Discover Spain differently: history, art, and gastronomy

Its tapas have risen to the level of haute cuisine in recent years, its wines have won over connoisseurs, its tennis players are the best in the world, here is today's Spain!   

Initially Muslim land, Madrid then passed from the hands of the Habsburgs to those of the Bourbons. During the 1920s, the Spanish capital experienced great prosperity. A project aimed at decongesting the city was adopted. At the same time, Madrid equipped itself with modern transports such as the metropolitan.

 If there's one must-see place in Madrid, it's undoubtedly the Plaza Mayor or the main square of classical style, recognizable by its granite arcades. The location is steeped in history, as it was the site of executions during the Inquisition.

During the 1920s, the Spanish capital experienced great prosperity.

La Puerta del Sol is often used as a treasure hunt for families. Your dear little ones will set off in search of the city's symbols like this sculpture of a bear perched on its strawberry tree or the kilometer zero.

 Covering an area of 125ha, El Retiro is the lung of Madrid.  Within this romantic park you will be delighted to find fountains, sculptures, and a botanical heritage, a large boating lake, and its famous Crystal Palace with metallic architecture. Welcome to Paseo del Arte and its multitude of art museums.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses works collected by the eponymous baron. You will travel through the painting of the Trecento, van Eyck, or Canaletto. You will especially contemplate emblematic works such as Picasso's Harlequin with a Mirror, Chagall's Rooster, or Hopper's Hotel Room.

Let me accompany you to the Reina Sofia Museum. The institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art will fascinate you. Among the prominent works are Guernica on a large scale, the canvases of Juan Gris, Picabia, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Miro and Dali. It is the former general hospital of Madrid that houses this museum, and in 2005 Jean Nouvel created an extension there.

 The collection of paintings at the Prado was amassed by the Bourbons and Habsburgs between the 14th and 19th centuries. Your choice will inevitably lean towards the Spanish Golden Age with priceless pieces: Velasquez's Las Meninas or Goya's The Third of May Executions, Mozarabic frescoes, and paintings by El Greco or Goya. However, it also includes the triptych by Hieronymus Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights!

NB: You have well organized your tour program, so now enjoy a vermouth at Mercado San Miguel, a covered market where Madrilenians like to gather. If you have time, go as far as the Sorolla House Museum, a little gem!   

 Once a Roman colony, Barcelona the Catalan experienced a renaissance on the occasion of the 1992 Olympics. The symbol of the city is the Sagrada Familia which experts say will be completed in 2026 ! The interior of Gaudi's construction will give you an intimate experience, that of the oceanic feeling. From there, head to the San Pau Hospital for a quieter visit !

Modernist house belonging to the "apple of discord", Casa Batllo by architect Antoni Gaudi is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be dazzled by this construction where everything is designed with aesthetics and ergonomics in mind. Observe this marvel of ingenuity which is the custom ventilation system.

Another modernist house, La casa Milla on Passeig de Gracia, this elegant avenue with luxury shops. It’s worth noting that Pedrera, literally the quarry, was heavily criticized, and was once compared to a zoo with its visitors on the balconies. You will make a beautiful discovery: the work of the frame and you will walk through the wavy roofs.

 Its centuries-old shops, its Plaza Real, or its Museum of the History of Barcelona make the Gothic Quarter a must-visit. Venture into its alleyways and centuries-old shops. Relax in its Plaza Real with a horchata and especially see the Museum of the History of Barcelona with its Roman remains.

However, prefer the more authentic Born, its Picasso museum, and especially its Sea Cathedral Santa Maria. Look closely, the Barça emblem is hidden somewhere there! Round off your visit with the Palau de la Musica, a Catalan modernist style with perfect acoustics.

Another highlight of your journey is Park Güell, which was created to host an entire city even though the project was aborted. You will have plenty of time to admire the panoramic view from its esplanade with trencadis, these colorful ceramics, and to take some great photos.

 The Gracia neighborhood, with its squares like the diamond square, will have beautiful surprises in store for you. Besides its alleys and covered markets, you will visit Casa Vicens, a recently restored charming modernist house.

To gain some elevation, aim for the Montjuic hill which holds treasures such as the Mies van der Rohe pavilion or the Miro museum. I recommend the MNAC and its frescoes brought from Catalonia!

The Tibidabo also offers an impressive panorama. Its amusement park, dating back to the 1920s, guarantees a thrilling experience. The locals particularly enjoy the Casa Kruger, this haunted house will leave you with an unforgettable memory.

 NB : besides the rooftops, in the North of the Catalan capital, you will be amazed by its sublime coastal landscapes and beach restaurants, the chiringuitos.

Valencia is on the rise and it will be a part of your tour. The third largest city in Spain is famous for its fallas, festivities that take place in March and involve burning artworks built for the occasion from composite materials.

Valencia is on the rise and it will be part of your tour.

Start your journey with a must-have, the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex that includes an oceanarium, a planetarium, and an interactive museum. Along the way, admire the futuristic structures designed by architect Calatrava. Then I recommend visiting the old town, which is an open-air museum with its squares, market, and cathedrals.

Then set your course for Malvarrosa and Cabanyal beaches where you can sip the famous Agua de Valencia, a cocktail made from orange juice, and where you will have lunch on a paella made with rabbit and chicken. Located just a short distance away is the Albufera Natural Park, a wetland reserve forming a green oasis.

At 70 km from Madrid, here is Toledo, a city listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and sometimes referred to as the Jerusalem of the West. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity coexisted here. I recommend its Gothic cathedral, Saint Mary, which houses masterpieces: Goya, Caravaggio, Velázquez, or El Greco. Speaking of which, the El Greco museum-house is worth the detour. Additionally, make a stop at the Alcazar, which was the residence of Charles V, and in front of the windmills of Consuegra, the setting of the adventures of Don Quixote.

I now suggest a getaway to Andalusia: from the Alcazar, the royal palace of Seville reigned over the region. The building encompasses Almohad, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque arts. Do not hesitate to climb to the top of its tower, the Giralda, for the panoramic view.

Cordoba and its mezquita consisting of 856 columns in the form of red and white arches is an example of the simplicity of Islamic architecture. The Caliphate of Cordoba indeed ruled the Iberian peninsula from the 8th to the 15th century. Subsequently, the mosque was transformed into a cathedral, and the site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

Another must-see attraction is the Alhambra Palace. It is best visited in winter for the views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. Unlike Cordoba, this masterpiece expresses the exuberance of the Hispano-Moorish style. Do not miss the lush gardens of the Generalife or La Costa Tropical.

If possible, take a trip towards the white villages like Ronda or Pont-Neuf, you will not regret it! Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians and offers a picturesque landscape with its rock in the middle of the sea. As for Málaga between Almería and Gibraltar, you can safely indulge in the art of lounging. Moreover, the city features a medieval fortress and breathtaking views from its walls!

 If you're looking for freshness, you will enjoy the Basque Country. Start your tour in San Sebastian, Donostia in the Basque language. This seaside city nestled in the Gulf of Gascogne is an elegant town. Two beautiful beaches share the favor of vacationers: la Concha and l’Ondarreta. You will appreciate its pintxos and even more so its gourmet restaurants. Make a jump to Mount Igueldo for its breathtaking view and its retro amusement park.

 Bilbao is synonymous with modern and contemporary art for many. It was the Guggenheim Museum that opened its doors in 1997 and revitalized tourism. You will wander among the gigantic sculptures of Serra, and a spider by Louise Bourgeois. Nonetheless, the must-have remains the exterior of the museum: the ultra-modern architecture of the building by Frank Gehry, as well as Jeff Koons’ Puppy.

NB: adults can make their way to the small town of Fontarrabia from Hendaye, while kids will delight in riding the Rhune train!