Steeped in the history and tradition of this major European nation, Madrid is the largest city in Spain as well as being its capital. Madrid is the largest city in the European Union. . Nestling on the banks of the river Manzanares, the population of the city of Madrid is around 3.5 million which rises to close to 6 million when taking into account the metropolitan area, spanning of around 250 square miles. Madrid wears here title as all of Spain with distinction. The city has always been the major center of culture and politics, as well as industry and business activity not only in Spain but all of the Iberian Peninsula.

Over the last seventy years, major investments have been ploughed into Madrid, to repair damage caused by the horrendous civil war of the nineteen thirties initially but later to cope with the tremendous surge in population from the sixties onwards as Spain moved into a free economy. Yet much of the appearance of Spain ha not changed, with many architectural landmarks remaining intact or having been lovingly restored. These include the breathtakingly impressive Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theater, the Opera House which was totally restored, and the National Library to name but a few. For art lovers there is the Prato Museum displaying examples of medieval to traditional art, the modern Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia , just a few of the leading museums and art galleries to be found in Madrid.

Madrid, with all her history and tradition is a classic example of a modern, developed and wealthy European Capital; her wide palisades are lined with the finest boutiques, department stores offering choices of shopping to rival any city in the World. The locals know as the "Madrileños" know how to have a good time, and the restaurants, bars, night clubs and discos are as good as you will find anywhere. Sport is a major passion in Spain, no less so than in Madrid. The fabulous Real Madrid soccer team, still reckoned by many to be the finest European club side in history attracts crowds of over 100,000 to every one of their home games, and needless to say, the atmospheres is especially hot that night in Madrid. There are also tow other soccer teams in Madrid, as well as basketball, and other sports are well represented and loved.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around target and the greater region. There are several pick up areas around the city with discounts are on offer for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the Spain, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use target as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the greater region.