Top Reasons to Spend your holidays in Spain
Holidays in the Iberian Peninsula are renowned the world over for countless beaches and sun-drenched revelry, and there is so much to be found beyond a passing visit. Spend a holiday in Spain and discover surprises and wonders around every corner. From easily accessible art, to festivals and outdoor activities, Spain has it all. Here are 9 genuine reasons to take your time and enjoy quality time under the golden Spanish sun.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
ENJOYING THE WORLD-CLASS BEACHES
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, the beaches that encircle Spain cannot be overstated. The sands of the coasts are a promised land for Spaniards. Some of the best in the world are found in the Canary Islands, on the blacks’ sands of Tenerife and the surf-rich waters of Fuerteventura. In Huelva, Marbella and Tarifa, along the Costa de la Luz, the golden sands have long attracted sunbathers, family beachgoers and celebrities alike. And don’t forget the coves and strands of Ibiza and Majorca.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
MIXING WITH LOCALS ON THE TERRACE
The culture of terrace relaxation is so engrained the Spaniard’s soul, it is impossible to imagine a Spain without it. In the afternoons and well into the night, outdoor spaces are filled with tables and chairs, with chatting locals under umbrellas people-watching and sharing tapas and cañas. Although not the only country with a flair for the terrace, Spain no doubt takes it very seriously, and there is no better way to dive headlong into the culture than to join in and forget the long winter.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
HAVING WORLD-CLASS ART AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Some of the best museums in the world reside in Spain, showcasing work from Spanish icons like Picasso, Goya and Velazquez, as well as international stars. Madrid boasts at least 12 impressive museums, arguably the finest being The Museo del Prado. Others include the Museo Reina Sofía, housing contemporary art and classics from Miró, Dalí and Antonio Saura (as well as its pride and joy, Picasso’s “Guernica”), the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, holding everything from impressionists to Pop Art, and a museum devoted just to Joaquin Sorolla. In Málaga, the hometown of Picasso, 10 wonderful museums epitomize the importance of art in the history of Spain, including the Museo Picasso and Pompidou Centre. In Madrid, look out for countless traveling exhibitions.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
ANCIENT MONUMENTS, PERFECTLY PRESERVED
With countless castles and over 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Spain is a center for historical reverence. A finalist as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Granada’s Alhambra is the undoubtedly the most visited. But other Spanish gems include the Alcazar in Seville, the fairytale-like castles of Toledo, the iconic and continuously constructed Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, and the historical royal residence El Escorial. In Spain, history is accessible through shrines, cathedrals and architecture that has been tended to and perfectly integrated into modern life.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
WINE AND TAPAS
The impeccable gastronomy of Spain somehow stays in the top echelons on the world stage while remaining humble and accessible. On terraces, backyards, bars and restaurants, Spain doesn’t skimp on its snacks and drinks, either in quantity or quality. From the superior Ribera del Duero and Rioja red wines to the sherries and brandies of Andalusia, from the pinchos and variety of olives served in every Madrid bar to the free tapas included with every drink, simply sitting at a café can reveal world-class eats. Spanish tortilla, freshly sliced cured ham and a variety of rice dishes are great places to start your culinary tour.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
TIME OF CELEBRATIONS
In Spain, any season is a time of celebrations. Most are outdoors and run the gamut from music and dancing to religious reverence to local cultural delights with food and a rejoicing public. Highlights include the Music and Dance Festival of Granada, the raging Bonfires of San Juan (country-wide) and the Jerez Feria del Caballo showing off folk costumes and legendary Andalusian horses. The Fair in Malaga celebrates flamenco culture, and the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid is a major draw for modern music. Madrid Pride Week is one of the largest in the world, and the Fiesta de la Paloma celebrates what it really means to be Madrileño. And the Fiestas de La Virgen del Carmen display jaw-dropping, beautiful religious processions throughout the streets of Málaga.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
VERANOS DE LA VILLA IN MADRID
Every summer, stars in music, theatre and dance descend on Madrid, with exclusive outdoor concerts in venues throughout the city. From nights of flamenco with Miguel Poveda and El Cigala, to the Bossa Nova of Brazilian great Caetano Veloso, to jazz legends like Diana Krall and popular stars such as Regina Spektor and Elvis Costello music and culture lovers find plenty to do. There are also folk and ballet performances and workshops and magic shows for children.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
THE NIGHTLIFE
Legendary clubs and bars have occupied Spain’s coastal paradises for years. The best DJs and performers are standards at many famously Ibiza clubs. Arguably the best place to chill with a cocktail and watch the sunset: the famous ocean side Café del Mar. Posh and exclusive Marbella is a prime location for celebrity spotting while mingling in a palapa-rich beach bars under the stars. Spaniards also prove their socializing stamina late into the night in Madrid’s diverse Malasaña and tapa-filled La Latina neighborhoods.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
FUN ON THE WATER
Surrounded by the sea, the Iberian Peninsula is a mecca for water lovers. Palma de Majorca showcases skilled sailors in the annual King’s Cup regatta, while yachts and sailboats fill the bays around the Balearic Islands with weekend sailors. The exclusive marinas in Palma, Marbella and Malaga are perfect bases for excursions. On the beaches of Andalucía’s Tarifa, as well as in Majorca’s Pollença, windsurfing and kite surfing is some of the best in the world. One of the world capitals for surfing is found at Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.
SHAWN MOKSVOLD | 28/08/17
