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Spain
Beyond the flamenco, paella and party resorts, Spain is a rich mix of distinct regions with strong identities.
Delve beneath the clichés to discover the weathered Basque Country, volcanic Canary Islands and orange blossom-filled Andalusia.
Popular places in Spain
Cityscape
Fly to Madrid for the Hapsburg grandeur of the Plaza Mayor, and head west for baroque and Renaissance Salamanca. The titanium Guggenheim steals the limelight in northern Bilbao, Gaudí’s eccentric Modernisme has left its stamp on east-coast Barcelona and the space-age City of Arts and Sciences catapults Valencia into the future. Moorish Granada and Seville’s Gothic cathedral dominate the sultry south.
Landscape
The rugged northern Basque coast boasts the Pyrenees as a backdrop, while Galicia’s Rías Baixas fjords are brimming with fish. Climb the peaks of the Picos de Europa and cross volcanic Timanfaya National Park by camel. Swim in the shallow waters of the Mar Menor salt water lake and ski in the Sierra Nevada.
Take Home
Seek smoked ham from Jabugo and paella kits from Valencia. Treat yourself to jet-stone jewellery in Santiago de Compostela and designer labels in Madrid. Take home flamenco music from Seville, hand-painted ceramics from Talavera and mosaic wall tiles from Granada. Wines from La Rioja and Ribera and sherry from Jerez bring back memories of hot Spanish evenings.
Eat & Drink
Tuck into Galician-style octopus or Andalusian gazpacho (cold tomato and garlic soup). Nibble on olives, Serrano ham and Spanish omelette and feast on Valencia’s seafood paella or suckling pig in Navarra. Wash down with Basque country cider, Catalonian Cava, Mahón gin or wines from La Rioja to Canarias.
New Perspective
Bask in the night illuminations of Jean Nouvel’s bullet-shaped Agbar Tower. Admire Emilio Ambrasz’ angular white House of Spiritual Retreat in Seville.
8 Popular places in Spain
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Casa Milo, Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a riotous mix of fantastical architecture, medieval streets, Cava bars and fresh seafood restaurants. From skinny Gothic spires to Gaudí’s undulating mosaic-tiled chimneys, this waterfront city bursts with Catalan culture. If the pace of late-night partying gets too much, the beach is just a hop away.
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La Mezquita, Córdoba.
Cordoba
Córdoba’s sun-baked streets lead to La Mezquita, a grand mosque-turned-cathedral built when southern Spain lay under Muslim rule. Look up at its imposing tower from the whitewashed Flower Alley or stroll under Moorish arches inside. Stop in the tangled Jewish quarter to sample local Montilla-Moriles wine.
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Royal Palace, Madrid.
La Malagueta beach, Málaga.
La Concha Beach, San Sebastian.
San Sebastian
The jewel in the Basque crown, San Sebastian sits regally on a crescent bay, surrounded by rolling hills. Gourmands flock to Spain’s culinary capital to sample its inventive tapas, fresh seafood and Michelin-starred meals, while fashionable visitors stroll along San Sebastian’s chi-chi beach promenade.
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