While Spain is a much favoured holiday destination for people all around the world, many miss out on the treasure that is Toledo. Madrid, the country's capital, is the better known Spanish destination by far but a fantastic time awaits tourists who take a trip to nearby Toledo.

Nestled by the Tagus River, Toledo is a town with strong historic links, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. The town was the capital of the Spanish empire until it moved to Madrid in the 15th century. However, a decidedly majestic air remains in Toledo to this day.

A trip to just outside the walls of the city will reward visitors with views of the ruins of a Roman circus which once resided there while the town itself boasts the Alcazar - a large building dating back to Roman times which now houses a stunning museum - and an un-missable 13th century cathedral. The cathedral also displays a selection of exquisite stained glass, delicate wooden carvings, stone sculptures and paintings making it a must for any art fans talking a trip to the town.

While traversing the picturesque, winding cobbled streets of Toledo, visitors are set to experience a true slice of Spanish life as they thrill at the variety of diverse architectural styles. What's more, the position of the town atop a Castilian hill means that it tends to act as a sun trap so tourists can enjoy being bathed in light as they learn about this cultural hot spot.

Named as a UNESCO heritage site in 1986, there are plenty of beautiful sights to recommend Toledo to travellers in Spain but it's also a great spot to pick up some bargains. The area is famous for its ornate swords, ideal for tourists searching for a souvenir with a difference, as well as traditional handicrafts such as Damascene. This is an ancient art of interlacing gold on iron or steel and can be found mainly on small decorative plates and on jewellery for sale in Toledo.

Despite its delightfully old fashioned appearance, many modern conveniences can be found in this Spanish town and hotels in Toledo will position guests perfectly to enjoy this intermingling of the old and the new. Dining opportunities in this sunny destination range from Spanish classics to charming Italian eateries while tourists keen to experience some Spanish nightlife will find hip places such as Picaro and Circulo de Arte to help them dance the night away. No trip to Spain should be complete without a visit to 'The Imperial City', also known as Toledo!