When planning a holiday, it is integral for there to be a prolific amount of laughter and allurement all throughout your trip. The country of Spain presents such a gift to its visitors. Spain is a one-stop-shop destination ideal for aimless wandering and wondering. There is an abundance of activities to try, sights to see, and undisturbed places to explore. From the sunny skies of Seville to the architectural wonders of Barcelona, our expert guides have picked out 5 popular destinations for you to visit during your Iberian adventure.
Seville: Land of Fair Skies and Flamenco
The Andalusian capital of Seville is a romantic ballad to old Spain. Seville’s old town takes you back in time and engrosses you in the worlds of flamenco dancing and bullfighting. Journey across the Guadalquivir River and on the Puente de Isabel II Bridge and find yourself at Barrio de Triana. Take a dance class or two in Triana and have an authentic Andalusian experience to forever remember.
Otherwise, ramble through Barrio Santa Cruz and be amazed by the Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic influences spread round the town, both in its architecture and in its people’s traditions. Prominent in the barrio’s architecture is the Mudejar style which you can easily see in the Reales Alcázares de Sevilla, or the Alcazar of Seville. This royal palace was built for the Christian King Peter of Castille on the site of an Abbadid Muslim alcazar. The UNESCO Heritage Site holds innumerable mysteries that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Throughout your trip, you may catch sight of “NO8DO” embedded on buses, posters, benches, and even trash bins. Although the motto’s origins are still unknown, legend goes that it was one Alfonso X who gave the city its motto when his son Sancho attacked the town in the 13th century. It means “no me ha dejado” which translates to “She has not abandoned me”. Years later, the locals of Seville still remember this amazing tale of fidelity and strength.
Travel Tip: If you can plan your trip around the time of the Semana Santa, then you’ll experience many fiestas and celebrations preceding Easter. Ask our local guides for the best travel dates and trip lengths.
Bilbao: Home to the Basquian Guggenheim
Let’s travel away from the southern parts of Spain and towards one of the jewels of the north, where Basque culture and traditions of vanished years are preserved alongside modern conveniences and cosmopolitan views. Bilbao has transformed so much in the past 20 years, and a jaunt through its streets will prove just that.
A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is an absolute must. Having opened in 1997, the museum indeed helped put Bilbao on the map. As you head to the center of Bilbao, you will pass by the old train station, the fancy Lopez de Haro street, and the circular square. Finally, you will find yourself staring at the ship-like structure of the Guggenheim, as interesting on the outside as it is on the inside. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the museum is lovingly dubbed the “little brother” of New York’s Guggenheim. Enjoy the architecture and atmosphere while inspecting the works of artists like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. You’ll definitely feel like a certified art connoisseur by the end of the day!
After the hustle and bustle of the city, Bilbao should also be appreciated through another perspective, this time 300 meters up on Mount Artxanda. Trace Bilbao’s estuary and appreciate the architectural wonders of historic churches and buildings from afar. You can ride the Funicular de Artxanda or trek your way there. With beautiful walkways equipped with grand views of the city, Mount Artxanda is the perfect recess from the metropolitan buzz and an amazing reintroduction to the gifts of Mother Nature.
Travel Tip: Flying to Bilbao might be the best way to get there. If you plan on driving, this too is possible, but we recommend using public transportation once you are in the city center.
Ibiza - A Maritime Merriment Destination
Feel like a celebrity and party the night away on the chaotic and unreal Balearic island of Ibiza. Set against blue skies and crystal clear waters, the island’s heartbeat will rekindle the spark of life in you, whether through its lively nightlife or its serene beach retreats.
In the daytime, this island of mirth is just as exciting. Find yourself in the port city of Ibiza Town - quaint and pretty with its cobblestoned streets and walled fortress. In the city, you will find Dalt Vila, or Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage site exemplifying Renaissance military architecture. Its entrance used to have two daunting Roman statues, now headless but nevertheless still pretty austere. In the days of old, the fortress was used as protection from pirates and invaders. Today, it is a reminder of Ibiza’s colorful history.
If it is nightlife you are searching for, then Playa d'en Bossa is your port of call. This coastal area is chock full of beach resorts, nightclubs, and bars. Since Playa d’en Bossa is also the longest beach in Ibiza, you’re sure to find the ideal spots for lounging about. You may also want to hop on a paddle boat or jetski, as this fun island has the best water sport facilities. By night, the beach is transformed into a technicolor paradise ideal for a few summer cocktails and some dancing.
Travel Tip: Visit the superclubs such as Hï Ibiza, as you cannot get this kind of beachclub experience anywhere else!
Madrid - The City that Never Sleeps
Madrid is the Spanish capital with a host of superlatives attached to its name - most populous, extremely lively, most visited, to say the least. It is likened to New York City in the sense that Madrid never seems to sleep, with people out and about even until 2am on a weekday night.
Feel the buzz of life and activity on Gran Via, the iconic street home to the best theaters, restaurants, and shops in the business. What used to be a residential and nondescript avenue has turned into the epicenter of culture and modernity. Enter the doors of Gran Via 32, or Madrid-Paris, and revel in the classic sophistication of the first department store of the city. It is indeed a stunning piece of architecture and an emblematic building showcasing the modern changes that have happened in the city throughout the decades.
Continue your cultured experience by paying a visit to El Prado Museum. As the principal art gallery in Spain, El Prado Museum rightly boasts thousands of works of art not only by Spanish artists, but also from the collections of the Spanish monarchy. The museum is prodigious in size and captivating in its artifacts, allowing you to walk around for days on end without getting the least disinterested. We suggest you book a customized private tour with a local guide in order to get the best experience out of this museum trip. You will undoubtedly be left wanting more of the captivating city of Madrid.
Travel Tip: Madrid is BIG. If possible, try to stay in the capital for two days or more.
Barcelona - City of History and Gaudi
With a population of over 1.6 million, Barcelona flaunts its alluring cacophony of sounds, impressive ornateness of sights, and weight of its long-standing history. Hans Christian Anderson called it “the Paris of Spain”, and we can certainly see why, but the city seems to hit different and makes us want to book a ticket straight to its beautiful coastline and unique metropolis.
Just visiting the city’s highlights will leave you busy for days. Barcelona has so much to offer, from the Sagrada Familia for history, religion, and architecture, to Camp Nou for sports and events. Take a stroll through the city and identify Gaudi’s many designs. Get lost in the whimsical world of Park Guell, where you can learn more of the architect’s life’s work. For a deeper understanding of the city’s relationship to art, explore the Picasso Museum to learn more about Picasso’s formative years.
In the evening, saunter through La Rambla, and feast your eyes (and stomachs) on the various restaurants serving the freshest and most delicious Spanish cuisine. Finally, end your day with a nice light and sound show by the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
Travel Tip: For popular tourist attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, it is best to book your tickets beforehand. There are also various types of tickets for each attraction. You can ask our professional guides for any advice for a seamless vacation.
Conclusion
There is nothing like a Spanish holiday. Whether it’s exhilarating days filled with water sport activities and night clubbing, relaxing afternoons watching the sunset and getting a nice tan, or illuminating tours of the best and most popular museums and architecture, Spain will deliver and impress. Talk to our friendly tour guides and book a private customizable tour today!
Images: https://unsplash.com/
