Lonely Planet Discover Spain 6

Passionate, sophisticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined.

Poignantly windswept Roman ruins, cathedrals of rare power and incomparable jewels of Islamic architecture speak of a country where the great civilisations of history have risen, fallen and left behind their indelible mark. And what other country could produce such rebellious and relentlessly creative spirits as Salvador Dal, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaud? Here, grand monuments to the past coexist alongside architectural creations of such daring that it becomes clear Spains future will be every bit as original as its past.

But for all the talk of Spains history, this is a country that lives very much in the present and theres a reason fiesta is one of the best-known words in the Spanish language life itself is a fiesta here and everyone seems to be invited. Perhaps youll sense it along a crowded street after midnight when all the world has come out to play. Or maybe that moment will come when a flamenco performer touches something deep in your soul.

Food and wine are national obsessions in Spain, and with good reason. The touchstones of Spanish cooking are deceptively simple: incalculable variety, traditional recipes handed down through the generations and an innate willingness to experiment and see what comes out of the kitchen laboratory.

One of Europes coolest cities

Home to cutting-edge architecture, world-class dining and pulsating nightlife, has long been one of Europes most alluring destinations. Days are spent wandering the cobblestone lanes of the Gothic quarter, basking on Mediterranean beaches or marvelling at Gaud masterpieces across the city. By night, Barcelona is a whirl of vintage cocktail bars, gilded music halls, innovative eateries and dance-loving clubs. There are also colourful markets, hallowed arenas and a calendar packed with traditional Catalan festivals.