Stuart Butler - Lonely Planet Discover Spain

This Is Spain

From soulful flamenco and daring architecture, to delicious food and avant-garde cities, Spain could be Europes most exotic country. Wherever you venture youll discover a beguiling land with a mix of stirring and often curious traditions, live-for-the-moment hedonism and a willingness to embrace the future with a relentlessly adventurous spirit.

Spains dynamic cities are temples to all thats modern and cool. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville have become bywords for that peculiarly Spanish talent for living the good life, at full volume and all night long. At the same time, most cities promise a daytime feast of more sedate but nonetheless exceptional sites, from world-class art galleries and graceful Islamic-era monuments to barrios (neighbourhoods) overflowing with medieval charm, and zany Gaud flights of fancy.

Spaniards have turned eating and drinking into an art form. From the culinary flamboyance of pintxos (Basque tapas) in San Sebastin to steaming seafood- infused paella served under the Valencian sunshine, Spanish food has an enviable reputation. In fact, if you really want to experience the best of Spain the way to do it is not to rush through an endless succession of tourist sights, but rather to slow the pace down and make eating the centrepiece of your day.

Spain has obvious appeal. However, some visitors feel as though visiting the country is akin to standing outside a riotous party with your nose pressed up against the glass. Spain is perhaps the best-known, least-understood country in Europe, but its also one of the most welcoming and accessible. By taking part in the central pillars of Spanish life like flamenco and eating customs a trip to Spain can be a party, where having a good time is almost guaranteed.

Spain is a beguiling mix of stirring and often curious traditions.

Flamenco at the Feria de Abril (), Seville
MIGUEL PEREIRA/GETTY IMAGES

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Spains Top Experiences

Alhambra

The palace complex of Granadas Alhambra () is close to architectural perfection. It is perhaps the most refined example of Islamic art anywhere in the world, not to mention the most enduring symbol of 800 years of Moorish rule in what was known as Al-Andalus. From afar, the Alhambras red fortress towers dominate the Granada skyline, set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevadas snowcapped peaks. Up close, the Alhambras perfectly proportioned Generalife gardens complement the exquisite detail of the Palacio Nazares. Put simply, this is Spains most beautiful monument.

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La Sagrada Famlia

The Modernista brainchild of Antoni Gaud remains a work in progress more than 80 years after its creators death. Fanciful and profound, inspired by nature and barely restrained by a Gothic style, Barcelonas quirky temple () soars skyward with a playful majesty. The improbable angles and departures from architectural convention will have you shaking your head in disbelief, but the detail of the decorative flourishes are worth studying for hours.

SYLVAIN SONNET/GETTY IMAGES