Spain: Top Tips 2018
This summer I was reminded of how small and serendipitous life and the world really are on my family’s recent trip to Spain.
In the summer we attended a friend’s wedding in Costa Brava, a coastal region around 90 minutes north of Barcelona. Given that it had been twenty years since I was last in Spain (lugging around a 40lb backpack and staying in hostels!), we took the opportunity to explore a little more of this wonderful European country, Virtuoso style.
After we returned from Spain, my eldest daughter embarked on a two-week sleepaway camp in the woods and lakeshore of Northern Wisconsin. The best friend she made there was Natalia, from San Sebastian. What are the odds?
Even more stunning, we came to learn that Natalia’s older brother, was the instructor who gave us the most fabulous surf lesson in San Sebastian.
Travel & the human connection… there's nothing better.
Spain: tips and tricks to get the most out of your Spanish adventure
Like many European bucket list countries, Spain is a large nation with an abundance of charming and culturally rich destinations to explore. Barcelona and or Madrid will be a must-see for most first-time visitors and then, depending on how much time you have and your appetite to be on the move, you may need to decide between a southern itinerary (Granada, Seville, Alhambra, Marbella, etc.) and going North (Madrid, Rioja, San Sebastian, etc.). The Balearic island archipelago of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are always popular for some fun in the sun.
Even if Costa Brava is not an official stop on your itinerary, do think about a day trip to Figueres, home and resting place of Spanish artist Salvador Dali. Not only does the museum there house an enviable collection of his works, but the adjacent annex also showcases his collection of other-worldly surrealist jewels.
Belmond’s La Residencia on the island of Mallorca is a slam dunk for any hotel junkie. There is a little secret sauce in Belmond’s hospitality and a wonderful sense of place in their properties, and La Residencia is no exception! Set in the stunning hillside village of Deia, the nucleus of the hotel is a twin manor house that dates back to the 17th century and operated for much of this time as an olive farm and oil press. Given the great flight access to Mallorca (Palma is one of the busiest airports in Europe in the summer), do think about Mallorca and La Residencia for sun-filled rest and relaxation after a continental European itinerary, touring capital cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin, etc. Be sure to say hello to the resident donkey’s Poncho and Luca, after a hike with these furry friends uphill, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a Belmond pro.
Amazing art and architecture abound in Barcelona, making it very approachable for adults and children. Gaudi is the most celebrated of Barcelona’s artists and the city is full of his whimsical and colorful works. Barcelona is also home to a Picasso and a Miro museum. Barcelona is bustling with visitors during the peak summer months. A lively city that enjoys a year-round, mild climate, do think about Barcelona for a fall, winter or spring visit. For all you Angeleno’s, Norweigan flies direct from LAX to Barcelona.
Even if you are not a “football/soccer” fan, don’t miss a visit to Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s home turf “Mes Que un Club”.
Soho House Barcelona is a fabulous spot for rooftop cocktails and dinner and just last month, the group debuted Little Beach House, just outside Barcelona.
San Sebastian is the crown jewel of the Basque country and home to more Michelin star restaurants than any other destination in the world makes this a perfect destination for foodies, families and surfers alike.
Foodies and travelers flock from all around the globe to dine here so it pays to plan well ahead.
Adventurous foodies will be eager to experience innovative Mugaritz. Look to Akelarre for a more classical interpretation of Haute Basque cuisine and even think about an overnight with the property debuting super chic accommodations this year.
San Sebastian would also make a great end to a Bordeaux/Biarritz France itinerary – a short 40 min drive across the border from Biarritz.
Museum devotees should include a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and fashionistas will a pilgrimage to Getaria and the Balenciaga Museum.
