White-washed hilltop villages and the staggering Alhambra de Granada recollect the lasting imprint of Moorish rule, whereas Córdoba — once its stronghold — is now noted as a meandering maze of colourful patios.
On public squares and dimly lit caverns throughout Seville, virtuoso guitarists are accompanied by percussionists to perform “flamenco”, as dancers deeply engage in the sultry rhythms. Beyond, towering sand dunes paint a golden ebb-and-flow across Costa de la Luz at the Europe’s southernmost point.
(📸 via: Wikimedia Commons)
Captivating Catalonia is bestrewn with breath-taking beauty. Lush alpine peaks in the far north descend to a serene stretch of sun-kissed beaches along Costa Brava, culminating at the cultural capital Barcelona; a glamorous cosmopolitan city with exciting nightlife, hip cafés, mouth-watering tapas bars, and iconic landmarks from the surrealist architect Antoni Gaudi.
Medieval battlements snake the shoreline of Tossa de Mar, a historic seaside haven said to coax a crowd of creatives and intellectuals.
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Between the tallest peaks of the Pyrenees and vast arid valleys of Teruel, scenic hilltop villages, enchanting history, and untouched nature await. Illustrious Mudéjar architecture regales relics from the medieval Kingdom of Aragon; defined by its colourful patterns and North African roots, a style symbolic of the region’s diversity.
Zaragoza is the care-free capital, a warm and inviting city with unique cultural flair and show-stopping Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
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Fiery red terrain defines Castile-La Mancha, the geographic core of the Iberian Peninsula. Whimsical windmills and sun-kissed vineyards adorn the pastoral landscapes that inspired the imaginary escapades of Don Quixote.
In stark contrast, nearby, the national capital of Madrid is a thriving metropolis that flaunts the opulence of empirical Spain with extravagant plazas, regal palaces, and lavish urban parks. Straddling the border of municipal Madrid, the grandiose El Escorial is eye-watering palace, historically the residence of Spanish royalty.
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Daringly distinct, Basque Country is an enthralling cultural crossroads with eclectic cuisine and a native tongue known to be Europe’s oldest surviving language.
On the Bay of Biscay, a laid-back vibe begets a crowd of surfers and beach-bums, with glitzy San Sebastian renowned for the gorgeous crescent cove of La Conha.
Between the sea and the otherworldly deserts of southern Navarre, provincial capital Pamplona has gained infamy for its frenzied Running of the Bulls festival.
(📸 via: Wikimedia Commons)
An amalgamation of some of Spain’s most powerful provinces, this is the largest region in the country. Across a vast landscape of rocky plateaux and dense river canyons, fortified citadels and sprawling cities carved from sandstone have flourished, encompassing the historic heartland of Spanish scholarship, language, and democracy.
Poignant landmarks cluster around Segovia, a prosperous city with a remarkable Roman viaduct. On the outskirts, the Alcázar of Segovia sets hearts aflutter with a fairy-tale façade that inspired Disney.
Nestled in the northwestern nook of mainland Spain, Galicia allures visitors with tantalising seafood and a ravishing retreat to unblemished nature. Perhaps the best-kept secret in Spain, Gallicia is blessed by a staggering sandy coastline, awash with tranquil coves.
Meanwhile, the rugged Praia As Catedrais harbours a labyrinth of imposing stone arches sculpted by the sea, unveiled only by the retreating tide.
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With an indelible influence on the history of Spain, the people of Asturias and Cantabria are head-strong and brazen, yet also hospitable and emanate charm.
Inland, Picos de Europa slink across the southern borders, giving way to expansive prairies and lush rolling grasslands en-route to the bucolic Costa Verde, renowned for its verdant landscapes and sweeping shores of golden sand.
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Vivacious Valencia is a quiet contender among Spain’s finest cities, a reputation earned due to non-stop nightlife, innovative urban planning, and its picturesque old town.
To the south, the Costa Blanca entices with emerald green waters and lively resort towns.
The regional capital of neighbouring Murcia boasts a beautiful baroque cathedral and colligate atmosphere, whilst coastal Cartagena retains an imposing Roman amphitheatre.
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Beguiled by an astonishing abundance of historic wineries, the sound of clinking “copas” echo throughout tight-knight streets in the Ebro Valley, where intimate bodegas prepare delectable dishes to accompany red wine sourced from surrounding vineyards.
The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route courses through Logroño, La Rioja’s compact capital city, a hidden gem offering a vibrant cultural scene and impressive religious relics.
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Too often overlooked, Extremadura embodies the essence of Spain, yet has long exported far more of its beloved Iberian ham than importing tourists.
A largely uncharted jewel, the quaint cobbled streets of Cáceres conceal a bloody past as a constant battleground, evidenced by its Roman architecture encapsulated by Moorish walls. The Roman Theatre of Mérida is one of the most evocative archaeological discoveries of the modern age.
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Year-round sunshine graces the Canary Islands, a sublime subtropical archipelago scattered a stone’s throw from the West African coast.
Brimming with volcanic calderas and dusty deserts, the interior of Gran Canaria gradually unfurls to the imposing Dunas de Maspalomas in the south.
Paradisical getaways Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are lined with serene sandy beaches and sapphire waters, whilst far-flung La Gomera is home to an enchanting ancient rainforest of ghostly contorted trees.
(📸 via: Wikimedia Commons)
A string of shimmering islands drifting atop the Mediterranean, the beloved Balearics attract untold droves of tourists. Unrivalled as the premier party destination in Europe, Ibiza is a magnet for fun-loving fans of house, techno, and Balearic beat; euphoria ensues within countless world-class mega-clubs.
Mallorca is a firm favourite, with its spell-binding southern coast and the Gothic Catedral de Palma. Dial pack the pace on mellow Menorca, a breezy island where white-washed fishing villages and translucent turquoise waters greet pristine coves of white sand.
(📸 via: Flickr)
