SPAIN
You want to go to Spain, with its flamenco dancers and soaring cathedrals, but we have to ask you, “Which Spain?” The hip and energetic Spain of Barcelona and Madrid? The historic Moorish Spain of Granada? The spirited mountainous region of the Basque Country? With its captivating and diverse regions, Spain has inspired many of the world’s most prolific artists, from Antoni Gaudi and Pablo Picasso to fashion icons such as Manolo Blahnik (yes, that Manolo Blahnik), and its national and natural treasures are sights to behold.
From the Pyrenees to the coast, Spain offers top-notch art museums, world-class hotels, inventive cuisine, music festivals, and exciting nightlife with dancing until dawn. Even so, daily life in Spain moves slowly and runs late. Some could be frustrated by limited store hours and daily siestas, but that’s the point of this laid-back country: Relish the moment, enjoy yourself, eat well, and relax. Spaniards love visitors, hosting strangers drinking good wine, and laughing over a delicious meal. So take a seat at the table! Whether you are looking to escape to a sleep hilltop village in Andalusia or feasting on tapas in Valencia, it’s all here. You can hit tropical islands, too, or ski up north. Your pick.
The best time to visit is generally early summer or the start of fall, depending on your destination because Spain is divided into three distinct weather regions. But we’re here to tell you it’s a year-round destination that is sure to hold you in thrall.