Best Places to Visit in Vitoria Spain
By Michael J Lee

Vitoria in northern Spain is less visited by British travellers
than some of the Southern cities. It’s true the weather here is
not as good as the South but with average temperatures in the
mid twenties during summer it is still a fantastic place to
consider visiting whilst you are in Spain. So if the sun doesn’t
shine every day I would suggest hiring a car and seeing some of
the fabulous historic centers which make the Alava region so
special.

Vitoria is the capital of the Alava province and of the
autonomous region of the Basque Country. In fact Vitoria has two
names it is officially Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Name Nuevo Victoria
was given to the city by King Sancho VI of Navarre, who founded
the modern city of Vitoria in 1181. Before this Vitoria as it
stands today didn’t really exist, the closest inhabited area was
the hamlet of Gasteiz which stood on the hill around which
Vitoria grew. Vitoria was little more than a walled defensive
outpost which belonged to the kingdom of Navarre.

Vitoria grew to the city we know today mainly because of its
strategic position between the table lands of Castile and
Northern Europe. The huge number of passing travellers meant it
became an important trade center. In the 13th century three
weekly markets took place and two very important annual fairs
were held.

One of Vitoria’s most interesting historical elements was that
the city held its own individual principals that became laws.
All inhabitants of Vitoria were declared equal, there was no
distinction between nobility and the general public.

Vitoria has a small airport but you will find it difficult to
get cheap flights into the city. Most travellers fly to Bilbao
airport. Bilbao is only 66 kilometres away from Vitoria and is a
relatively easy drive on good roads. If you arrive at Bilbao
airport I would definitely suggest hiring a car. This kind of
service is a lot cheaper than in the UK. In fact you can often
save money during your stay by hiring a car because you will
avoid transfer costs and transport costs during your stay.

A short distance away is the town of Mendoza where you can
visit the medieval tower and the dungeons below. The medieval
tower discovered in Donana is now known to have been a dungeon
used for prisoners and perhaps lovers in the Palace. The latter
possibility has been strengthened with the discovery of two
bodies. A legend says that courtesans kept their lovers there
until death.

If you have had enough of narrow cobbled winding streets and
this city steeped in history an escape to Garaio will come as a
welcome escape. Your hire car will be perfect for a day trip
Garaio it is only 15 kilometres away, here you’ll find all of
the activities which you can’t enjoy in the city. Cycling,
mountain biking, hill walking, sailing and canoeing are all
possible in the park. For any serious twitchers out there make
sure you visit the Mendixur Bird Observatory.

These outdoor parks have facilities for swimming, out door
bars, picnics and space to enjoy the beautiful countryside in
this area of Spain.

Ensure you pre book your hire car as far in advance as possible
before your trip. Remember to take into account the luggage you
will be taking with you when you book the car. If you’re taking
sports equipment make sure it will fit in with your luggage. A
smaller car will undoubtedly be cheaper if you are not planning
to use you car very much this will be best; but there’s nothing
quite like travelling around Spain in the luxury of a
convertible hire car.

About the Author: How to Find the Best Online Car Hire in La
Manga Spain http://www.cheap-car-rental-hire.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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