Spain

On our most recent trip to Europe, we dedicated over half our time to Spain so we could really sink our teeth into the cuisine and try as many traditional Spanish dishes as we could.

Toledo is an historic city overlooking the Tagus River in Castilla-La Mancha. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long and colorful history dating back over two millennia.

Madrid has its share of iconic dishes like cochinillo and bocadillo de calamares, but more than any one dish, what I enjoyed most about this city was its diversity of food experiences.

Granada was the final stronghold of the Spanish Moors. Evidence of Islamic influence is still prevalent throughout the city, from its Arab baths to the Alcaiceria to the Albayzin and the mighty Alhambra.

Donostia-San Sebastian is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It’s got beautiful churches and buildings and a wide sandy beach described as one of the best in-city beaches in Europe. But what San Sebastian is most famous for, is its food.

When you think of Santiago de Compostela, the first thing that comes to mind is the camino. It’s the final destination in the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James, a network of routes that all lead to the city’s massive cathedral.

With all the delicious food you can have in this city, the one dish that perhaps best represents San Sebastian food is the humble pintxo. Similar to tapas, it refers to a family of small bar snacks that are typically skewered onto a piece of bread with a toothpick.

As lovely as Barcelona is, the crowds can get a bit overwhelming at times. There’s much to see and do in Barcelona but if you’ve already experienced its top tourist attractions, then it’s time to escape the city and go on a day trip.

The Alhambra is the main draw in Granada but there’s so much more to love about this intriguing city in the Andalusian region of Spain. If it’s your first time visiting, then described in this guide are ten of the best things you can do in Granada.

From historic cities to prominent wine regions to iconic landmarks that have inspired art and literature, there are plenty of reasons to go beyond the city and exploring the many fascinating destinations around Madrid.