Situated in the centre of the country, Madrid is the capital. It is a city of over 3 million people and a crossroads for rail, road and air travel. Its altitude of 660 meters gives rise to a classic temperature profile of cold winters and hot summers, making spring and autumn the best times to visit. Those who can get away from Madrid during August make for the cooler north or south to the Med.

Despite the climate the capital city has its own individual personality. It holds the Paruqe del Retiro, a world famous area of paths and avenues, a royal palace and grand public squares. Its museums are brimming with Spain?s historic treasures. Madrid is a city that has the best in shopping facilities. The latest designer clothes are sold in classy upmarket stores. There are food markets throughout the city and the centuries-old Rastro, open every Sunday, is one of the world?s greatest flea markets.

The central plateau is covered in dry plains and massive rolling fields. Given the attractions of the Costas and the Islands it is not an area where many Europeans call home. It is a place to work. Long straight roads and huge fields with wheat, sunflowers and grape overwhelm the region. It is deserted and of real beauty, suitable for those endangered in agriculture or for those who want to get off the beaten track, going back to the roots in old rural Spain.

Contributed by S.Fry of http://www.spainlog.co.uk, see more of her work at Spain family holidays

Madrid is the capital city of Spain. It is the country?s largest city with a population of over 3 million. It is rich in history and offers a range of rich cultural and artistic experiences. It is also the financial and political center of the country. The south of the city is the industrial center.

Modern Madrid developed after the fall of Franco and his Fascist regime in the mid 1970s. Following the isolation brought about as a result of the Franco government the country underwent a period of rebuilding and re-establishing itself on the international stage. It is now a modern metropolis with a bustling tourist trade offering the visitor a host of interesting places to see and things to do.

Madrid is located in the interior of Spain on the Castillian plain. The optimum time to visit Madrid is during the spring and fall. It does get hot during the summer months and the tourist trade is brisk. It can get very chilly in winter.

Madrid is famous for its paella, tapas and seafood. There are many restaurants featuring Spanish delicacies influenced by different Spanish regional cooking. There are also many international influenced restaurants including North Africa and France influences. There is a large variety of local wines and spirits.

Hotels in Madrid range from budget hotels to hotels offering five-star opulence. And of course all types in between this range. Be aware, however, that some of the discount hotels are located in the noisier inner city areas.

Three of the world?s most important art galleries are located in Madrid at the Prado Museum hosting works by Vel?zquez and Goya. The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum which features modern art.

A night out in Madrid for locals can last the whole night long! The city is a hotbed for flamenco, salsa and jazz. Whether it is dancing to listening that interested in you, there is large variety of music, bars and theaters. The Teatro Real is Madrid?s home for opera.

Shopping opportunities abound in Madrid. Stores range from hand made crafts and art objects to large department stores and fashion and shoe houses.

Madrid is home to one of the world?s most famous soccer teams Real Madrid and their home ?Estadio Santiago Bernab?u? is well worth a visit.

The world?s largest bullfighting arena is the ?Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas.? The main bullfighting events take place in May and June with smaller events taking place during the spring and summer months.

Visitors come to Spain for many different reasons whether its the museums and art treasures, the shopping and fashion, the nightlife and discotheques, the variety of fine restaurants and cafes, or the sporting events. Whatever the reason for the visit they rarely leave disappointed.

Stan Smith writes for Four Corners Hotels http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/ES–Madrid which offers hotels in cities around the world including hotels located in Madrid.

Situated in the centre of the country, Madrid is the capital. It is a city of over 3 million people and a crossroads for rail, road and air travel. Its altitude of 660 meters gives rise to a classic temperature profile of cold winters and hot summers, making spring and autumn the best times to visit. Those who can get away from Madrid during August make for the cooler north or south to the Med.

Despite the climate the capital city has its own individual personality. It holds the Paruqe del Retiro, a world famous area of paths and avenues, a royal palace and grand public squares. Its museums are brimming with Spain?s historic treasures. Madrid is a city that has the best in shopping facilities. The latest designer clothes are sold in classy upmarket stores. There are food markets throughout the city and the centuries-old Rastro, open every Sunday, is one of the world?s greatest flea markets.

The central plateau is covered in dry plains and massive rolling fields. Given the attractions of the Costas and the Islands it is not an area where many Europeans call home. It is a place to work. Long straight roads and huge fields with wheat, sunflowers and grape overwhelm the region. It is deserted and of real beauty, suitable for those endangered in agriculture or for those who want to get off the beaten track, going back to the roots in old rural Spain.

Contributed by S.Fry of http://www.spainlog.co.uk, see more of her work at Spain family holidays