The combination of reliably warm weather and fantastic food has established Spain as one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. Add in the country’s rich history and remarkable cultural contributions, together with great beaches and awe-inspiring national parks, and there is something to appeal to every taste and budget.
From the Picasso-laden Prado in Madrid, via the as yet unfinished Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, to the serene Alhambra in Granada, Spain’s towns and cities offer a wealth of historic and architectural gems which reflect the country’s many different religious and political influences. And after a long day of sightseeing, you’ll be pleased to find these influences also expressed in a delicious and varied cuisine with the opportunity to try lots of different dishes and flavours thanks to the Spanish tradition of tapas.
Spain’s natural history is equally impressive, and equally rewarding to explore. The golden beaches on the southern coast slip into the Mediterranean and at some points are just a few nautical miles from Africa meaning sunshine is (almost!) guaranteed. The Camino de Santiago is a wonderful way to explore northern Spain and the mountainous Picos de Europa and Sierra Nevada are just two of the country’s beautiful national parks where you can walk off that last round of paella or tortilla!
It’s possible to reach Barcelona in a day by train, with the Eurostar and direct TGV service from Paris. For those who are then pushing on deeper into the heart of Spain, we recommend staying in the excellent hotel located in the station, allowing you to continue your journey fresh the next morning. Almost all of Spain’s top destinations are accessible by rail, with high-speed lines connecting Madrid and Barcelona.