Spain
Capital
Madrid
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro
Local time
04:23
Coffee cost
€ 2 per cup
Temperature
+1.6° +14.6°
Life from Siesta to Fiesta
Spain, with its fertile land, magnificent landscapes, rich culture, and smiling people, is a unique world. Seems like the sun always shines here, passions run high, and eternal "mañana" dictates the rhythm of life.
From a tourist's perspective, Spain can be divided into at least two distinct regions - the mainland and the islands. The mainland offers imposing mountains, historic cities, bustling metropolises, and beach cities that lie along the seacoast. The islands, including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, boast crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a rapidly growing tourism industry. The choice, as you can see, is immense. So, the question remains: where to go in Spain?
Spanish Way of Life
Every Spanish province has its history, often quite long and full of conquest wars, internal conflicts, religious disputes, and other historical turmoil. However, this colourful past has left an endless number of forts, churches, harbours, and accompanying legends (which change with every retelling) for tourists to enjoy across the country.
Spaniards love to savour life so much that they've found a way to nap in the middle of the day (siesta) and party all night (fiesta). Alongside all of this, at any celebration, local wine flows like a river, and tables groan under the weight of tapas, paella, jamón, gazpacho, and other delicacies that have ventured beyond national borders. All in all, your vacation in Spain sounds pretty enticing, doesn't it?
The Unique Mainland Spain
In Catalonia and the Basque Country in the north, there's a strong sense of identity and a need to express it. If you approach a local bartender, you'll receive a quick and passionate lecture, accompanied by animated hand and sometimes foot gestures. In the northeastern part of Spain, particularly in the Pyrenees, you'll find a high concentration of ski resorts. Yes, surprisingly, you can go skiing in many mountainous areas of Spain.
Central Spain, frequently eclipsed by the glitzy coastal areas, represents the genuine soul of the nation. This heartland offers the opportunity to fully embrace traditional life, and at its core resides Spain's capital, Madrid, but we'll delve into that in due time.
Superstar Cities: Barcelona and Madrid
Both million-strong cities are like small worlds of their own. Barcelona, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, boasts its own architectural genius, a unique urban landscape, and a coastal paradise.
On the other hand, the capital, Madrid, may lack a beach, but it compensates with a wealth of historical buildings, majestic parks and palaces, spacious squares, and, unlike Barcelona, the presence of true Spaniards. If you consider yourself a bohemian, Barcelona is your ideal destination. If you appreciate refined and sophisticated style, then Madrid is the place for you.
Balearic Islands vs. Canary Islands
Not everyone knows that the Canary Islands, Ibiza, and Mallorca belong to Spain. They seem entirely different, far removed from mainland Spain, each with its own character and face. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and the other Canary Islands, by the way, are the only truly warm places in Europe during winter. Why? Because they are only partially formally part of Europe, and in reality, they are closer to Africa. The Canary Islands mainly attract families and elderly people seeking refuge from the cold.
On the other hand, the Mediterranean Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca thrive during the warm summer months and exude a younger energy. Ibiza is famous for its parties, but even here, if you step off the festival trail, you'll find plenty of historical forts and lush natural parks.
Arrival
Arrival
nights
Departure
Departure
Sights of Spain
Description of the resorts
Gran Canaria
Egypt seems too exotic ? Gran Canaria is the perfect alternative – European, safe, and with enjoyable pools and beaches. Just as in Tenerife, tourists gather in the warmer southern part of the mountainous island. In the famous sand dunes of the Maspalomas area, there are hundreds of hotel complexes. Driving along the winding roads of the volcanic island's mountainous center, you'll discover yourself in fresh pine forests, with breathtaking picnic spots and hiking trails. If you wish, you can also visit the capital city of Las Palmas and its colonial old town within the same day. From every corner of the island, about the size of half of Hiiumaa, you can reach your hotel in about an hour..
Tenerife
Tenerife's mountainous terrain is smaller than Saaremaa, yet due to its variety and contrasts, it feels much larger. Adjacent Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas, and Los Cristianos offer well-known and safe vacations, along with all that comes with it.
In the south, there's a desert-like area, while the north boasts lush nature like fragrant eucalyptus forests and the jungle-like Anaga Rural Park. Resorts cluster in the southwest, likely the warmest spot in Europe in winter.
Rather than lounging, climbing the giant cliffs of Masca Canyon, exploring the numerous hiking trails, or venturing to the 3,700-meter-high summit of Mount Teide, where snow may even fall in winter.
Mallorca
On each side of the paradise island of Mallorca, you'll discover postcard-like beaches with white sand and secluded coves with transparent waters. During summer, Mallorca's climate is sufficiently warm, making you reluctant to stray far from the beach, except perhaps to explore the next, even more stunning beach. A visit to the capital, Palma, is essential. Its streets exude a Southern European charm, hinting at the presence of past civilizations like the Romans, Byzantines, and more. Palma's ambiance is a fascinating blend of old and new architecture: the majestic Gothic cathedral stands beside trendy eateries offering delectable tapas, seafood, and local wines.
Malaga
Summer feels too distant and the chilly wind dampens the mood? Malaga is an ideal escape, a real jackpot – in the nearly 2700-year-old city, you'll find equally cultural experiences and pleasant sunshine.
Comparable in population to Riga, Malaga swells with visitors, making it much more crowded. Lively music echoes from every corner, people's faces are smiling, and wine flows from noon onwards.
The summer heat in Malaga might be a bit much for someone from the north, but in winter, it's like an Estonian summer here. Even on windier days, take it as an invitation to visit some cultural places, such as the Picasso (who is from Malaga) museum or to the top of Gibralfaro Castle.
Costa del Sol (Malaga)
For cold-sensitive tourists, Costa Del Sol is the meeting point, a nearly 200 km long coastal area in Spain, stretching from Gibraltar to Nerja.
What to do in Costa del Sol? Golf. Lots of golf. And almost everything else your heart desires and your wallet can handle. The sun is more likely to set behind a wine glass before the list of pool, beach, sports, and cultural options is complete.
One of the sharpest experiences is offered by the Caminito Del Rey hiking trail, towering above the ravines. And here's another idea: on a day off, take a trip to Africa. It's just 30 km away.
Ibiza
Just an hour's flight from Barcelona, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, the small island exudes youthful vitality that could fill much more. Its rocky shores cradle around 70 white sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, easily accessible by bus or car.
During Franco's reign in the 1960s, free spirits sought refuge here, bringing a carefree vibe. Summer nights in Ibiza mean world-famous DJs, nightclubs packed with up to 10,000 partygoers, bikini beach parties, and trendy bars. Spending on revelry may stay on the island, but regrets come only when checking your bank statement back home.