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
San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)
July 2010 (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 like extremely brave or hot-headed, you’re more than welcome to watch in amazement.
Cristianos y Moros
July – October 2010 (annual)
All over Spain
The Cristianos y Moros celebration (Moors & Christians in English) is a slightly humorous tribute to the return to Christian rule after the Moorish control of Spain.
The 700-year Moorish rule is condensed into an evening full of mock battles over a papier-mâché castle, built either in the main square or on the beach.
Tomatina Tomato Fight
18 August 2010 (annual)
Buñol
The Tomatina Tomato Fight is perhaps the world's biggest food fight. Thousands of people gather in the streets of the little town of Buñol to toss tomatoes at each other. Nobody knows for sure the origins of the festival, but most of the people who like throwing food at each other find that quite irrelevant.
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia)
9 – 15 August 2010 (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 firework 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.
Catalonia International Film Festival
Oct 2010 (annual)
Sitges
Annually, Sitges holds the Catalonia International Film Festival, presenting a broad variety of films from around the world. These feature both releases from the previous year and old classics, and of course the best ones receive an award.
National Flamenco Competition
Sep - Oct 2010 (various dates)
Cordoba
The Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco (National Flamenco Competition) takes place every three years in Córdoba. The best flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists compete in a range of concerts and shows across several city sites.
O Grove Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco (Seafood Festival)
Oct 2010 (annual)
O Grove
Enjoy a scrape of the aromatic pink meat of the nécora, the local crab, or devour a invigorating bowl of caldeirada fish stew at O Grove Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco. Galicia's yearly fish and seafood festival draws the attention of more than 200,000 people, where they can take pleasure not only in tasting all the mouth-watering food but also in watching the mussel and turbot contests, and all the breathtaking folk concerts and dances.
Valencian Moto GP
5 - 7 Nov 2010 (annual)
Valencia
The Moto GP World Championship reaches its grand finale in Valencia. There's always a party feeling surrounding the close of the season, with celebrities, riders, teams, Moto GP officials and fanatical supporters packing out the great Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
Olive and Olive Oil Festival
Nov 2010
Baena
The Andalusian town of Baena holds its yearly Olive and Olive Oil Festival. Activities feature free concerts and also a 'tapas route' through town, where Baena's cafes and restaurants offer delicious tapas made from olives or olive oil.
Events in Portugal
Portuguese Moto GP
Oct 2010 (annual)
Autodromo Do Estoril
The Road Racing World Championships goes on with the Portuguese Moto GP from Estoril. With the passionate local followers making plenty of noise, and the races being consistently thrilling, this is a wonderful happening to visit.
DocLisboa
Oct 2010 (annual)
Culturgest
DocLisboa is Lisbon's documentary film with screenings at Culturgest, Cinema Londres and Cinema São Jorge. As well as screening international and national films, there are themed workshops that aim to encourage discussions on modern issues and recent affairs.
National Horse Fair
Nov 2010 (annual)
Golega
The National Horse Fair in Golegã, known until 1972 as the St Martin's Fair, takes place at the same time as the saint's celebrations. There's a bull run and a parade of red waist-coated grooms, as well as equestrian activities, games, exhibitions and parades.
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