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 For
honeymooners seeking a true escape into the
most sultry, exotic, and lyrical aspects of
Europe's past and present, Spain is the perfect
destination. The Iberian peninsula's widely
varied terrain offers deserts, expansive highlands,
plains, and mountains with rain-forested roots
and snow-capped summits. At its edges, cliffs
plunge into ocean water, their convergence gilded
by fine sandy beaches or pebbly strands. Ways
of life have been carved into every niche, and
the music of fado and Celta and flamenco and
the scent of sherry and olives welcomes the
roads to lush Portugal, rocky Gibraltar, and
sun-drenched Seville and Malaga.
Days
spent here on your honeymoon feature mountain
biking or horseback riding, walking through
vineyards, orchards or olive groves, traversing
hillside towns, exploring the cosmopolitan labyrinths
of Madrid and Barcelona, or simply relaxing
at the beachside resorts of the southern coast
or in the trendy Balearic Islands. At various
points around the peninsula, sparkling resorts,
nightclubs and restaurants blend into a background
of ocean, mountains, ancient ruins and traditional
villages. While many travelers expect to find
welcoming smiles, luxurious resorts, grand city
hotels and attractions such as bullfights, castles,
opera, and vibrant nightlife, most are surprised
to discover how charming and inexpensive Spain
and Portugal can be. This is especially true
when including idyllic backcountry experiences
such as staying in ancient inns, converted monasteries,
or clifftop retreats, many lovingly restored
and modernized while retaining their historical
significance.
More
about Spain and Portugal:
MoonRings Signature Itineraries:
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the facts...
Best
suited for:
Lovers of world culture and sun. Adventurers
looking for wonderful ruins and historic sites.
Bon vivants seeking a perfect mix of nightlife,
delicious food, and time on the beach.
When
to go:
Iberia features diverse geography and accordingly
diverse climates, and warmth, luxury, and natural
beauty can be found year-round. For optimal
sun and maximum value, Andalucia is best visited
in July and August, although this is when the
southern Costa del Sol and Algarve Coast of
Portugal are at their high season. April-June
and September-October are the most popular times
of year to visit, with temperatures averaging
in the 70s and low 80s on the southern and northern
coasts and 80s inland.
Accommodations:
Historic inns, castles, rustic bed and breakfasts,
luxury hotels, royal palaces, and world-class
resorts are all easily found.
Dining:
Tapas and sangria in the shade; steaks and fresh
game on the grill; seafood fresh from the net
served lightly with citrus and new wine. Options
for local and international cuisine abound in
this wonderful country for gourmets.
Special
Activities:
In Northern Portugal and Spain, pilgrimage routes,
spelunking, and even hunting! In Southern and
Central Iberia, days of mountain biking, canoeing,
and horseback riding, followed by shaded afternoons
of wine tastings, orchard walks, and cooking
classes. On the coasts, wonderful watersports
and deep sea fishing.
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