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Top 10 Activities
#1. Alhambra
A visit to the Alhambra fortified palace in Granada is one of the first stops you should consider. It's essentially a palace surrounded by extensive gardens and enclosed within a fortress. This amazing complex is enormous, filling a large section of the city center and will take the majority of a day to explore.
#2. Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Cordoba (La Mezquita)is a massive Moorish complex and it's difficult to describe how awe-inspiring this wondrous mosque is. The central part of the mosque was partially ruined in the 16th century when a cathedral was built in the center of the sanctuary. Diagonally across from the mosque is the original caliph's palace, which has since been converted into the archbishop's palace.
#3. Running of the Bulls
Perhaps the most famous festival in Spain is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. This involves locals teasing and taunting large animals to enrage them and then running in front of them. While is it a dangerous spectacle to participate in, it is quite exhilarating to watch from the side lines.
#4. Shopping at El Rastro
Spain's largest open air flea market can be found in El Rastro. Crammed with stalls, stores, cafes, bars and restaurants, El Rastro is a great place to find a bargain, grab a bite of some of the local cuisine or spend some time socializing.
#5. Andalucia
Spend some time visiting Andalucia. The whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets in these mountain villages give any visitor the feeling of being completely immersed in Mediterranean history. In the evening, be sure to catch a traditional Flamenco performance while you're enjoying some real tapas at an inn.
#6. Ibiza
The atmosphere on the hedonistic party island of Ibiza is hard to describe unless you've experienced the almost frenetic celebrations that go on from dusk till dawn. Dance the night away, enjoy music, socializing and drinking or catch the club-bus and work your way around some of the more popular clubs. Not to be missed!
#7. Las Fallas
Head to Valencia and join in with the Fiesta de Las Fallas. The festival is held during the middle of March and is a week-long party including fireworks displays every night, fire crackers popping at your feet all day, plenty of traditional bull fights and parades in the streets.
#8. The Guggenheim
A trip to Spain wouldn't be complete without a visit to the famous Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. Designed by Frank Gehry and displaying masterpieces from famous artists like Picasso, the Guggenheim building is almost as stunning as some of the art works.
#9. Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) in the south of Spain boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean, but it's also most well-known for being a playground for the rich and famous. Don't let that put you off. There are plenty of resorts dotted along the coast and inland in Andalusia, so you're sure to find one to suit you. This popular tourist spot is often quite busy, but the warm welcome you receive from the locals should tell you that they're very accepting of visitors.
#10. Local Cuisine
No matter where you go throughout Spain, be sure to bring your appetite. The food is nothing short of amazing and is always available at very reasonable prices. Tapas is the traditional serving of various appetizers. Sample everything and then marvel at the paella, the rice dish that's been a Spanish tradition for centuries.
Spanish Cuisine
Paella
Paella is a Spanish saffron-flavored rice dish cooked in a large shallow paella pan consisting of onions, garlic, herbs, rice, saffron, and various meats and seafood.
Tapas
Tapas are snacks or finger foods that vary widely throughout Spain. They are served at just about every bar and cafe in Spain.
Tortilla Espanola
Tortilla Espanola is a like a large potato omelet. Potatoes and onions are sliced very thin and then fried. Once fried they are mixed with beaten eggs and then slowly cooked to form an omelet.
Pa amb tomàquet
Pa amb tomàquet is as simply slices of bread rubbed with tomato and seasoned with salt and olive oil.
Best Time To Visit
No matter what time of the year you visit Spain, there's something big going on somewhere. This really is the country of Festivals!
March is a popular time of year to visit Spain, as Las Fallas takes place in Valencia, followed by Semana Santa which is the Spanish version of Easter. This is drawn out with celebrations for just over a week in the lead up to Easter Sunday and is followed immediately by the Feria de Sevilla. This is Seville's festival of bull-fighting and flamenco dancing. You can expect day time average temperatures of around 68F (20C) and some unpredictable spring showers.
Summer in Spain is throughout July and August, so if you're after some sun, sand and surf on the southern beaches, then be prepared for some hot weather. The Pamplona Running of the Bulls is at the beginning of July and in August you can join in with the Feria de Malaga. This is Andalusia's biggest summer festival. To end the summer, join in with the Tomatina Tomato Fight in Buñol for a bit of fun. Average day time temperatures during summer in the south are around 86F (30C).
When you're searching for the best Spain travel deals, be sure to consider how the weather will affect your plans.
Travel Shopping
Leather Goods:
Aside from Italy, Spain is easily one of the best places in Europe to shop for leather goods. Jackets, shoes, bags, belts, wallets, purses and plenty of other leather goods are available at reasonable prices and feature beautiful craftsmanship and excellent quality.
Handicrafts:
Spain has a remarkable selection of locally produced ceramics, pottery and wood carvings in traditional styles. Although these are available in most parts of Spain, you'll find the best bargains by shopping in the coastal towns or within Seville.
Fashion:
Most major cities throughout Spain feature trendy shopping districts. Barcelona and Ibiza feature some of the latest designer fashions specifically to cater for the tourists.
Festival Events
It seems there is always something happening in Spain at almost all times of the year. With that thought in mind, here are some of the more well-known Spanish festivals to watch for.
Fiesta de Las Fallas:
Throughout March in Valencia, enjoy a week-long party filled with festivities that are bright, exciting, vibrant and fun – if a little noisy at times. Featuring parades, fireworks, fire crackers, music, food and fun!
San Isidro:
During May the festival of San Isidro is celebrated in Madrid. This is Spain's most important bull-fighting festival. You can also enjoy plenty of music concerts of both local and international music, street parties, traditional folk dancing, cultural activities and much more.
Fiesta de San Fermin:
This happens in the beginning of July. More well-known as the Running of the Bulls, the San Fermin festival in Pamplona features thousands of people from all over the world running in front of bulls. If you're not into this kind of thing, then the rest of the festival includes great dances, ceremonies, fireworks and plenty of other fun things to do.
La Tomatina:
In August in the town of Buñol, take part in a weird week-long organized food fight. You can only throw squashed tomatoes to avoid bruising and only between 11am and 1pm each day. There are plenty of public showers around town and by the river so you can wash off.
Basic Spanish Phrases
Hello - Hola
Goodbye - Adios
Yes - Si
No - No
Thank you - Gracias
Please - Por favor
How much do I owe you? - ¿Cuánto le debo?
How much is this? - ¿Cúanto es?
Do you speak English? - Habla Ingles?
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