Spain: Kingdom of the Sun by Claudia MartinSynopsis “Illustrated with spectacular photographs, Spain showcases the jewel of southwestern Europe. From the stunning architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona in the north of the country, to the national parks of Alpujarras and Donana in Andalucia in the south, there are hundreds of miles of sights to explore with every chapter. Explore the Roman influences on the Iberian Peninsula and the vestiges of early Islamic rule in Córdoba. Spain also features everyday lifestyles of the people of the country including markets, food and fabulous flamenco dancing. Leaving the mainland behind, there is plenty more to see on the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura and Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza and Minorca to name just a few. Arranged by region, the book explores Spanish tradition and contemporary culture alike from medieval times to the present day. Presented in a landscape format and with expert captions explaining the fascinating stories behind each setting, Spain is a brilliant collection of images.”

My Review

This was another gorgeous travel book from Amber Books, that made me want to fly off to Spain and get away from the disappointing weather we’ve been having for months!

As always there were amazing photos with short text to explain what you’re looking at, making it easy to read. The book is split up into seven chapters including an Introduction, northern, central,  eastern, and southern Spain, the Balearics, the Canaries plus the important Picture Credits.

I think my favourite photos were of the sunsets and stunning beaches of the Balearics, the  medieval windmills of central Spain, the Alhambra and the Generalife palaces in Northern Spain.

I didn’t realise that the largest royal palace in Europe and the largest Renaissance building in the world are both in Madrid, or that copper, silver gold and other minerals have been mined in Northern Spain for over 5000 years! I also didn’t know that there are dozens of megalithic sites from the Bronze Age on the Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca, or that Es Verda a rocky islet off Ibiza is said to be the home of the Sirens who tried to lure Odysseus as he sailed by!

I thoroughly enjoyed my armchair visit to Spain, as it brought back happy memories of previous holidays to Spain, and helped me discover new places to visit!

Highly recommended if you enjoy travel books.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and AmberBooks for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.