Hidden gems

A Coruña is a busy city at the very tip of Galicia. This is a perfect place to enjoy a gentle stroll along the streets and avenues, discover Roman architecture as well as modern innovative buildings. The atmosphere in the many magnificent town squares is excellent and full of the joys of life on a hot summer’s day. Outside the town centre the beaches, the marina, the fishing port and the commercial port still play a very important role for the people of A Coruña.

Ringed by mountains and crowned by a spectacular fortress, Spain’s sunniest city mixes shopping centres and tapas bars with a mediaeval old town of narrow streets and tranquil squares. Along the coast you can find fishing villages, popular resorts, secluded beaches and the wild landscape of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.

Asturias is a region of splendid beaches, unspoiled nature, dotted with rich architectural, industrial and cultural heritage. Apart from the region’s uncrowded beaches, there are lively inland cities and areas of great natural beauty. There are several major destinations in the Asturias region, including the cities of Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles, along with the scenic village of Ribadesella. Our guide includes tips and information concerning these four key Asturias locations.

A gateway between the two nations of the Iberian peninsula, Badajoz lies as close to Lisbon as it does to Madrid or Seville, and the city draws on influences from both sides of the border, as well as from centuries of tumultuous history, to form its distinctive character. Winding medieval alleys and a skyline dotted with palace towers make the historic town a sight to behold, while the remnants of the majestic Alcazaba watch over the city as they have for centuries, once an impenetrable fortress that protected the area from countless invasions.

One of the jewels of northern Spain, Bilbao is a city full of surprises and delights. It boasts a unique blend of tradition and modernity, which is reflected in its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding cuisine. At its heart lies the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, one of the most impressive structures in the world. Its streets are alive with the sound of Euskara, Europe's oldest and most enigmatic language while the Casco Viejo (Old Town) is full of traditional bars for sampling pintxos.

Forever immortalised as the setting for Don Quixote's misadventures, the beautiful medieval city of Ciudad Real is just a short train journey from Madrid or Seville. Remnants of ancient city walls, churches galore and spectacular cuisine based primarily on cheese, cured meats and wine are but some of the reasons to visit.

Catalonia's second city is many things: medieval stronghold, university city, party town, and modern urban centre. The Old Quarter, with its majestic cathedral, winding alleys and ancient city walls bring the Middle Ages to life, while the modern neighbourhoods across the River Onyar showcase Girona's cosmopolitan side with chic restaurants and cafes, superb shopping and vibrant nightlife. It is no wonder that for years running, Girona has been voted the best place to live in Spain.

Surrounded by lush vineyards, Jerez de la Frontera is a captivating city known as the birthplace of sherry wine. Immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage as the cradle of flamenco, home to the mesmerising "dancing" Andalusian horses, and the thrilling capital of motorcycle racing. Wander through the charming historic centre, with its narrow streets, beautiful squares, and iconic Alcazar. Discover the city's allure in unique museums, the atmospheric gipsy quarter, and remarkable architectural marvels that tell stories of its illustrious past.

La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), is the most verdant island in the Canary Islands archipelago. The island boasts breathtaking ecological wonders ranging from lush forests to steep cliffs with black sand beaches, making it a constant source of surprises for visitors. Despite its enticing sunbathing spots, many choose to embark on hiking adventures through the island's volcanic landscapes, bask in the lush greenery of the laurel forests, or witness the magic of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

Beat the crowds in Menorca (or Minorca), the most tranquil of the Balearic islands. The stunning coves and secluded, white sand beaches are matched with the idyllic countryside and historic ruins. This island's charm attracts visitors year-round.

The ancient city of Murcia is located in the mountains, about 25 km away from the Mediterranean Sea. The region is known for agriculture and tourism but also for its charming mountain villages, traditional fishing stations, a green countryside, and unspoiled beaches.

Santander is famous for its fabulous beaches and its elegant holidaymakers: King Alfonso XIII used to spend his summers here nearly a hundred years ago, and the town is still popular among fashionable madrileños who like to be seen sauntering along the El Sardinero seafront with its belle époque architecture. When the sun goes down, the town is busy, with great restaurants and a lively bar scene. It is also a good place from which to explore the pristine countryside of Cantabria.

Valencia is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. With a privileged location by the Mediterranean sea, it offers a perfect combination of beaches and culture, past and present. The birthplace of paella, it boasts a thriving food scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants as well as quirky tapas bars. Its neighbourhoods come to life during traditional festivals like Las Fallas, and every night is lively in trendy districts like Ruzafa or El Carmen.

Valladolid breathes history. This is the place where King Felipe II was born, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were married, and Christopher Columbus died. This was once the capital of Spain, and although it has lost this title, it's still the principal city of Castilla y Leon, the land of castles from which the word ‘Castilian’ is derived. Today, Valladolid is a bustling university city that thrives on its manufacturing industries. It is a down-to-earth, lively place that blends the old with the energetic new.

Zaragoza, the capital of Spain's Aragon region, has a privileged location, equally distanced from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao. The city is connected by an international airport and a high-speed railway line (AVE). Visitors can expect a delicious gastronomy and a rich heritage of historical monuments: Basilica del Pilar, Cathedral of San Salvador, Aljafería Palace, the paintings of Goya or the Mudejar–UNESCO Heritage of Mankind. Local architecture combines Islamic and Gothic styles — an absolute must-see.