The sun-drenched Canary Islands lie close to North Africa and have an exotic flavor of their own. Hundreds of volcanoes, rolling sand dunes, rich forests and rugged cliffs dapple these seven Atlantic gems. Catch a ferry to Lanzarote. Ride a camel through volcanic Timanfaya National Park. Take on Tenerife, home of Mount Teide, Spain's tallest peak. Romp Grand Canary's beaches or hike La Gomera's Garajonay National Park. More adventures await on tiny El Hierro, verdant La Palma and peaceful Fuerteventura.
As the first place in Spain to see the sunrise, Minorca is like the country’s ambassador to the morning. Beaches here are beautiful and, surprisingly, relatively empty. The jewel-colored water is a magnet for waterskiers, windsurfers and sailors. Playa De Binigaus beach is perfect for families, while Cala Mitjana is an idyllic spot for romance. Head to the town of Alaoir to nibble on some fresh local cheese or turn back time in the charming fishing village of Fornells.
You’ll find 17th-century, Italian-style buildings and an interesting old cathedral here. However, many travelers are drawn to Ciudadela’s lively nightlife and fiestas, including the Processo dels Tres Tocs on January 17 and a celebration of Sant Joan, the town’s patron saint, on June 23–24. They feature dancing, parades and pomada, a drink combining gin and lemon.
Palma, the economic and cultural hub of Majorca, is a delightful base for exploring the island's many gold and white beaches. A former Moorish casbah, or walled city, Palma's Old Town is an appealing maze of narrow streets that are a delight to explore on foot. Hop on the Soller Railway for a 17-mile scenic trip, visit 14th-century Bellver Castle and the museum of contemporary art, and check out the nightlife.
Attracting visitors from all parts of the world, Majorca is a dreamy island destination in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the south-east coast of Spain. There's something for every taste—beaches and coves, a spectacular mountain range, romantic fishing villages and a rustic countryside dotted with almond and olive groves.
You may have to fly into Ibiza's airport to get to Formentera, but a vacation here is the antithesis of a wild week in Ibiza. You'll reach Formentera by ferry, and you'll find a quiet, peaceful little island with natural beauty to spare. Rent a scooter or bike to take you from beach to beach.
The brightest stars of Los Baleares are Majorca, Ibiza and peaceful Minorca. Situated between France and Africa, the archipelago's islands each have distinct characters. Majorca is the most developed and offers a mass of hotels, fast food joints and crowded beaches. Ibiza is loved by a hard partying set, including many gay visitors. It is also increasingly popular with upscale travelers, drawn by the chameleon island's reputation as "the new Provence." Pick an island and stake a claim on its sand.
Ibiza: Old Spanish for "party 'til you drop." Perhaps not literally, but this is definitely one of Europe's favorite nightlife playgrounds. Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline with some 50 beaches, plus plenty of restaurants, bars, and water sports—and clubs, of course. Fit in a little culture and visit Ibiza's UNESCO-designated old town.
While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specializes in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.
Situated at the feet of the western Pyrenees near the French border, Spain's Basque country comprises three provinces: Guipúzcoa and the popular beachfront capital of San Sebastian; Viscaya, where capital Bilbao houses the jaw-dropping Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum; and Alava, whose capital Vitoria teems with medieval architecture. Running with the bulls at Pamplona and drinking rioja from area wineries add to the region's exotic romanticism. Travel in early summer and fall to dodge the madding crowds.
Travelers generally come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim—some for the art inside, but many for the amazing building itself. The Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum may not have been designed by Frank Gehry, but are worth a visit, and you can catch international opera stars at the Palacio Euskalduna.
Oviedo is a treasure trove of Spanish religious architecture, dotted with monasteries, cathedrals and shrines that date all the way back to the 9th century. Soak up the rich history of the city by experiencing El Fontán Market, the San Isidoro el Real Church and the Castle of San Juan de Priorio, then shift aesthetic gears and check out modern architectural gems like the Prince Felipe Auditorium and the Jirafa building.
This port city of about 275,000 on Spain’s north coast began 3,000 years ago as a fishing village. Today it’s a departure point for regional cruises, making it busy in summer (and making us wonder what those ancient fisherman would have thought of cruise ships). The original village, Cimadevilla, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, draws many tourists, and Cerro de Santa Catalina park at the tip of Cimadevilla’s peninsula provides great coastal views.
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A rich blend of the historic and modern, Zaragoza sits on the banks of the Ebro River. Stroll in the center of town near San Miguel's pedestrian ways or around the Plaza de los Sitios, where you find boutiques, markets and souvenir shops. A center for gastronomy, Zaragoza offers food and drink for every budget and taste. But tapas is a must! In 2008, Zaragoza hosted the International Exhibition; the Water Tower, Bridge Pavilion and River Aquarium show off of the city's avant-garde architecture.
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Originally founded as a Roman city and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Seville is bursting with antique charm. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the Cathedral will impress you with its beauty and its status as the burial site of Christopher Columbus. The Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure, a massive mix of grids and swirls that contains a market and a terrace observatory.
The Alhambra citadel of Granada is one of the most famous buildings in Spain: a Moorish fortress with grand archways and delicate ornamental mosaics. Step backwards in time as you wind through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views from the Mirador San Nicolas. Granada’s nightlife is vibrant and varied, thanks in part to its student population. Hit the bars of Calle Elvira or, for a quieter outing, the traditional tea rooms of La Calle de Las Teterias.
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