TRAVEL GUIDE: SPAIN

Few countries know how to party and relax like Spain. When you visit, you can stay out until the wee hours dancing, roll out of bed and check out sites like Antonio Gaudí's Dr. Seuss-esque Sagrada Familia church, rest up by taking a siesta, and then liven up again with excellent wine and the company of friends over a large helping of paella.

Featured Regions

 

TOP 10 HOTELS IN SPAIN
The Best Places to Stay

Whether you plan on picking Valencia oranges or running with the bulls, we’ve found the best hotels in this caliente country. Stay overnight at the stately Hotel Ritz Madrid or the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal.
Spain Hotel Search
 
ME Madrid, one of our Top 10 Hotels in Spain

Paella

BUEN PROVECHO
Top Restaurants Spain
The finest restaurants from Barcelona to Madrid and beyond. If you need help figuring out the difference between pollo and pulpo and other Spanish delicacies, get menu savvy with our Spanish Food Terms.
Spain Restaurant Search


TAKE THE WATERS
Top Spas in Spain
The spa tradition of Spain is more than 2,000 years old. You'll find the impact of the Romans and Moors reflected in the country's countless beautiful thermal springs and balnearios. Our guide has a list of the best places to "take the waters."

Balneario de Archena


BARCELONA

Gran Hotel La Florida

EDGY IN BARCELONA
Gran Hotel La Florida
Offering phenomenal views of Barcelona, from your balcony, the terrace and pool, this 76-room urban resort was done by the acclaimed designers of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.
Plus: a sexy spa, great dining and edgy surprises.


72-HOUR VACATION
Barcelona
The new Spanish cuisine spearheaded by Ferran Adria, the art and architecture of Gaudí and Picasso, Basque tapas and the magic of the Fonts de Montjuïc: Barcelona is a city full of delights.
Spanish Architecture


BILBAO

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, one of our Top 10 Value Hotels Worldwide
TOP 10 VALUE HOTELS WORLDWIDE Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
This modern marvel faces Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and is ideal for art and architecture aficionados. The stunning floor-to-ceiling atrium houses Mariscal's two-ton Fossil Cypress, while the furniture selection represents some of the most emblematic designs of the 20th century.

COSTA BRAVA

ADRIA'S AUDACITY
Culinary Genius
or Gastronomic Dead End?

Is Adrià a difficult to understand genius or is he just blowing hot air over the blue Mediterranean waters to generate waves of celebrity? Here's our take on the controversial Spanish chef of elBulli.
Ferran Adrià, the controversial Spanish chef of elBulli

Exhibit A: Melon Cantaloupe Caviar
MOLECULAR CUISINE
Texturas

In the mood for some liquid nitrogen ice cream, sodium alginate pearls and goose liver whipped cream? If you're not traveling to Spain anytime soon, worry not. Ferran Adrià's las launched his Spherification Kit for do-it-yourself molecular cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.

GIRONA

VINOTHERAPY
Peralada Wine Spa
Experiment with ampelotherapy, the indulgent practice of using only wine and grape-based body treatments, at this exquisite golf resort's rustic spa. Your skin will thank you for it.

Peralada Wine Spa


GRANADA

El Rancho de Ferrer

RELAXING RANCH
El Rancho de Ferrer
Take advantage of the solitude at this exclusive guest ranch, once an abandoned village. If you feel like spending a quiet night in, guest cottages come equipped with kitchens and living rooms.

TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Hotel Casa Morisca
Dating back to the 15th century, Hotel Casa Morisca (“Moorish house”) was named for the Muslims who remained in Granada after the Spanish conquest. The patio still boasts the original morisco pool, and the entire structure features a strong North-African design influence.
Suite at Casa Morisca, Spain

IBIZA

Ibiza Yoga

YOGA RETREAT
Center Yourself
Not exactly what you'd expect from the notorious party island, Benniras Beach is a quiet oasis where visitors can practice yoga and enjoy vegetarian cuisine while rubbing elbows with local beach bums.

MADRID

TOP 10 CASTLE HOTELS
Parador of Alarcon
If a sense of the past is what you desire, Parador of Alarcon will satisfy your craving. A medieval village adjacent to the Jucar River gorge surrounds the 8th century Moorish castle. Although Parador of Alarcon prides itself on its flawless preservation, each of its fifteen rooms offer all the modern comforts.
Parador of Alarcon, Cuenca


Palacio de Comunicaciones
BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE
Madrid
It’s hard to think about work when you’re in one of Europe’s most vivacious capital cities. Located on the elevated Castilian plain, Madrid is one of the few places where mixing business and pleasure is not only encouraged, it’s compulsory.

EXPLORE THE CAPITAL
Visiting Madrid?
Centuries-old tradition meets modern luxury in this grand city. Take your time exploring the tascas (tapas bars) before enjoying the nightlife in this vibrant Spanish city.
Madrid

MARBELLA
Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort
TOP 10 GOLF RESORTS
Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort

Located just ten minutes from Marbella, the Guadalmina Golf Hotel sits on the seafront, boasting views of Gibraltar and the North African coast. All of the recently refurbished rooms feature sea or golf course views.

RIOJA

CITY OF WINE
Hotel Marqués de Riscal

Located in the heart of the Rioja wine region, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal is no ordinary overnight destination—it's a "city." The original Marqués de Riscal winery was transformed by architect Frank Gehry into the "City of Wine"after a $77 million, eight-year renovation project.
Hotel Marqués de Riscal

SEVILLE

Flamenco Dancer
72-HOUR VACATION
Seville
How do an afternoon tapas crawl, spontaneous flamenco performances and an unforgettable meal at the elBulli property La Alquería sound to you? Here's your prescription for three delectable days in Seville.

VALENCIA

TRAVEL FEATURE
Vibrant Valencia
Valencia, in Spain’s Levante region, is a testament to great beauty, surprising modernity and a gentleness of life palpable in its street festivals and nightlife. Here are some of the highlights, from art and artisans to the region's fine food and lively festivals.
Valencian Cuisine

The Westin Valencia

LIVING IT UP IN VALENCIA
The Westin Valencia Hotel
Located just eight miles from Valencia airport, and within walking distance to the city’s main sites, The Westin Valencia is embracing the future while maintaining its Mediterranean charm.

THE FOOD OF SPAIN
Spanish Cooking

If you can't get to Spain anytime soon but want to cook like a Spaniard, check out Spanish Home Cooking - Cocina Casera.

See also: Mediterranean Vegetables

Visit the official website of Spain
Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 06/08/09 KR)


Business in Chicago

Chicago remains among the most integral economic and business locales in the United States and beyond, but hardly adheres to the motto "all work and no play." Home to the nation's 44th president, this cosmopolitan town welcomes visitors with gracious, open arms.

72 Hours in Newport Beach

Sandwiched along Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, this coastal Orange County town boasts fabulous nightlife, glamorous entertainment and luxury shopping. Revel in the almost-always sunny skies, rolling blue Pacific, rocky shores and gleaming white sands.