eaten " al fresco" washed down with beautifully refreshing Spanish wines such as Rioja or Ribera Del Douro? Wander through villages and small towns and stop to buy fresh produce at the many markets you will come across, enjoy a peaceful and relaxing "paseo" or evening stroll after an evening meal and rub shoulders and share pleasant and light hearted conversation with the locals- that is how to get to know, experience and enjoy the real Spain!

Top Tips As To How To Make The Best of What Spain Has To Offer?

Whilst there are many hotels of all sizes and descriptions which one could stay in, in my opinion the best way to experience this fabulous country, is to consider renting one of the may thousands of holiday homes, holiday villas or apartments which can be found on any high quality web based holiday property rental website.

When you rent a holiday home whether that be a holiday villa or holiday apartment in one of the many regions of Spain, you will instantly appreciate the benefits that this offers as opposed to the confines and limitations of staying in a hotel or pension. You can come and go from your holiday home as you please, you can organise sleeping and eating arrangements to suit the size and mood of your group and best of all you can experience first hand the real Spanish way of life by staying in authentic rural Spanish villages or energetic towns and cities.

As much as Spain is a fantastic destination for a holiday or short weekend break, the wrong or inappropriate choice of accommodation can totally ruin your experience and enjoyment. That is why I would strongly encourage you to go self catering and to seek out a holiday villa or holiday apartment to rent in one of the many diverse resorts and regions of Spain.

From coastal villas, apartments, townhouses, studios or rustic fincas you can take advantage of Spain's wonderful sun drenched beaches, fabulous golfing resorts, or if its rural tranquillity which you seek, then accommodation set against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, lush green valleys and quiet rural retreats will be just for you.