Barcelona
Immerse yourself in Barcelona (www.barcelonaturisme.com), from the cramped alleyways of the Barri Gótic (Gothic quarter) to the 19th-century Eixample quarter, where many Gaudi buildings lie. Stroll along the Rambla and on to old Barceloneta and the seafront. Sights include the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), the Seu (old cathedral), the Episcopal Palace and the Palau de la Generalitat. Take the funicular to Tibidabo or a cable car to Montjuic.
Bullfighting
The controversial but thrilling tradition of bullfighting is still very much alive in Spain, especially so in Madrid. Most towns only hold bullfights during their annual spring or summer fiestas, but Madrid's Las Ventas Bullfighting Ring hold regular corridas. Book tickets via www.taquillatoros.com or www.tauroentrada.com.
Cycling routes
Pedal along one of the many vias verdes (www.viasverdes-ffe.com): scenic railway tracks converted to cycle paths. Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and paths and tracks are plentiful.
Enjoy Moorish pleasures
Soak in a real Arab bath or hammam, reconstructed to luxury standards to suit modern tastes. You can find them in many southern cities, often combined with a tetería, where you can sip mint tea on low cushions after your bath.
Flamenco
Feel the passion of flamenco, in music, dance and song, throughout Andalucía and particularly the cities of Sevilla and Jerez de la Frontera.
Madrid
Explore Spain's capital (www.esmadrid.com). The Prado is a paradise for art lovers. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia focuses on modern art and houses Picasso's famous Guernica. Also don't miss the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid's Royal Palace, the atmosphere around Puerta del Sol and Madrid's historic square, the Plaza Mayor.
Monasteries
Heartbreakingly beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture can be found across the north of the country, with lonely San Juan de la Peña in the Pyrenees competing with Soria's San Juan de Duero and Burgos province's Santo Domingo de Silos as the most atmospheric cloisters.
Mountain climbing
There are great opportunities for rock climbing in Spain's mountains. Well-known, challenging climbs include the Naranjo de Bulnes in the Picos de Europa and Monte Perdido in Ordesa National Park.
Mérida
Capture a whiff of ancient Rome among the stunning ruins of this western town, which also boasts an excellent Roman museum and underrated local wines. Extremadura, home to acorn-eating pigs that produce some of Spain's finest ham, is scorching in summer and chilly in winter but a much-bypassed region that rewards exploration.
Run with bulls
Run with the bulls or join with the crowds at the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona (www.sanfermin.com). The famous 'running of the bulls' through the streets of the centre takes place in July and attracts huge numbers of tourists.
Sevilla
Andalucía's hedonistic capital (www.turismo.sevilla.org) is the romantic heart of Spain, city of flamenco, of Carmen and Don Juan. Wander the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, snacking at tapas bars, and admire the immense cathedral, the world's largest gothic temple and third largest Christian church. Opposite, the Alcázar is a superb example of Mudéjar (Christian-Moorish) architecture. Also worth a visit is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the former mosque and the highest tower in the world when it was first built. Each April, this is the epicentre of the Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) celebrations.
The Alhambra
The impressive palace-fortress of Alhambra (www.alhambra.org) is a supreme creation of Moorish Spain, featuring majestic Arabic gates, intricate carvings and patios – Spain’s most significant Islamic architecture. Perched on the hilltop of Granada city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.
Wine Tasting
Wine tourism is relatively new in Spain, but the bodegas have upped their act recently. The wineries of La Rioja now offer everything from 5-star architectural treats with grapeskin spa treatments to state-of-the-art wine museums.
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