SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE

Why Travel to Spain?

Spain is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, located in the Southwest part of Europe. Looking at the map of Spain we can see that it is divided into 50 provinces and 17 autonomous regions each of them with their own unique charm and different experiences to offer visitors on holidays. There are four different languages that are spoken in the Kingdom of Spain: Catalan/Valencian (In Catalonia, Valencia, and on the Balearic Islands), Galician (In Galicia), Castilian Spanish (All over Spain), Basque (In the Basque Country).

It is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for things to do, according to the high number of visitors that travel to this country due to its rich gastronomy, history, culture, and wide diversity of stunning landscapes. From snowcapped mountains like the Sierra Nevada in the Pyrenees, to beautiful white sandy beaches on the coastal areas like the Costa Brava (in Catalonia, near Barcelona), Costa del Sol (in Andalusia, Malaga province), Mallorca Island, Canary Islands...

Gastronomy of Spain

One of the main highlights that draw travellers to visit Spain is the Gastronomy, it is so varied changing the type of food and wines in each region! In this country, traditional recipes are kept for generations, such as Paella in Valencia, Pulpo à Feira (Octopus Galician Style) in Galicia, and Cocido Madrileño in Madrid besides other delicacies worth tasting when you are visiting these beautiful regions. For all these reasons, it is possible to go on a gastronomic tour of Spain and be both satisfied and surprised. Wherever you travel, you'll find finger-licking good food in the area!

Our 4 Best places to visit Spain

There is an area of Spain known as "Green Spain" including the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and The Basque Country) in Northern Spain. Called this because of its beautiful, lush nature and high range of outdoor activities like coastal walks, mountain trekking trails, etc.

Important routes pass through this part of Spain, such as the Camino de Santiago (Pilgrimage Way of St. James). Immersing yourself into the beautiful greenery of the Peaks of Europe exploring the small villages slowing down to taste the local cuisine; Cabrales cheese, cider, meats, etc. Then enjoy all along the whole coast from the Basque Country offering Michelin-starred cuisine, all the way to the Rias Baixas of Galicia with some of the best seafood in the world found in colourful little fishing villages! Moreover, some of the best wine tours in Spain and the world are in this region!

In the Southern part of Spain, Andalusia has a sunnier climate and historical landmark cities like Seville, Cordoba, Granada, etc. You will be wondered by the mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history and architecture! Can´t miss out on a traditional flamenco show, spend a day visiting an organic farm tasting Spanish Olive oil, stop at a “toros” bull farm, or try the Spanish “Jamon” cured ham. Even going on one of the great wine tours in Spain tasting the sherry wines of Jerez, and... the list goes on and on!

Valencia is a must for foodies wanting to try the real Valencian Paella, even learn how to make it with a Valencian Chef on a hands-on cooking class! The Valencia Las Fallas Festival a traditional celebration held in commemoration of Saint Joseph attracts visitors worldwide during March every year. This stretch of coastline has magnificent beaches to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea.

Follow the footsteps of the conquistadores in Extremadura visiting places like Trujillo, Caceres, Mérida, etc. Places where you can also discover surprising traditional food on one of the best gastronomic tours in Spain.

The Popular Wine Regions of Spain

For adding some wine tasting to your holiday in Spain, you cannot go wrong choosing some of Spain´s wine regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Penedes, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Rias Baixas, Jerez, Utiel-Requena, Priorat, Bierzo...

Did you know that Spain is the country with the most vines in the world? 11,800 square kilometres to be exact of vineyards in Spain. Some of the grape varieties that can be found here in the wine regions of Spain are Tempranillo, Albariño, Godello, Mencia, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Garnacha, or Verdejo among many others. That´s why wine tours in Spain are so famous!

We can’t forget the lands of Castile & Leon and La Mancha… The windmills and wines of La Mancha, Salamanca´s amazing old quarter & cathedrals, and other historic towns like Segovia, Avila, Toledo, etc.

It is hard, to sum up, all the things to do in Spain in one description! You will just have to come and travel to Spain for yourself to experience everything first-hand!

Our experts in gastronomic tours in Spain have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Spain. You can check our full list of top food tours to Spain and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Spain travel destination guide.

Capital of Spain: Madrid
Population: 47,519,628