Sun, beaches, bull fights, flamenco, paella, and legendary hospitality: Spain has all of the ingredients for one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. There are touristy regions and cities which have all the infrastructure and facilities in the book, but there are also remote little villages where life is still as authentic as ever.
One of the insider tips for a quieter area is in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula: the region of Galicia. Here life is still tranquil and mass tourism far away. Galicia is well-known for St. James’s Way (el Camino de Santiago), the famous pilgrimage to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Even if not for spiritual enlightenment, the land between Santiago de Compostela and Vigo is stunning, from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Gulf of Biscaya in the north. The coastal region has a rough charm, characterized by rugged cliffs, narrow, green headlands, and romantic sandy bays. From the coast rises a hilly land, slowly rolling into mountains which peak at 6500 ft. The mild climate, gorgeous scenery, and charming villages of Celtic origin make this a particularly interesting and at the same time relaxing region, cut out for a vacation.
Every country has a region which is recognized around the world and usually mistaken as representative of the entire country. In Spain this is Andalusia, the southern coast between Almería in the east and Huelva in the west. Costa del Sol is the best-known area in Andalusia, and its province’s capital Malaga has an airport served by many international airlines.
Just 12 miles off the city you will find Benalmádena, a small town with a very old center featuring the small, white, flower-decorated houses which are so typical of this region. The main chapel’s tower is open for visit; and once you have climbed the stairs you can see all the way to Málaga and across the region.
Taking your rental car east from Málaga after about 30 miles you get to Nerja, a small town that is best known for its fabulous stalactite cave and the Balcón de Europa, a viewing platform overlooking the entire Costa del Sol and its sandy beaches.
Should you prefer the less touristy and slightly rougher beaches, you can find these along the Costa de la Luz, bordering Portugal. This is a paradise for water sports like sailing, surfing and jet skiing. Equipment is often available from sports clubs along the coast, but if you want to make sure to find some, go to Tarifa, the Spanish surfer’s Mekka.
For those who are interested in the cultural experience we recommend a trip to Vejer de la Frontera, the most beautiful village in Andalusia. Just 30 miles off Cádiz and on a high plateau this place is entirely encircled by an old town wall which guards the Arab-influenced townscape.
Those seeking city buzz and classic tourist sight seeing will be happy on a visit to Madrid, the country’s capital. The city with a population of 3 million is located on the Castilian high plateau and attracts tourists with cosmopolitan hustle, royal palaces, world-class museums and a vivid nightlife. If you haven’t stocked up on souvenirs yet or want a make-over with a new, sophisticated, European look, go to Gran Via, the grand shopping street lined with fancy boutiques and international high street shops. In need of a quiet break, stroll through the streets of the Old Town or seek refuge in the peaceful Parque del Buen Retiro, filled with statues, monuments, and sculptures.
Smaller, but by no means less lively, is Barcelona, the number two city in Spain. During the past 10 years this stylish city has developed into a full-blown European trendsetter for music, fashion, and lifestyle. Barcelona bursts with creativity and juvenile energy, and it never sleeps. At night people gather in bars and on open squares and during the day they sip cortado coffee and feast on sweet Magdalenas under sun umbrellas on Ramblas, the famous shopping street. Of course no trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Sagrada Família Cathedral, the mind-blowing work of Antoni Gaudí.
From rustic to sophisticated, tranquil to lively, beach to mountains, Spain has it all and it is well-prepared to host visitors from all over the world.
