Spain

Take it from us, this impressive, progressive country's miles beyond iconic but stereotypical bullfights, flamenco, and mass beach tourism, with historic sights reaching back to the era of ancient Greece, wine regions, skiing, some of Europe's most cutting-edge culture; and a gorgeous tapestry of different cultures and languages. ¡Viva España!

Cover photo: Jim Gordon

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Flamenco: the soul of Spain?

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…

Started by Iberia Airlines

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Spain's wonderful (and sometimes wild) west: Extremadura

Mariaplr 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…

Started by Iberia Airlines

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What not to miss in Barcelona

walkerssk/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…

Started by Tripatini

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Madrid as one of Europe´s most LGBTQ/gay-welcoming cities

Javitouh These days, Spain is one of the world's most socially progressive countries - for example, it was the third to legalise same-sex marriage, back in 2005 - and has legal safeguards in place for marriage equality, same-sex adoption rights, and anti-discrimination laws. And its capital, despite being ruled by the rightwing Partido Popular, is in turn is one of the its most progressive, and is home to a community of a vigorous LGBTQ community estimatated at around a half million. The…

Started by Tripatini

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Jose R. Garrigo March 5, 2010 at 12:15am

Hi Inka piegsa-quischotte, Cape Finisterre isn not in the Camino de Santiago. As you know, it's the most northwestern point of Galicia and called Finistterre (end of the earth or world) because Europeans in the 14th centure believed that was the end of the known world.

Rafa Luque, you are right. To find free accommodations in one of the Church Albergues you need to arrive before noon. You also need to register as a pilgrim (Peregrino) and they will stamp your credentials at the Albergue. But, no better way to share experiences with the pilgrims than to stay there.
Rafa Luque March 4, 2010 at 11:39pm

I made the Northern Way. The most important thing is to reach your destination early enough to find free accommodation (albergues de peregrinos). Once you've accomplished it, you'll never be the same person!. Do it!
inka piegsa-quischotte March 4, 2010 at 11:33pm

Everybody seems to focus on Galicia all of a sudden. How wonderful, it's my favorite part of Spain. If you like, take a look at my latest article in europe a la carte.
As for the Camino: has anyone participated in the burning of the boots in Cap Finisterre?
Jose R. Garrigo March 4, 2010 at 11:29pm

I should have added a thank you to David Appell and Tripatini for reminding us about the St. James Way this year.
Jose R. Garrigo March 4, 2010 at 11:28pm

Oh, yes. I drove the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) from Roncesvalle to Santiago de Compostela about five years ago. I was impressed with the deep fervor of the pilgrims coming from Spain and all of Europe, young and old with their walking sticks and the St. James Shell.. They stayed in the Hospedajes at the local chrurches and cathedrals, where they were fed (physically and spitirually) for pennies. Often they stopped in the town squares, or in the middle of the fields, to pray and sing Gregorian Chants. A true lifting of the spirit. After that I have also visited places in Galicia and Navarra where you can see and talk to pilgrims, even if not on a Jacobean (Santiago) year. By the way, this is a Jacobean Year. Make sure you have reserved accommodations in the larger cities of the Camino, especially in Santiago. The High Mass at the Basilica, the choral, the swinging of the huge Botafumeiro (the incense burner) are impressive.
David Paul Appell October 10, 2009 at 7:49pm

Those interested in northern Spain -- including the Basque Country/Navarre, Asturias, Santander, and Galicia, might want to have a look at the new group Way of St. James/Camino de Santiago just formed by member Sylvia Nilsen. It focuses, of course on the fabled pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and the various marvelous man-made and natural sites on several routes from the French border westward across Spain's green north.
José Balido October 3, 2009 at 5:29am

Hotel El Serrat in Ordino, Andorra, is offering rates starting at EUR 25,00 per person from October to November 2009!
José Balido May 30, 2009 at 6:47pm

Could it be we'll have a high-speed train in our future??
David Paul Appell May 30, 2009 at 6:14pm

Was just reading that U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is being given a weeklong tour of Spain's AVE high-speed train system, which is already running between Madrid and Barcelona and Seville and elsewhere and is supposed to be expanded to more than 6,200 miles by 2020. I've ridden on AVE several times and I can say it is truly fabulous -- more comfortable than flying and with equal or better amenities!