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.
With the breathtaking Sierra Blanca Mountains as a backdrop, Marbella is an intoxicating blend of idyllic beaches, cobalt bays and glitzy nightlife, with the bonus of a sleek and swanky marina. Like other resort towns on the Costa del Sol, it is blessed with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, as well as a stunning coastline and calm, temperate waters. This modern-day playground of the rich and famous also has a significant, and often overlooked, historical heritage encapsulated in the ancient streets of the old quarter. With its traditional Portuguese architecture and the remnants of its 10th-century Arab citadel, the old quarter is well worth visiting.
The small historical city of Granada lies tucked in a crook of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, with the River Darro flowing through its centre, in southern Spain’s Andalucia region. The world-renowned and extraordinarily well-preserved Moorish Alhambra, with its mysterious, reddish-gold, fortressed palaces and exotic gardens, presides over the city. On an adjacent hill, the Albaicin quarter consists of a warren of narrow, cobbled alleyways strewn with whitewashed houses, tiny hidden squares adorned with orange trees and fountains, traditional bars serving free tapas, and a growing number of gourmet restaurants. The third hill, Sacromonte, once a Gypsy enclave, is packed with fascinating cave dwellings hosting nightly flamenco dance performances. The city centre has a more elegant, contemporary feel with its upmarket boutiques, art nouveau flower stalls and large decorative fountains.
Ibiza Town is the exciting, pumping heart and soul of Ibiza Island, set on the southeast coast. This party capital boasts some of the most glamourous clubs in the world and is home to DJs, artists, and trend-setters in the fashion industry. Filled with extraordinary nightlife venues, an impressive array of shops and upmarket boutiques, and many highly-acclaimed and award-winning restaurants, all set behind the most beautiful beaches and picturesque marinas, Ibiza Town is a hedonist’s delight. The town is home to several heritage attractions, too, most notably the imposing, UNESCO-listed 16th-century Dalt Vila. This hilltop fort town is filled with lovely cobbled lanes, medieval mansions, and massive protective ramparts, which provide a variety of jaw-dropping views over the island.
Set on Spain’s gorgeous southeastern coast, the capital and largest city of the Catalonia region, Barcelona, is an exquisite, seaside metropolis. With its dizzying array of architecture and its world-class galleries and museums, artistic delights abound at every corner (most strikingly in the astonishingly whimsical structures designed by the prolific modernist architect Antoni Gaudi). Explore the winding alleys of the picturesque Gothic Quarter, take in the boisterous carnival atmosphere of the world famous, tree-lined La Rambla boulevard, or go on a gastronomical adventure through the city's restaurants. Head to one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches and when the sun sets, join the eclectic all-night party scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the phenomenal Sagrada Familia, take in an opera at the sublime Palau de la Musica Catalana, and watch a game at the famous Camp Nou stadium.
