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.
Part of the EU & Schengen… so once you are in, you can travel easily to & from other European Union or Schengen countries.
Starting in 2022, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation 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
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.
Tudela, Spain
You certainly couldn’t accuse Aire de Bardenas of going the easy route. Set at the edge of a desert in the northern province of Navarre, and created by Barcelona-based architects Emiliano López & Mónica Rivera, 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 more than a little exciting.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
PART OF MY TABLET BOUTIQUE HOTEL PORTFOLIO
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departure: Sept 3, 2021
Soak up the sun at the gorgeous gateway to the Costa del Sol, then wend past the Barbary apes in the UK’s last overseas territory in mainland Europe and toward the capital of Andalusia, where fiery flamenco reigns supreme.
Contact me for Details and Special Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
A RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION PREFERRED PARTNER
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER: 13 Small Towns in Spain That Will Make You Forget About the Big Cities
From a hilltop village on Mallorca to a port town wedged between a boat-dotted bay and rugged mountain peaks.
My Virtuoso Spain Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
Barcelona General Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: January 2023
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