Spain’s passionate, dramatic capital is a wonder to behold and makes for the perfect city break. Traditional tapas bars share streets with cutting-edge cuisine, Real Madrid dazzle at the Bernabéu, the art galleries rival any in the world. Spend an afternoon people watching with a café con leche on a grand plaza, then explore the city’s sensational shopping.
Shot through with the maverick genius of legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona is a justly celebrated city with a love for football, art, food and sunshine. Spend your days basking on the beach near Barceloneta, then wander the curious streets of the Barri Gotic at night.
The capital of the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca, Palma has Gothic streets, the monumental Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca and a serene setting by the sea. Enjoy the wonderful weather as you meander through the historic quarter, then delve into the fabulous collection at the Es Baluard Museu d’Art museum.
Mass tourism hasn’t blemished Alicante. Away from the resorts, this is still a fetching city, with a waterfront made for promenading along, Santa Bárbara Castle and nightlife that will blow all the cobwebs away. Sun, sea and sand are guaranteed, as are long nights in Barrio de la Santa Cruz.
Malaga is known for package holidays, but it’s increasingly attractive as a city break location due to the imaginative regeneration undertaken over the past couple of decades. Here history at Alcazaba medieval palace, great architecture at Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga and a renowned food scene all go arm in arm.
Bilbao encapsulates the best of modern and traditional Spain. Sat in a verdant valley in the Basque region, you can be standing underneath modernist sculptures at the world-class Guggenheim one minute, ordering up a plateful of jamon and queso in a rustic, no-frills tapas bar the next.
From the old quarter to the futuristic City of Art and Science, and impressive Modernista buildings to a space-age skyline, Valencia is an exciting, non-stop city. Try some authentic paella, then head through the city to discover hints of the Moorish past and glorious Gothic buildings.
Year round sun is only part of this Balearic island’s appeal. Here you can choose to simply live in the sunshine all week, or head inland to explore stunning lava fields and characterful tiny towns. Resorts know how to keep the children happy, while hikers can head to Spain’s highest peak, Pico del Teide.
Where to start in sun-scorched Seville? At the world’s largest cathedral, perhaps, or walking in the footsteps of Andalucía history – and Game of Thrones actors – at the breath-taking Royal Alcazar? Keep something in reserve for the evening. After a day of resplendent churches and Moorish architecture, there’s the allure of flamenco throughout the city.
Whether it’s the pinxto and tapas bars of the bustling Parte Vieja, or the world-famous multi-Michelin starred restaurants throughout the city and its surroundings, San Sebastian is one of the best places in the world to eat. Work off your indulgences on the trio of beaches, with the Playa de la Zurriola the place for surfers to do their thing.
