Dank chill, drizzle, and streetlamps shrouded in fog are bad weather? A bad time for touring? Depends! In fact, they were just perfect for a nocturnal outing I had in Barcelona last winter that was hair raising – in a good way. And what better day
Millions of visitors flock to Catalonia in Spain's northeast each year, lured especially by its marvelous beaches and spectacular capital Barcelona. But there's a lot more to this varied land, from medieval towns to wine to ecotourism, all flavour
The last decade of the 19th century and the first of the 20th saw a spate of big cities - mostly in Europe and the USA - launch a new era of urban transit by opening underground rail systems. And we as travellers can be extremely grateful, as the
Today on the feast day of St. James it's worth noting that the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), the famed mediaeval pilgrimage route from Paris down to Galicia's capital Santiago de Compostela, is famous for not just its spirituality but its
The city most popular with visitors to Spain (and one of the most popular in the world, in fact) holds that status for very good reason. The capital of Catalonia is a truly terrific trove of history, culture, architecture, dining that's unique in
The year 1819 was part of a turbulent time in Spanish history.. Just five years earlier, the country had thrown off its occupation by the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte but the Bourbon Dynasty's restored King Ferdinand VII had caused outrage by abro
If you’re heading to Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, you’re likely to visit Málaga, its capital. This city has a rich history in which you’ll want to immerse yourself. Art enthusiasts will be pleased to know that this was the birthplace of Pablo Picas
As people start to think about fun getaways for the summer, it's worth noting that a number of key spots all across Europe draw multicultural people and gays/lesbians to unwind, let their hair down, and party their butts off, whether they're backpac
What makes the Canary Islands so great for family holidays?
Looking for the perfect destination for toddler-friendly holidays can feel like a lot of pressure. You want to pick somewhere that meets all of your (and your kids’) expectations. Luckil
Barcelona never fails to excite, particularly in the summer, when it boasts one of Europe’s liveliest big-city beach scenes (and with a bit of sizzle, too, including not just family zones but also gay and even nude sections). And ground zero for a
Exploring a country's cinema is a great window into its contemporary culture, and the best of 2018's Spanish movies, were honoured this past Saturday in Seville when the Academy of the Cinema Arts and Sciences of Spain held its 33rd Premios Goya g
Globalization has been a sometimes controversial mixed bag in different areas and different parts of the world, but I think we can all agree that on the plus side, one of its grooviest benefits has been to bring to spread many of the exciting cultu
When you come to the holiday resort town Magaluf on the east coast of Majorca in Spain's Balearic Islands, it’s likely that you here either on a booze cruise or just as a way to let loose and have some fun. Regardless of why you are here, though, y
When I was growing up in Donostia (aka San Sebastián), one of our family's favourite Christmas songs wasGabon Gabean, which lauds the family traditions of the Christmas season, sung in both Euskara (Basque language) and Spanish: Christmas Eve one h
Iberian mountain system resorts offer a fantastic opportunity to holidaymakers looking for something a little different. With 27 kilometres of slopes on offer, there’s no shortage of skiing available, as well as a wealth of other great activities. T
When I visit Madrid, I always make a point of stopping at least once for a drink or a feed in one of the focal points at the heart of the historic downtown – aka Madrid de los Austrias, Habsburg Madrid. The cobblestone Plaza Mayor (which means simp
Barcelona is awash with fantastic museums and galleries. So, if you find yourself in the Catalan capital, then be sure them out. Here's a high-powered half dozen to get you started.
The home of Serrano ham, suckling pig, and a cornucopia of sausages has been a little late to the game when it comes to widespread dining and shopping options for vegetarians (especially those who eschew fish and ovo-lacto), beyond having to settle
Autumn travel is already on the horizon! When you read about spectacularautumn foliageandleaf-peeping, the vast majority of the attention gets focused on places like the northerly regions of the USA. But many Europeans can tell you that large par
July 25 is the Catholic feast day ofSt. James, the biggest date along theCamino de Santiago(Way of St. James), Europe’s most famous religious pilgrimage route, whose endpoint is the majestic cathedral ofSantiago de Compostela, believed by the fait