Spain is a historic country which has been influenced by the Romans, the Moors the Conquistadors returning from the New World, as well as periods of great wealth in Renaissance and Gothic times. All this has left an amazing cultural legacy and Spain has 17 cities which have been listed asUNESCO World Heritage Cities for their spectacular cultural importance. This is more than any other single country apart from Italy.

Inevitably this historic splendour has graced these cities with beauty as well as interest and if you are looking for a city break or a more extended trip to Spain these cities would make for a great visit.

Alcala de Henares, Madrid province - not far from Madrid, Alcala de Henares is particularly famous for its university.

Aranjuez, Madrid province - Anranjuez is home to the sumptuous Royal Summer Palace

Avila , Castile and Leon - Avila has the best medieval walls in Europe

Baeza, Andalusia- Baeza is famous for its Renaissance architecture

Caceres, Extremadura - with Roman, Moorish and Conquistador architecture.

Cordoba, Andalucia - home to the Mezquita - a fabulous Mosque.

Cuenca - a beautiful fortified town which has been amazingly well preserved.

Grenada, Andalucia - with the legendary Alhambra Palace and Generalife.

Ibiza, Ibiza - Ibiza town, famous for its nightclubs also has a historic citadel.

La Laguna (San Cristobal de la Laguna), Canary Islands - La Laguna on Tenerife became the model for new towns built in the Americas.

Merida, Extremadura - Merida has more Roman sights than any other place in Spain.

Oviedo, Asturias and Cantabria- Oviedo has a fine medieval centre

Salamanca, Castile and Leon - a beautiful university town built of sandstone which gives the whole city a golden glow. Fabulous Rennaissance architecture abounds in the city.

Santiago de Compostella, Galicia - Santiago's main square, dominated by the Cathedral is one of the loveliest in Europe.

Segovia, Castile and Leon, Segovia has a Roman aqueduct, a Moorish Alcazar and a Gothic cathedral

Seville, Andalucia - one of the most popular cities in Spain with a Gothic superb cathedral and tower, La Giralda, plus the Royal Palaces with their Mudejar architecture.

Toledo - a beautiful city with Moorish, Christian and Jewish origins.

Ubeda, Andalucia - has a magnificent Renaissance square