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

From the
stately Hotel Ritz Madrid to the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal, these are the best hotels in this caliente country. Whether you plan on picking Valencia oranges or running with the bulls, be sure to experience Spain in one of these overnight spots.
ME Madrid, one of our Top 10 Hotels in Spain

Cavalia in Düsseldorf
A MAGICAL SHOW
Cavalia

Focused on the allure of horses, this show features magical high-tech sets, acrobatics and live orchestra to involve multiple senses. Not a traditional circus, Cavalia is an unconventional performance capturing the partnership between man and horse.


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

Paella



Balneario de Archena

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. Find out where to "take the waters," from the oldest spa resort, The Balneario de Archena, to newcomers like Caracala Spa.



BARCELONA

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.

Gran Hotel La Florida


Spanish Architecture
72-HOUR VACATION
Modernism, Architecture
and Food

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.



BILBAO

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


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 El Bulli.

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.
Exhibit A: Melon Cantaloupe Caviar

GIRONA

Peralada Wine Spa

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.


GRANADA

RELAXING RANCH
El Rancho de Ferrer
Take advantage of the solitude at this exclusive guest ranch, once an abandoned village. Enjoy a trail ride and sample local cuisine while your mount, chosen specifically for you according to your skill level, is watered. If you feel like spending a quiet night in, guest cottages come equipped with kitchens and living rooms.

El Rancho de Ferrer

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

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.
Palacio de Comunicaciones

Hotel Urban

ARTISTIC SURROUNDINGS
Hotel Urban
Have you ever wanted to sleep in an art gallery? You'll feel like you are at this modern hotel, whose rooms are each designed around a single work of art, complete with curator's notes. You can also enjoy the on-site ancient Egyptian art museum, dine al fresco, or take a dip in the rooftop pool.

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

Marbella
ROYAL PURSUITS
Marbella Club Hotel
Hit the links and enjoy views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and the African Coastline as you tread in the steps of royalty at this super-exclusive golf resort. Only hotel guests are allowed on the immaculately-maintained course, and tee times are staggered to ensure a leisurely game. If golf isn't your sport of choice, you can also take in the sights on horseback.

NAVARRA

WINE COUNTRY
Hotel El Peregrino
A dream come true for vineyard connoisseurs, Hotel El Peregrino is a cozy getaway nestled between the French border and Spain's La Rioja wine growing region. Sleep soundly in beautifully designed guestrooms that feature just a touch of kitschy style.
Hotel El Peregrino

RIOJA

Hotel Marqués de Riscal
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.

SEVILLE

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

VALENCIA

Valencian Cuisine
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.

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 Westin Valencia

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
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(Updated: 04/22/08 ET)


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