Now that Covid rules have been relaxed and entry requirements and testing have been loosened or removed all together people are keen to get travelling again in 2022. In fact the global travel industry has seen a huge boom as people are desperate to travel after 2 years of being confined to their homes. Spain is proving to be particularly popular with us Brits in need of some fun in the sun.
Rather than just booking a trip to the Costa Del Sol why not look further afield and explore these 5 fabulous destinations which offer culture, history, food, fabulous scenery and so much more. You are guaranteed a great time – in fact the only danger is that you might want to pack up, moving to Spain for good!
Barcelona – this beautiful city sits on the Mediterranean Coast and is often called the best beach city in the world. If you want to combine an exciting and vibrant city with some time on the beach then this is the place for you. As well as 4.5 kms of beach the city offers fabulous architecture with the tree lined Ramblas, the incredible Sagrada Familia cathedral, Gaudi’s Parc Guell and Casa Batllo. The city also has endless tapas bars, restaurants, art galleries and shops so there is plenty to entertain you. It is a friendly and welcoming city and was chosen as the host for the 1992 for the Olympics – it has been buzzing every since!
Valencia – futher south along the Mediterranean Coast is Spain’s 3rd largest city which is a fascinating mixture of ancient buildings and modern architecture. The Carmen Quarter and the stunning medieval buildings, including the Hospital and the Cathedral in particular, compete with the buzzing Passeig Maritim (the lengthy beach promenade) and the modernist redeveloped dock areas. Valencia is also famous for its festivals including the Les Falles in March and Holy Week during Easter. It is also famous for its paella said to be the best in Spain and their ceramics which make for great souvenirs.
Formentera – an island rather than a city Formentera is the least well known of the Balearic Islands and sits next door to Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Quieter than its neighbours it offers the same beautiful scenery and crystal clear waters with relaxed towns and sleepy villages set amongst the olive groves. And of course it shares the Balearics fabulous weather with mild winters and long, hot, dry summers.
Seville – another historic city famous for its Easter parades and its beautiful palaces. You must visit the capital city of Andalucia but try not to come during the summer holidays as it really get scorching hot at this time of year. The Royal Alcazar, the Plaza de Espana, La Giralda and the Cathedral are truly unmissable places. Famous for the hundreds of colourful patterned ceramic tiles and plentiful cool fountains, the Plaza de Espana a lovely place for a wander. Seville is also famous for its ham (jamon serrano) and its sherry (jerez), its alleyways filled with little tapas and pinchos bars and most famously of all, its flamenco bars. This passionate and dramatic dance originated from here and is a breath-taking experience that is not to be missed.
Granada – last but definitely not least is Granada. Tucked at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains this lovely city is a short hop from both ski resorts and the Mediterranean meaning at certain times of the year you can both ski and swim on the same day! Much of Granada was built by the Moors during the 13th century. The Alhambra is perhaps the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture in Europe and is both a palace and a citadel. You can even stay there as one of the Paradors of Spain’s luxury hotels can be found within the Palace grounds. The neighbouring medieval quarter of Albaicin is also full of Moorish buildings and alleyways and is very atmospheric. You can wander around the streets of Granada listening to guitar music floating in the air as you pop in to sample delicious food and drink at various tapas bars along the back streets. What’s not to love?
