If you are a golfer, Spain is your destination. With world-class players such as José María Olazábal, Sergio García and Miguel Angel Jimenez, Spain is the leading European country in golf tourism, with some of the best courses on the continent.

From Pedrena, birthplace of the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, to the famous course of Valderrama, Cádiz, there are almost 500 courses scattered throughout the peninsula, not to mention the fantastic courses of the Canary Islands, where a privileged climate of eternal spring allows year-round play.

Inevitably linked to the sea, Spain is also ideal for water sports such as sailing; the America's Cup, the most important competition in the world, has met an enthusiastic reception twice in Valencia.

Despite its global fame as a beach destination, Spain is also a great place for cross-country skiing thanks to its mountainous massifs that allow enjoying the snow in sites as varied as Baqueira Beret in the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada in Granada.

Those who enjoy attending the best sporting competitions can witness Real Madrid vs Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, cheer for Rafa Nadal in the Barcelona Conde de Godó tournament, or watch Marc Márquez dispute the world motorcycling title with Jorge Lorenzo at the Jerez circuit under the Andalusian Sun.