travel to
Spain
Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting Barcelona, walking the Camino to Santiago, exploring the white villages of Andalusia or discovering the Alhambra in Granada. Land of fiestas, siesta and Flamenco, of architecture and art, Spain is as diverse as it is beautiful. Come and explore Spain and you will find a passion for fine food, for wild landscapes and indeed for life itself.
best time to travel
Spring (March - May) and fall (September - November) are ideal seasons to travel to most anywhere in Spain. The Mediterranean can be visited year-round. The Atlantic coast, where the Camino de Santiago is sees heavy rains in October and November.
places to go
key experiences
Madrid
One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, people flock to Madrid for its art treasures and lively vibes. The city is renowned for both is culinary scene and its legendary nightlife.
Toledo
Set high above the River Tajo, the multicultural past of Toledo is reflected in its collection of churches, mosques and synagogues, while museums adorn its narrow streets and plazas.
Segovia
In Segovia, a city of warm terracotta and sandstone hues set amid rolling hills, the extraordinary eight hundred metre long Roman aqueduct is one of Spain’s most breathtaking ancient monuments.
Barcelona
World-class food, fabulous art and architecture like the whimsical creations of Gaudí, seafood taverns, lively clubs and Bohemian tapas bars, the cobblestone lanes and quiet plazas of the Gothic quarter... All this, set on the Mediterranean - Barcelona is one city you do not want to miss.
Valencia
A riverbed converted into a park, futuristic buildings, a thriving cultural scene, fabulous food, great museums and a beautiful old quarter - Valencia may not be will-known, but it is worth a visit.
Granada & the Alhambra
In this, the last of their strongholds in Western Europe, the Moors left us their stunning Alhambra palace, a monument to sensuality and contemplative decoration. Beyond it lie a cosmopolitan city core, the white-walled gardens of the Realejo quarter and the flamenco bars of Sacromonte. A lively tapas scene and a humming creativity colour this city, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, Europe's second highest mountain range.
Andalusia
Flamenco, bullfights and rhythmic guitars; white villages perched on top of cliffs; a Moorish heritage culminating in Granada's Alhambra; the forgotten hamlets of the Alpujarras; beautiful hills covered in forests, orange groves and olive trees; an entire region given over to romance and heightened emotions. This is Andalusia.
Seville
The colonial grandeur of Plaza de España; the Giralda tower, the Cathedral and the Alcázar; city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro; festivals such as Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril; the narrow alleys of the medieval Jewish quarter; discover the elegance and charm of Seville.
Córdoba
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking Mezquita, the Grand Mosque of Córdoba, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Once the capital of Islamic Spain, and Western Europe's largest and most cultured city, the narrow streets of the old centre are a delight to discover.
San Sebastian
One of the great resort cities of Europe, set in a glorious location along a bay lined with golden beaches, San Sebastian is known for its Michelin-rated restaurants and first-class tapas bars crowding a lively old town.
Picos de Europa
Spectacular gorges and jagged peaks make the limestone massifs of the Picos de Europa one of Spain's finest walking destinations.
Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is an age-old pilgrim's route through Northern Spain, leading through countless tiny villages, up and down steep hills and through valleys, oak forests and farmer's fields. Whether you are on a spiritual quest, or simply immersing yourself in Spain's history, food and culture, memories of the trek will certainly stay with you for the rest of your life.
Discover Gaudí
Barcelona is well known for its whimsical buildings by Antoni Gaudí. Most famous of all is the church of La Sagrada Familia, a building not expected to be completed until 2030.
Experience flamenco
If there's one sound associated with Spain, it's the dramatic melodies and rhythms of flamenco. Seville, Granada and Málaga are arguably the best cities to experience authentic flamenco.
Explore a white village
Crowning the dramatic landscapes of Andalusia lie stunning white villages where you can discover narrow streets, interesting churches, Moorish castles and spectacular views.
Hike the hills
With its varied landscapes, beautiful scenery and fascinating history, Spain offers wonderful hiking. Discover ancient Roman bridges in the Alpujarras, hike between white villages in the Sierra de Grazalema, discover the gorges and cliffs of the Picos de Europa, or embark on a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.
Be a pilgrim
Whether you do it for spiritual reasons, or to mark a major life event, hiking the Camino de Santiago is a life-changing experience.
Bike the backroads
Cycle on quiet roads marvelling over the sunning scenery. Pick up a picnic lunch or enjoy one in a taverna. Cycling enhances your senses, slows the world down and brings it into focus.
Glorious wines
Wine is always part of a meal and bodegas and vineyards have sprouted up all over the country. Spain is famous for Sherry and Rioja. In Catalonia, find the heavy Ampurdán, while from Andalusia hails the fruity Montilla. Sparkling wines are also popular.
Discover a Moorish past
Parts of Spain were under Moorish rule from the 8th to the 15th century and in many places you can see their heritage. In Granada you will find the Alhambra and the Moorish district of Albaicín, while in Seville La Giralda is a cathedral which incorporates the original Islamic minaret as its bell tower. La Mezquita in Cordoba is an 8th century Umayyad mosque, a mesmerizing forest of pillars and arches and a building not to be missed.
Taste tapas
A variety of small savoury dishes, often served as a snack with drinks, or as a meal. Going from bar to bar for drinks and tapas, is an essential part of the social culture of Spain.
Get festive
Spain has an enormous number of festivals, parades and feast days, celebrated in big cities and tiny hamlets alike. Semana Santa (Holy Week), Feria de Abril in Seville, the running of the bulls in Pamplona and Festes de la Mercè in Barcelona are some of the best.
Marvel at art
Spain is a museum-lover's paradise. Witness the collection of Spanish and European masterpieces in Madrid's Museo del Prado, the works by Picasso in Museu Picasso and the frescoes and devotional sculptures at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (both in Barcelona), Frank Gehry's Guggenheim museum in Bilbao and the works by El Greco in the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville.
Live the night
Nightlife in Spain generally starts around 10pm with friends gathering in bars for chat and tapas, and carries on into the small hours from there. Join them for some great food, wine and live music.
Sleep in a Parador
Luxury hotels often located in historic monasteries, palaces or castles, paradors are the quintessential place to stay in Spain.
Hit the beach
Spain is a beach-lover's dream. Among the best city beaches are La Concha (San Sebastián), Barcelona's string of beaches and El Cabanyal (Valencia).