Many people associate Spain only with sun, sea, and relaxing on the beach. However, it is worth going beyond the tourist hotels to see the true face of this country. Spain is very diverse, and its regions differ significantly in both landscape and cuisine. I have chosen three places that, in my opinion, best show this variety.
Andalusia
This region is in the very south of the country. It has the highest temperatures, and the landscape is full of olive groves and whitewashed towns perched on the hills. The most important spots are Seville and Granada, with its massive Alhambra palace complex. It is worth coming here for the architecture and the local tradition of delicious tapas.
More to know: Many people also visit Cordoba, which features a huge mosque converted into a cathedral. If you love nature, walking the Caminito del Rey is a great idea. It is a hiking trail suspended on the walls of a high gorge. Life in Andalusia moves slowly, and most shops and services close for a few hours in the afternoon for a break called a siesta. It is best to travel here in spring or autumn, as summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees.
Basque Country
If you don’t like the heat, this region in the north will be a great choice. There is plenty of greenery, mountains meet the ocean, and the coastline is rocky. The most interesting cities are San Sebastián, with its beautiful city beach, and Bilbao. The Basque Country is famous for having some of the best cuisine in all of Spain, and local bars offer a huge variety of small snacks called pintxos.
More to know: In Bilbao, the main attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, which has a very unusual, metallic shape. The northern landscape is different from the rest of the country because the mountains drop straight into the rough ocean. It is worth driving along the coast to see small fishing villages like Getaria or Mutriku. The weather can be changeable and rainy even in summer, so it is worth having a raincoat with you. People here are proud of their distinct culture and language, which does not resemble Spanish.
Costa Brava and the Girona area
This is a coastline in Catalonia that starts north of Barcelona. It differs from typical sandy beaches because there are many small, rocky bays surrounded by pine forests. It is worth visiting the town of Cadaqués and Girona itself, which has a very well-preserved medieval old town. It is a great place for people who enjoy seaside walks and exploring historic cities.
More to know: Girona is an excellent base because it has its own airport and good train connections. On the Costa Brava, trails called “Camins de Ronda” are popular; they stretch for miles along the sea and lead to hidden beaches. If you are interested in art, there is a museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí in the town of Figueres. This region is very popular with cyclists due to its great roads and hilly terrain. The food here is mainly based on fresh fish, seafood, and local wines.
Which region you choose depends mainly on how you like to spend your free time and what kind of weather you prefer. Spain is so large and interesting that each of these three options will allow you to see completely different landscapes and try local food. It is best to choose one place and get to know it well, instead of spending most of your holiday in a car or on a train. No matter what you choose, you will certainly feel an atmosphere that cannot be found in typical tourist resorts.
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