Walking in Spain (Lonely Planet Walking Guides S.) by Miles Roddis When it comes to seeing a country in its true light away from the neon glow of the city, getting off the beaten track is not only desirable--it\'s essential. Certainly in Spain\'s case it makes a lot of sense to take to the hills, for while Europe\'s third largest country may attract 47 million visitors a year, tourists are mostly confined to a few densely populated coastal areas, leaving vast tracts of the Iberian peninsula relatively deserted. One of Spain\'s greatest virtues is its amazing variety, whether it be the terrain, climate, dialect, cuisine or the temperament of the local inhabitants. This diversity is admirably represented in Walking in Spain\'s selection of treks. Will you choose the Galician green fjords in the North West, the arid cliff tops and serene blue waters of the Cabo de Gata in the South East, the inland plains of Castilla, the snow-capped Picosde Europa or the famous pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago? The book contains many wonderful dilemmas for the aspiring walker. Every walk is graded for difficulty and each itinerary contains detailed information about distances and times involved, useful landmarks, as well as discussions on the flora and fauna, architecture and history of a region. Walking in Spain makes it easy to leave behind the pollution of the city, abandon your motorised vehicle, fasten your backpack, pull on your boots and set off into the sunset of one of Europe\'s emptiest and most beautiful lands. -- Tom de Castella Order from UK | US | France | Canada | The Story of Spain by Mark Williams The book is a popular history of Spain and the Spanish Empire, from prehistoric times to the present day. It provides description and analysis of political, social, economic and cultural events over centuries, which together shaped the history of this distinctive country. It offers 60 illustrations and maps, including 16 pages of color photographs, as well as lists of historic places to visit (sites and sights) at the end of each chapter. There is a dynastic chart, suggested readings and index. Order from UK | US | Canada |