Is Spain the most flamboyant country in Europe? Judge for yourself by exploring its compelling mix of culture, culinary creativity, outdoor adventure and glorious coast. Discover the architectural riches of Granada, Seville and Barcelona, stay in dreamy castles and palaces steeped in history and also spectacular Parador hotels. Visit several of the world’s best museums – found in Madrid, Bilbao and Valencia – enjoy finger-snapping flamenco accompanied by guitar, song and dance, particularly popular in Cordoba or Cadiz. Hike in rugged mountain ranges – the Picos de Europa in the north, the Pyrenees in the north east, the Sierra Nevada in the south. Make for beautiful beaches such as those on Costa de Almeria (for coves and quiet), Costa de la Luz (for long sandy stretches) and Ibiza (for sheer vibe). Drink wonderful wines from Rioja, Navarra, Andalucia. Dine at crazy late-night hours (so uniquely Spanish) on tapas, paella and amazing shellfish.
A self-guided walking holiday in Catalonia between two famous abbeys, from Poblet over monastery hill paths to Escaladei, and ending in the wine country of Priorat.
A self-guided walking holiday in the wine country of Ribeira Sacra in Southern Galicia, following the deep gorges of the Sil and Minho rivers to Ourense.
This is the true centre of Basque culture - the well-kept villages of the western Pyrenees, a border zone with strong French influences too. Be prepared for a unique and somewhat incomprehensible language, and an outgoing friendliness resulting from the pride of being born Basque.
Behind the bustling beaches of the Costa Blanca in south-east Spain lies a landscape of charming villages, fruitful valleys and rugged hills, as remote from the Costas as possible.
A self-guided walking holiday on the Canary Island of La Gomera.
