Spain, home to some of the world's greatest artisit, rich in culture, history and heritage, littered with monuments and churches - but what makes Spain the most popular European playground for sun, sea and fun?

Culturally, the country is awash with superb old buildings, from Roman aqueducts, Gothic cathedrals and medieval castles that never fail to offer the culture-junky a glimpse of bygone times. For most of the 10 million or so tourists that visit Spain year after year the choice of where to go and what to do is relatively simple. Pack a bag and head for the bright lights of the coastal resorts to find sun-on-tap, high rise hotels, British style bars serving home cooked grub and the simple comforts of home.

Some like it Hot!

Traditionally the Spanish mainland enjoys a mild temperate climate all year round with temperatures reaching their peak in July and August.

If a warm climate and a fresh summer breeze is your cup of tea then the best time to visit is May, June and September as the peak summer months of July and August can be hectic and hot.

Essential experiences

Exploring the amazing architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona; bargain hunting in the El Rastro flea market in Madrid; partying through the night in the Balearic Islands archipelago or during Valencia's Las Fallas; poring over the fascinating Romanesque relics of medieval Aragon or simply lazing on a beach and sipping summertime beers on the sun-kissed costas.

In a few words

Spain is - Flamenco, bull-fighting, drunken Brits on the costas, Picasso, Gaudi, football, the Spanish Inquisition and the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona.

Fascinating facts

In Catalunya devil and dragon figures run through the streets spitting fireworks at the crowds during the correfoc (fire-running festival) and gaiteros (bagpipers) are heroes in Galicia.