Travel
Seville really is one of those places where it's worth going if only for the people. Sevillanos are not only renown for being the friendliest people in Spain, but they are the friendliest people I've met in my travels. What can I say? They are my favourite people in the world and I love them!
Like this wouldn't be enough, Seville is also the most charming city in Spain. It has a laid back atmosphere that harmoniously blends with the locals' passion for life (flamenco anyone?), a great number of tapas bars that are impossible to ignore and a Moorish heritage that makes you feel like you've already set one foot on the African continent.
The Cathedral and the Alcazar are UNESCO Heritage Sites. But the Cathedral is also the largest in the world and the resting place of Christopher Columbus. Plaza de España is yet another place I can hardly leave behind every time we visit and make sure not to miss Casa de Pilatos and the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija.
Situated at the foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is great for both weekend getaways and active holidays.
Alhambra is the crown of the jewel and inevitably my favourite place in the city. True, it can get a bit crowded and hot in summer, but it is so beautiful, that we'll have to forgive it for this. Situated on a hilltop, the fortress is a fine example of Moorish architecture with serene patios, reflecting pools of water, fountains and lush gardens. Do plan at least half a day for Alhambra, as I can guarantee you'll not want to leave.
The Albaycin is another must-see place in Granada, as it offers the perfect excuse to get lost on purpose along its picturesque maze of streets and whitewashed houses. This is the ancient Arab quarter of Granada and you will find many establishments offering tapas. Don't forget to have a bowl of gazpacho Andaluz, for it is refreshing, healthy and as local as it gets.
The Cathedral, the Cartuja Monastery and a flamenco show in one of the Sacromonte caves are also not to be missed.
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Travel
10 Places You Must Visit in Spain
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. And while a whooping 60% of the tourists flock to Catalonia, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, Spain has so much more to offer than sun kissed beaches and wild parties.
From world-class cuisine, to vibrant cities, crazy fiestas and steeped in history monuments, Spain has it all. No wonder 44 places in Spain have made it to the world-famous UNESCO Heritage Sites list, number only surpassed by Italy and China!
Over the past decade, I have visited many of the cities in Spain and so far, these are my favourites. I have yet to discover Santiago de Compostela and the Roman ruins of Merida for example, and a series of off the beaten path places that have been on my list for ages. But even so, the following 10 places remain a must visit.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SPAIN
San Sebastian
It's pretty obvious I'm a foodie, isn't it? Starting this list with San Sebastian, the culinary capital of the world is no coincidence. This city has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on the planet! The bustling pintxo (tapas) bars are simply amazing, the farmer's market offers fresh, quality produce, and the locals love to plan their day around eating and drinking and take great delight in it.
Sure, you have to visit San Sebastian for the food. But once you stuffed you face with all the delicacies you can encounter, have a stroll on the beach (you do know those mouth-watering pintxos are not calorie free, right?). La Concha beach is the most beautiful urban beach in Europe and it is flanked with luxurious beachside mansions.
San Sebastian is a sophisticated city. Take the cable car up Monte Igueldo to enjoy the beautiful vistas and why not, the sunset, ideally with a glass of sidra (cider) in hand. Go with the flow and indulge in the good life, good food and good wine.
Seville
Like this wouldn't be enough, Seville is also the most charming city in Spain. It has a laid back atmosphere that harmoniously blends with the locals' passion for life (flamenco anyone?), a great number of tapas bars that are impossible to ignore and a Moorish heritage that makes you feel like you've already set one foot on the African continent.
The Cathedral and the Alcazar are UNESCO Heritage Sites. But the Cathedral is also the largest in the world and the resting place of Christopher Columbus. Plaza de España is yet another place I can hardly leave behind every time we visit and make sure not to miss Casa de Pilatos and the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija.
Barcelona
I bet you were already wondering if I simply forgot Barcelona. Everyone's favourite, Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain and one of the most popular places to visit in the world.
Gaudi's heritage is the first thing that comes to mind, and at a first glance, Barcelona is a one man show. Think Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batllò and Park Guell. But Gaudi's heritage doesn't stop here and there are many more magical structures in Barcelona build after his plans. His works are included in UNESCO's list, along with the Palace of Catalan Music.
Barcelona is vibrant and loves a good party. And it might be a little bit difficult to wrap your head around it. Where's the city centre you might ask? In Barcelona, such mundane questions do not make sense. Barcelona is a rebel artist and you will have to make peace with that. As you will have to do with the fact that it is really hectic.
Not that you will get rid of the crowds, but I strongly recommend you do not miss a day trip to Figueres to visit the Dali Museum. In between Gaudi, Dali and Picasso, Barcelona offers an incredibly diverse and wacko art scene.
Madrid
And, here are more museums for the art lovers! El Prado is the best place to visit in town followed by the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. It's impossible not to leave Madrid wiser, trust me!
I've always seen Madrid as a more serious city. If Barcelona wears its party hat, Madrid wears a suit. It's been a while since Hemingway's famed remark "Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night" and cafés don't stay open all night long anymore. But Madrid is still fun. And delicious! I love to 'ir de tapas' (eat 1 or 2 delicious bite size tapas in a bar before moving on to the next and wash everything down with vermouth). Plus the San Miguel Market is a foodies Mecca and the oldest restaurant in the world is right next to it.
The best interiors in Madrid are to be found inside the Royal Palace and the Retiro Park is great for a relaxing stroll. Don't miss the Crystal Palace!
Madrid is also great for day trips and some of the best UNESCO Heritage Sites are to be found a short drive away - Alcala de Henares, El Escorial, Avila, Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo and Aranjuez.
Valencia
Valencia has been close to my soul for a long time. But it's not only because it seems determined to look towards the future and make the most of its past. It has a perfect climate, pleasant people and amazing culinary opportunities as well.
Valencia features some of the most futuristic structures in the world - the City of Arts and Sciences - a mind-blowing complex designed by world-famous architect Santiago de Calatrava. The cat lovers will find themselves at home at the Botanical Gardens, where a colony of fifty-something kitty cats live.
Foodies will be happy to know that paella, Spain's national dish, was first cooked in a lagoon nearby and horchata, a popular refreshing drink in Spain, is made from tigernuts that only grow in the fields outside Valencia. Care for an authentic experience? Spend an afternoon at a traditional Valencian farm a few metro stops away from the city!
A few hot tips would include a visit to the Ceramics Museum, even if you are not a big fan of pottery, because the palace that hosts it is astounding inside-out and the first floor is fully refurbished and breathtaking. A short drive away from the city is the Lladró Factory & Museum and if you like their delicate figurines, you can pay a visit to their adjacent outlet shop. If you want to know more about Valencia, here is a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Valencia.
Burgos
Situated on the most popular pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Burgos is worth a good look around. For starters, the Cathedral is absolutely breathtaking, on the outside, but especially on the inside. You can easily spend a good few hours contemplating all the incredible details. Plus this is the only cathedral in Spain that has been independently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Burgos is quite pleasant to walk around as well. I loved the colourful architecture, the pretty balconies, and we made a point out of discovering as many of the quirky bronze statues spread around the city centre.
On top of this, the tapas scene in Burgos is pretty much alive and well, and the best morcilla (blood sausage) in all of Spain is produced here. It tastes so much better than it sounds, believe me!
Cordoba
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| Photo by Procsilas Moscas |
With its Muslim, Jewish and Roman past, Cordoba boasts a melting pot of architectural styles and cultural influences.
The Mezquita is the most outstanding landmark in the city and one of the attractions that should definitely make it to the top of your list of places to visit in Spain. Originally built by the Visigoths, it became a Muslim mosque during the seven-centuries Arab occupation of Spain, just to be converted into a Catholic cathedral after the Reconquista. Another UNESCO Heritage Site, the Mezquita preserves the red and white arches made from pieces of a Roman temple.
But Cordoba is famous for it's patios as well, so gorgeously decorated with geraniums and other flowering plants set agains pure white walls. The Courtyard Festival held every spring is an ideal time to visit, since many patios are open to the public and let you have a sneak peek inside the daily life of the locals. This festival is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is a must for anyone with a green thumb.
The Mezquita is the most outstanding landmark in the city and one of the attractions that should definitely make it to the top of your list of places to visit in Spain. Originally built by the Visigoths, it became a Muslim mosque during the seven-centuries Arab occupation of Spain, just to be converted into a Catholic cathedral after the Reconquista. Another UNESCO Heritage Site, the Mezquita preserves the red and white arches made from pieces of a Roman temple.
But Cordoba is famous for it's patios as well, so gorgeously decorated with geraniums and other flowering plants set agains pure white walls. The Courtyard Festival held every spring is an ideal time to visit, since many patios are open to the public and let you have a sneak peek inside the daily life of the locals. This festival is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is a must for anyone with a green thumb.
Granada
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| Photo by jit bag |
Situated at the foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is great for both weekend getaways and active holidays.
Alhambra is the crown of the jewel and inevitably my favourite place in the city. True, it can get a bit crowded and hot in summer, but it is so beautiful, that we'll have to forgive it for this. Situated on a hilltop, the fortress is a fine example of Moorish architecture with serene patios, reflecting pools of water, fountains and lush gardens. Do plan at least half a day for Alhambra, as I can guarantee you'll not want to leave.
The Albaycin is another must-see place in Granada, as it offers the perfect excuse to get lost on purpose along its picturesque maze of streets and whitewashed houses. This is the ancient Arab quarter of Granada and you will find many establishments offering tapas. Don't forget to have a bowl of gazpacho Andaluz, for it is refreshing, healthy and as local as it gets.
The Cathedral, the Cartuja Monastery and a flamenco show in one of the Sacromonte caves are also not to be missed.
Salamanca
Salamanca is THE city in Spain that most people can relate with their Erasmus experience. This ancient place hosts one of Europe's oldest universities, yet it remains young at heart.
Yet another UNESCO Heritage listed Spanish city, Salamanca has a few gems of its own. Plaza Mayor - the incredibly beautiful main square - the two golden stone Cathedrals and the university are all must see places in Salamanca. However, Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells), name it gets from the hundreds of scallop shells decorating its facade, remains my favourite. It is said a treasure is hidden beneath one of the shells, so you never know when a closer look might pay off.
Another favourite of mine is the Art Nouveau-Art Deco Museum with its myriad of amazing objects, sculptures, paintings, old postcards, Limoges porcelain, vintage Steiff toys, stained glass and a macabre collection of 19th century dolls.
Also, don't forget to bring good shoes. The cobbled streets of Salamanca demand you do so!
Segovia
Segovia piqued my interested in the first place because of its fairy-tale like Alcazar. Rumour has it, Walt Disney himself drew inspiration from this castle-palace when he designed Cinderella's castle. Of course, the same it is said about Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Segovia's Alcazar is well worth a visit on the inside, but if you want to see this magnificent structure in all its glory, you'll have to take the small road that runs in front of the castle.
The Old Town of Segovia together with the Roman Aqueduct are on the UNESCO Heritage list as well. The Aqueduct is an incredible structure, beautifully preserved that has a majestic quality to it. The Jewish Quarter and the Cathedral are other points of interest.
Segovia is a couple of hours train ride from Madrid and it makes for a great day trip. It is an opportunity to slightly go off the beaten path and discover a different Spain.
The Old Town of Segovia together with the Roman Aqueduct are on the UNESCO Heritage list as well. The Aqueduct is an incredible structure, beautifully preserved that has a majestic quality to it. The Jewish Quarter and the Cathedral are other points of interest.
Segovia is a couple of hours train ride from Madrid and it makes for a great day trip. It is an opportunity to slightly go off the beaten path and discover a different Spain.
What are YOUR favourite places in Spain?
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The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is one of my favorite places in Seville. It gathers one of the most impressive Roman mosaic collections in Spain and I'm a sucker for ancient stuff. So, yeah, 1+1= I love it here. After spending a couple of hours...
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Amsterdam canalYesterday the UNESCO committee made official the new World Heritage List. The 34th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting took place in Brazil and 21 new cultural and natural sites were added to the list...