Already, months have flown by since I was basking in the Spanish sun on our amazing European honeymoon, and yet, I can still close my eyes and remember it as if it was yesterday! Aaaahhhh, Spain! What an incredible place! We were so happy that we spent a good chunk of our travels exploring this glorious country, and even though there is an abundance of fantastic places to venture to in Europe, I really believe that Spain should make it onto everyone’s must see list. Here’s why:
The Landscape is Diverse and Breathtaking
From the heavenly Mediterranean coast to the impressive mountain ranges, Spain has such a diverse landscape. There aren’t many countries where you can find yourself hiking in the mountains and within an hour or two, sipping a cocktail on a beach. Not to mention that these beaches are some of the absolute best in Europe. To add to that, the small towns and cities are even more diverse! Each place you visit will feel unique with its own specialities, traditions and history.
The Spanish Food…and Drinks…Are Worth the Trip Alone
Spain is home to some of the best (and oldest) restaurants in the world. But even if your bank account isn’t ready to take on some of the Michelin starred feasts, Spain has so much deliciousness on hand. Iberian ham? Paella? Gazpacho? TAPAS?? It’s never ending, incredibly fresh food that can be really inexpensive. And because of Spain’s perfect geography, it’s the perfect place to sample many wines and Sangrias (my favourite!!).
The Monuments are Beyond Impressive
Because of Spain’s convoluted and rich history, it’s home to some of the most beautiful sites in all of Europe. Most people know The Alhambra Palace in Granada but that’s not the only show stopper. The Mezquita of Cordoba, the Alcazar Palaces in Seville and Segovia, the Roman Aqueducts and even the pueblos blancos in Andalusia are worth revisiting many times over.
The Churches, Temples and Mosques Will Not Disappoint
And they are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Even though la Sagrada Familia is still under construction, it is one of the most breathtaking works of art in Spain…and the world…and should not be missed.
The Spanish Know How to Party
La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls are two of the most famous parties, but there are festivals galore all across Spain. Each city has its own celebrations and travellers can pack their schedule full of festival hopping from month to month. We ventured out to La Tomatina last summer and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced!
The Arts are Inspiring
Whether you’re drawn to music, or paintings, or dance, Spain is a place of non-stop arts. You can go to the big three museums of Madrid (the Prado, the Thyssen Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museums), to soak up as much art as you can fit into a trip. If it’s music that you love, then traditional Spanish music in any village or city will fill your soul. And the dancing….aaahhh the dancing. Flamenco is captivating even for those who know nothing about dance at all and it NEEDS to be experience in its native country. Spanish people are passionate and there’s no better way to experience that passion than through the arts.
And finally…one word…Barcelona
There is nowhere quite like this quirky, vibrant city in the world and it really does have a little bit of everything. A stopover in this beautiful Spanish city means a hefty dose of culture, some of the best restaurants in the world, more art and amazing architecture than you’ll know what to do with (cue Gaudi and La Sagrada Familia), quick access to the beach any time you’d like, and an incredibly rich history. It doesn’t get much better than that!
I can’t wait to share more about our trip through Spain, so check back for my posts on Madrid, Segovia, Valencia and La Tomatina and, of course, Barcelona.
xo
When I was in Spain I was 16 and I didn’t love it, that being said at that point I don’t think I truly appreciated travel. I’d love to go back