Can’t agree on a romantic escape? Consider Spain, which serves up a remarkably varied menu of attractions.
For wineries, head to La Rioja. If you crave a castle, visit Grenada’s Alhambra or Castillo de Loarre in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The Balearic and Canary Islands boast beautiful beaches, the Cazorla National Park abounds with waterfalls, and cities like Seville, Toledo and Barcelona are renowned for distinctive architecture.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 90 days. Standard Schengen rules apply on multiple reentries.
Part of the EU & ► Schengen Agreement.
► US Department of State Spain Information
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU or Schengen Member. The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee. The ETIAS must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
for more information: ► visit the Official ETIAS site
Costa Del Sol / Málaga
Size: 67 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Classic / Casual
Year Opened: 2006
Seasonal Operations: open year-round
Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa is a truly superb resort and holiday destination, located a mile from the Spanish coastline between Marbella and Sotogrande on an exclusive natural estate spanning more than 500 acres. It features a stunningly elegant hotel modeled on a traditional Andalusian country home, surrounded by luxury detached villas, and offers service of the very highest quality, along with beautiful facilities for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Opened in May 2019, the brand-new ARAṆĪ Yoga & Meditation Center is a haven of tranquility.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY HIDDEN DOORWAYS PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Tudela / Navarre
Size: 22 rooms and suites
Style: Cutting-Edge & Quiet
Year Opened: 2007
It’s still something of a mystery, the fact that Spain, of all places, has become the site of so much cutting-edge architecture. We don’t have the space to investigate the reasons (and don’t even get us started on the food), so we’ll have to be content merely to report on another worthy development: the Aire de Bardenas, set at the edge of a desert in the northern province of Navarre.
You certainly couldn’t accuse this place of going the easy route. These prefab pods, hunkered down against the relentless Bardenas wind, don’t exactly scream out “rustic” or “charming” or any related hotel-industry descriptors. But if you’ve got a sense of adventure, building-wise, they are promising. And inside, they deliver: again, nothing “cozy” or “elegant,” just cleverly designed, functional, modern spaces, with simple contemporary furnishings. They’re designed around the windows, which provide otherworldly views of the wheat fields and the wind-scoured rocks, and which are possibly the most comfortable spaces in the rooms, complete with mini-mattresses and lounge pillows.
This last bit makes Aire de Bardenas possibly the best hotel in the world for getting a bit of reading done. And of course there’s a little more than that: a restaurant serves typically inventive cuisine, heavy on local vegetables, and the surroundings are stunning, if unconventionally so, from the carved formations of the Bardenas Reales National Park to the dark subterranean charms of the region’s many wineries.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Málaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Málaga’s mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Málaga is among the world’s oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Málaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community. Picasso’s hometown naturally has a museum dedicated to him, as well as the Centre Pompidou and Museo Carmen Thyssen. Málaga also boasts a chic cuisine scene – but a simple bowl of traditional porra antequerana soup is never hard to find. A must-see in the hills surrounding Málaga are the pueblos blancos, white villages bursting with Andalusian charm.
Life in this exuberant city revolves around its outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t be mistaken though – this is no quiet palace or stuffy museum – it’s an elaborate ancient complex of 220 buildings that make up the beating heart of this beautiful city. Home to around 3,000 people, Diocletian’s Palace is a precious Roman gem where the locals go about their daily lives undeterred by the fact that they’re living in a historical wonder. Its narrow alleyways are home to some wonderful restaurants and bars, so pull up a chair and sample the local pašticada (slabs of beef stewed in prunes and red wine), before heading to the charming Riva area at the harbor for a glass of the superb local wine and some world-class people-watching.
Life in this exuberant city revolves around its outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t be mistaken though – this is no quiet palace or stuffy museum – it’s an elaborate ancient complex of 220 buildings that make up the beating heart of this beautiful city. Home to around 3,000 people, Diocletian’s Palace is a precious Roman gem where the locals go about their daily lives undeterred by the fact that they’re living in a historical wonder. Its narrow alleyways are home to some wonderful restaurants and bars, so pull up a chair and sample the local pašticada (slabs of beef stewed in prunes and red wine), before heading to the charming Riva area at the harbor for a glass of the superb local wine and some world-class people-watching.
13 Small Towns in Spain That Will Make You Forget About the Big Cities
While no visit to Spain is complete without seeing Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll want to make time to discover the small towns in Spain, too.
► My Virtuoso Spain Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Spain Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Spain.
► Visit Spain Page
The official visitor information for Spain.
Barcelona General Information Page
Mallorca General Information Page
or leave a comment below
page updated: August 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Spain Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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