Weather of Arabia - Spain's vast natural spaces are a dream for those who love outdoor sports, while cities, villages and towns sparkle with energy, cultural jewels, and delicious cuisine.
But where do you start? Whether you want to immerse yourself in the impressive architecture, or bike to a secret beach, here is a list of the things not to miss in Spain.
Going to the beach is a national pastime here. Leave the crowds and find peace and picturesque surroundings in hidden coves accessible only by foot, bike or horseback. Take a walk along Menorca's pine-shaded Cami de Cavals (restored 14th-century path) to blue bays; wander among the wild, pebbly coves along the Costa Brava; walk to the soft white beaches of Andalusia's breezy Costa de Luz (also great for kite surfing); And look out for the protected nude beaches at Parque Natural Cabo de Gata in Almeria.
The capital of Spain is one of Europe's greatest cities for art lovers, with a host of leading galleries where you'll meet icons such as Picasso's Guernica (Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) and Van Gogh's "Les Vicinotes en Auvers" (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza). , "Las Meninas" by Fellacio, and "Saturno defurando a su hijo" by Goya (Museo del Prado). Hidden fun ranges from the paintings of poet Federico García Lorca to the mystical works of Anthony Tapis. Pre-book tickets online and explore the exhibitions in advance; Some offer "out of hours" tours before the doors officially open.
The soul of Spain is marked by a deep love of great food - you'll eat pintcos in Bilbao and San Sebastian, seek out creative Michelin stars in Catalonia, dig into ultra-fresh Valencian Mediterranean paella, learn about Spain's culinary capital of 2023 Cuenca and more.
Planning tip: For a deep dive into regional Spanish cuisine, join an expert-led specialized food tour. Super-guided Devour Tours are available in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and San Sebastian, while Annie's Kitchens organizes fantastic tapas tours in the province of Cadiz (an Andalusian foodie destination).
Sipping a glass of refreshing albarino with a bowl of fresh seafood is a distinctly Galician moment – just one among many surprises in this beautiful green northwest corner of Spain. Wander farther from Santiago de Compostela to discover ancient stone villages, centuries-old factories, deep ravines and more than 1,000 km (620 miles) of wild coastline dotted with gorgeous beaches, especially around Ilas Ses and Costa da Morte.
Planning tip: Although summer brings warmer weather, June and September are much cooler (you always need to carry an umbrella!).
Finally arriving at the gleaming cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the Galician capital after walking hundreds of miles along the famous Way of St. James (Way of St. James) is a magical moment. Travelers looking for a less traveled route can trade in the popular traditional Camino Francais for the wonderfully pleasant route north (Camino del Norte) or the Camino Primitivo. The 600 km (373 mi) northern route loops along the northern coast of Spain from Irun, while the challenging 320 km (199 mi) Primitivo from Oviedo is believed to be the original route taken by King Alfonso II in the 9th century.
Planning tip: Combine the two routes by following an alternate branch from Norte to Oviedo, then joining Primitivo.
The border between Portugal and Extremadura plunges visitors into one of Spain's least touristy corners and is well worth a visit. The secluded Gertie Valley, Ambrose and La Vera reveal log-roofed houses, snow-capped mountains and spring cherry blossoms, and there's great bird watching in the 180-square-kilometre (69-square-mile) National Park de Monfraguet from March to October. There are also some exceptional monumental towns, including Cáceres (with a sparkling historic core), Trujillo (made rich thanks to its high-profile usurper families) and Merida (for some of the most important Roman ruins in Spain).
Islamic rule in Spain for eight centuries created some of the most magnificent architectural monuments of its own, particularly throughout Andalusia. The Moorish jewels of Andalusia are unmissable and include the Alhambra in Granada, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the Royal Palace and Giraldine Tower in Seville, but there are plenty more. Travel between Cordoba and Granada along the Via Caliph, marked by the castle-crowned villages that formed the last frontier in the Middle Ages between Christian and Islamic Spain. Tour the splendid fortified palaces of Malaga and Almería, or go to the remote Aracena Hills of Huelva to discover a perfectly preserved mosque from the rare Moorish era.
Spain's varied climate allows for excellent hiking opportunities throughout the year - from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range in Granada (ideal in July/August) and the rugged Picos de Europa in northern Spain to the heights of the Parque National de Ordesa and Monte Perdido in Aragon and Parc National de Aguistortes y Estany de Sant Maurice in Catalonia. Along the coast, you can enjoy beautiful trails such as the 200-kilometer (124-mile) Caminho dos Faros trail in Galicia or the high rock trails of Cabo de Gata in Almeria.
Planning tip: the north shines brightest from June to September/October (book accommodation in advance), while walking in Andalusia is best from March to June and in September and October.
Sunny Andalusia is dotted with picturesque whitewashed villages, with two main enclaves in the Cadiz countryside and the valleys of the Pujara in Granada - and although they make for interesting road trips, a series of peaceful country walks follow between them. Traverse the long GR7 in remote eastern Pojara (the villages of Mairena and Trevellez are the highlights), or lace up your hiking boots in the Sierra de Grazalema in Cadiz, where Moorish castles, rare Spanish pines and rust-roofed villages await.
If you've ever wondered where Spain's golden, liquid olive oils come from, Mar de Olivos in central Andalusia is a place of joy hidden in clarity. Among its rolling hills, craggy peaks and silent valleys, some of the best olive oils in the world are produced, especially in the provinces of Jaén and Cordoba (where the 'Priego de Cordoba' in Sierra Subetica is the shining star). Stay in one of the peaceful country hotels, some of which serve home-cooked meals using their own olive oils, and visit local olive farms for tastings, tours and picnics among the olive groves.
Don't forget the breeze to dance till dawn - the four Balearic Islands make up one of the Mediterranean's most important getaways, with a strong focus on responsible tourism including a ban on disposable plastics from the start of 2021. Whether you want to visit glitzy Mallorca, laid-back Menorca, or Ibiza Always chic, or Naked Formentera, stay in a chic and discreet environment that puts the environment first, learn about the islands' artisan traditions (from cheese-making to basket-making), take part in beach clean-ups, and enjoy the outdoors on hiking, kayaking and riding adventures. horses, and more.
The Canary Islands lie about 1,000 km (620 mi) southwest of mainland Spain, and the eight sun islands boast beautiful Atlantic volcanic beaches, beautiful coniferous forests, and trekking trips to the country's highest peak, Teide, which is 3,715 meters (12,100 feet) high.
Planning tip: Choosing just one island can be a challenge - here's our comprehensive guide to the Canary Islands to help you narrow down.
Some of the best surfing beaches in Spain are found on the northern coast bordering the Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. While here, discover villages built of stone, exceptional galleries, ancient art in caves, lively cities, local cedars, and magnificent mountain ranges.
In recent years, major conservation efforts have seen several threatened species in Spain brought back to the brink of extinction, including the Iberian leopard, the Cantabrian brown bear and the so-called "bone breaker" vulture. Head into the rugged mountains of Parque Natural Sierra de Andujar in Andalucia for a chance to spot a leopard, or head out to the remote Parque Natural de Sumedo in southwest Asturias to spot a brown bear.
There are flamenco performances all over Spain, but the most inspiring place to lose yourself in this passionate ancient art is its southern birthplace: the Cadiz-Jerez-Seville triangle. Look for events at local flamenco clubs and don't miss the fireworks show at Tabancos Jerez, where delicious sherry is served straight from the barrel.
Planning tip: If you dream of learning to dance, this is the perfect place to get some flamenco moves of your own.
Would you like to sleep in an ancient monastery, fairy castle or Renaissance palace? Book into one of Spain's exquisite Paradores hotels, which are built around sensitively converted buildings steeped in centuries of history. Or find an inviting independent residence with a story of its own: an elegant modernista mansion in Barcelona, a hacienda in Baillaric hidden in a pine forest path, or an artistic home in Vejer de la Frontera in Cadiz. Many of Spain's most exciting accommodations are attractions in their own right, underpinned by inspired and creative design.
With its pioneering plans to achieve carbon neutral tourism, Valencia (the third largest city in Spain) is becoming a hot tourist favourite. In a short visit, you can uncover fresh market meals at Ciutat Vella, interesting museums and diverse architecture, explore Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Santiago de Calatrava, sample seafood at El Cabanyal, cycle along the waterfront and more.
Planning tip: The Fallas de Valencia festival makes March a very popular month to visit Valencia, but this sunnier Mediterranean city is also perfect for a fall or winter escape.
Most Spanish cities unfold around a central plaza overlooked by a powerful cathedral, in styles ranging from Romanesque to Modern. The country's most artistic cathedrals include León, Toledo, Salamanca, Seville, Burgos, Granada, Segovia, Santiago de Compostela, and Palma de Mallorca, as well as Barcelona's Sagrada Família.
Planning tip: Climbing the cathedral's tower or joining one of a growing number of rooftop tours is a great way to find a fresh perspective on the city below.
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