Best time to go to Spain and Portugal
Spain is a large landmass influenced by the Atlantic in the north and the Mediterranean in the south, with a vast central interior. Spain is best visited in the springtime, when the temperatures are generally warm and comfortable, the landscapes are in full bloom and the best of the fiestas take place. Autumn is equally comfortable, though less green and the landscapes are drier. July and August are very hot, particularly in central Spain where temperatures can soar. August is especially busy as international visitors line the beach resorts and the Spanish take their annual holidays. The winter climate varies from freezing in the central regions to pleasant on the southern coast and in the Balearic Islands.
Portugal’s climate is also influenced by the sea. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. July and August can be very hot, especially in the sheltered bays of the Algarve in the south, though this region is especially pleasant and mild during the winter months when it is popular with Europeans taking second holidays and short breaks. Madeira and the Azores benefit from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream and so are pleasantly warm year round.
Events in Spain
Jerez Flamenco Festival
23 Feb - 12 Mar 2012 (annual)
Jerez de La Frontera
This flamenco festival is one of the most renowed ones in the world. Featuring international stars, shows with the clacking of castanets and stomps of the heels, dance courses, concerts and exhibitions lead the visitor into the world of Flamenco. This typical Spanish dance style has its origins in Andalusia, and often Jerez itself is said to be the birth place of flamenco dancing, with its Moorish Castle and large Gypsy quarter.
San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)
6 - 14 July 2012 (annual)
Pamplona
The Pamplona Bull Run is a week-long bull running and bullfighting festival. Every morning at 8am, the city's brave and the world's hot-headed run ahead of a group of angry bulls. If you don’t feel extremely brave or hot-headed, you’re more than welcome to watch in amazement.
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia)
11th - 18th August 2012 (annual)
Bilbao
Semana Grande (Spanish for 'Big Week') is extremely attractive with its large number of concerts, from rock and pop, to classical and jazz.
Every night you can enjoy a different important international fireworks competition, or the fascinating strong man competition. Also, a must-see is the giant puppets event. And don’t forget, a Spanish festival cannot go without a good share of food and a bit of bullfighting, too.
Events in Portugal
Festival Internacional de Chocolate
17 Mar 2010 - 3 April 2012 (annual)
Óbidos
The International chocolate festival should not be missed by anyone loving chocolate. The medieval town will showcase every sort of chocolate one can possibly imagine; all can be sampled and purchased. There is a Kids’ Chocolate House where they can prepare recipes and do other recreational activities. For adults, there are culinary classes, of course always using chocolate as the most important ingredient. Several competitions take place such as the “Chocolate of the Year” and the “International Competition of Chocolate recipes”. Finally, chocolate sculptures are displayed, but beware, they are not for eating!
Estoril Open
28 April- 16 May 2012 (annual)
Lisbon
The Estoril Open starts the clay court tennis season at Lisbon's Estadio Nacional, offering more than 530,000 in prize money for the male winner. It is amongst the most exciting tournaments featuring the biggest stars in tennis
Santos Populares
June 2012 (annual)
Lisbon
The Santos Populares celebrates various Saints' days during the summer months, highlight is the celebration of St.Anthony's Day on the 13th of June, including a huge parade and the marrying of 12 couples from Lisbon's parishes. During June, cultural events, parades, prayers and parties take place. The inhabitants of Lisbon offer each other pots of Basil and small papers with poems on them
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