Beautiful villas and castles, beaches, food and wine and exciting cultural influences make Spain both an historic and contemporary delight. Whether you’re looking for a spa destination, garden setting or beach house there is something to suit everybody in this rich and diverse country.
Spain is such a diverse country, home to many contrasts. Head to Andalucia and the oldest city in the world, with its glorious beaches and ancient architecture and time honoured traditions in Cadiz and Seville (and, of course, its memorable food).
Then, take the short trip to cosmopolitan Madrid with the trendy bars of the Chueca district and the world class museums such as the Prado and the Reina Sofia where Guernica itself is houses. Northern cities in Galicia are just a stone’s throw from some fairytale forests. Try some tapas and amazing Spanish wine and get into the party atmosphere in the evenings in this glorious tourist destination.
The idyllic Spanish islands provide visitors with rest, water sports, boating and yachting and a chance to soak up the almost year round Spanish sunlight.
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The Top 17 Regions to Visit
Andalusia (Cordoba)
Located in Andalusia, to the south, Cordoba is the capital of Córdoba Province. This Roman city was a major Islamic hub in the Middle Ages. As such it is well known for La Mezquita, a mosque dating back to 784 A.D.
This impressive building features immense columns and a prayer hall and is decorated with beautiful mosaics. It became a Catholic church in 1236.
Asturias Region
Located in northwest Spain, the Asturias region is known for its rocky coastline, beautiful mountains, religious and medieval architecture. The San Salvador Cathedral houses the Shroud of Oviedo.
The 9th-century churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco are found on Mt Naranco.
Balearic Islands
Located off eastern Spain, in the Mediterranean, this archipelago is home to the large island of Mallorca (Majorca, see list of top hotels) . Numerous beaches dot the coastline and it is also here where you can see the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Palma is the capital city, recognisable by its Gothic cathedral.
The altar canopy was designed by modern Antoni Gaudí. Almudaina, a Moorish royal palace, is another popular landmark.
Barcelona
Barcelona, on the northeast coast is the capital of the Catalonian province and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, full of top quality Barcelona hotels. Among its attractions are the beautiful beach and a number of historic buildings.
The architect Antonio Gaudi designed and built the extravagant Sagrada Familia cathedral. Another Gaudi creation is Park Guell, with its intriguing serpentine seat where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Barcelona. Two airports allow international visitors access to the city, Reus and Barcelona International.
Basque Region
The Basque region of north-western Spain is much more temperate than the hotter southern provinces. Its unofficial capital, Bilbao, is famous for its modern architecture.
The Bay of Biscay is only ten miles away and the nearby Pyrenees and the Calabrian mountains allow visitors to the region access to a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.
Canary Islands
The picturesque Canary Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Africa. This is a volcanic region dotted with black and white sandy beaches. Tenerife is the the largest island and here you can catch a glimpse of the Mt. Teide volcano.
The mountain is home to an astronomical observatory and is part of Teide National Park. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife visitors can enjoy an annual carnival just before Lent and visitors revel on the beaches during summer.
Costa Brava
North of Barcelona lies the Costa Brava, a seemingly endless line of sandy beaches along the blue and sparkling Mediterranean. The towns on this part of the coast include Blanes, Lloret del Mar and Malagrat del Mar, the best places for a Spanish seaside holiday.
The climate is moderate all the year round, the average October temperature being 24 degrees. Not far away are the many vineyards of the wine-growing country, where interested visitors can enjoy a trip around a wine cellar and pick up a bottle of fabulous Cava.
Costa del Sol
One of the chief reasons that people go to Spain is to have a good time, to lie in the sun and swim in the sea, to eat in good restaurants and to dance into the early hours in a nightclub or disco.
The south-coast towns of Malaga, Marbella and Torremolinos offer this mix of attractions, all the year around. From five-star hotels in Marbella Puerto Banus, luxury beach hotel in Malaga to cheap bed and breakfast rooms, every type of accommodation is available.
Visitors to this area are virtually guaranteed good weather, in combination with stunning beaches and sea sports, and an incomparable range of night-time attractions.
Galicia region (Santiago de Compostela)
The capital city of the Galicia region, Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It is said to be the burial place of the apostle James. His remains are said to be inside the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. The Medieval Old Town is a popular attraction.
Girona
Girona is Catalonia’s other capital and is served by its own airport. Despite its small size, it has a unique “big city” atmosphere. Set inland, its attractive neighbours include the little, medieval town of Besalu.
Closer to the Middle Ages you will not get; visitors to Besalu often experience a feeling of déjà vu – and no wonder, since the walled town and its drawbridge-type entrance have featured in many movies.
Granada
Say “Granada”, and the majority of people think of that fabulous Moorish palace, the Alhambra. The palace is certainly worth visiting but Granada, located on top of a hill, has so much more.
Places to go include the Generalife Garden and the fabulous cathedral, built over a mosque. The district does get very hot in summer, but its location near the Sierra Nevada makes it the ideal place for ski fans to stay in winter.
Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, is a truly international city. Its Golden Triangle of institutions devoted to art and heritage ensures that it is a Mecca for lovers of Spanish culture. In the Prada, visitors can see works by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya, among other artists.
Nearby are the stunning National Archaeological Museum and the Reina Sofia National Art Museum. Downtown Madrid, visitors can choose from a wide array of top 5 star hotels in Madrid, cafes and restaurants.
Navarra (Pamplona)
The capital of the Navarre province, Pamplona is the site of the Running of the Bulls every July. It is also a stop along the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage route. In Pamplona you will find many Gothic-style churches including San Nicolás -which resembles a fort.
Salamanca
The ancient city of Salamanca, in north-western Spain, is so filled with old and historical buildings, museums, churches and palaces, that to list them would be futile.
Its chief attraction is the collection of university buildings, several of them dating from the 1500’s. Salamanca’s moderate climate and its incomparable heritage draws many visitors, all the year round.
Seville and Cadiz
In the province of Andalusia, on the south-west corner of Spain, is the town of Seville. From June to September, temperatures can reach the mid-forties. This very hot climate makes Seville suitable for cultivating the oranges that it is famous for. Plenty of first class hotels are located in Seville Old Town.
But, the town is not very far from Cadiz on the Atlantic coast, where visitors can swim and enjoy water sports in a deliciously cool sea.
Toledo
Toledo is located above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha on a hill. Recognisable by a variety of Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments, the walled old town is popular among tourists.
Toledo was was the home of the Mannerist painter, El Greco. Opening into the old quarter, the Moorish Bisagra and Sol Gate are a popular area of the city and a meeting place for locals and tourists.
Valencia
Valencia is a truly Mediterranean city. Situated on the east coast of Spain, its attractions include buildings that reflect its multicultural history. It was founded by the Romans, occupied by the Moors and conquered again by Christians.
In 1238, James 1 of Aragon laid siege to it with his army. In the 1300’s, the Towers of Serrano were built to guard the city and they are still there today. With its hot climate and leisure and cultural interests, Valencia is well worth visiting. Stay in a luxury 5 star hotel in Valencia for the best travel experience.
