Spania
Picolo helps you discover the best destinations and experiences in Spain and the rest of the world.
Travelling to Spain – the best places, tips and experiences
With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline, some of Europe's most vibrant cities, world-class cuisine and a culture that both overwhelms and enchants, it's no wonder that Spain attracts tens of millions of travellers from all over the world, every year. And yet, Spain manages to offer something new, whether it's your first or tenth time visiting.
From Barcelona's bustling streets and art museums of Madrid to the quiet white villages of Andalusia and the Basque coastal cliffs of the north, Spain is anything but a uniform destination. It's really more like many countries in one and that is exactly what makes it so difficult to choose, and even more difficult to go home again.
What is Spain famous for?
Spain is known for far more than sun and sangria. It is the land of Gaudí's dream architecture in Barcelona, the flamenco rhythms of Seville, and the Basque food scene in San Sebastián, a city that has more MICHELIN stars per capita than any other city in Europe. It's the land where you eat dinner at 10 p.m., and where the siesta culture reminds you that life is more than making it to the next meeting.
In the north, you will find green mountains, a rainy coast and the Basque Country with its proud, distinctive identity. In the south, Andalusia stretches with whitewashed villages, orange trees and a warmth that makes you relaxed and happy at the same time. Along the coast, quiet bays alternate with vibrant seaside resorts, while inland cultural history, wine districts and landscapes you didn't know existed await.
The best places to visit
Barcelona gives you more the longer you stay there. The Sagrada Família is a must, but you should also make time for Parc Güell where Gaudí's colorful mosaic benches wind along the ridge with the whole of Barcelona and the sea in the background. Explore the neighborhoods of El Born and Gràcia and be surprised by a city that never quite sleeps.
Madrid hhas three of Europe's best art museums within walking distance: the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, collectively known as El Triángulo del Arte, but equally important are the tapas tables in La Latina and the nightlife that doesn't start until midnight.
San Sebastián is a Basque coastal town that many discover too late and that few forget. La Concha Bay is one of Spain's most beautiful city beaches, but it's down in the narrow streets of the old town that the city really excels. Per capita, San Sebastián has more MICHELIN stars than any other city in Europe, and the pintxos bars serve some of the best light dishes you'll find in all of Europe.
Bilbao went from being an industrial city to becoming a cultural capital when the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997. The culinary scene is formidable and the Basque cuisine is just as accessible here as in the neighbouring town of San Sebastián.
Málaga is more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol. Picasso's birthplace has had a cultural renaissance with a vibrant art scene, good restaurants and the old town that deserves more than a couple of hours between flights and rental cars.
Costa del Sol stretches along Andalusia's sunny coast with beach after beach, white towns and a life that is best lived outdoors. Marbella and Nerja are among the most famous stops, but it is in the smaller towns between them that you will find the quieter, more authentic Spain.
Mallorca is more than package tours and pool bars. The northern part of the island has dramatic mountain ranges, medieval villages and olive groves that stretch down to the sea. The old stone buildings of the Tramuntana Mountains with their wrought iron gates and sun-baked brick walls have also become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for weddings and romantic getaways.
Food you won't want to miss
Spanish food is all about ingredients, pride and time. Don't rush!
Start with the classic dishes: patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns in bubbling oil), tortilla española (a thick potato and egg omelette that can be found everywhere) and jamón ibérico, the absolute top tier of cured ham, best eaten standing at a bar.
Paella is almost a separate chapter on its own. The original is from Valencia and is made with chicken and rabbit, not seafood. Did you taste it at a tourist restaurant along the coast? That doesn't count!
The foodie tour you didn't know you needed: Northern Spain, bar to bar
The best meal in Spain may not be eaten sitting down. In the Basque Country, especially in San Sebastián and Bilbao, pintxos-culture is a sport. Light dishes on slices of bread await along the bar counter at bar after bar. You point at what looks best, take another glass of txakoli wine and move on.
It is called txikiteo, the Basque walk from bar to bar, and is one of the most genuinely social dining experiences you can have in Europe. No table reservations, no menu to browse. Just good food and the street outside.
What to know before you go
Spain is at its best in May, June or September. The weather is pleasant, prices haven't reached their summer highs, and you don't have to share the best places with half of Europe. Summer is perfect for coastal holidays, but inland temperatures can creep well above 40 degrees.
The sockets are the same as at home (in Europe) so an adapter is not necessary. The currency is the euro, but cards work almost everywhere.
And once you're there? You plan one thing and discover three others. A big city, a white village in Andalusia and a beach bar at sunset can quickly become a full week. Spain always rewards the effort you put into it, and there's always more to discover.
What People Wonder Before Travelling to Spain
What is the capital of Spain? Madrid is Spain's capital and the country's largest city with over 3 million inhabitants.
What is Spain famous for? Spain is known for flamenco, Gaudí's architecture, tapas culture, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, football and some of Europe's most beautiful beaches and cities.
What countries does Spain border? Spain is bordered by Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, and Morocco to the south via the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Is Spain in the European Union? Yes, Spain has been a member of the EU since 1986.
How many people live in Spain? Spain has about 48 million inhabitants.
What are the best resorts in Spain? Barcelona, San Sebastián, Seville, Mallorca, Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands are among the most popular destinations for travellers.
What are the entry rules for Spain? EU citizens do not need a visa. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient. Spain is part of the Schengen area.