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The land of paella, siestas, and flamenco, Spain truly is a dream for everyone. True to its reputation, it is a laid-back country that is never in a hurry. When you’re here, you wouldn’t be able to resist its quaint stores and its sun-drenched azure beaches.

Its rich culture also comes in different forms that are all rich in its own way. From the large cities of Barcelona and Bilbao to the smaller villages by the Andalusian mountains new discoveries wouldn’t disappoint.

How to Get There

A lot of options are available for travelers on their way to Spain. If you are coming from overseas, flying in would be a great choice because of all the major airports located in different parts. Among these would be Barcelona Airport, Malaga Airport, and Valencia Airport which are all located in different regions of the country. Depending on your choice of destination, an airport would be nearby.

Direct trains are available if you are coming from France and Portugal. You can easily cross the Spanish border on these through an InterRail and Eurorail Pass. Coming from a different Spanish city also poses no problem because of the extensive countrywide train system that connects most places together.

Getting Around

Public transportation in Spain is among the most tourist friendly and efficient ones in Europe. Most cities in Spain have extensive railways that have passes that can be used for the subway, bus, and ferries (if needed). The only problem that can be encountered when you opt for this would be the crowd during peak hours, but these are generally fine.

The bus system is also a great way to get around especially if you want to see spots that are off the beaten track. This would connect you to the city and nearby villages that are a bit more quiet and laid back.

Top Things to Do and See

Spain is literally different from one region to the next and you definitely wouldn’t know what to expect. Each one may very well be a country of its own, but it’s what makes the place so special.

It packs a lot for tourists because each region has its own personality, culture, and history. For example, the region of Catalonia is home to Barcelona which is a vibrant and energetic city that charms every visitor. You will be surrounded by amazing architecture when you are here with the imposing yet stunning Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudí towering over the city. Las Ramblas is an avenue that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to Columbus Monument that is surrounded by tall trees that shades different statues, street performers, and trinket shops.

Andalucia would be on the opposite spectrum as compared to Catalonia. It’s the place that is quintessentially Spanish with its sunny beaches, flamenco, and tapas. Everyone retreats to Costa del Sol to enjoy the beautiful crystal-clear seas of Spain. Not only this, but the city comes alive at night with all of its beachside restaurants and bars. It’s arguably the best way to enjoy the sunset view.

Granada is another city worth mentioning because of its Moorish heritage. You will find the Alhambra here and behind it would be the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The region upholds the laid-back stereotype of the country and it’s no joke that someone might pull out a guitar in a bar and start dancing.

The Basque Country is amazingly known to be an independent region that stands out on its own. Its location bordering France gives it an amazing mix of culture that has to be experienced first-hand by every tourist coming to France. As a cultural center, art and leisure will surround you in this region. If you choose to go here, Guggenheim Bilbao should be at the top of your list.

A testament to the city’s former shipbuilding past, the museum is a modern landmark. It is the image of the revitalization of the region. The independence of the region is felt strongly because of its own unique culture and language that would definitely change things up in your Spanish adventure.

Navarra on the other hand boasts the greenest spaces in Spain. If you’re an adventurer, outdoor activities like hiking would be best done here, especially since it’s near the Pyrenees. The quiet city of Pamplona boasts some of the best citadels and Roman artifacts in the country. Apart from this, it comes alive yearly during the fiesta of San Fermin where tourists flock to see the bullfights.

What to Eat

Picking up on Basque Country, another reason why the region is a standout is because of its cuisine. Built on using local ingredients, their pintxos is a wide array of grilled lamb, goat’s cheese, and piquillo peppers. It is also the next best place to enjoy Michelin star dining, but arguably a hidden family restaurant will also be an amazing choice. This is also the wine region of the country and if you’re a connoisseur, familiar names will spring out such as Laguardia, Labastida, and Samaniego.

Galicia is the place to be for the best seafood in the country. Large quantities of fish and seafood arrive every day that comes from Galicia’s many fishing coasts. You will find dishes made from seabass, crabs, and octopus all of which make up the amazing and unique pintxos of the area.

Nightlife

It goes without saying that Spaniards love to drink. In every corner, you will find them sipping on some wine or a cold beer alongside their tapas. Since Spain values dining so much, each region has developed a liking to certain kinds of alcohol.

In the Basque region, you will find some of the best wines of the country as well as the best cider. Places in the South are a lot more keen on beer with a number of craft beer shops opening here and there. Of course, when it comes to the nightlife, Ibiza and Menorca take the crown because of its booming party scenes.

Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay in Spain comes in a wide variety. Each city has its perks such as Barcelona being an artistic hub and Madrid being the capital city boasts shopping and various cosmopolitan destinations.

The Andalusian region would take you to the beautiful countryside of Spain with hills, rivers, and farm houses overlooking your hotels. If you want to be away from the crowd, the town of Cáceres in the Extremadura region would show you how much the Romans, Muslims, and Italians had an impact on Spanish way of life. You will find a thriving gastronomic scene here that is a must for every foodie.

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