music concert ©Rafael Tovar/Flickr

It’s hard not to fall in love with a country like Spain: thousands of kilometers of beach, beautiful mountains, delicious sea food, historic towns that are unique in the world and unrivaled parties are just a few of the country’s attractions. In addition to these, Spain is home to countless events and manifestations, including some of the best music festivals in Europe.

If you like big crowds and festivals, or are curious to experience a music festival in the country of bull fighting and flamenco, than this next article is for you. Read on and learn about the biggest and best music festival that Spain has to offer:

Benicassim Music Festival

As one of the oldest music festivals in Spain, Benicassim enjoys a truly spectacular lineup. Among this year’s artist we ca enumerate The Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs and Queens of the Stone Age. During the 4 days of festival you will have the chance to listen top more than 50 artists from all over the world. The 2013 edition starts on July 18, in the usual location – Valencia.

festival time © rrenzoo/Flickr

Bilbao BBK live

The Basque city of Bilbao is home to one of the biggest and loudest 5 music festivals in Spain: Bilbao BBK live. The festival started in 2006 and has so far managed to build a great reputations, so that this year’s edition in July will feature a smashing lineup, with artists such as Depeche Mode, Kings of Leon and Greenday.

SOS 4.8, Murcia

The festival season debuts early in Spain with SOS 4.8, Murcia’s very own music fest. This young festival is usually held at the beginning of May, and is mainly focused on rock and electro music. However, the international lineup gathers artists and bands of the most various genres, so don’t be surprised if you find some underground punk band or folk musician.

festival mood © quantummusicfestival/Flickr

Sonar

With its location in the splendid city of Barcelona, Sonar was meant to succeed. With about 80 000 participants each year, the festival is Spain’s biggest. The music here falls mostly in the dance/electric category, but bands are selected to satisfy various tastes. Mid June is when the festival is usually held.

Sonisphere

Usually associated with hard rock and metal, Sonishpere festivals are present in several countries now, including Spain. Since 2009, the Sonisphere festival has managed to gather several tens of thousands of rock fan in Getafe. Among the bands that have confirmed their presence at the 2013 edition are Megadeath, Iron Maden and Anthrax.

music concert ©Rafael Tovar/Flickr

Cooking traditional suckling pig © PromoMadrid/Flickr

There are countless reasons why Madrid can be counted among Europe’s most visited cities, and excellent food is certainly one of them. The Spanish capital has a record number of Michelin awarded restaurants, and it is also the city with the oldest restaurant in Europe.

A true heaven for foodies, Madrid is great for indulging on Spanish cuisine, but also a great place to look for some of Europe’s most famous chefs and best gourmet restaurants. In today’s guide we have included some of the best restaurants one can find in the capital of Spain:

El Club Allard

Here is a restaurant that can satisfy even the most refined tastes. Rated with two Michelin stars, the place is so popular that it doesn’t even need a sign. This fusion restaurant is the kind of establishment where food is the one and only concern: there are no breathtaking views, no live music, no paintings on the walls or strong colors.

Madrid restaurant ©Daquella manera/Flickr

La Terraza del Casino del Madrid

This award-winning Madrid restaurant is situated in a central area of Madrid, Calle Alcala. The restaurant is part of a private club, but you don’t necessarily have to be a member in order to get a table. Praised as one of Madrid’s finest restaurants, La Terraza del Casino offers a selection of international and gourmet dishes, along with impeccable service.

Zalacain Restaurant

If you’re determined to dine is style while visiting the city of Madrid, then the Zalacain Restaurant might be the perfect choice for you. The elegant setting and the ultra-central create the perfect atmosphere for an evening of culinary revelations. The menu features classic Spanish dishes, as well as a wine list worthy of a king. Our advice: no matter what you decide to try out, make sure you leave room for dessert.

Cooking traditional suckling pig © PromoMadrid/Flickr

Corral de la Morería

This long-established Madrid restaurant offers one of the most unique culinary experiences. Traditional Spanish cuisine is spiced up with quality flamenco representations, often given by famous artists. The restaurant represents one of the first establishments of its type, offering a classic example of ‘tabalo flamenco’.

Sergi Arola Gastro

Are you tired of paellas and you like a taste of contemporary Madrid? Well, whet it comes to fine dining in Madrid, Sergi Arola’s restaurant might just be the right place. With signature dishes such as honey ice cream or smoked scallop wit potatoes, this restaurant run by chef Sergi Arola promises to enchant you with new and unexpected combinations and aromas.

Panceta Iberica ©jlastras/Flickr

view of Sierra Nevada ©Adam Jones, Ph.D. – Global Photo Archive/Flickr

Okay, so you have arrived in Granada, seen its architectural marvels, strolled along its historic streets. You still have a few days to spend in this splendid Andalusian city and you are out of ideas. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do and experience here, so there are actually very little chances to get bored.

Traveling with kids might seem to complicate things apparently, but that’s just an illusion – or at least when it comes to Granada. Granada can be very kid-friendly if you know where to look – just check out these exciting activities and attractions:

Guided City Walks

A guided walk through the historic center of the city will help you discover the people and stories behind Granada’s streets and buildings in a fun and interactive way. Kids have the liberty to move and play around a bit, and you will be spared the effort of carrying a travel guide. Also, tours are available in English so there is no language barrier to stay between you and this amazing Spanish city.

Granada cathedral ©Sebastian Baryli/Flickr

Fun on the Beach

It would simply be a pity to travel all the way to Southern Spain and not get a taste of the fabulous beaches on Costa del Sol. No kids will ever say no to a day of sunbathing, swimming or trying all kinds of water sports on one of Europe’s best beaches.  It takes last than an hour by car to reach the seaside, where you can just drive around and choose a beach to your liking.

Sierra Nevada Trip

Not a fan of the seaside? Why not try the mountains, then? These scenic mountains in Southern Spain are and ideal hiking destination. You can try all kinds of activities here, from climbing and trekking to canyoning. In wintertime, Sierra Nevada mountains become a first-class ski destination.

view of Sierra Nevada ©Adam Jones, Ph.D. – Global Photo Archive/Flickr

Museo Cuevas Sacromonte

This attraction is often overlooked by visitors, who sometimes spend half a day just visiting the famous Alhambra palace complex. This is rather ironic, as the museum/cave system is quite close to Alhambra, as it is part of Granada’s hills. The caves have once been inhabited by humans and some of the objects they used have survived the ages and are part of the museum’s collection. The museum mainly an ethnographic museum, meaning you get the change to learn about the local culture. Occasionally, there will also be workshops, shows and demonstrations at the museum.

Sacromonte museum ©gastromartini/Flickr

Surfing in Spain ©surfglassy/Flickr

Adventurers and thrill seekers might be wondering what can the country of flamenco, tapas, fiestas and beautiful beaches offer them in terms of extreme sports. Well, quite a lot, actually. Spain can be a fabulous extreme sports destination, with the condition that you know where to look for.

While most of Spain’s big cities will have at least one skate park, the country’s mountains and beach resorts are the usual suspects when it comes to adventure travel and extreme sports. If, by any chance, you feel confident enough to participate in a competition (or you simply enjoy watching these kind of events), here’s a list of popular extreme sports events:

European Balloon Festival

Hot air ballooning might not sound like a very extreme sport, but due to its high risk factor, it is considered an adventure sport. Each year in July, the city of Barcelona becomes the host of the European Balloon Festival, a major ballooning event. The best balloon fliers on the continent travel to Barcelona to show their skill, as the sky is filled by dozens of multicolored balloons.

24 Horas de Motociclisme

One of the most spectacular competitions to take place in Barcelona, this 3-day motorcycle race brings together teams from all over the world. An endurance race, 24 Horas de Motociclisme, now at its 19th edition, is organized on Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, the same to host Spain’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. Another great thing about this event in July is that the entrance is free, so anyone can attend.

motorcycle race ©xavib/Flickr

ASP 6-Star San Miguel Pro Zarautz

The northern coast of Basque Country is known for its surf-perfect beaches. Zaratuz beach is the place where waves can reach gargantuan proportions, which makes it suitable for the annual ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) 6-star competition. This is your chance to see some daredevil surfers in action, but also to explore one of the most scenic regions of Spain.

Surfing in Spain ©surfglassy/Flickr

Fuerteventura Kiteboarding PKRA Grand Slam

One of Spain’s best extreme sports competitions takes place in the Canaries, on the island of Fuerteventura. Each year, Playa Sotavento becomes a battleground, as professional kitesurfers try to mark as many points as possible and get one step closer to becoming world champions.

Kite surfer ©weesmalldoll/Flickr

Pamplona Bull Race

Spain is where one of the oldest and most controversial extreme sports was born: bull fighting. But while becoming a professional bull fighter might require a lifetime, entering the traditional Pamplona bull race requires only courage (and maybe a bit of madness). The event is both original and extreme: just imagine a herd of angry bulls, running freely on the streets and chasing the participants.

Madrid, hotel room with a view © George Arriola/Flickr

A romantic weekend in Madrid can be the perfect gift for that very special person in you life. Madrid might not be generally regarded as a romantic city (not to the same extent as Paris, anyway), yet there is indeed a very romantic side of it waiting to be explored. This is why in today’s post we have complied a few tips for planning a romantic Madrid escape.

Being romantic in Madrid is not difficult when you have chosen the perfect hotel, made reservation to the best restaurants and made a list of favorite romantic activities. Here are a few suggestions of how to organize an unforgettable weekend:

Where to stay

Picking the perfect hotel for your romantic Madrid escape is not easy, simply because Madrid offers so many choices in terms of accommodation. Nevertheless, you can start by asking yourself what exactly are you looking for: is it a centrally-located, five star hotel? Or an intimate boutique hotel? Or maybe you prefer a nice bed & breakfast, with a beautiful location somewhere at the city’s outskirts? Some of the famous Madrid luxury hotels will have special romantic and honeymoon packages, which might also include spa sessions. Examples include Hotel De Las Letras, Hotel De Las Letras, Hotel Ritz or the Urban Hotel Madrid. For uniquely decorated rooms with a view try any of the following boutique hotels: Hotel Orfila, Silken Hotel Puerta America Madrid, Hotel Unico.

Madrid, hotel room with a view © George Arriola/Flickr

Dining out in style

Indulging in some indigenous dishes is an important part of a true city escape. And if food is one of your interests, you have come to the right place. Madrid is famous for its tapas bars, but also for the numerous luxury restaurants, including the oldest attested restaurant in Europe. Most of the above mentioned hotel will also have a luxury restaurant, but if your are looking for something with a more ‘local’ feel, you can try any of the following: Cornucopia, La Corral de la Morería, Botin, La Buganvilla.

tapas © Kent Wang/Flickr

Romantic things to do

Few things in Madrid can be more romantic than an evening walk along the beautifully lighted old boulevards and streets.  During the day, you can use one of Madrid’s numerous parks and public gardens as a romantic settings for your strolls in two (examples include Parc Guell, the Royal Botanical Gardens or El Capricho Park). Lastly, you can improve your knowledge of Romantic art with a visit to the Museo del Romanticismo.

sculpture at Museum of Romanticism ©OndasDeRuido/Flickr

Cadiz beach©IvanMH/Flickr

The summer of 2013 is almost here, and most of us are awaiting the summer holidays with great anticipations. And there aren’t few those who dream about Spain’s beautiful coastline, with its world-class beaches and unrivaled night clubs.

So where in Spain should you go this summer? Will it be the party island of Ibiza? The glamorous Costa Brava? Or the popular Costa del Sol? This pretty much depends on your expectations, but as a general guideline we put together our own list of Spain’s hottest 2013 beach destinations. Feel free to check it out:

La Palma, Canary Islands

Less famous than its neighbors Tenerife, Fuertevantura and Lanzarote, La Palma is a great choice for anyone who wants to experience the balmy weather of Canary Islands and their fabulous beaches, while in the same time avoiding the tourist crowds. The island offers some really nice, blue-flagged beaches, along with a few smaller, undeveloped beaches which are ideal for nudists, privacy-seekers or surfers.

Costa de la Luz

The ‘Coast of Light’ this would be a literal translation of this part of Andalusia. This part of Spain is less known for its beach resorts and better known for its cultural heritage, with amazing historic cities and towns such as Seville, Cadiz or Jerez. Located in the extreme South of Spain, this is one of the hottest and driest areas in Europe. But this is also the reason while the beaches here are so wide – endless stretches of fine, white sand.

Cadiz beach©IvanMH/Flickr

Tossa del Mar

The northern coast of Spain is a natural continuation of the French Riviera: you’ll find the same turquoise sea, rugged cliffs, delicious cuisine, hidden coves and even the same glamor.  There’s noting that this picturesque area of Spain known as Costa Brava will refuse you, so no wonder that resorts such as Lloret del Mar have become popular hangout places for the rich and famous. Tossa del Mar might not have the same preference for luxury, yet it’s 3 main beaches are truly remarkable, and so are its historic monuments. Plus, you are only at 100 kilometers north of Barcelona.

Tossa del Mar ©jaycross/Flickr

Menorca, Balearic Islands

For years in a row, the smallest of the Balearic Islands is among our favorite beach destinations in Spain. So what makes it so appealing with sun-seekers and holiday-makers from all over Europe? Is it the Mediterranean food? The frequent fiestas? The beautiful countryside views? There can obviously be many reasons, for Menorca is a fabulous beach destination. And here I’m not just throwing big words – you’ll rarely find such nice beaches and coves like the ones in Menorca, with their eternal ultramarine waters.

Menorca Cove ©PABLO ASOREY/Flickr

Ibiza old town ©victoriapeckham/Flickr

Here’s a thought on your Easter break: why not spend it somewhere warm? Somewhere where traditions have been solemnly carried out for centuries, where it is warm enough for a picnic by the sea, and where people are always cheerful…Somewhere like Ibiza.

Ibiza, the party island, goes through a radical transformation around Easter. Like in many parts of Spain, Semana Santa manifestations are held in Ibiza. In parallel with these, a new party season starts, as clubs open up their doors to students in their spring break. Here are a few useful tips for spending Easter in Ibiza:

What to see

The religious manifestations preceding Easter are the most important events that take place around Easter. Known as Semana Santa in Spain, the Holy Week is the week before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The two most important days are Thursday and Friday, when the old streets of Ibiza town host the traditional processions. A long row of masked men, dressed in white pr black robes, and belonging to the different orders or brotherhoods will be carrying religious statues and sacred objects on their shoulders. They will be accompanied by flowers, garlands, candles and a huge crowd of onlookers. Similar manifestations take place in Santa Eulalia, another Ibiza town – which also has a small procession on Easter Sunday.

Semana Santa procession ©F3rn4nd0_2/Flickr

What to do

There are plenty of things you can do in Ibiza at this time of the year. Strolling through the historic center of Ibiza Town is one pleasant and cost-free activity. While Ibiza natives will spend Easter with their families, gathered around a traditional lunch or dinner, tourists prefer to chill on a seaside lounge. However, many of the businesses might be closed on Easter day, so our suggestion will be to stock on some nice Easter foods the day before, and go for a nice Easter picnic on the beach if the weather allows it. In the rest of the days, you might want to organize a little tour of the island, or maybe a culinary tour – Ibiza has excellent restaurants.

Ibiza old town ©victoriapeckham/Flickr

Parties and events

Parties are not so frequent during this period as they are in summer, however some of the clubs open their doors quite early in spring. Saturday night is the best for going out in a club. The club scene might be more animated in the week after Christmas. But Easter is really a great time to chill and check out clubs and lounges that are extremely busy and expensive in summer.

Ibiza restaurant ©yashima/Flickr

Grand Prix Spain ©Mypoorbrain/Flickr

Spring (especially the months of April and May) is a great time to visit the city of Barcelona. Although Barcelona winters are not harsh, people do tend to be more active and outgoing in spring. As soon as the spring arrives and the weather gets warm, Barcelona becomes the stage of numerous events, from open air concerts to the traditional Easter manifestations. Barcelona beaches come back to life, as both locals and tourists go here in search for sunlight and fresh air.

As for some specific spring attractions in Barcelona, here are a few suggestions for your future travels:

Feria de Abril

As I said before, Barcelona becomes very eventful in spring, and one of the annual events that is worth attending is Feria de Abril. This fun fair usually takes place at the end of April in Parc de Forum, and has its origins in an old Andalusian tradition. The atmosphere here is very typical of a country fair: there will be food, music, rides (including a huge Ferris wheel), and, to add the local touch, flamenco representations and contests.

music concert ©jaswooduk/Flickr

Primavera Sound Festival

A major music event in Barcelona, the Primavera Festival will give you the chance to get familiar with emerging and underground artists from all over the world. For those willing to try something different from the mainstream music we hear everywhere, this festival is just perfect. Also, what can be nicer than combining good music with one of Europe’s most beautiful cities?

Spanish Grand Prix

For a drastically different experience of noise, try grabbing a seat at Circuit de Catalunya, where the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix is organized every year. This major sports event gathers huge crowds of Formula 1 fans, who travel for thousands of miles for a chance to hear the rumble of a race car and get a glimpse of the world’s fastest drivers.

Grand Prix Spain ©Mypoorbrain/Flickr

Easter Celebrations

Easter is a very important holiday in Spain, and Barcelona is one of the best examples of this. The Holy Week = Semana Santa, is taken very seriously by the citizens of Barcelona. Throughout this week you can assist at numerous manifestations – such as religious processions – many of which take place in the street. The Easter Day is reserved for family meals or picnics, which usually leaves the city almost deserted. Whatever your plans for Easter in Barcelona, there is one thing you shouldn’t miss: a taste of the traditional Easter sweets.

Easter procession ©Kevin Hutchinson/Flickr

Guggenheim Bilbao ©Maldita la hora/Flickr

For so many reasons, Spain is one of the best European destinations for cultural and historic trips. Century-old churches, art museums and medieval castles are just a few of Spain’s cultural assets which are popular with tourists. But in addition to these long-established attractions, Spain is also a great place to learn about modern art.

So if getting up to date with the trendiest Spanish artists and latest tendencies is what you are interested in, here’s a brief description of the very best contemporary art museums and galleries in Spain:

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

The name Guggenheim has long come to be associated with modern and contemporary art. As one of Spain’s most famous Museums, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is committed to host the best and most revolutionary contemporary artists. Itself a work of art designed by a world-famous architect, the Guggenheim museum features exhibits such as sculptures, paintings, photographs, or installations, which are usually grouped thematically. This way, visitors can more easily grasp the characteristics of a certain artistic movement, or get a deeper understanding of one artist’s work.

Guggenheim Bilbao ©Maldita la hora/Flickr

MACBA, Barcelona

The full name of this Barcelona Museum would be: the Contemporary Art Museum Barcelona. If you want to familiarize yourself with Barcelona’s contemporary art scene, the MACBA is the place to start. The museum is organized in the permanent exhibition rooms – usually displaying works form the museum’s own art collections – and the gallery rooms, where you will most likely find works by Catalan artists. Here you can encounter the most various forms of art, from multimedia creations to advertising, prints and installations.

MACBA ©puroticorico/Flickr

Andalusia Contemporary Art Center, Seville

An old monastery might not be the kind of place in which you would expect to find contemporary art, however happens to be the case with this museum in Seville. The museum’s permanent collections contain works by famous Andalusian artists, but the museums might also host temporary exhibitions form time to time. What is very interesting about this museum is that its building is not only very old, but is is also associated with one of the most famous explorers in history, Christopher Columbus.

Contemporary Arts Center, Malaga

Malaga is a prime beach holiday destination, but also the place where the famous painter Pablo Picasso was born. So no wonder that Malaga is also the place to find one of the best contemporary art museums and galleries in Spain. This Contemporary Arts Center is not very big, but it can help you get a wider picture of Spain’s contemporary art scene, and especially the artists of Andalusia.

Contemporary Arts Center Malaga ©Peter-Ashley/Flickr

Cadaques ©
MARIA ROSA FERRE/Flickr

There are few better ways to enjoy Spain’s beautiful countryside and amazing landscapes than going on a cycling trip. The warm climate gives you several months each year during which you can explore Spain’s beauties from one end to another. And because Spain is such a wide country with a great diversity of attraction, you can plan your route according to your interests: countryside landscapers, mountain biking, cultural heritage etc.

Check out these fabulous scenic biking routes in Spain and plan your next Spanish adventure:

Camino de Santiago

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, then you’ve probably know all there is to know about this well-known pilgrimage route in Northern Spain. What you may not know already is that the route is also accessible to cyclists. The starting point for this route is the small town of Roncesvalles, near the French border. Across your 800 kilometer journey from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela you will encounter numerous medieval churches, picturesque countryside landscapes, as well as historic cities such as Leon, Pamplona or Burgos. The trip usually takes up to 2 weeks to complete.

Bilbao to Biarritz

The coastal route from Bilbao to Biarritz is one of Spain’s finest cycling routes. This is basque country at its best: within just 150 kilometers of rugged shores you will cross two natural parks, as well as the two most important cities in the Basque country, Bilbao and San Sebastian. The route, which takes about 2 hours on a bus, can be completed in 2-3 days.

Seville to Osuna

One of the best scenic biking routes in Spain is the one between Seville and Osuna. Here you will encounter some typical Andalusian landscape, with vast arid plains and picturesque old farms. The route is suitable for beginners and could be done in one day, but staying overnight at one of the nice inns of the road will add a plus of rustic charm to your experience.

Osuna ©Cayetano/Flickr

Figueres to Cadaques

The route from Figueres to Cadaques is not long at all, but it certainly compensates in terms of quality. The starting point for this route is the town of Figueres, best known as the birthplace of Salvador Dali. For most of your trip you will be pedaling through Cap de Creus Natural Park, where the foothills of the Pyrenees form a rocky peninsula. The trip ends in the charming town of Cadaques, a very bohemian resort on Costa Brava, best known for its laid-back atmosphere and deep-blue sea.

Cadaques ©
MARIA ROSA FERRE/Flickr