From the Pyrenees to the golden beaches of the south, Spain has a lot to offer.
The cities, towns and villages are filled with energy, cultural jewels and unstoppable gastronomy. Where should we begin? There are 20 things to do in Spain that are worth a visit.
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For the most exciting tours, seek out small, independent bodegas (some still run by their founding families) and track down lesser-known wine-making areas such as Galicia's up-and-coming Ribeira Sacra. Let's have a good time!
If you don't want to drive, there's a planning tip. There are many other ways to travel in Spain.
One of Europe's greatest cities for art lovers is Spain's capital, with a number of prestigious galleries where you can see masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh and others. There are more hidden thrills, such as sketches by poet Antoni Tpies. Some galleries offer "out of hours" tours before the doors open, so pre-booking tickets online is a good idea.
One of the best things to do is join the madrileos at buzzy tapas spots, elegant cocktail lounges, laid-back rooftop bars and more. The party continues into the night.
You will fall in love with your own pocket of Spain's 3400 mile coastline if you hit the beach. If you want to escape the crowds, you can either walk or ride a horse to reach the coves. Hike along Menorca's pine-shaded Cam de Cavalls to reach turquoise coves, then walk to remote sugar-white strands on Andaluca.
There is a deep love of fabulous food in Spain, and you can find it in many places.
There is a planning tip for a deep dive into regional Spanish cuisine. Annie B's Spanish Kitchen has great tours in Cdiz province, which is an Andalucian gastronomy hot spot.
Exploring Catalonia's irresistible capital with a local architect instantly brings life to the wonders created by the late 19th and early 20th century. Don't miss the lesser-known Modernista flourishes around L', like the first commission Casa Vicens in Grcia.
Help combat Barcelona's much-discussed over-tourism issues by visiting outside high season and weekends, staying in official licensed accommodations, and supporting sustainable projects with local roots and powerful initiatives.
A glass of crisp albario with a platter of fresh-as-it-gets seafood is a distinctly Galician moment. You can find timeworn stone villages, centuries-old wineries, plunging valleys, and over 1000 km of coastline around Santiago de Compostela.
June and September are quieter than July and August, so always pack an umbrella.
After trekking hundreds of miles along the Way of St James, one can finally get into the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. If you're looking for a less-trodden path, you can swap the traditional Camino Francés for the Northern Way. The 600 km (373 mile) Norte is from Irn to the north and the 320 km (199 mile) Primitivo is from Oviedo to the south.
It is possible to combine the two routes by following an alternative branch of the Norte to Oviedo.
One of Spain's least-touristed corners is the Portugal-bordering Extremadura. Half-timbered houses, snow-topped mountains, and spring cherry blossom can be seen in the Jerte, Ambroz and La Vera valleys. Cceres, made wealthy by its high-profile conquistador families, is one of the most amazing monumental cities in the world.
Across Andaluca, some of Spain's most spectacular architecture can be found. There are other jewels of Moorish Al-Andalus, such as Crdoba's Mezquita-Cralated and Sevilla's Real Alczar. The last medieval frontier between Christian and Islamic Spain is marked by the castle-topped villages of the Ruta del Califato, which are located between Crdoba and Almera.
There are outstanding hiking opportunities year-round in Spain, from the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada to the cloud-brushed heights of Arag. In Almera, you can find the cliff-top paths in Cabo de Gata.
It's best to walk in Andaluca in March to September and October.
Several of Spain's most beloved threatened species have been brought back from the brink of extinction in recent years. There are two places in Andaluca where you can see a lynx or a brown bear.
If you have ever wondered where those liquid-gold Spanish olive oils come from, central Andaluca is the place to go. Among its 15,000 sq km of rolling hills, craggy peaks and silent valleys, there are some of the world's top-tier olive oils. You can stay in one of the region's peaceful rural hotels, some of which offer home-cooked meals using their own olive oils, and visit local almazaras for tastings, tours and strolls among the olive groves.
One of the Mediterranean's most blissful escapes is the four Balearics islands, with a strong drive towards responsible tourism that includes a ban on single-use plastic. You can stay in a stylish environment first and learn about the artisan traditions of the islands.
The eight sun-bathed Canaries pack in everything from Atlantic volcanic beaches and eerily beautiful pine forests to hikes up the country's tallest peak.
Picking just one island can be difficult, so we have a guide to help you narrow it down.
There are some of Spain's top surf beaches hidden along the northern coastline. Stone-built villages, galleries, ancient cave art, lively cities, local cider and spectacular mountain ranges can be found here.
There are two main pockets in rural Cdiz and the Alpujarras valleys, which make for fascinating road trips, and a series of serene rural walking paths between them. If you want to explore the eastern Alpujarras, you can venture off on the long-distance GR7 in the remote eastern Alpujarras.
The southern birthplace of flamenco is the Cdiz-Jerez-Seville triangle. Jerez's lively tabancos, where fiery shows are served up alongside sherry poured straight from the barrel, are a must see.
If you want to learn to dance, this is the perfect place to start.
Do you want to sleep in a medieval monastery, a fairy-tale castle or a renaissance palace? One of Spain's 98 wonderfully atmospheric paradores is packed with centuries of history and is a great place to book in. There is a chicly reimagined Modernista mansion in Barcelona, a Balearic farmhouse hidden down a dusty pine-smelling track, and an artily reimagined home in Cdiz. Many of Spain's most exciting accommodations are attractions of their own.
Valencia is becoming a hot tourist favorite due to its innovative plans for carbon-neutral tourism. You can discover the Ciutat Vella's market-fresh meals, intriguing museums and varied architecture in a short visit.
Valencia is a great place to visit in March because of the Fallas de Valencia festival, but it's also a great place to escape during the winter.
The central plaza of most Spanish cities is overlooked by a cathedral and has a wide range of styles. Some of the country's most architecturally and spiritually moving cathedrals include Len, Toledo, Salamanca, and Sevilla.
One of the best ways to get a fresh perspective on the city is to climb up a cathedral tower or join a rooftop tour.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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