In the summer, of course, the third largest of Spain's Balearic Islands is arguably the party capital of the world, throbbing practically 24/7 from its beaches, yacht marinas, and discos to the cobblestone lanes of its ancient cities and towns. But a
During the time I lived in and have since visited Catalonia, this for me is one of the region's most charming traditions. April 23, 2015 might seem like just another Thursday, but in this special corner of the world, the Catholic feast day or St. Geo
The many-centuries-long saga of the Sephardim, the Jews of Sepharad (as they called the Iberian Peninsula) reaches back to Roman Hispania (and there are suggestions there might have been trade links dating back even to Old Testament times). As elsewh
Every time I see Antoni Gaudí’s still unfinished Sagrada Família, the crown jewel of the Catalan architect’s vast œuvre, it’s simply not possible to witness the soaring prayer in stone that is this most unusual of temples, and not be moved — in part,
Among various other things, Spain is one enormous banquet table, laden with distinctive and delicious treats from every corner of the land and surrounding seas. But I daresay there’s nothing more distinctive in the country – or in Europe, for that ma
What lovelier (and tastier) way to learn the nuances of a foreign culture than rubbing shoulders with the locals, tasting the flavors of their land? Well yes, there is literature and art and music, but we certainly can’t appreciate those on an empty
People go to Majorca in the summer in search of beautiful beaches and great weather, but if you are also looking for fiestas and local culture, summer is the perfect time to visit as there are all kinds of fiestas and events taking place on this bea
I've always had a thing about the quirky little corners of this continent that’s famously a patchwork of ethnicities and accidents of history, and there are a few bits and pieces scattered across Europe that are quirkier than others. They range from
Oy vey, olé! Everyone knows that most Jews in Spain were given the royal boot back in 1492, the same year Chris Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue, right? Well, yes and no. Some managed to hang on, and the story of how they did so in secret constitutes a
Spain has several superb ski resorts with outstanding slopes, excellent facilities and most importantly of all, really great snow. Here we’ll be taking you on a mini-tour of some of the best ski resorts in Spain – and there are quite a few to choose
It's apple harvest time, and it's another crisp Saturday night on Calle Gascona (below right) in downtown Oviedo, an old university city that's the genteel, postcard-pretty capital of emerald-green Asturias in north Spain, with happy-faced students
I never really considered Lanzarote as a holiday destination. From seeing various advertisements, and hearsay, I’d formed the impression that it’s a tacky haunt for the package holiday sun-seeker, and not my thing at all.
It’s that time of year again, as the stars head for alignment this Sunday at the Dolby Theatrein Los Angeles for the 86th Academy Awards. Spain has been represented in recent years by quite a few luminaries, including directors Pedro Almodóvar, Nés
Outside Spain, almost any Spanish restaurant throughout the world proudly serves this rice dish, studded most commonly with fish, shellfish, and select veggies. But within the country, unless a restaurant caters to tourists, paella is found largely i
To most non-Spaniards, the historic city and region of Valencia is most famous for paella and oranges. There is, however, an incredible edible número tres you probably haven’t heard of.
Even though it’s popular throughout Spain, for whatever reason th
Summer holidays may be a receding memory, but in Spain–and nowhere more than Iberia Airlines’ hometown Madrid–being back in the “real world” of work and bills to pay is still plenty sweet. It’s the season when local cultural events and the late-night
Summer is here, and that means Sitges is in full swing for the season. Of the myriad little fishing-villages-turned-beach-resorts along Spain's Mediterranean coast, this is the one nearest and dearest to the heart of gay men and women across Europe a
I will be going on a press trip to Spain in October, from the 9th - 12th, 2013. However, as I have pretty substantial assignments for my trade (In the Mix) and consumer outlets (Taste & Travel, which is going to be increasing its
Have a Twitter account and speak Spanish? Today and tomorrow come try for a shot at 2 round-trip long-haul tickets by tweeting what you love about Madrid and why it should host the Olympic Games in 2020. The winning tweet will make it onto the fusel