My journey through Spain began in the south, in the region of Andalusia, a place blessed with constant sunshine 365 days a year, even in winter. In the summer, the sun lingers in the sky almost until 10 p.m., with an intensity usually reserved for midday. This is immensely appealing to people from the north, though perhaps a bit less so for me!
While there, I had the chance to visit Málaga, famous for its Costa del Sol, along with its coastal towns, each more charming than the last, like Nerja and its iconic Balcón de Europa. I also visited Seville, well-known among many other things for its stunning Plaza de España, which served as a filming location for Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones, representing the planet Naboo.
Next, I headed to Granada, a city shaped by contrasts, the Alhambra stands above it, watchful and eternal, while the Sierra Nevada mountains rest nearby, bringing a cool mountain breeze that softens the southern heat. Here, the crisp chill of the mountains meets the warmth of the Andalusian soul.
My route also took me to Marbella, a small enclave that seems to hide a world of its own. It’s a destination that attracts wealth and sheikhs from every corner of the globe. Strolling through its harbor is a striking experience, a catwalk of luxury sports cars where the scent of Chanel competes with the sea breeze, all surrounded by dazzling sequins and breathtaking yachts. Later, I passed through Murcia, where I enjoyed the charm of its pedestrian streets, outdoor bookstores, and the majesty of its dreamlike cathedral.
Whenever I go to Spain, I always arrive through Madrid, its vibrant capital that beats to the rhythm of flamenco and shared laughter over tapas and cold beers. Life there is filled with art, history, and a pulse that never slows down. One of my favorite spots is the Prado Museum, one of the most important in the world, where you can admire masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Hieronymus Bosch (El Bosco). Right nearby is the Reina Sofía Museum, home to contemporary gems like Picasso’s Guernica, as well as the worlds of Dalí and Miró, three geniuses who completely transformed modern art. And, of course, all of them Spanish!
Plus, one of the best things to do when you’re in Madrid is to take day trips to historic towns like Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo, which keep the country’s medieval soul intact. Segovia dazzles with its Roman aqueduct and fairytale castle; Ávila, encircled by its perfectly preserved walls, feels frozen in time; and Toledo, which was Spain’s capital until 1561, is an open-air museum where history still breathes a vibrant mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures.
And then, there’s Barcelona. Arriving here almost feels like stepping into another country, as many locals prefer a distinct identity and speak their own language. Here, my friends, I must talk about Gaudí. I truly believe he was a genius, someone far ahead of his time. All of his work is simply wonderful, from Casa Batlló to La Pedrera, Park Güell, and the monumental jewel of the Sagrada Família, which has taken over a century to build and whose completion aligns closely with Gaudí’s anniversary.
Afterward, I headed to Tarragona and its wonderful beaches. Playa del Miracle is lovely and accessible to everyone, but Cala Fonda, also known as Waikiki, now that is a true untouched paradise set between pine trees and cliffs! I highly recommend it.
I could spend hours telling you about the endless charming towns across Spain, but time is limited, so I’ll leave you with my most recent trip: the Canary Islands. They feature volcanic sand beaches, mountains reaching into the clouds, and a simple yet deeply flavorful cuisine. Although geographically located off the coast of Africa, they belong to Spain, and their spirit reflects the warmth of the Atlantic and the joy of their people.
Spain will always be a top-tier destination. The food is incredible, the beer is affordable, and the people… are simply wonderful.
