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In an era where security cameras are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, homeowners in Spain are seeking to leverage video surveillance technology to protect their properties. The question arises, though, can one legally place cameras on the exterior of a residence without running afoul of privacy laws or neighbourly disputes? 

The Legality of Exterior Cameras: A Delicate Balance

Spanish homeowners may feel the need to install surveillance for various reasons, primarily security. However, the legality of positioning cameras on a building's façade is nuanced, particularly when the property is part of a multi-unit dwelling such as flats or residential estates. Here, the individual's right to security intersects with the right to privacy, creating a legal tightrope that must be carefully walked.

For single-family homes, the law is more permissive. Owners can usually set up cameras on their property's façade without much legal restriction since any recorded individual could potentially be an intruder. This changes significantly for multifamily buildings. Here, installing surveillance cameras that capture shared spaces like corridors, courtyards, or parking lots necessitates consent from the community of owners.

Even with consent, there are clear boundaries. Cameras must not record public spaces or the street, save for the area immediately adjacent to a building's entrance. This is critical to uphold both the privacy of neighbours and adherence to the law.

Compliance with Regulations: Requirements for Home Surveillance

In compliance with data protection regulations in Spain, homeowners who wish to install video surveillance must adhere to the following requirements:

• Notification via Signage: Clear posting of signs indicating the presence of video surveillance is mandatory.

• Limited Data Collection: The scope of the recording should be strictly what is necessary for the intended security purpose.

• Access Rights: People captured by the cameras have the right to access the recordings they are in.

• Secure Storage: Recorded images must be stored securely and access to them should be limited to authorized personnel only.

• Restricted Public Recording: Continuous, unrestricted recording of public roads is prohibited.

Additional measures, such as strategic camera placement and restrictive recording angles, must be employed to focus only on relevant property areas and avoid overlooking public or neighbouring private spaces.

Front Door Surveillance and Implications

When it comes to front door cameras that solely capture footage of one's entrance without encroaching on common areas or public roads, the rules are more relaxed. However, notification to the community, as well as posting signage, is still advisable to prevent any possible disputes.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ignorance or disregard for these regulations can result in significant penalties. Depending on the severity, legal consequences may include fines by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), mandated deletion of unlawfully captured images, prohibition of future camera installations, and even civil liability for privacy infringement.

Tips for Choosing Cameras for Home Surveillance

For those wondering where to purchase such cameras, Amazon offers a variety of surveillance cameras, including the reputable brand TP-Link. Affordable options, such as the Tapo models listed for around €21.99, offer key features necessary for compliant home surveillance.

The adoption of video surveillance at home in Spain necessitates a delicate balance between personal security and privacy rights. Both homeowners and residents must navigate these requirements with care and consider the communal implications of their security measures. As surveillance technology continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, awareness and understanding of such legal frameworks become ever more important for avoiding conflicts and ensuring both security and privacy are maintained.

There's an intoxicating thrill to encountering the local wildlife whilst venturing the ever-enchanting landscape of Spain. However, within the diverse ecology of this beautiful country, there are a few less-than-friendly inhabitants. The most dangerous of this group? Buthus ibericus, commonly known as the Iberian scorpion.

The Buthus ibericus, or Iberian scorpion's, common locale might surprise you. This particular scorpion species isn't found skulking in remote wilderness or barren scrublands. Contrarily, it's quite associated with human settlements.

Among its favoured habitats are peridomestic areas, meaning environments around human homes and settlements. Rocky walls, fallen logs, leaf litter, or urban waste are common places to find an Iberian scorpion. These creatures are nocturnal and remain hidden during the daylight hours, sneaking out in the cooler evenings to hunt for food.

This species is found mainly in the Iberian Peninsula, hence the moniker, which includes most of Spain and Portugal. Central and Southern Spain are the hotspots for their presence, with a particular prevalence in the Spanish regions of Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. These arachnids are also known to have populations in parts of France, Morocco, and Algeria.

How To Recognise It

The Iberian scorpion is usually 5-6cm in length, possesses a rather menacing appearance typical of a scorpion, with its pincers and tell-tale stinger-tipped tail arching over its back. It is typically a yellowish-brown or orange in colour. The immature scorpions are smaller, usually only around 3-4cm in length and might exhibit a slightly paler colouration.

Another distinctive factor is the presence of dark spots on the mesosoma, which gives the creature a flecked appearance. Additionally, compared to other scorpion species, the Iberian scorpion has remarkably slender pedipalps (the pincer-bearing limbs) and a slightly elongated and slender metasoma (the tail). Remember, though, while identification is important, all scorpions should be treated with caution.

Threat Level: How Lethal Is It?

Scorpions have spells of fear cast over them due to their venomous sting. But how much should we fear the Iberian scorpion, particularly? The Iberian scorpion does pack a venomous sting, and it does use it to immobilise its prey, and as a defence mechanism when threatened. Its venom is a mix of peptides and proteins, some of which could potentially be harmful to humans.

However, its lethality is somewhat exaggerated. Cases of fatality caused by the Iberian scorpion sting are extremely rare. A sting from this scorpion species is undoubtedly a painful experience, often described to be somewhat akin to a wasp sting. The effects are typically localised, causing swelling, redness, and intense pain lasting for a few hours.

Systemic effects, such as fever, nausea, muscle cramps, and in rare cases, more serious symptoms like tachycardia, hyperglycemia, or hypertension, can occur. However, these are not typically life-threatening. Vulnerable individuals — the elderly, young children, or those with pre-existing health conditions, may be more severely affected. It's always necessary to seek medical attention promptly if stung.

To give a bit of perspective, out of the estimated 2,000 scorpion species worldwide, only 30-40 have venom potent enough to kill a human. Most scorpions, including the Iberian scorpion, come nowhere near this lethal benchmark.

In the grand scheme of things, the chances of encountering an Iberian scorpion in Spain are slim, and the possibility of being fatally harmed by one, is slimmer still. However, knowledge and preparedness are always beneficial tools when venturing into any wildlife habitat. By knowing where the Iberian scorpion dwells, how to recognise it, and understanding the actual threat it poses, you'll be better equipped to appreciate the diverse wildlife of Spain safely.

Remember, respect for all wildlife and their habitat — even our unassuming Iberian scorpion — is essential. After all, they're part of the rich tapestry of Spain's ecological landscape that makes it such a vibrant, intriguing region to explore. So, tread lightly, explore respectfully, and enjoy the wild side of Spain!

This tiny but menacing inhabitant of the Iberian Peninsula provides just a hint of danger to heighten the adventurous spirit in you!

Spain, a country known for its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife, hosts an array of bird species, from the whimsical wren to the majestic eagles. However, amidst this diversity lies a bird often shrouded in mystery and sometimes fear: the Lammergeier, also known as the Bearded Vulture.

The Lammergeier, or Gypaetus barbatus, is a bird of prey that belongs to the Old World vulture family. With its fearsome appearance and diet consisting largely of bones, the Lammergeier's name across various cultures reflects its intense repute. In Germany, it's known as the "Lammergeier," suggesting a force powerful enough to carry off lambs or even adult sheep. The Spanish name, "Quebrantahuesos," plainly translates to "bone-breaker," illustrating the bird's method of smashing bones to reach the marrow inside. Even in Crete, the moniker "bone-eater" paints a vivid picture of its dietary preferences. The original name, "ossifrage," hews closely to the same theme.

Found primarily in mountainous regions, the Lammergeier thrives at lofty elevations from the Atlas Mountains in North Africa to the Himalayas in Asia, with a significant presence in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Caucasus of Europe. Spain's Pyrenees are home to an important population of these awe-inspiring birds, where they expertly navigate the air currents above the rugged environment.

The Diet of the Lammergeier

Unlike most birds of prey, the Lammergeier has a diet peculiarly rich in skeletal matter, consuming up to 70% bones. This marrow-munching raptor's method of breaking open bones by dropping them from heights stands as a unique trait, deeply embedding the species into local lore and legend.

Conservation Status

While the Lammergeier may carry an imposing demeanour, this bird has been misunderstood and maligned as a livestock plunderer, leading to endangerment through human actions. Ongoing conservation initiatives have been crucial in protecting this species. Currently categorized as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, the European populations remain low, necessitating continued vigilance.

Many legends portray the Lammergeier as a formidable predator, capable of carrying away young animals and even posing a threat to children. Nevertheless, these stories are greatly exaggerated. The Lammergeier is largely a benign scavenger, playing a critical role in the ecosystem by disposing of animal remains, which helps in controlling diseases.

Despite its image as Spain's most dangerous bird, the Lammergeier is in truth, more a magnificent enigma than an actual risk to humans or livestock. Its ecological significance combined with its incredible flight acumen renders it an enthralling focus of study and conservation. Spain's continued efforts to safeguard the Lammergeier underscore the need to demystify this avian wonder for the greater benefit of biodiversity preservation

If you're planning a significant change in lifestyle by moving to Spain, one of the most crucial questions you'll have is - Can I afford it? Below, we'll discuss the projected costs of living in Spain in 2024 across categories like accommodation, leisure, travel, food, utility, and health.

1. Average Cost of Living

Spain is generally less expensive than other Western European countries. In the calculation of the cost of living, we include everything from rent, food, leisure, and health insurance, to name a few.

According to the Numbeo cost of living index for 2023, Spain ranked 38th out of 139 countries with an index cost of living of 54.09 (New York 100). If we assume a moderate rate of inflation and economic growth, the average monthly cost of living in Spain in 2024 would be around €1,500 - €2,500 for a single person.

2. Accommodation: Flats and Houses

Rent is usually the largest single expense in a budget. Rental prices vary depending on the area, with larger cities and coastal areas being more expensive.

According to data from the Spanish property portal, Idealista, the average rent in Spain in 2023 was €790. Nevertheless, in cities like Madrid or Barcelona, you could expect to pay around €1,200 for a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Assuming a 3-5% increase per year due to inflation, rental costs in 2024 would averagely cost between €815 and €1,260 per month.

3. Leisure Costs

Spain is famous for its rich culture and leisure activities. A movie ticket costs around €9, and a dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around €40. A monthly gym membership is about €40. Given that inflation rate, we could expect a slight increase in these prices in 2024.

4. Travel Costs

Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced in Spain. A monthly pass costs around €50-60 currently. Petrol costs approximately €1.2/liter. A domestic flight is between €50 and €200. These costs will likely see a slight increase in 2024.

5. Food Costs

Food prices can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and where you shop. On average, a person might spend anywhere from €200-€400 a month on groceries. Dining out at affordable restaurants can still cost you around €10-€15 per meal.

6. Utility Costs

The cost of utilities - including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage - for a 915 square-foot apartment can cost around €150 per month. Internet costs around €30-€50 monthly. Again, these costs may see a slight increase in 2024.

7. Health Costs

Spain's public healthcare system is excellent and free to residents who contribute to social security except for small co-payments for prescriptions. Private healthcare costs can be around €50-€200 per month depending on the coverage and individuals' requirements.

To sum up, while Spain might be more affordable compared to other Western European countries, moving there demands thorough financial planning. Always consider exchange rates, inflation, and your lifestyle habits when determining if you can afford to live in Spain.

In 2024, Spain's work calendar consists of 12 holidays, with nine of them celebrated throughout the country. The number of common holidays remains the same as the previous year, as stated in a resolution of the Department of Labour published in the Official State Gazette.

Apart from these 12 holidays, two regional holidays are also observed.

The following holidays will be celebrated nationwide in 2024:

1 January (Monday): New Year's Day
6 January (Saturday): Epiphany of the Lord
29 March (Friday): Good Friday
1 May (Wednesday): Labour Day
15 August (Thursday): Assumption of the Virgin
12 October (Saturday): National Day of Spain
1 November (Friday): All Saints' Day
6 December (Friday): Spanish Constitution Day
25 December (Wednesday): Christmas Day

Regions have the option to move some common holidays to other days. For example, Holy Thursday (28 March) will be a holiday in all regions except for the Valencian region and Catalonia. All regions will celebrate Three Kings Day (6 January) on the usual day.

Regions can also designate a holiday on the Monday following national holidays falling on a Sunday. For instance, the Andalusian, Aragon, Asturias, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Murcia, and Melilla regions will observe a holiday on 9 December (Monday following the Immaculate Conception).

Several three-day weekends are expected in 2024, as some holidays fall on a Monday or Friday. These include 1 January, 1 November, and 6 December. Some regions will also have longer "puentes" (bridges), such as the four-day break around Holy Thursday (28 March). In five regions (Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Navarra, Basque Country, and La Rioja), a five-day "puente" will occur due to a holiday on Easter Monday (1 April).

Catalonia and the Valencian region have established an additional recoverable paid holiday. Workers enjoying this holiday will need to compensate by working extra hours. In the Valencian region, the recoverable paid holiday is set for Monday, 24 June (San Juan), while Catalonia must choose between 6 January, 1 April, 24 June, and 26 December (San Esteban).

Each region in Spain has its specific list of holidays, including regional and local celebrations.

Jerez de la Frontera, a small city nestled in the south of Spain, is a treasure trove of cultural vibrancy and historical richness. Despite being undervalued as a tourist destination, it sees around 115,782 international and 199,941 Spanish tourists annually, compared to the more popular Cadiz, which reels in over three million visitors a year. Yet Jerez is an enchanting city that embodies the quintessential Spanish experience.

With an enticing mix of world-renowned wine and the rhythmic cadence of flamenco, Jerez's charm lies within its cobblestone streets, sherry-laden taverns, and historic palaces. Instead of chasing popular tourist traps, visitors to Jerez are advised to immerse themselves in the experiences offered simply by strolling along the streets.

Recognised as the capital of Andalucian horse culture, Jerez is the starting point of the renowned Sherry Triangle. The city presents a balance of tradition and modernity, where world-leading fashion brands are housed in centuries-old palaces and vibrant sherry taverns are pulsating with a mix of contemporary and conventional patrons.

The Enduring Echoes of History

The city’s diverse religious history is reflected in its architecture. Monumental buildings such as the resplendent local cathedral and a 12th-century Mosque inside a fortified Alcazar—a relic from the city’s Islamic past—offer a rich history lesson. The Alcazar, dating back to the 11th century, is Jerez's oldest surviving structure and houses the last remaining mosque of the original 18 scattered around the city.

The World of Wine

One of Jerez's principal draws is undoubtedly its viniculture. The city has long been a global cradle of wine, with sherry making up a substantial segment of Jerez's export economy since the 19th century. The city's wineries fall within the Jerez-Xérèz-Sherry denominaciones de origen (DO), the Spanish equivalent of France's Appellation d'Origine Controlée (AOC) for wine regions.

Visitors can savour the rich flavours of Jerez in traditional 'tabancos,' local taverns purveying a plethora of local wines, and explore the city’s wine heritage through various wine shops and the city's wine museum.

A Haven for Thrill Seekers

Jerez also plays host to adrenaline-infused events, such as the Motorcycle Grand Prix, held annually at the Circuito de Jerez since 1987. This event attracts motorbikers

ro m all around the world and is one of Europe's most-watched motor racing events.

Embracing Equestrian Excellence

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation in Jerez is acclaimed globally for its "How the Andalusian Horses Dance" show, a stunning exhibition of horsemanship. This highly recommended stop captivates visitors through the beauty and dexterity of well-trained horses.

Jerez de la Frontera: A city unmarred by excessive tourism and teeming with Spanish culture and history, offers a truly unique travelling experience. This underrated beautiful city surely deserves a spot on every intrepid traveller’s bucket list.

In both outdoor activities, relaxed summer afternoons and of course, at Christmas, I always find myself picking up a few bottles of Cava to enjoy with company. Cava's approachable acidity and lovely fruity flavours offer great value buys for happy hours and fun occasions!

Cava, like Champagne in France, is made with the Traditional Method of sparkling wine production, however, it can not be called "Champagne". The law prohibits using the term Champagne for sparkling wines outside of the Champagne region in France. While most people are used to calling sparkling wines "champagne", the proper name for all sparkling wines other than Champagne thus is "sparkling wine".

1. Cava Winemaking Method:

The bubbles or sparkles are produced during the Second Fermentation. In the Traditional Method of sparkling winemaking, the Second Fermentation does not take place in the pressure tank but instead occurs in the bottle, the same bottle to be sold eventually.

2. Cava Wine Regions:

In Spain, Cava is produced in DO* Cava, which includes five regions. The grapes for Cava are Macabeo (or called Viura in Rioja), Xarel-lo and Parellada. Some producers now have a proportion of Chardonnay (one of the traditional grapes for Champagne) for its flavours that are familiar to international wine consumers.

*DO, Denominación de Origen, a Spanish quality wine classification.

3. Flavours and Styles of Cava:

Cava is required to age for at least 9 months in the bottle. Such ageing time gives Cava the flavours of the pleasantly yeasty, green apple, cherry, berry, peach, and occasionally almond nut. Its clean finish with mellow acidity is always refreshing and friendly. There are quite a few different styles of Cava. Some are best to pair with appetizers, others seafood dishes, and yet others by themselves as delightful summer picnic wine or aperitif.

4. Sweetness Levels of Cava:

Another style difference is its various levels of sweetness. What's called Brut Nature would have only up to 3 grams of sugar per litre of Cava wine, and when the sugar level increases to Extra Brut, it could include up to 6 grams of sugar per litre. Cava that has between 0 and 15 grams of sugar per litre is called Brut. The rest of the Cava has an increased sweetness level that most palates can detect. From low to high levels of sugar, these are Extra Dry, Dry, Semi-Dry and finally Sweet.

A bottle of beautiful Cava could be about €10. What a bargain to add sparkles to your life!

Written by: Bonny-Morgan Lin

About the author:

Bonny-Morgan Lin is the author of the book, "A Crash Course in Wine - 7 Days to Become a Wino". With WSET Certificate, and French Wine Instructor Certificate. Bonny is a passionate wine educator & personal wine coach through her wine tasting seminars and webinars.

Christmas is all but upon us. A time for traditions, celebration, gifts and, above all, joy: the day of the “Santos Inocentes”, cribs, family dinners, Three Kings’ parades, New Year’s grapes… Should you decide to spend your Christmas in Spain you will find a country transformed although not as it is back in the UK.  Excessive Christmas decorations, lights and cheesy Christmasy TV adverts are few and far between. If you are not careful you could even miss that fact that Christmas is around the corner... but then again, Christmas is celebrated differently here.

Calendar of Christmas Events:

December 8th – This is the public holiday of Immaculada (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) which marks the beginning of the religious Christmas celebrations. Most notable in Seville.

21st December – In a few cities including Granada the celebration of Hogueras (bonfires) takes place. This date marks the winter solstice (shortest day) and where it is celebrated involves people jumping through fires to protect themselves against illness.

22nd December – All over Spain people never stray far from a TV or radio as the Christmas lottery is drawn over a period of many hours. Everybody in Spain buys tickets for this lottery in the hope of winning El Gordo (the fat one) and the winning number usually means that a good number of people from the same village become a lot better off overnight. Besides the big three prizes there are thousands of smaller prizes shared by people all over Spain. You can buy Spanish Christmas lottery tickets online.

24th December – Christmas Eve is called Nochebuena in Spanish (The Good night) and it is the most important family gathering of the year. In the evening people often meet early for a few drinks with friends then return home to enjoy a meal with the family. Most bars and restaurants close in the evening. Seafood platters followed by meats or roast lamb would be a typical meal rounded off with a typically Christmas sweet called turrón which is a nougat made of toasted sweet almonds. Another typical festive sweet is called Polvorones which is made from almonds, flour and sugar. Cava, Catalan 'champagne' and Asturian cider, would be the chosen drinks for the Christmas toast though plenty of fine Spanish wines will also be consumed with the meal.

25th December – Children may receive a small gift on Nochebuena or on Christmas morning but the day for presents is still 6th January, The Epiphany, when the Three Kings bring gifts for the children. However, this tradition is starting to change with the younger parents as everyone realises that if they give their presents on Christmas day the kids have more time to play with them. Christmas Day is a national holiday in Spain so shops are closed yet it is not a day of great celebration but rather a calm day when people go out for a walk, drop into a bar, visit relatives etc. Another large family meal at lunchtime is common though it’s becoming more common to see families eating out on the afternoon of Christmas day.

28th December – This is the day of Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents) and is the equivalent of April Fools’ Day when people play practical jokes on one another. Often the national media will include a nonsense story in their broadcasts. In some villages youngsters light bonfires and one of them acts as the mayor who orders townspeople to carry out civic tasks such as sweeping the streets. Refusal to comply results in fines which are used to pay for the celebration.

31st December – New Year’s Eve is known as NocheVieja. To get involved, don’t forget to buy 12 grapes in advance. Why? According to Spanish tradition, everyone has to eat one grape in time with the striking of the clock at midnight. If you manage to eat them all on time, you will have a New Year full of luck. Although the New Year is broadcast on television, you will have an amazing time if you head for the main squares of towns and cities, normally the location of their clock towers. One of the most emblematic places to experience the celebration? Following the clock at Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid. There you will find thousands of people decked out with hats and squawkers joyfully toasting and welcoming in the New Year. Later on you can join one of the many parties held until dawn at hotels, bars and clubs 

1st January – A low key public holiday with plenty of people sleeping off their excesses.

5th January –  To ensure smiles on the children’s faces at Christmas, nothing better than the Three Kings Parade held on 5 January, the day before the feast of the Three Kings. In Spain it is the three Wise Men of the East, Melchoir, Caspar and Balthazar, who bring Christmas presents to children who have been good. Three Kings Parades, with their page-boys, camels and all kinds of weird and wonderful characters, make their way through the streets of villages, towns and cities all over Spain, to then leave gifts and toys at the houses. They are all spectacular, but special mention should be made of the one in Alcoi, in the province of Alicante, one of the oldest in Spain. Another is in Sierra Nevada where the Three Kings (Wise Men) can be seen to ski down to the village from the mountaintops.

6th January – This is the Feast of the Epiphany (Día de Los Reyes Magos) when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem. For many Spanish children, this is still the most important day of the year when they wake up to find that Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings/Wise Men) have left gifts for them in their house. Santa may leave them some token gifts on December 25th but the Three Kings are their favourites, but this may not be the case in years to come, Santa is gaining ground on the Kings. During the day of 6th, the Three Kings continue their good work and are seen distributing gifts to children in hospitals all over Spain.

7th January – The day after receiving their gifts children return to school, their parents go back to work and Christmas in Spain is all over for another year.

Depending on where you are this Christmas ...

“Feliz Navidad” from Spain
“Bon Nadal” from Catalonia and Valencia
“Gabon Zoriontsuak” from the Basque Country
“Bo Nadal” from Galicia

Spain is known for its sun-drenched beaches, bustling cities, and diverse landscapes. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the country offers mild temperatures and sunny days even during the winter months. If you're looking to get away from the cold and dark winter days of northern Europe, Spain is the perfect destination to soak up some sun. Here are some of the best places to visit in Spain during the winter months.

1. Canary Islands

Located off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands boast a subtropical climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year. The archipelago is a favourite destination for winter sun-seekers. Some of the top spots to visit include:

• Tenerife: Known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush green forests, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. The south coast boasts the best weather, with popular resort areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Don't forget to explore the Teide National Park, home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak.

• Lanzarote: Renowned for its volcanic landscapes and unique architecture, Lanzarote offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers. Visit the Timanfaya National Park, explore the coastal resort of Puerto del Carmen, or take a stroll through the former fishing village Teguise.

2. Costa del Sol

Located in the southern region of Andalusia, the Costa del Sol is characterized by its sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and year-round warm temperatures. During winter, temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 15°C to 20°C. Some of the best spots to enjoy the sun in this region include:

• Marbella: Known for its charming Old Town, luxury resorts, and iconic beaches, Marbella attracts both sun-seekers and celebrities alike. Wander around the cobbled streets, dine in the trendy restaurants, or hit the local golf courses.

• Málaga: This bustling port city offers a rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and mouthwatering Andalusian cuisine. Visit the Picasso Museum, explore the Alcazaba, or just relax on one of the nearby beaches.

3. Valencia

The city of Valencia enjoys a moderate Mediterranean climate during winter, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 18°C. Valencia is the perfect combination of city life, history, and beach relaxation. Check out these popular spots:

• City of Arts and Sciences: This futuristic complex, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, features a planetarium, opera house, and interactive science museum.

• La Malvarrosa Beach: This picturesque beach boasts golden sands and a lively promenade lined with restaurants and cafes.

4. Alicante

Located on the Costa Blanca, Alicante is another excellent destination for a winter sun holiday. With its excellent weather, sandy beaches, and historical sites, there's something for everyone in Alicante.

• Santa Bárbara Castle: Perched on a hilltop, this medieval fortress offers stunning views over the city and coastline.

• Postiguet Beach: Situated near the city centre, this beach is popular among both locals and tourists.

5. Almería

Located in the southeastern region of Spain, Almería enjoys mild winters and plenty of sunshine. The region offers a variety of landscapes, including the Tabernas Desert, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches.

• Mojácar: This picturesque whitewashed village offers breathtaking views, narrow streets, and cosy cafes.

• Roquetas de Mar: This coastal town boasts a 13-kilometre stretch of beaches, a modern marina, and an array of golf courses.

Spain offers numerous destinations to escape the winter cold and enjoy the sun in warmer climates. From the Canary Islands to the Costa del Sol and beyond, there are plenty of beautiful locations to explore during the winter months.

Romantic Spain, land of castles and fortresses, relics of the Arabs and Romans. Andalucia, with its image of flamenco and bullfighting. To the west of Málaga the old Spain has been erased and replaced by the glitzy coastal resorts of Fuengirola and Marbella, better known for their sun drenched beaches and package tours than for their castles. To the east lie the towns of Nerja, Torrox Costa, Almuñecar and Salobreña steeped in history. Nerja has drawn visitors to the caves since the 1950s but what of the castles of area, and Roman ruins. Volumes have been written about the palaces of Granada, the last stand of the Moors against the mighty armies of Castille and Aragon led by Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Kings. Little has been chronicled of the castles of the eastern Costa del Sol, the gateway to North Africa, ripe with piracy in the Middle Ages and attacked by generations of would-be Arab rulers. The gloss of the travel brochures show scantily clad bodies and relentless sun but nothing of the magnificent peaceful gardens of the castle of Almuñecar, Salobreña and Almeria.

Almuñecar is situated 15 km west of Salobreña, 56 km south of Granada and 18 km east of Nerja. En route from Nerja, you witness such beauty spots at La Herradura, "the horseshoe", an apt name for the shape of the bay, and the salubrious development of Marina del Este snuggle amongst the trees on the hillside. The road winds down to the coast when you leave the main road, and runs beside a shingle beach lined with cafes where you can sip your beer and watch the waves roll onto the shoe. Follow the road towards town and take the turn for Castillo San Miguel. The road twists and turns and suddenly you arrive at the ruined Moorish castle. It was a stronghold of the Kings of Granada and where they kept their treasure before being ousted by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492, the same year as Columbus discovered America. The narrow cobbled streets between cube-shaped houses are negotiable by car, and, if you have a good sense of direction, you can drive through to the centre of town.

The coastal town of Salobreña lies 10km east of Almuñecar. The coastline to Salobreña along the tropical coast is wild and rugged. To the left are the awesome peaks of the Sierra Nevada and to the right the glistening blue of the Mediterranean. Salobreña stands unmolested by mass tourism, although now boasts an eighteen-hole golf course; in the winter the snow-capped Sierra Nevada provides a magnificent backdrop to the green of the third hole. The narrow winding streets of the town remain as a tribute to the Moorish era, the cube-shaped buildings nestle together beneath the looming fortification of the Arab castle. The maze of narrow streets defies the sense of direction and one encounters colourful plazas and little cafes tucked away in the back streets. Calle Antón Segovia leads directly to the gates of the castle, a pretty paved avenue with plants and flowers. The castle has served as a retreat for the Muslim Kings, a defender of the port and beach, and also as a prison. It was one of the most important strongholds on the coast of Granada both from civil and military points of view. Most of the restoration work was done during the Muslim period, but there is evidence that other work was carried out during the reign of the Catholic King and Queen after the earthquake of 1494. The work continued in the 16th and 17th Centuries. During the late 17th Century and 18th Century, the importance of Salobreña deteriorated despite being kept as a defence against pirates.

In the 19th Century, its prestige was restored when the castle was used as a fortification against the invasion of the French troops. No further news can be found until 1956 when restoration began again and the Granada newspaper "La Patria" uncovered some earlier articles about the castle as well as some hand-drawn plans. The castle is now fully restored and summer festivals are held every year on its grounds.

Further down the coast, Almeria is home to yet another imposing castle. The drive from Salobreña takes about an hour and the terrain changes dramatically. Gone are the orange groves and fertile valleys to be replaced by a sea of plastic posing as greenhouses - a scar on the landscape. From these eyesores the mountains become rocky, yielding neither crop nor greenery. The road snakes along the coast and eventually straightens into long avenues. Almeria looms, its Alcazaba is the focal point of the town. The Arab fortress was built by the Caliph of Cordoba Abder-Rahman III, enlarged by Almanzor and completed by Hairan, and covers an area of 35,325 sq.m. with a perimeter of 430 metres and an average width of 83 metres. The castle is situated on a small hill, 95m high, close to the sea and lying east-west, which provides a natural defensive wall and shelters the ravine of La Hoya (the jewel), the site of the original city on the side of the hill. The hill also overlooks the small cove formed between the foothills at the edge of the Sierra de Gador and the mount of the Rambla de la Chanca river - a fishing district whose name still recalls tuna fishing store.

Some kind of fortress must have always existed on the castle hill for defence and look-out purposes to guard the natural harbour of La Chanca, which was used firstly by the inhabitants of Iberian Urci, then came under Roman occupation, and although its population disappeared or was dispersed during Byzantine and Visigoth eras, the settlement reappeared during Arab domination under the name of Bayyana (Pechina) using La Chanca as its port and the castle for the defence. The castle was enlarged and modified in the time of Abdurahman III ad the Almedina was built in front of it, by the sea, surrounded by walls. This led to the founding of the city of Almeria in 955, the Arab town of Bayyana gradually ceding to Almeria as the capital of the region, due to the importance and security afforded by the castle to the Moors of the Almedina.

The castle underwent changes under different Moslem governors, such as Almanazor and Havran the Slave, the first independent ruler-lord of Almeria, who extended the walled area of the city towards the plain by three times the size of the original city of Almedina. The time of Banu Somahdis brought an era of splendour and was the setting for a cultured and literary court in the 11th Century. Later, in the 14th and 15th Centuries, under the Kings of Granada, it retained only its role as a coastal defence. It underwent two sieges, which demonstrated its effectiveness as a fortress; one in 1147, when it fell for the first time to the Christians of Alfonso VII, who was helped by the Genoese, the Catalans and the people of Pisa; and the other in 1309, which lasted a year, when James II of Aragon failed to take the castle.

On 26th December 1489, it was surrendered to the Catholic Kings and subsequently, in 1522 and 1560 - was partially destroyed by earthquakes. Having been abandoned since 1800, its reconstruction was begun in 1950 to restore it to its former glory and today it stands as a reminder of the fierce and warlike past of the area, representing to the Almerians the history of the founding and origins of their city. Much of the grounds have been cultivated and developed into beautiful gardens, a tranquil place to visit on a sunny afternoon. It seems impossible that the rigours of war and earthquakes once threatened to destroy the castle.

Southern Spain is littered with such remnants of the past, pieces of history fitting into a jigsaw and enriching our knowledge of another way of life.