Situated in northeastern Spain, the Catalonia region boasts an inspiring, exciting world of spectacular nature, buzzing city life, alluring beaches, and fascinating history. Along with these drawcards, a rich culture unique to the rest of the country adds a special atmosphere and sense of community, celebrated through the area’s renowned ‘festes’, ritual public celebrations of folkloric legends taking place every week. Cities like Barcelona and Girona offer a phenomenal combination of throbbing clubs and the ancient heritage of Gothic churches, medieval buildings, and numerous museums, while seaside paradises like Sitges provide tantalising holiday charm. Nature lovers can escape to areas like the Aiguestortes National Park to explore impressive mountains, lush forests and numerous gorgeous bodies of water. The area’s artistic hero, Salvador Dali, is honoured in many ways throughout the region, but Catalonia’s incredibly rich and diverse arts scene goes far beyond one man.
Dubbed the artistic heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao houses exceptional architecture - both old and new, superb art museums, sublime cuisine and a thriving local music scene. Arguably one of the most notable attractions of metropolitan Bilbao is the glittering Guggenheim Museum - a futuristic masterpiece of titanium-plated curves standing proudly above the Nervion River. The building's construction in 1997 sparked a wave of urban transformation. Today, the city has an array of inspired modern edifices and several historical gems, such as its Neoclassical theatre. If you tire of exploring, take a break and indulge in some people-watching and 'pintxos' - delicious Basque tapas -at the Plaza Nueva, or head out to the emerald hills that encircle Bilbao to enjoy the scenery.
Forming part of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon, the Spanish university town of Salamanca is as vibrant as it is beautiful. Ornate historical churches and stately Renaissance buildings dot the old quarter, between trendy cafes and lively bars. The Plaza Mayor is considered one of Spain’s most attractive and atmospheric squares, particularly enchanting at night when its sandstone Baroque buildings are illuminated with countless lights. Art lovers should not miss a visit to The Casa Lis Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, housed in a Modernist building dating to 1905 and featuring a spectacular collection of artworks, jewellery, fashion, furniture, sculptures, carvings and more from two of history’s most elegant design genres. The culinary scene here, with its diverse influences and fresh ingredients from the surrounding countryside, is also reason enough to visit.
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.
