Andy Symington - Lonely Planet Best of Spain 3 (Travel Guide)

COVID-19

We have rechecked every business in this book before publication to ensure that it is still open after 2020s COVID-19 outbreak. However, the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 will continue to be felt long after the outbreak has been contained, and many businesses, services and events referenced in this guide may experience ongoing restrictions. Some businesses may be temporarily closed, have changed their opening hours and services, or require bookings; some, unfortunately, could have closed permanently. We suggest you check with venues before visiting for the latest information.

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.

Spain is a natural wonder. The Pyrenees and Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snow-capped Sierra Nevada rises from the sun-baked plains of Andaluca; these are hiking destinations of the highest order. Elsewhere, the wildly beautiful cliffs of Spains Atlantic northwest offset the Mediterraneans charming coves.

Spains man-made environment is just as stunning. 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 all left their indelible mark. And what other country could produce such rebellious and relentlessly creative spirits as Salvador Dal, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaud?

But this is a country that lives very much in the present and really knows how to live. Perhaps youll sense it along a crowded street after midnight when all the world has come out to play. Or maybe the moment will come when a flamenco performer touches something deep in your soul.

Food and wine are national obsessions in Spain. The touchstones of Spanish cooking are deceptively simple: variety, generations-old traditional recipes and a willingness to experiment and see what comes out of the kitchen laboratory.

Fine arts and irresistible street life

is one of the fine-arts capitals of the world, with an extraordinary collection of galleries. The showpiece is the Museo del Prado, but nearby are the Centro de Arte Reina Sofa and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Few European cities can match the intensity and street clamour of Madrids nightlife. As Ernest Hemingway said, Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night.

SPAINS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP

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. Wander the cobblestone lanes of the Gothic quarter, bask on Mediterranean beaches or marvel at Gaud masterpieces. By night, Barcelona is a whirl of vintage cocktail bars, gilded music halls, innovative eateries and clubs.