Spain

Where to Go

Madrid

The Prado, the Retiro park and late, lively dinners.

Barcelona

Gaudí's buildings, the Gothic Quarter, beaches and a strong food and design scene.

Seville, Granada and Córdoba

The heart of Andalucía, with the Alhambra, the Real Alcázar and the Mezquita.

Marbella and the Costa del Sol

Beaches, golf and easy day trips to Ronda and the white villages.

San Sebastián and the Basque Country

Pintxos bars, beaches and some of the most acclaimed restaurants in Spain.

What to Do

• Spend a morning in the Prado, then an evening in the old center of Madrid
• Book timed tickets for the Alhambra in Granada well ahead
• Walk the Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville and see flamenco
• Track Iberian lynx with a specialist guide in the Sierra de Andújar, or visit the Doñana wetlands for birds
• Eat your way through San Sebastián's old town

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are best for most of Spain. Andalucía is very hot in July and August, though the coast is pleasant then. Winter, especially December and January, is the usual season for lynx watching, and Seville and Málaga stay mild. For more on timing, see our guide to Europe in the shoulder season.

Getting Around and How Long to Stay

Spain's high-speed AVE trains link Madrid to Barcelona and Seville in about two and a half hours, and to Málaga in under three. Málaga is the airport for Marbella. A private driver is best for the white villages and the countryside. We suggest ten days to two weeks for two cities plus Andalucía and the coast.

Where We Like to Stay

Marbella Club sits on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banús, with gardens leading down to the beach. It suits families and anyone who wants a few slow days on the coast after the cities.

In Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada we choose hotels to suit each trip. Ask us for options.

Pairing Spain

Spain pairs well with France by train from Barcelona, or with Portugal by a short flight.