Top 10 places to visit in Spain
Select from an eclectic plethora of historic cities, diverse landscapes and wildlife, art and cultural history, thrilling festivals, bodied wines and delicious food from all over Spain.
Wherever you are in Spain, there's always a lot to see and do – and eat and drink! Here are a few places to whet your appetite.
Guggenheim in BilbaoFrank Gehry's spectacular Guggenheim Museum, in the north western city of Bilbao, has been described as the most important structure of its time. Its soaring, titanium curves will blow your mind – and that's before you even step inside to view its amazing collection of modern art. Bilbao, on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque country, is an architectural hotspot, with an underground designed by Norman Foster and an airport by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy the local custom ofchiqueteo – a plate of pintxos (speciality appetisers) with a drink – in a bar or café, before a meal. And what should you eat? Cod, of course: Bilbao is the cod (bacalao) capital of Spain with hundreds of delicious recipes.
Guggenheim in BilbaoFrank Gehry's spectacular Guggenheim Museum, in the north western city of Bilbao, has been described as the most important structure of its time. Its soaring, titanium curves will blow your mind – and that's before you even step inside to view its amazing collection of modern art. Bilbao, on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque country, is an architectural hotspot, with an underground designed by Norman Foster and an airport by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy the local custom ofchiqueteo – a plate of pintxos (speciality appetisers) with a drink – in a bar or café, before a meal. And what should you eat? Cod, of course: Bilbao is the cod (bacalao) capital of Spain with hundreds of delicious recipes.
Seville and its April Fair
The capital of Andalusia is the 4th largest city in Spain with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Reales Alcázares palace, the Cathedral (containing the remains of Christopher Columbus) and the General Archive of the Indies. Wander around narrow cobbled streets, breathe in orange blossoms, peer into tiny courtyards with tumbling bougainvillea and tinkling fountains, and you might just come across a lone flamenco guitarist. Visit in April and you'll be treated to the spectacle of the feria de abril, a week-long festival on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. Sevillanos of all ages, dressed in flamenco finery, stroll around or ride on horseback or in carriages along ‘streets' of colourful marquees. The party continues all night long: dancing theSevillanas, drinking jerez (sherry) and manzanilla (chamomile) wine and eating tapas. Best of all: you can join in.
The Sierra Nevada
Down in the far south, just to the east of Granada, is the Sierra Nevada, a national park where you'll find the highest peaks in the whole of the Iberian peninsula, and some of its most exceptional flora and fauna (including the Spanish ibex). It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1986. Facing the Mediterranean, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada lies Las Alpajurras, an area with thermal springs and spas. Tiny white cube houses cling to the hillsides, goats still scamper about wearing little bells, serrano hams are cured, almonds grow on trees...bliss.
The Sierra Nevada
Down in the far south, just to the east of Granada, is the Sierra Nevada, a national park where you'll find the highest peaks in the whole of the Iberian peninsula, and some of its most exceptional flora and fauna (including the Spanish ibex). It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1986. Facing the Mediterranean, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada lies Las Alpajurras, an area with thermal springs and spas. Tiny white cube houses cling to the hillsides, goats still scamper about wearing little bells, serrano hams are cured, almonds grow on trees...bliss.
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