Spain
A country brimming with passion, history, sophistication, and the art of enjoying life, Spain offers a sensory delight, known for its architectural wonders, vibrant nightlife, Mediterranean beaches, and exquisite cuisine.
Located in southwestern Europe, Spain's mainland is located south of France and the Pyrenees Mountains, and east of Portugal. Its regions, inhabitants, and landscapes are remarkably diverse, ranging from the enchanting cobblestone streets of Barcelona in Catalonia to the sunny and soulful Seville in the south, the glittering beaches of the Basque Country in the north, and the bustling urban island of Madrid in the central plains.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a foodie in search of a genuine culinary escapade, an architecture aficionado eager to unveil Gaudi’s secrets and the splendor of the Alhambra, or a seasoned traveler ready to embrace breathtaking landscapes, Spain has something for everyone.
Spain is a destination perfect for families traveling with children, offering a variety of enjoyable tours, from Mediterranean beaches to horse shows, flamenco performances, and interactive museums. Barcelona stands out as one of the most family-friendly cities in Spain, featuring theme parks, a chocolate museum, engaging exhibits, gardens, and beautiful beaches.
As the capital of Spain and situated by the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is celebrated for its striking architecture, colorful history, cuisine, and vibrant culture.
Begin your exploration in Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter. Walk by medieval Roman walls and towers dating back to the 4th century, see the old Jewish Quarter, and visit the famous square of Plaça de Sant Jaume.
Sagrada Família: Marvel at the iconic masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the intricate façades, towering spires, and surreal interior of this unfinished basilica, which is one of Barcelona's most visited landmarks.
Park Güell: Wander through the whimsical park designed by Gaudí, featuring colorful mosaic sculptures, lush gardens, and panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the famous mosaic dragon fountain and the terrace adorned with the iconic serpentine bench.
Gothic Quarter: Explore Barcelona's historic heart, characterized by narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and ancient landmarks. Discover architectural treasures like the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, and the Picasso Museum.
La Rambla: Take a leisurely stroll down the boulevard, lined with shops, cafes, street performers, and flower stalls. Explore the nearby Boqueria Market, a vibrant food market selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Admire the unique architectural creations of Gaudí at these two modernist masterpieces. Explore the fantastical interiors, innovative designs, and rooftop terraces with panoramic views of Barcelona.
Montjuïc Hill: Take a cable car or funicular up Montjuïc Hill to explore its cultural and recreational attractions. Visit Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, and the Joan Miró Foundation, or simply enjoy the scenic views of the city and the sea.
Relax and soak up the sun at Barcelona's urban beaches, including Barceloneta Beach, Bogatell Beach, and Nova Icaria Beach.
Experience Barcelona's legendary nightlife by exploring its diverse range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars, dance to electronic beats in beach clubs, or soak up the atmosphere in lively neighborhoods like El Raval and Gràcia.
Explore the Montserrat Monastery and Cava Trail
Montserrat is a prominent pilgrimage site located just one hour outside of Barcelona. The monastery, occupied by Benedictine monks, has many scenic walks, a museum, and a scenic cable car ride.
A visit to the sanctuary where the ‘Moreneta’ (black virgin) is always a must.
Nearby you can also visit Penedès, a region that is home to the famous Cava champagne and the Pares Balta winery, which has some one of the world's widest varieties of grapes.
Seville is an extraordinarily scenic city located on the Guadalquivir River in the southwestern part of Spain.
Highlight’s include:
Santa Cruz
Royal Alcazar
Seville Cathedral
La Giralda Tower
Plaza de España
María Luisa Park
Templo Omnium
Mercado de la Encarnación
Metropol Parasol
Gold Tower
El Patio Sevillano
For an authentic experience, try tapas and enjoy music in popular areas:
Alameda, Macarena, Nervión, Los Remedios, or Triana.
Depart Seville and take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Córdoba.
Highlights include:
Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba
Jewish Quarter
Synagogue
Calle de las Flores
Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Highlight’s include:
The Alhambra
The Albayzin Quarter
Gereralife
Plaza de San Nicolás
Carlos V Palace
Royal Chapel
San Nicolás Lookout Point
San Miguel Alto Lookout Point
Churra Lookout Point
Paseo de los Tristes
Realejo
Plaza del Campo del Príncipe
Basilica of Las Angustias
Elvira Gateway
Monastery of San Jerónimo
Cathedral of La Encarnación
In Sacromonte, discover the famous caves carved into the hillside, each with its own unique character. Enjoy the zambras , which are epic fiestas where locals sing, dance, and flamenco dance.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is famous for being an open city with all kinds of people from anywhere in the world. Known for it’s museums, shops, restaurants, unbeatable nightlife, and historical charm.
Highlights Include:
The Prado Museum
Almudena Cathedral
Reina Sofía
Thyssen
Sorolla Museum
Matadero and Conde Duque
The Royal Palace
Plaza de Oriente
Calle Mayor and Plaza Mayor
Puerta del Sol
Gran Via
Retiro Park
El Capricho
Arco and Calle Cuchilleros
There is quite a bit of shopping in Madrid:
Golden Mile
Fuencarral
Mercado de Motores
San Miguel and Rastro
Built behind the Royal Palace, the Royal Collections Gallery was inaugurated in
2023 and stands as a testament to Spain's rich artistic and cultural heritage. More
of a rotating gallery, this museum acts as a stage for the vast collection owned
by Patrimonio Nacional across the Spanish territory in Palaces and Monasteries.
Continue on foot from the Gallery to the Old Quarter, and see Plaza
Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the San Miguel Market.
The Prado Museum his home to one of the finest art collections in the world. Your can see Spanish masters such as Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán and
Goya; the Museum also contains Flemish works collected by the Catholic
monarchs, as well as Italian paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco, Bosch, Van Dyck and Rembrandt.
The modern neighborhood of Chueca, is known for its nightlife, taverns, and cool cafes. It is also the city's LGBTI+ Quarter and hosts one of the world's most popular Gay Pride parades. You can also visit Longoria Palace and the Madrid History Museum in this area.
If you love football, whichever team you follow, you can visit the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Visit Segovia, around an hour outside of Madrid, and see the cathedral and visit the impressive Alcazar. The medieval town was an important military town in Roman times. As you walk through the picturesque old walled city you will see a number of Romanesque churches, Renaissance fortresses, Palaces and residences.
Stroll through the nearby medieval village of Pedraza, a very historic site thanks to the excellent state of conservation of its heritage.
Located in the heart of Castile, only about 1 hour south of Madrid, is Toledo.
This area highlight’s Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. You can visit the Cathedral, Santo Tomé Church, Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito.
Located on Spain's southeastern coast, Valencia is a city full of history, gastronomy, adventure and culture. It has earned the reputation of being a unique destination that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Many of Valencia’s most iconic sites are located within the city center.
Highlight’s include:
The Marina Real Juan Carlos I
City of Arts and Sciences
Torres de Quart
Estación del Norte railway station
Baroque City Hall
Columbus Market
Palau de la Música
Serrano Towers
Central Market
The San Pío V Museum of Fine Arts
For shopping, visit the La Seu District, and check out the shops along La Paz, Poeta Querol and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. If you're interested in crafts, head to Plaza Redonda Market in the La Xerea neighbourhood.
Ruzafa, is a neighbourhood that is known as "Valencia's Soho". You can explore the Ruzafa Market, Ruzafa Cathedral, and find many restaurants and shops here.
Visit Valencia's IVAM for modern art collections of Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo, and explore González Martí National Museum's collection of ceramics from various regions, including works by Picasso and pieces from China and Japan.
Experience L'Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest aquarium.
Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa and El Cabañal beaches are 15 minutes from the city center. If you are looking for beaches in a more natural setting, a bit further away you will find the beaches of L'Arbre del Gos, El Saler and La Devesa.
The Paseo Marítimo is a wonderful seafront area where you can enjoy walking, roller skating, jogging, biking, sunbathing or lovely restaurants.
Take a trip to the Albufera Nature Reserve.
Visit Don Juan Cave in Jalance, which has underground spaces full of stalactites and stalagmites, including the eerie Lake of Desires and the Devil's Grotto.
Try the Hanging Bridges route in Chulilla, which provides hiking opportunities surrounding the Turia River canyon.
Walk around the Turia Gardens, one of the largest city parks in Spain.
Head over to Valencia's El Pilar neighborhood to see historical buildings such as the Silk Exchange, College of the High Art of Silk, El Pilar Church and the Old General Hospital.
Explore the vineyards of Utiel-Requena, known for producing excellent wines.
Sagunto, a city outside of Valencia, has many interesting places to visit, including the Roman ruins and Sagunto Castle.
Manises, also nearby Valencia, is known for its ceramics. You can visit the Ceramics Museum and explore Els Arcs.
Santiago de Compostela, in the region of Galicia (northern Spain) is well-known for it’s lively atmosphere, pilgrim’s, medieval streets, ancient monasteries, beautiful gardens, grand mansions, graceful fountains and cuisine.
Highlight’s Include:
Praza do Obradoiro
Monte de Almáciga
Belvís Viewing Point
Mercado de Abastos
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral & Rooftop
Hostal de los Reyes Católicos
Casa do Cabildo House
Galician Contemporary Art Centre (CGAC)
Museum of the Galician People
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Museum
San Lorenzo de Trasouto
Raxoi Palace
Botafumeiro
Alameda Park
There is only one way to start off a day in Santiago: at the Cathedral. Start by going through the door leading from the Obradoiro square, where pilgrims will already have been arriving since the early hours of the morning. See the Pórtico de la Gloria, the crypt, statue of St.James and The Holy Door.
Entrance to the cathedral is free. However, you must book tickets to access certain areas.
St. James’ Way, is one of Europe’s most popular pilgrimage routes, and it’s a unique experience for people of any faith. Its endpoint is Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, and every day dozens of pilgrims arrive in the city. After you complete St.James’ Way, you can attend the Pilgrims’ Mass which is celebrated daily.
Located on the shores of Spain’s Northwest coast, Vigo is a beautiful city in the Galician province of Pontevedra about 1 hour from Santiago De Compostela.
Highlight’s Include:
Cidade Vella
Monte do Castro
Galician Museum of the Sea
Quiñones de León Municipal Park
La Guía Municipal park
Marco. Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art
"Quiñones de León" Municipal Museum, Vigo
Nosa Señora da Guía Shrine
Concatedral de Santa María de Vigo
The historic quarter, Cidade Vella, is located around the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, near the Port of Vigo.
The city of A Coruña, also around 1 hour from Santiago De Compostela, has many magnificent squares, a medieval quarter and historical monuments.
Highlight’s Include:
Tower of Hercules
Aquarium Finisterrae
Museum of Science and Technology
Playa de Riazor Beach
Playa de Orzan Beach
Playa de Baldaio Beach
Monte de San Pedro
Visit the nearby Cíes Islands. You’ll have to go first to Cangas or Vigo and take a boat, which must be booked in advance. The best known beach is Praia das Rodas.
The Canary Islands
Gran Canaria
Tenerife
Lanzarote
Fuerteventura
La Palma
La Gomera
El Hierro
La Graciosa
Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria.
Walk around the streets of Vegueta which include Los Balcones, Espíritu Santo, Plaza de Santa Ana.
Highlight’s include:
Museum of the Canary Islands
Episcopal Palace
The Casas Consistoriales
Casa de Colón
Chapel of San Antonio Abad
Calle Mayor de Triana
San Telmo Park
Las Canteras Beach
Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Playa del Ingles Beach
Maspalomas Beach
Tarifa
Agaete
Finca La Laja
Finca Aloe Vera
King Doramas Park
Explore Palmitos Park, home to a dolphinarium, an aviary and many species of flora and fauna. The attraction is part zoo, part theme park and part botanical garden.
See the botanical gardens of Viera and Clavijo.
Dine at Bodegón Vandama, a restaurant that has panoramic views of the volcanic landscape of Caldera de Bandama, and enjoy Canarian cuisine and wines made from the grapes of the island’s volcanic soil.
Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital.
Most of the main sites are located in Santa Cruz and in the town of San Cristobal de La Laguna. There are guided tours of its squares, mansions and monuments.
Highlight’s include:
Plaza de España
García Sanabria Park
Nuestra Señora de África
Las Teresita’s Beach
Taganana Beach
Benijo Beach
César Manrique Maritime Park
The Wine Museum
Viewpoint’s not to miss include:
Emigrante viewpoint (Garachico)
Ballena viewpoint (Los Silos)
Los Pedregales Visitor Center (Teno Rural Park)
Archipenque viewpoint (Los Gigantes).
Visit Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest mountain. You can go to the top by cable car, and even combine your visit to the park with a winery, the flour mills, or a boat trip.
Walk along the La Rambla de Castro Coastal Path. You can begin at the beach of Los Roques. See wonderful ocean views, historical landmarks ( Casona de Castro, Saint Peter’s Hermitage, and San Bernardo’s Fort) along the way.
Lanzarote
As soon as you step foot on this island, you will notice its volcanic landscape and lack of buildings or modern life.
Highlight’s include:
Timanfaya National Park
Restaurant El Diablo
Famara Beach
Papagayo Beach
Puerto del Carmen Beach
Los Verdes Cave
Mirador del Río Viewpoint
Castillo de San José Museum
Jameos del Agua
A visit to a winery will give you the opportunity to enjoy the different wine varieties made on Lanzarote. Malvasía wines are traditional, mainly white, although there are also some reds and rosés to try.
Wineries include:
La Geria
Bodega Suarez
Rubicon
Alicante is a small city in southeast Spain, known for its beaches, warm weather, and walkability. There are many sidewalk cafes, restaurants, shops and palm-lined areas perfect for relaxing.
The San Juan beach is the most famous, not only because it is the longest, but also because of the quality and cleanliness of its waters.
Highlight’s include:
Santa Barbara Castle
Old Quarter
Town Hall Square
Cathedral of Alicante
Central Market
Monastery of Santa Faz
El Campello
Villajoyosa
La Marjal Park
Almadraba Beach
Journey to Novelda, around 30 minutes away, and find the stunning Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena. Continue to nearby Bodega Heretat de Cesilia, a well-known winery dating back to the early 18th century.
In the hills near Alicante, within 20 minutes in Busot, are amazing caves called “Canalobre Caves”. They not only will get you out of the heat but are spectacular to walk within.
Visit the city of Murcia, about 1 hour outside of Alicante, in the heart of the Segura River Valley.
Highlight’s include:
Murcia Cathedral
Plaza de Belluga
Santa Clara Monastery
Plaza de Flores
Roma Square
Located in the region of Andalusia, Almeria is a beautiful town with many museums, galleries, shops, history and untamed coastline.
Highlight’s include:
La Alcazaba Fortress
Almeria Cathedra
Playa del Zapillo Beach
Costa Cabana Beach
Peña flamenco
The Tabernas Desert, the only desert in Europe, is located around 19 miles north of Almería. This region is a popular film location for western movie’s.
Highlight’s include:
Fort Bravo
Oasys Mini Hollywood
Bodegas Perfer Winery
Almeria Solar Platform
Visit Cortijo del Cura, around 2 hours from the city, and enjoy a tour of the vineyards and estate, followed by a tasting of an inspired selection of wines.
Located in northern Spain, Bilbao is an industrial port city surrounded by lush green mountains and towering skyscrapers.
Highlight’s Include:
Guggenheim Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
Isozaki Tower and Pelli Tower
Zubizuri Bridge
La Alhóndiga
La Ribera Market
Doña Casilda de Iturrizar
Hanging Bridge
Santiago Cathedral
Deusto University
Begoña Basilica
Bilbao Town Hall
Plaza Nueva
You can take the Artxanda cable car, which links the area of Campo Volantín with Mount Artxanda. We recommend travelling up on it to get some amazing views of Bilbao.
Upon arriving at the Guggenheim Museum entrance, you are welcomed by the impressive spider sculpture named Maman by Bourgeois. The museum is equally remarkable, constructed from titanium sheets and designed by Frank Gehry with the help of cutting-edge aerospace software, establishing itself as an iconic symbol of the city. Adding to the surprises is the Puppy sculpture outside the museum, a colossal dog crafted by Jeff Koons, featuring a steel base adorned with live flowers.
Walk along the cobblestoned streets of old town, and in particular, the area known as “the 7 streets”. Along these streets and the surrounding areas you can visit La Ribera Market, The Church of San Antón, Santiago Cathedral and the Stock Exchange building. Incidentally, next to this building you can see a star in the ground marking the only spot in the seven streets where you can view the Basilica of Begoña.
Sail along the Nervión Estuary.
Visit Portugalete, where you can see the Bizkaia Hanging Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See the nearby beaches at Getxo, just 20 minutes from Bilbao.
Gaztelugatxe, located in Bermeo, was a famous filming location for the TV series "Game of Thrones", where it was known as the Castle of Dragonstone. The rough coast has shaped rocks, tunnels, and caves which now form fascinating scenery.
There are two popular hiking routes in the region, Pagasarri & Ganekogorta.
Discover San Sebastian, one of the most charming cities of Europe, famous also for it's high quality food and of course, 'pintxos'! Conveniently about an hour away from Bilbao, you can visit Donostia (the city's Basque name) along with a few fishing villages on the coast.
Visit the villages of Zumaia and Getaria.
A little further outside San Sebastian, are Pasajes and Hondarribia.
See the Albaola Maritime Museum, and walk along the fishing port and Marina neighbourhood.
Visit Atapuerca and Burgos, around 2 hours from Bilbao. Begin your visit with The Yacimientos (The archeological sites). The caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the Common Era.
See the Experimental Archeology Center, where visitors become casual experimenters and learn firsthand about the fundamentals and working procedures of experimental archaeology.
Explore the famous La Rioja wine region, an absolute must for wine lovers.
A great one to include is the Condes de los Andes Winery. The winery has spectacular underground cellars, dating back to the end of the Middle Ages.
Continue to Venta Moncalvillo restaurant and enjoy a Michelin star lunch with wine pairing .
Another nearby option is Marques del Riscal Winery.
Explore the medieval village of Laguardia, where baroque churches stand alongside
modern wineries like Bodegas Ysios by Santiago Calatrava.
Visit Gómez Cruzado winery, located in Spain's oldest "wine neighborhood."
Travel by Train
Barcelona-Madrid: 2.5 hours
Barcelona-Girona: 40 minutes
Barcelona-Valencia: 2.5 hours
Seville-Madrid: 2.5 hours
Seville-Cordoba: 1 hour
Seville-Granada: 2.5 hours
Madrid-Toledo: 30 minutes
Madrid-Valencia: 1.5 hours
Madrid-Cordoba: 2 hours
Madrid-Granada: 3.5 hours
Food and drink in Spain are synonymous with pleasure, making the country a true culinary haven. From San Sebastian, which offers some of the highest number of Michelin stars per capita in the world, to Valencia, known for its exceptional paella, Spain provides a wealth of gastronomic experiences. For locals, desayuno (breakfast) typically features a café con leche (a blend of coffee and milk) accompanied by a bollo (pastry or croissant). Comida or almuerzo (lunch) is considered the main meal of the day, seldom starting before 2:00 pm, with restaurants generally operating from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. While lunch customs vary by region and often change on weekends, cena (dinner) is usually lighter and may involve heading out for drinks and tapas in many cities.
Rioja
Spain’s most notable wine producing region. The principal grape is the tempranillo, widely believed to be a distant form of pinot noir. It’s smooth, fruity, seldom as dry as pinot noir, and the most significant factor is the use of oak aging.
Tapas
Delicious small portions (often a quarter version) of something found on the menu, or unique and small items exclusively sold as tapas – an excellent way to share your meal and get to taste a variety of items.
Callos
A specialty in Madrid; tripe cooked in a sauce of tomato, paprika, garlic and herbs.
Migas: Dry breadcrumbs torn up and fried in various combinations, then served with chorizo or bacon.
Paella
While methods vary throughout Spain, the base always includes short grain rice, garlic, olive oil and saffron.
Fideuà
Popular in Catalonia and Valencia, this lesser known dish is a Spanish pasta, similar to vermicelli. It is used in seafood dishes which rival paella for its taste and intricacy.
Leche frita
This popular dessert is made by whipping milk, egg yolks and flour, then left to chill, before being bathed in breadcrumbs and finally, fried. You can find these in Madrid.
Cava
Sip on Catalonia's signature sparkling wine, made from local grapes and produced using the traditional méthode champenoise. Visit cava cellars in the Penedès wine region for tastings and tours.
Churros con Chocolate
Treat yourself to this classic Spanish dessert of crispy fried dough dipped in thick hot chocolate. Enjoy it as a sweet snack or indulge in it for breakfast like the locals.
Vermut
Join the tradition of vermut (vermouth) hour, a beloved Catalan ritual of enjoying a pre-lunch drink of vermouth with olives and snacks. Explore vermuterías (vermouth bars) in Barcelona's neighborhoods for a taste of this aromatic fortified wine.
Spain’s climate can generally be contrasted between the coastal regions and the interior.The southern regions tend to be warmer and drier, and the northern areas cooler and rainier. In Madrid, the average temperature in January is 37°F (3°C), while in July it is 88°F (31°C).
Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, Catalan, Valencian & English are the primarily languages spoken.
The Euro (€) is the currency. The option to pay with credit and debit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs in Spain are Type C and F, which both have two small round pins. We suggest a multi-adaptor with different plug configurations.
The country code for Spain is +34
Film's with scenes from Spain include:
Jamon Jamon
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
The Time in Between
Knight and Day
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
