Reasons to Love
Spain
The architecture is amazing; the natural landscape awe-inspiring. It has a packed calendar of curious festivals and comes alive after dark. Ask any Spaniard and you’ll hear a different reason why they love their country.
1 The Alhambra
t Nowhere encapsulates the spirit of al-Andalus quite like the Alhambra. Its salons are replete with icing-sugar ceilings of delicate stucco and its courtyards have impossibly still, reflective pools.
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2 The Mezquita
t Casting shadows across the marble floor, 856 columns support the red-and-white horseshoe-shaped arches in the stunning hypostyle hall of Córdoba’s Great Mosque.
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3 Beautiful Beaches
t With more than 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of coastline, Spain has a stunning array of beaches. Take your pick from glorious sweeps of golden sand on the Costa Blanca, enchanting little coves on the Costa Brava or the Costa Verde’s dramatic cliffs.
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4 Walking the Camino de Santiago
t You’ll be presented with a coveted Compostela Certificate if you tackle the final 100 km (62 miles), or cycle the last 200 km (124 miles), of the celebrated pilgrim path.
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5 Taking a Tapeo
t One of Spain’s most delightful traditions is the tapeo – a stroll from tapas bar to tapas bar, sampling different dishes at each. Head to the charming historic centres of Madrid or Seville to join the locals on their hungry night-time hop.
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6 Late Nights
t Get into the Spanish rhythm by taking a siesta in the afternoon, when temperatures are highest, and waiting until the cover of darkness before joining the locals for dinner and drinks.
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7 Gaudí’s Barcelona
t Spain’s most famous architect has left his indelible mark on Catalonia’s capital, with countless buildings bearing roofs modelled on scaly dragons and façades that look like whipped cream.
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8 Madrid’s Museums
t The capital packs a serious cultural punch with its superb trio of museums. The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía contain a millennia’s worth of world-class art, and all within a stone’s throw of each other.
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9 Dancing the Flamenco
t There’s nowhere more atmospheric to experience flamenco than Seville. Seek out an authentic peña to feel the duende – the “magic spirit” – as you watch the bailaora skirt swirl while the tocadores strum their guitars.
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10 Semana Santa
t Hooded men and veiled women carrying flickering candles, crosses and decorated floats process through Spain’s streets during Holy Week. Seville’s festivities are the most elaborate.
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11 Savouring Sherry
t Sip this fortified wine in the “Sherry Triangle” – the region around Jerez de la Frontera. Here, you can tour historic bodegas and enjoy a tipple in a typical taberna.
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12 Basque Culture
t The Basques have a unique language and traditions. Visit in August for the Semanas Grandes to see some herri kirolak (rural sports), such as stone-lifting, as well as dancing.