Central Spain is usually associated with the imperial grandeur of Salamanca or Toledo or the bustling culture and nightlife of the cultural capital, Madrid.

However, 2008 is very much the year of the much-overlooked Zaragoza, with the city set to be put on both the business and tourist maps as it hosts Expo 2008. The three-month long event will give the locals the opportunity to welcome some of the world's brightest business minds, as well as show off its rich 2,000-year history to a new audience.

Regular cheap flights from London service the city, making it both the ideal destination for a relaxing break in itself or else as a base from which to explore the under-rated interior of Spain.

Traditions and Culture in Zaragoza

Zaragoza likes to trace its strong religious traditions back to the year AD40, when the apostle St James preached on the south bank of the River Ebro, accompanied by the Virgin Mary. Indeed, religion has played a significant role in the history of the city since it was founded by Roman settlers, as a trip to the imposing Aljaferia shows. While the palace was originally built in the 11th century to house Muslim leaders, it was later adapted by Christians, though both cultures are very much in evidence.

Now, however, the forthcoming Expo 2008 has taken over Zaragoza, though the event looks set to show off the city's rich culture, including its own particular variant of flamenco as well as its vibrant contemporary arts scene.

Recommended in Zaragoza

For the best deal in Zaragoza, and perhaps even Spain, visitors should pick up a ZaragozaCard. As well as the usual entries to museums and trips on the local public transportation systems, the deal also includes a guided walk - undoubtedly the best way to get an immediate insight into the compact yet fascinating old town - as well as a free drink and tapas at one of the hundreds of bars.

After the guided tour, additional highlights include Zaragoza's two cathedrals, :a Seo and the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar as well as the majestic Plaza del Pilar, which serves as a focal point for locals and visitors alike, offering shade, refreshment and entertainment in equal measures.

Also worth exploring are the winding narrow streets surrounding the Plaza de Espana, which give a real flavour of Zaragoza's Moorish heritage before giving way to the new city with its bustling high streets boasting all the usual retail outlets.

Climate in Zaragoza

As with the rest of interior Spain, Zaragoza can get hot and dry. Summer temperatures can soar as high as 42 degrees C, though a lack of clouds can mean lows of freezing are not uncommon during the winter months. Year-round, rainfall is scarce, though strong winds are quite common.

Destination Checklist for Zaragoza

Central Spain is renowned for the purity of its Castilian, so there is no better place to go and try and learn Spanish. The city also uses the Euro and is one hour ahead of GMT and the country has an international dialling code of +34.