Spain’s enormous central capital, Madrid, lies on the River Manzanares and is a city of contrasts. Historical monuments like the impressive Royal Palace stand in stark contrast to state-of-the-art skyscrapers; masterpieces by Picasso, Dali and Velazquez adorn the walls of the city’s world-class galleries alongside contemporary modern works; local chefs display a passion for Spanish food at traditional eateries while chic fusion restaurants operate next door. Madrid’s real attraction lies in the seductive lifestyle of its hedonistic inhabitants; indulging in tapas, hunting for treasures at the El Rastro flea market or partying the night away in one of the many lively nightclubs. Make sure to soak up the vibrant street life of the grand, historic Plaza Mayor, Madrid's central square, and spend a leisurely afternoon on the landscaped lawns at the Parque del Buen Retiro.
Resting on the plains of the Guadalquivir River in the Andalucian province of Seville, the eponymous city is a feast for the senses. Famous for its Flamenco music and dancing, celebratory attitude, tasty oranges and rich Moorish heritage, Seville has reputation for charisma. At the heart of the old city stand three must-see architectural wonders: the Giralda tower, the Cathedral and the Alcazar. The neighbouring medieval Jewish quarter is a wonderful, whitewashed tangle of alleys, bougainvillaea and jacaranda trees, while on the other side of the river Triana is home to sailors, bullfighters, and flamenco artists. Seville travel is about exploring the way of life in these culture-rich neighbourhoods, eating at famed gelaterias, sipping late-night sangrias and, of course, savouring the bitter flavour of the famous Seville oranges.
The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.
