Country Highlight: Spain
Beaches. Paella. Flamenco. Olives. Wine. Tortilla de Patatas. Leather. Castles. Fútbol. Siestas. Architecture. Tapas. Jamón. Manchego.
The list goes on and on. Not only is Spain famous for their incredible beaches, food, and landmarks, but they are also known to have some of the most laidback people, making it a destination where you realize what it means to live a stress-free life. Whether you have been to Spain or not, you will quickly realize that there is truly something for everyone. From the north to the south, you experience drastically different climates, big cities, country towns, fantastic mountains, hiking, and relaxing beaches. And to make it even better? It is conveniently located just a short plane ride (or drive!) from other stunning European countries, making travel incredibly easy and affordable.
Speaking of affordable, Spains cost of living attracts many expats. From low housing costs, to fresh, high quality food easy accessible, it is simply one of the best countries to move to should you be looking to relocate.
I absolutely LOVE sending our trippers to Spain. As I mentioned before, there is something for everyone. Spain is so much more than Madrid and Barcelona (even though I adore these two cities). So grab a blanket and get comfortable while we mentally travel our way through Spain, from north to south and everything in between. Want to make it even more festive? Pour yourself a glass of wine and dish up some olives.
I know, I know, mentally traveling isn’t quite the same. If you’re dying to get out there, head over to our booking page to fill out your questionnaire. We just might send you to Spain…
Northern Spain: Green, lush, and delicious
Famous for their food, elegant cities, natural landscapes, and stunning beaches, the northern part of Spain stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, bordering France and the Pyrenees mountains. Like anywhere, you need rain to have such green, lush natural surroundings. However, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the sunny summer months, you’ll find beautiful mild weather, amazing food, sandy beaches, and countless hiking opportunities. Not to mention the charming villages and towns with elegant boutiques.
San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Santander, La Coruña, Pamplona, Sanxenxo, and the Galician islands are only a few of the must visit northern Spain cities.
Best way to see the north of Spain? Rent a car and spend your days winding the luscious hills, stopping in small towns for incredible seafood, meat, and wine. Start or end in Barcelona, and you’ve got the perfect itinerary for a week or two in Spain!
Central Spain: Cities, country towns, road trips, discovery and immersion
Oh, Madrid, you’ve got a special place in my heart. This lively city lights you up. From the bustling streets, to the quaint and charming neighborhoods, it feels like 10 cities in one. In the middle of such a large city, you find huge green parks to spend your day having a picnic or strolling in the glorious sunshine. But there is so much more to central Spain than Madrid. If you scroll in on the map, you’ll so countless small towns and villages and vineyards.
From Madrid, you have some of the most historically rich and charming cities in Spain. Segovia and Toledo sit only a 30 minute train ride from Madrid, making it an easy day trip to get out of the city and see the smaller town life, castles, jaw dropping architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Aside from Toledo and Segovia, you can’t miss Cuenca, Chinchón, Salamanca, Ávila, El Escorial, Álcala de Henares, and Aranjuez. Base out of Madrid, or rent a car and spend the week road tripping through central Spain for an authentic and culturally rich experience.
The South: Andalusía, Flamenco, Seafood, Beaches, Rich History, and Tradition
And finally, we arrive to the region that gives Spain its reputation. Southern Spain is home to some of the best beaches, famous food, tradition, charming villages, and Andalusian tiles. It is also home of the Siesta, which is a concept I can definitely get behind. Attracting so many tourists each year, the southern region of Spain is 1000% worth a visit. Whether you like to sunbathe on the beach, shopping and explore your way through the cities and towns, or spend the day eating and drinking at a chiringuito on the beach, you have time for everything. Andalusia lets you slow down, and truly know what it feels like to not stress about a thing.
Seville, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz, Marbella and Córdoba are must see cities when in southern Spain. But don’t forget to visit some of the smaller villages and towns, such as Nerja, Huelva, and Ronda. At the very most southern point, you’re just a short drive into southern Portugal, which let me say, it something you’ve got to see in your lifetime. We’ll save that for another post.
“Spain, the beautiful country of wine and songs”
Well, there you have it. Spain from north to south. Through the traditions, culture, music, food, scenery, and people, you can truly feel this country. If you’re planning your next getaway, I cannot stress enough how much you’ll love Spain. Only been to the main cities? Get off the beaten path and venture into the unknown. Experience it. Feel it.
Ready to put it into our hands and see if you’ll end up in Spain? Fill out your questionnaire here, and let us give you a memory that will last a lifetime. And some amazing food while we’re at it.