So you want
to go to Spain, the question is where?
It´s hard
to know where to start with Spain as there´s simply so much to see and do. But
of course we´re here to help. Today we´ve picked 10 of our top ´experiences´ in
Spain to kick-off and get you thinking about what you´re most interested in and
consequently where might be the best place for you.
1. Alhambra
The palace and
fortress which form Granada’s Alhambra are certainly a sight to behold and
perhaps the most exquisite example of Islamic art worldwide. The architecture
has been described as “close to perfection´” with its balanced arches and
repeated motifs mesmerizing. The soothing Generalife gardens lie in perfect harmony
with the Nazaríes palace and the red fortress towers dominate the city´s
skyline whose background is the Sierra Nevada´s snowy peaks, a powerful symbol
of 800 years of Moorish rule.
2. Semana Santa in Seville
Back to
Spain´s medieval Christian roots Seville´s Easter celebration of Semana Santa
is an unforgettable experience. Religious groups parade exquisite figures of
Christ and the Virgin Mary around the city to the cheers and admiration of the
excited crowds that fill the streets, the most prestigious procession taking
place early on Good Friday morning and known as the madrugada. Although celebrations go on all across Spain nothing can
rival those of Seville, combining spectacle with the seriousness of deep
religious faith.
3. La Rioja Wine Country
When we think of Spanish wines, we think of
Rioja. This is Spain's historic wine region and a must for wine-lovers. Rioja
is a stunningly beautiful area dating from the Neolithic era and dotted with
bodegas and vineyards offering wine-tastings and picturesque villages some with
their medieval walls still intact. The Hotel Marqués de Riscal has become the
elite centre for wine tourism in the region.
4. Sierra Nevada snow sports and hiking
Spain´s
highest peak, the Mulhacén at 3460m can be found amongst the striking mountains
of the Sierra Nevada. An ideal place for skiing and other snow sports in the
winter and for hiking in the summer combined with exploring the charming
villages of las Alpujarras characterized as the pueblos blancos (white towns), and which were the last Moorish
settlements in Spain. Each holds its own fiesta
during the summer usually celebrated with dance, fireworks and wine.
5. Live the good life in Cádiz
Cádiz has
a casual, live in the moment type atmosphere that makes it instantly appealing.
The two week Carnaval is renowned across the country as a fun and lively time
of music, shows and lots of dressing up! The city itself has its own charm with
winding streets, an exquisite cathedral square and plenty of interesting
historical monuments. There are even pristine beaches to enjoy.
6. Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art
Although
it may have been remarked that Spain´s capital is strangely lacking in
architectural monuments it more than makes up for this with its fantastic
collection of art galleries. The famed “Golden Triangle of Art” comprises of
the Prado museum where there are pieces by top Spanish artists such as Goya,
Velázquex and El Greco as well as the best from across Europe, the Centro de
Arte Reina Sofía where you´ll find Picasso´s impressive Guernica and works by
Dalí and Miró, and finally the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum showcasing big names
from the past to the present.
7. Flamenco in
Andalucía
Soulful and uplifting at the same time, the powerful
music and dance of the Flamenco has its origins in Andalucía, its evolution
particularly influenced by the Andalusian gypsies. It is still in southern
Spain where you will watch the best displays. Seville, Cádiz and Jerez de la
Frontera features live flamenco performances at night with Seville especially
offering venues open to the general public. There´s no doubt the stunning show
will remain imprinted in your memory for years to come.
8. Beaches of
the Baleares
In this day and age where mass tourism is the norm in
the Spanish Mediterranean, the Balearic Island, Menorca offers something a
little different. Smaller and quieter than its neighbour, Mallorca. It follows that a lot of family-friendly resorts are situated on the
island, most of them at the southern shoreline. Two of the most spectacular coves are Cala
Macarelleta and Cala en Turqueta.
9. Camino de
Santiago
For more than 1000 years pilgrims
and walkers with all manner of motivations have been walking along the Camino
de Santiago ending up in Santiago de Compostela. This place is one of
indescribable significance for Christians but the appeal of this extensive walk
is much more than only religious. With a number of routes across Northern Spain
there is no better way to explore the natural world and really get to know this
country. Even covering a short stretch of the “camino” will be a moving
experience.
10. Costa Brava
This region of northeastern Catalonia is one
of our favourite corners of the Mediterranean. Not just due to its easy
accessibility from most parts of Europe. “Costa Brava” literally meaning rugged
or wild coast and the wide range of natural habitats
and microclimates
are protected by charter. While there are large tourist developments, other
parts have retained a more traditional look and have
become "hidden gems" for visitors who want a little more than sun,
sand and sangria.
Small towns like Cadaqués, which is close to the French border and close to the
foothills of the Pyrenees, have attracted artists, such as Salvador Dalí,
Joan Miró
and Pablo Picasso.
The Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres
is one of the most important and visited museums in Catalonia.
I hope these ideas have inspired you and made you think a bit more about what you want from your holiday in Spain.
Please leave any questions or share your thoughts in the comments.
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