Top Five Reasons to Visit Spain

Since we’ve been living in London, three of my friends have opened up their homes and invited us in.  There's just something about spending time with people on their home turf that shows you another side of them.  I’ve been thinking about the things that made those visits so special.

We stepped over the threshold and were immediately and completely embraced into their world. The conversation was easy and familiar. We were introduced to new experiences and new friends. The hours full of laughter and conversation, flew by. I snooped explored all of the things that make their house a home. The remembrances of people and places that they value are sprinkled along the shelves and walls. And I left each of those homes knowing more about my friends and wondering when I would get to return.

That is exactly how our short but sweet visit to Spain left me feeling: embraced by the familiar, charmed by the new, delighted with the company and eager to get back.  Spain has now jumped into the top three places I’ve visited so far and here are my...

  

Top Five Reasons to Visit Spain

Sunshine & Views

Dominating the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is the fifth largest country in Europe. It’s just a bit smaller than Texas.  At the crossroads of Europe, Africa, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain is both geographically and culturally diverse.  The predominantly Mediterranean climate means that it’s often dry, sunny and warm (although we did experience an afternoon shower on several of the days).  Surrounded by 5,000 miles of coastline it’s known for its beaches. But the interior of the country is just as gorgeous with mountain ranges, vast plateaus, lakes, and orchards.

Culture & Heritage

 

Spain was one of the first countries to colonize the New World.  I’m from San Antonio which was one of the first and largest Spanish Colonial cities in what is now Texas.  After being surrounded by the Spanish influenced culture, language, missions, and architecture of South Texas, Spain felt like coming home.   Spain is the home of Flamenco, Picasso, Cervantes, world famous festivals and so much more.  Did you know that Spain is one of only three countries with over 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites?  The various regions such as Andalucia, Basque Country and La Rioja have so much to offer.   Visit major cities like Barcelona or Madrid or head to the sparkling beaches of Costa Brava.  So much to do, so little time.

Comfortable & Convenient

There are over 40 airports just waiting for your arrival in Spain.  With a massive, modern motorway system and a high speed rail that rivals any in Europe getting around is easy. We took a quick 3 hour flight to Malaga direct from Gatwick.  We traveled by taxi, bus and train in the 72 hours we were there and had no problems at all.   (Well, except for a little panic attack on a bus in the mountains, but that’s a story for another day.)  Spain is part of the European Union.  We were able to use our Euros and passport control was a breeze.  Another plus for me, is that smoking is banned in public areas.  Obviously, Spanish is the main language, but like most places we’ve visited in Europe, English is widely spoken.  (Just don’t let that be an excuse to not even learn the basics.)  Tourism is one of Spain’s largest industries and they know what they are doing.

Food & Drink

I could go on for days about this one.  I love the Spanish attitude towards food and drink.  They appreciate the good stuff.  You’re encouraged to relax and take the time to savor.  Instead of throwing in a lot of spices and sauces, they let really high-quality food speak for itself.  Light dishes with plenty of vegetables.  Fresh seafood caught just this morning.  High quality free range meats. Cheeses. Olives. Citrus.  Chorizo (pork sausage).  Gazpacho (chilled soup). Paella (rice dish).  Jamón (dry cured ham).  My mouth is watering. Is yours?

Have you ever enjoyed Spanish Tapas? You must visit a Spanish Tapas Bar.  With your drink, you order one or two small plates or snacks.  Tapas comes from the Spanish word for “to cover.”   One explanation says this originated as a slice of bread or sausage that you would put over your glass of wine to keep the flies from taking a swim.  And since we all know that a deep red wine and a spicy sausage are pretty much made for each other the idea took off.  I just love a long, leisurely, social evening of tapas and wonderful Spanish wine, or maybe an ice cold pilsner style beer.  Here’s a sample tapas menu to give you an idea.  You’ll leave the bar feeling revived, relaxed and ready for more instead of stuffed, tipsy and ready for bed.  I must stop here even though I haven’t even mentioned cava, sangria, coffee... 

Conversation & Laughter

I've mentioned that visiting Spain felt like coming home.  Sitting quietly at a patio café eavesdropping on that smooth Castilian Spanish with its soft lisp was relaxing.  Gracias becomes “grathias” instead of the “grasias” that I’m used to, but it was still so familiar.  I just love how Spain feels.  It was so comfortable and relaxed.  The people of Spain are known for their joyous love of celebration and every day is a reason to celebrate.  Yes, like most of Europe they have been hit hard by the economic crisis.  You will read about austerity, unemployment and a severe recession.  And I know that many people have been deeply affected by these events.   But what I saw was a friendly, passionate, sophisticated group of people trying to live a really good life.  They were nice enough to invite me over the threshold, so that I could get a taste of that good life.  And I can not wait to get back!

And because I couldn't possibly have a post without the visuals,   here are some photos of the beautiful city center in Malaga.  We were only there for one evening but it was the perfect start to our tour.  

 Do you have anything to add to the list?  What do you love about Spain?

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This was a personal holiday.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
This post is not in partnership with any business or organization.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  

This article has been written to recognise the author's contribution to travel and tourism by Avis Car Hire on the A-List Awards 2013.