Spain (34)

13758621297?profile=RESIZE_710xJosé Balido

 

In 2021, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) honoured Spain´s capital with its first World Heritage Site designation, elevating Madrid to the ranks of destinations with districts or monuments worth preserving for future generations (the larger Madrid community surrounding the capital already had UNESCO sites, including the royal sites of El Escorial and Aranjuez, which make marvelous day trips).

The city´s leafy Paseo del Prado boulevard,

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3494176742?profile=RESIZE_930xPhotos: David Paul Appell unless otherwise noted


I've always had a fascinating for things mediaeval. Would never want to have actually lived back in the Middle Ages, mind you. But the architecture and atmosphere of the Romanesque and the Gothic have always captivated me. And while my adopted country provides more than enough to delight me on this front year after year, I've been enjoying my home town Madrid more for its marvelous architecture and monuments dating from the mid-16th century onward

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4 Delightful Day Trips from Madrid

13754418662?profile=RESIZE_710xSantiago López-Pastor

 

Spain's capital is of course magnificent and brimming with amazing stuff to see and do. But visitors should also make time for a daytrip (or if at all possible, and overnighter) to at least one of the marvelous destinations in the Madrid Community no more than an hour outside the city proper, full of history, culture, architectural gems of their own.   

Alcalá de Henares 

Its streets lined with majestic buildings and its rooftops full of stork nests, this city of 194,000

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Flamenco: The Soul of Spain?

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Ask many people around the world what comes to mind when they think of Spain, and chances are flamenco will land near the top of the list. The sinuous moves; the rapid, hypnotic shoe tapping; the staccato hand-clapping; the mesmerising guitarwork; the plaintive singing - if you've never witnessed a performance in person, your first time in particular will stay with you forever.

An art form and indeed a sensibility closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Andalusia, flamenco grew o

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Teatro_Romano_Merida_Extremadura-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710xMariaplr



Hugging Spain's upper border with Portugal, the autonomous community of Extremadura, composed of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, is well known to other Spaniards as a proud land of strong traditions; rich history; distinguished cuisine; and fascinating historic, architectural, and natural riches.

In fact, in particular this is considered one of the country's under-the-radar eco-paradises, with extensive and dramatic valleys, plains, and natural parks that attract nature-lovers

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Ever dreamt of being part of a crazy food fight with thousands of people throwing ripe tomatoes at each other — all in good fun? Welcome to La Tomatina, Spain’s most iconic and colorful street festival, where getting messy is the whole point!

Every year on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain, transforms into a red sea of joy, laughter, and tomato pulp. People from all over the world — including many adventurous souls from India — gather here to celebrate

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Skip the crowds and discover Spain’s best-kept secrets with our insider travel tips.

I’ll be honest with you – I love Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid just as much as the next person. But let’s face it: sometimes the crowds can get a bit too long, the queues for tapas stretch longer than your patience, and those once-peaceful beaches? Swamped. 

That’s exactly why I started hunting down the hidden gems in Spain – those lesser-known Spanish spots that still feel untouched, where you can breathe easy

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Nestled in the heart of Tenerife, Mount Teide is not just a stunning volcanic peak; it's a gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical experiences in the world. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, the night time transforms Mount Teide into a perfect canvas for stargazing. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, Mount Teide Night offers invaluable information on night tours, stargazing tips, and the best viewing spots.

Why Visit Mount Teide at Night?

Mou

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Europe, a continent steeped in history, offers an unparalleled architectural journey that showcases centuries of artistic evolution. From Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance palaces and modern masterpieces, each country has its own unique contribution to the world of architecture. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast or simply an admirer of stunning structures, traveling to Europe provides a feast for the eyes and soul.

The Timeless Grandeur of Gothic Architecture

One of Europe's most strikin

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12962129054?profile=RESIZE_710xZarateman

 

Nestled on the Costa del Sol, Spain´s southern coast, in the Andalusia region, the picturesque city of Málaga beckons travellers with its unique blend of Andalusian charm and coastal beauty. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning beaches and delectable cuisine, Málaga has the proverbial something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through this captivating destination, uncovering its hidden gems and exploring the best ways to expe

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12754514854?profile=RESIZE_710xLaia Solanellas


The capital of Catalonia is a city that truly offers something for every taste - and in a very literal sense With its rich culinary scene, it offers an endless array of flavors and influences from all over the world. From traditional Catalan dishes to avant-garde creations to a wide variety of international cuisines, the city has something to please even the most discerning palate. So here´s a quick guide to navigating some of the city´s remarkable culinary scene.

Traditional C

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6 Scintillating Sparkling Wines from Europe


Raise a glass to the world of sparkling wine! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from Europe. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a glass with friends, there is a sparkling wine out there for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types that you can find at your favorite wine shop or online

Champagne (France)

The world´s most renowned bubby

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5 of Spain´s Special New Year´s Traditions

12335576059?profile=RESIZE_930xjacinta lluch valero


We Spaniards love to ring out the old and ring in the new as much as anyone else on the planet. And whilst we of course share many NYE practices with the rest of the world (at least the Western world, I guess), there are several which are fairly unique to our country – and here´s a quirky quintet of them:

Toasting with Bubbles - but with a Twist

Of course all of Spain raises a glass of cava (the méthode-Champegnoise sparkling wine – from sweet to dry – made in Catalonia) t

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12332141285?profile=RESIZE_930xMatthiasKabel


All across the world, all sorts of holiday activities– both religious and secular, age-old and relatively new – are in full swing during this season, including festive lights, special street markets, trees, Santa and elves everywhere, and the rest of it.  But a handful of places feature oddities which range from whimsical to scary to occasionally potentially offensive. Here´s a particularly memorable top ten:

Austria & Germany: Demonic Doings

December 5 is celebrated as St. Nicho

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The place that is known as the playground for famous and rich The up-market resort of Marbella has a lively vibe and is well-restored Andalusian tradition.

The city is situated in the Costa del Sol, this stylish destination is popular by the wealthy, who frequent the top restaurants, luxurious hotels as well as championship golf course.

Marbella is also known for its trendy boutiques, the luxurious Puerto Banus Marina and it's many lively nightclubs.

Make sure you dress to impress during your tr

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What Not to Miss in Barcelona

12131168299?profile=RESIZE_930xwalkerssk/pixabay


There's a good reason Spain's second largest city after Madrid is one of Europe's (indeed, the world's) most popular cities - famous and beloved for its art, architecture, culture, cuisine, and nightlife ever since hosting the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. It's also the capital of the region of Catalonia, one of Spain's nations along with Galicia and Euskadi (aka the Basque Country), with its own distinct language and culture. Well, there's a lot to unpack here, so let's get to

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11147399476?profile=RESIZE_930xSolStock


Welcome once again to Pride month, celebrated in increasing numbers of destinations around the world - although also under pressure in some of them, sadly even including part of the United States, the very country where the celebration of Pride originated. Of course, depending on where you go, travelling while LGBT+ can be a challenge, particularly if you're with a same-sex partner and/or if you are visibly queer. Sadly, there are still many countries where being gay is still consider

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