Where to go in Spain?

Andalusia: a must-see cultural destination in Spain

Andalusia is located in the south of Spain. Here, you'll find a diversity of landscapes, from beaches and mountains to desert ink. Soak up the region's boundless energy. Beyond the cultural sites to visit, flamenco shows, hiking, horse-riding demonstrations and tapas tasting await you if you decide to go.

A road trip to Andalusia usually takes 7, 10 or 15 days. It includes a number of stages, the most important of which are:

• Seville, the capital of this Spanish region. Among its must-sees are a number of monuments of Mudejar architecture, a blend of Andalusian and Arab art, such as the cathedral and the Alcazar. Here, you'll see beautiful squares lined with sublime monuments, stroll through the Santa Cruz district and stroll through the Spanish Steps.
• Granada, a reminder of the region's former prestige, is famous for the Alhambra, a sumptuous monument that was the residence of the caliphs who ruled the region before the Reconquista.
• Cordoba, a land of faith, boasts a famous and beautiful mosque-cathedral. It bears witness to the different religions that have reigned here.

In addition to these three must-sees, don't hesitate to explore the Costa del Sol coastline with Malaga and Marbella, as well as the west with Cadiz and Gibraltar.

A weekend in Barcelona

Located on the Costa Brava in eastern Spain, Barcelona is one of the country's most important cities. It's a popular destination with foreigners, so a visit here is a must if you're keen to get away to Spain.

Vibrant and dynamic, it conquers the hearts of millions of travelers every year. The energy here is intense, and there are plenty of other reasons to stay: apart from the many restaurants and tapas bars, you'll discover the Sagrada Família, a dazzling, as yet unfinished basilica whose architecture is a sight to behold. The many achievements of Spanish artist Gaudí are also famous. Admire Parc Güell, La Pedrera or Casa Batlló.

The city is perfect for a city trip and can be visited all year round, with tourists staying an average of 3 to 5 days. Transport links are excellent throughout the city, and the many beaches are within easy reach. Indeed, the city has a very attractive coastline, with the most popular beaches being Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta, Nova Icària and Bogatell.

The fact that accommodation is booked up so quickly can be discouraging, but if you plan ahead, you'll find prices to suit all budgets. To find out more about the best neighborhoods and discover the atmosphere of each, visit our article on where to stay in Barcelona.

Going to Madrid, capital of Spain

Located in the center of the country, Madrid is full of energy. A trip to Spain's capital means discovering its rich cultural side with its museums and exploring its charming streets.

Stroll through Old Madrid and the La Latina district, stroll along Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, discover the Royal Palace and Teatro Real. Or climb to the top of Almudena Cathedral... There are many museums to discover, including the Prado, which exhibits works by Goya. In the streets, tapas bars and restaurants invite you to sample local produce. And don't miss the San Miguel market.

The atmosphere is dense along its boulevards, and its many parks, including Retiro, make it a rejuvenating destination. Spain's capital offers enough entertainment to make a weekend of it. Less than 3 days are enough to discover it, in both summer and winter. Ideal for a city trip, it has something for everyone. With a little more time, you can extend your visit with two of the region's finest medieval cities: Toledo and Segovia.

Because of its status as a capital and the things you can do there, tourist numbers are high. As a result, accommodation prices are on the rise. So don't delay in booking your hotel if you'd like to spend a few days there. For further information, please consult our article on where to stay in Madrid.

Off-season holidays in the Canary Islands

Nicknamed the archipelago of “eternal spring”, they are one of the most popular in Spain. Thanks to their pleasant climate, they can be visited all year round. Located off the southern Moroccan coast, these 7 islands are a dream come true. With magnificent landscapes depending on the location, they are sometimes considered a paradise on earth.

The archipelago offers a diversity of panoramas much appreciated by foreigners. They sometimes opt for a road trip, renting a car on each island, although the majority generally prefer a single accommodation to discover a particular island. Each island has its own energy and character, which you can adapt to your own desires.

• Tenerife, the Canaries' main destination. Between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, it boasts a sublime heritage of beaches, colonial cities, nature parks and forests, volcanic lands, hiking and sea excursions. It's a year-round destination, especially in winter.
• Gran Canaria, the second most popular tourist destination, where you can enjoy a beach-oriented holiday thanks to its many sand dunes. Its volcanic landscapes and troglodyte houses also invite you to explore.
• Lanzarote, a volcanic island with a gentle energy that invites you to laze around.
• Fuerteventura, for a farniente holiday with its long stretches of sand. You can also enjoy board sports such as surfing.

The last three islands are much less popular: La Palma and La Gomera offer hiking in the heart of nature, while El Hierro boasts some great diving spots. Going to these less-touristy locations guarantees you more peace and quiet.

Depending on the season, you'll need to plan ahead to book your accommodation where you'll be staying.

Go to the Balearic Islands to discover Majorca, Minorca or Ibiza

Lost in the Mediterranean off Spain's east coast, this archipelago is made up of Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. Horizons bathed in sunsets, clear-water coves, endless beaches, charming villages and omnipresent nature, these islands have a lot to offer.

The Balearic Islands are most popular from May to October. Tourists choose to stay on a single island, usually for a week. It's rare to discover the entire archipelago in a single trip.

To stay in Ibiza, the best-known of the islands, gives you a taste of its youthful, festive atmosphere. While the southern part of the island is overrun with partygoers enjoying the bars and discos, the rest of the island is more bohemian: nature, beaches and hiking give a slower pace to the stay.

To stay in Majorca is to relax. Going there gives you access to some very beautiful beaches. Some of these are close to the large city of Palma, but others can be found in other parts of the island, notably in the west near Alcudia. The south is also pleasant, with its small coves. As well as lazing around, you can discover pretty villages, go hiking and enjoy beautiful views.

To stay in Menorca, a little less well-known and therefore less crowded, guarantees a certain tranquility. In addition to its historically interesting towns, its beaches and rocky bays are the main attraction for foreigners.

To stay on Formentera, the smallest of the main Balearic islands, offers magnificent beaches in an even quieter setting.

Valencia, between beaches and museums

Valencia is located on the east coast. The perfect Spanish destination for a city trip, it offers a wide range of entertainment from its beaches to its cultural museums and gastronomy.

Once there, you'll find a picturesque historic center, called Ciutat Vella, and its Cathedral of Santa Maria. Science lovers will be delighted to learn that the city boasts a number of dedicated structures, from theOceanogràfic to the Cité des arts et des sciences.

Many people also come here for its beaches! Another not-to-be-missed activity is a stroll through the central market, where you'll find all kinds of local produce, including tapas and typical specialties such as paella. These can be enjoyed in the many restaurants in the area. Even further south, around 2 hours' drive away, is the seaside resort of Alicante on the Costa Blanca.

A 3-day visit is enough to get the idea. It's typically perfect for a short city trip from April to October. Due to the high seasonal occupancy, it's important to book your accommodation in advance to benefit from the best rates.

Visiting the Spanish Basque Country

The Basque Country, in northern Spain, is made up of four different provinces. You can spend 5 or 6 days here, the most practical way to explore the region is by car. Going there is a real change of scenery, thanks in particular to the region's charming landscapes. A less touristy region than the others, it nevertheless abounds in unsuspected treasures.

During your road trip to the Spanish Basque Country, you'll be able to visit some of the region's most beautiful spots:

• Bilbao, capital of the province of Bizkaia, is a city of culture and surprising architecture. It's one of the most important stop-off points. Situated on the banks of the River Nervion, the city boasts some very fine museums, including the Guggenheim, as well as a historic center not to be missed.
• Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the province of Alava. Built between mountains, it's a must-see to admire its plaza de la Virgen Blanca and its cathedral.
• San Sebastian, capital of Guipuscoa. Here, you'll find beautiful beaches and a rich heritage, including the plaza Mayor, the basilica of Sainte-Marie-du-Chœur and the church of Saint Vincent. And don't miss the town of Hondarribia, just 20 minutes away.
• At the heart of the province of Navarre lies its capital, Pamplona. Here, you'll find the traditional running of the bulls, religious buildings and a stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

A trip here also means a detour to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe monastery, or the towns of Guernica, Ognate or Urdaibai. And why not, still on the coast and to the west, to Santander, the capital of Cantabria.

Zaragoza, northern Spain

With its rich religious past, Zaragoza is a striking city. Lift the veil on its most beautiful monuments, stroll through its emblematic center and enjoy its festivities. On site, the old town offers a charming atmosphere, with numerous restaurants where you can sample local specialties such as Aragonese suckling lamb.

In the historic heart of the city, you'll find traces of the civilizations that shaped it. You can't fail to be impressed by the Pilar square, famous for hosting the Pilar festivities and its breathtaking basilica, the Aljafería Palace and the Cathedral of San Salvatore.

It's most often visited as a city trip, over a weekend, since 2 days is enough to cover it all. But you can also extend your stay by combining it with a visit to the Bardenas Desert, around 1 hour's drive away and world-famous for its rock formations.

Zaragoza is most often visited outside the summer months, when temperatures are milder. If you do decide to visit, don't delay in making a reservation either, because despite its size, it's still a popular tourist destination!