by Leong Phei Phei

WITH its fabulous Mediterranean surroundings, rich history and colourful culture, it is no wonder that Spain is a top vacation spot.

My favourite is Barcelona, Spain's second largest city. A stroll along La Ramblas will show you how vibrant it is.

From 8am, street performers start gathering at La Ramblas with their props. See them as they metamorphosed into different shapes and forms, such as the cat-woman who meows in delight when you toss a coin in her tray, or the flamenco dancer, who twists and turns with nifty steps.

Spanish poet Garcia Lorca says La Rambla is "the only street in the world which I wish would never end" - I can't agree more.

Whether you explore the city on foot or by the Barcelona City Hop-on Hop-off buses, you won't miss the architectural masterpieces of Antonio Gaudi.

Park Guell is a garden complex built in the 1900s.

While some prefer the complexity of Park Guell, others like the beauty of La Pedera. My favourite is the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral that is till today an incomplete masterpiece.

Arguably the most famous landmark of Barcelona, Sagrada Familia was the final work of Gaudi, who died in a tram accident in 1926.

Toledo and Granada are not to be missed, as these cities are rich in culture and history.

Toledo sits on a Castilian hilltop overlooking the River Tagus, and it is usually included in the itinerary as part of a day trip from Madrid.

It used to be the capital of the Spanish Empire and was for centuries a place where Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together. Today, Toledo is the religious centre of Spain and is often referred to as "The Imperial City".

Toledo's landscape is dotted with centuries-old religous buildings

A Unesco World Heritage Site, some of the attractions include the Toledo cathedral, which is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe; the Alc'zar, a fort founded almost 1,000 years ago; the Holy Cross

Museum with its huge art collection including a wide selection of El Greco, and the Taller del Moro Museum.

Granada is the other World Heritage Site in Spain that you mustn't miss. It is located on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and was a stronghold of the Nazeri Dynasty, the last great Moorish kingdom in Spain.

Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicin, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro.
The Alhambra is one of the most famous places of the Islamic legacy. This massive castle consists of gardens, fortifications and palaces, home of the Arab sultans who ruled the province.

The impossible beauty and splendour of the Alhambra of Granada, Spain, were inspired by its builders' desire to create heaven on earth.

The Albaicin, on the other hand, is an old Arabic quarter on the hill opposite the Alhambra.

Here, you can find Arabic crafts and cuisines. It is also an oil painter's paradise because it is so pretty. In Spain, don't forget to indulge in the amazing array of food and wines, which are influenced by its diverse geography and Mediterranean culture.

You can find all sorts of culinary tours, from wine-tasting in Rioja to tapas tours in Madrid and Barcelona.

Travellers' tips
Many shops close for siesta from 2pm to 4pm, but they stay open late into the evening. Siesta is time to have a nap for the Spanish.

Don't be afraid to take public transport. Spain's metro systems, particularly those in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, have a simple pricing system and easy-to-read maps.

Check out the tourist offices in the cities - they usually stock useful brochures and up-to-date information on happenings.

For enquiries and to book a tour, visit titanium.ctc.com.sg or call CTC Holidays at 6216-3416 . For international medical assistance, call OCBC Concierge at +65-6322-2588 . For insurance claim assistance, please call 6248-2638 or visit www.ocbc.com for more details.