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Spain

Spain is situated on the Iberian peninsular, separated from France to the north by the Pyrenees and bordered by Portugal to the west. The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are 193km (120 miles) southeast of Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa are also part of Spain.

Spain has 50 provinces, each with its own geography, history and culture. Mainland Spain is one of the highest and most mountainous countries in Europe with the Pyrenees stretching roughly 400km (249 miles) from the Basque Country in the west to the Mediterranean Sea, the highest peak standing at 3404m (11,169ft). The main physical feature of Spain is the vast central plateau which is surrounded by rugged hills.

The Mediterranean coastal area reaches from the French frontier in the northeast down to the Straits of Gibraltar, providing visitors with a huge range of coastal scenery and beaches to explore. From the less developed resorts head to the Costa Brava north of Barcelona; the Costa Blanca offers the city of Valencia and the resorts of Benidorm and Alicante and for some of the best, but also crowded beaches in Europe visit the Costa del Sol on the southern most edge of Spain.

For great historical cities, spectacular architecture and museums visit the cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Andulusia, Spain\\\'s southernmost district can introduce you the mores, art, and architecture of the Muslim world. La Rioja, the smallest province of Spain, located in the north, produces some of the country\\\'s finest wines.

The northwest corner of Spain is home to spectacularly dramatic coastline, with a wild, lush green landscape. The area of Galicia is sparsely populated and home to some scenic drives and interesting history.

Wildlife

Similarly to France, much of Spain’s wildlife has been destroyed but you may still come across red squirrels, chamois, deer, ibex, genet and a wide range of reptiles. There are around 25 breeding species of birds of prey, and large wetland areas make it a haven for water birds. Gibraltar is famous for its Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe.

Weather

The best months to visit are May, June and September, and April and October in the south. You can rely on good weather whilst avoiding the extreme heat and huge numbers of tourists and Spanish holidaymakers. In some parts of Spain however you will find good weather all year round, winters are mild along the south coast and if the heat of summer becomes to much you can retreat to the mountains or the northwest where the heat is not generally as extreme.

There are numerous campsites throughout Spain, covering a wide quality and price range. Campsites are generally divided into three categories- First, Second and Third - depending on the level of facilities available. There is opportunity for off-site camping but you should gain permission from the local police and landowner and consider it in isolated areas. Camping on the beach is discouraged but many campsites are located close to the ocean. There are numerous sites near the natural parks which are well organised and usually supervised by a warden to whom you pay a fee.