Spain travel guide
Six of the best alternative Spanish city breaks, from Lugo to Logroño
Whether it’s for food or fiestas, Spain’s lesser-known cities are just as beguiling as the big-hitters.
Six spectacular landmark hotels in inland Spain
Spain’s interior is littered with grand retreats to add to your hotel wish list, from urban palaces to spectacular paradors — state-run hotels often set within ancient monuments.
Six of the best adventure tours in inland Spain, from lynx-spotting to lavender festivals
Stray from the coast and delve into the country's heartland, where a raft of natural, cultural and active experiences await.
Hiking
Exploring the uplands of Extremadura, western Spain's unsung hiking destination
Ancient monasteries, vulture sightings and thundering waterfalls — a hike through the dramatic, under-explored uplands of La Vera, in western Spain, offers enough to challenge both thighs and perceptions.
Beyond the Camino de Santiago: three alternative hikes in Spain
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) is one of the world’s most epic, scenic hikes, but it’s just one of many in a country threaded with long-distance walking routes. These similarly soul-stirring trails offer some spectacular alternatives.
Following in the footsteps on Don Quixote on the vast plains of Castile-La Mancha, central Spain
On a quest to restore chivalry to the nation, Spain’s greatest literary hero, Don Quixote, roamed the Spanish region of Castile-La Mancha. This stark landscape, with its dramatic plains and hidden caves, forms an inspiring backdrop to a new canon of stories.
The top 10 things to do in Barcelona
We round up the 10 most unmissable attractions in the thrumming Spanish city, from tiny tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.
City breaks
The real city that never sleeps: discovering nightlife in Madrid
From dancing ’til dawn at megaclubs to catching a film at a revamped cinema, the only way to really discover the Spanish capital is to stay up late.
A guide to the city of Málaga, from its culture to its food
Edgy arts institutions, top-notch dining and a strong line in rooftop bars make this cool, cosmopolitan port city much more than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol.
How to explore Seville, the heart of Andalusia
Layers of history are writ large across the Andalusian capital, and at its heart you'll still find the true spirit of flamenco.
How to explore the rich culinary heritage of Valencia
With a unique microclimate and fertile soil, it’s no wonder this coastal Spanish city has a growing gastronomic scene built on the back of its paella heritage.
Food
What happens when Spain’s most decorated chef arrives in Madrid
Spain’s most decorated chef is at the helm of recently opened Etxeko restaurant, promising homely fine dining that draws on Berasategui’s Basque roots.
Meet the maker: the Spanish family behind some of the world's best saffron
In central Spain, the Cabra have farmed some of the world's highest-quality saffron for four generations, using a meticulously hand-produced and largely unchanged approach.
Where to eat in Madrid: discover the city's hidden markets and local restaurants
Good food isn’t hard to come by in Madrid, but the sheer variety can overwhelm the uninitiated. For a unique flavour of the Spanish capital, dig a little deeper to discover thriving local markets and historic castizos bristling with tradition.
Northern Spain: from the Bay of Biscay to the Peaks of Europe
Santander, the buzzy capital of northern Spain’s Cantabria, is home to a Renzo Piano-designed arts centre and a regenerated waterfront. But the region is more than its metropolis: find rural alpine landscapes where semi-nomadic pastoralists lead lives that have changed little in centuries.
Islands
Exploring the Martian landscapes of Teide National Park in Tenerife
The lofty Martian landscapes of the volcanic Teide National Park make for an unforgettable walking experience.
Gran Canaria: family fun on the wild south coast
On Gran Canaria's wild south coast, water parks, submarine tours, body surfing on volcanic beaches and floating about in your own private moat makes a wet week's break one to savour
Why the Balearic island of Formentera should be on your radar
Formentera is often referred to as Ibiza’s little sister, but with a fun bohemian character and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches it’s a top-tier sea destination in its own right.
How to go birdwatching in Málaga's northern mountains
With wildlife holidays booming, birding is going mainstream, and you don't have to travel far to spot rare species. In Málaga's northern mountains an avian migratory motorway hosts record numbers.
Exploring history and nature in Gran Canaria’s unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Site
The mountainous site of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria preserves traces of a long-vanished Aboriginal culture in lush natural surroundings.
Four of Spain's lesser-known architectural wonders
From chapels to skyscrapers, the Iberian interior is littered with architectural treasures.
How to spend a day in Oviedo, Spain
From starting the day with morning pastries to dancing the night away to local folk music, here’s our itinerary for the perfect day in the Asturian capital.
Asturias: a paradise of artisanal produce
For memorable meals experienced nowhere else, Asturias offers enticingly unique cuisine.
Spain’s greenways cut through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes — here are five to try
More than 1,900 miles of disused railway lines have been converted to greenways for biking and hiking. These five trails showcase rural Spain at its best.
How to experience adventure in Tenerife
There's more to Tenerife than its broad, sandy beaches and glitzy resorts. Venture into its volcanic interior to discover landscapes poised for thrilling adventure, or head to the capital to sample exciting cuisine and dive deep into the island's culture.
A city guide to Granada, Spain
The grand, medieval Alhambra palace sets the tone in a historic city awash with traditions. But while one foot is in the past, the other is tapping out a modern beat: scratch the surface to discover hidden trails, markets and a youthful music scene.
A neighbourhood guide to Seville
The Andalucian capital may have a collection of classic sights, but that’s only half the story. Its atmospheric barrios, home to fresh flavours and burgeoning art scenes, are breathing new life into the city.
Sustainable, accessible and tech-savvy: discover the European Capitals of Smart Tourism
The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative champions EU tourism destinations striving for inclusivity, creativity, digitalisation and sustainability. Gothenburg and Málaga, the 2020 capitals, are leading the way.
From farm to glass in Barcelona: the story of Estrella Damm and its homegrown, world-class beer
The lager — made from ingredients harvested near the brewery in Barcelona — is known for its distinctive taste that’s savoured in bars, restaurants and homes around the globe. But when it comes to its creation, things remain strictly Mediterranean.
A city guide to Palma, the laid-back Majorcan capital
Majorca’s capital has long attracted sun-seekers, but its burgeoning high-end food scene, chic design boutiques and laidback bars make this a stellar Spanish city break.
Eight unmissable restaurants in Bilbao, northern Spain
Our pick of the best places to eat in the Basque capital, a city that knows a thing or two about good food and drink.
How to make the perfect Spanish tortilla
This omelette is all about good ingredients — but what those are is up for debate. Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, executive chef at Decimo at London's The Standard hotel, breaks it down.
How to experience the culinary traditions of Bilbao, the heart of Spain's Basque Country
Renowned for its art and riverfront architecture, Bilbao is a city of chattering markets, long nights and football-mad locals, but it also knows a thing or two about good food and drink.
Notes from an author: Jason Webster on Valencia
There’s no better way to understand the character of the Spanish city than to tuck in to paella, a local obsession that's far more than the sum of its parts.
Gothenburg and Málaga: are these Europe's most forward-thinking cities?
Meet the European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2020, lauded for redefining their urban environment.
How to spend a weekend in Ibiza
There's more than just music and mayhem. Here's the ultimate three-day itinerary for Ibiza, with advice on the best restaurants, six of the best clubs and nightlife spots, and luxury hotel stays.
