Take a tour of Spain's cutting edge architecture

Spain is famed for its bounty of sandy beaches, exquisite paella and hazy nights with a glass of sangria, but it also has plenty to offer for the lover of avant garde design.

With the burgeoning popularity of shows like Grand Designs Abroad, where plucky architects design and build stunning labours of love, interest in cutting edge design has never been keener, and Spain is a country which boasts it in spades.

Spain's cityscapes have been architecturally famous for historical visionaries like Gaudi and his work in Barcelona, but all over the country top architects like Sir Norman Foster, Cesar Pelli and Rafael Moneo are flocking to make their distinctive mark.

Their modern works, including museums, airports and towers tastefully complement Spain's historic cathedrals, churches and palaces.

New York's prestigious Museum of Modern Art has not been shy about highlighting Spain's position in the world of modern architecture, saying: "Spain is a country that has become known in recent years as an international centre for design innovation and excellence."

Architecture lovers could do well to take a tour of some of Spain's hottest design spots, perhaps starting with the Guggenheim in Bilbao. One of the city's premier attractions, it was designed by Frank O Gehry, who is currently working on a new project for the Marques de Riscal Winery in Elciego.

Also in Bilbao is the dramatic entrance to city's metro, which was designed by Sir Norman Foster, who is responsible for one of London's most iconic buildings, the 'Gherkin'.

Sir Norman is currently preparing for the construction of another tower for the elongation of the already impressive Paseo de la Castellana Avenue in Madrid.

And indeed, it is in Madrid that one of the country's most unusually striking building lives, that of terminal four at Barajas airport, with its dramatic diagonal yellow pillars and innovative lighting. XXX