Spain: The Country That Has Everything

I spend a lot of time helping clients plan cruises. But when people ask me where I'd go if I could go anywhere in Europe, my answer is always Spain.

Spain has everything. The food is extraordinary. The architecture is unlike anything else in the world. The people are warm and welcoming. The beaches are beautiful. And the pace of life — the long lunches, the evening paseos, the late dinners — is something I find deeply appealing.

Here's my guide to experiencing the best of Spain.

Barcelona: Gaudí's Living Canvas

Barcelona is one of the most visually stunning cities in the world, largely because of one man: Antoni Gaudí. His buildings don't look like buildings — they look like something from a dream.

The Sagrada Família is Gaudí's masterpiece and one of the most extraordinary buildings on earth. Construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing (expected completion around 2026). Book tickets well in advance — this is non-negotiable.

Park Güell is a public park filled with Gaudí's colorful mosaic work and organic architecture. The views of Barcelona from the terrace are spectacular.

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) are two of Gaudí's residential buildings on the Passeig de Gràcia. Both offer tours, and both are jaw-dropping.

Beyond Gaudí:

• Las Ramblas — The famous pedestrian boulevard. Touristy but worth a stroll.
• El Born — My favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. Beautiful medieval streets, excellent restaurants, and the stunning Santa Maria del Mar church.
• Barceloneta Beach — Urban beach with a great atmosphere. Not the most beautiful beach in Spain, but perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• La Boqueria Market — One of the most famous food markets in Europe. Go early and eat everything.

Barcelona food highlights:

• Pan con tomate (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) — the simplest and most satisfying thing you'll ever eat
• Patatas bravas — fried potatoes with spicy sauce
• Fresh seafood at any restaurant near the port
• Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) — drink it everywhere

Madrid: Art, History, and the Best Food in Spain

Madrid is Spain's capital and one of Europe's great cities. It's less immediately photogenic than Barcelona, but it has a depth and richness that I find endlessly compelling.

The Golden Triangle of Art:

• Museo del Prado — One of the world's greatest art museums, with an unparalleled collection of Spanish masters (Velázquez, Goya, El Greco)
• Museo Reina Sofía — Home to Picasso's Guernica, one of the most powerful paintings ever created
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza — An extraordinary private collection spanning 700 years of Western art

The food scene in Madrid is exceptional. The city has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere in the world. But the best food is often found in the traditional tabernas and mercados:

• Mercado de San Miguel — A beautiful iron-and-glass market with excellent tapas and wine
• Sobrino de Botín — The world's oldest restaurant (1725), famous for roast suckling pig
• La Latina neighborhood — The best tapas crawl in Madrid

Seville: The Soul of Andalusia

Seville is my favorite city in Spain. It's the birthplace of flamenco, the home of some of the most spectacular Moorish architecture in the world, and a city with a passion for life that is absolutely infectious.

The Alcázar — A stunning royal palace with Moorish architecture, beautiful gardens, and a history that spans over 1,000 years. One of the most beautiful buildings I've ever visited.

The Cathedral and Giralda Tower — The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with a tower you can climb for panoramic views of the city.

Barrio Santa Cruz — The old Jewish quarter, with narrow whitewashed streets, orange trees, and hidden plazas. Perfect for getting lost.

Flamenco — See a live flamenco show in Seville. The real thing — passionate, raw, and deeply moving — is unlike anything you've experienced.

The Spanish Beaches

Spain's coastline is extraordinary and varied:

Costa del Sol — The classic Spanish beach destination. Marbella is glamorous; Nerja is charming; Málaga is a wonderful city with great beaches.

Costa Brava — Wild, rocky coastline north of Barcelona with crystal-clear water and charming fishing villages.

The Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza each have their own personality. Mallorca is beautiful and family-friendly; Menorca is quieter and more authentic; Ibiza is the party island.

Practical Spain Tips

Meal times — Spain eats late. Lunch is 2-4 PM; dinner is 9-11 PM. Embrace it.

Siesta — Many shops close from 2-5 PM. Plan accordingly.

Tapas culture — In many parts of Spain (especially Andalusia), tapas are free with drinks. Order a beer and a small plate appears.

Language — Spanish is widely spoken, and a few words of Spanish go a long way.

When to go — April through June and September through October are ideal. July and August are very hot in Madrid and Seville.

Spain will surprise you, delight you, and make you want to come back immediately. I guarantee it.