The capital of Spain, Madrid, is situated in the centre of the country, surrounded by the regions of Castilla-Leon and Castilla La Mancha. It's the highest capital in Europe at 646 metres above sea level and has cold winters and extremely hot summers, making the best time to visit in the early spring or autumn when it is pleasantly warm and bright. It's a great city for a short break with so much to see and do and whilst most of the sights can be easily explored on foot there is also a cheap and efficient metro system for when the going gets tough.

Spain's proud and vibrant capital is home to the Spanish parliament, Royal Family and a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures. It is also a city in transformation, with major investment going into its historic heritage and many buildings being carefully cleaned and restored. Among the city's fine buildings, one of the most visited is the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) built on the site of the ancient Alcazar which burned down in 1734. Although not used by the present Royal Family as a residence, it is still used for state occasions and for public guided tours. The showcase of Madrid's historic heritage is ................READ MORE ABOUT CENTRAL SPAIN