The Wanderlust Guide to the best of Spain
One of the world’s favourite destinations, Spain has enough culture, energy and sheer geographic diversity to last a lifetime. Here’s how to get your share.
There’s far more to Spain than its boozy seaside resorts. Despite its own civil war, Spain escaped the widespread damage of Europe’s 20th century conflicts. Almost all Spain’s provincial towns and cities have retained their medieval city centres, with narrow winding alleys keeping cars at bay, perfect for an atmospheric evening stroll and a plate or two of tapas at a local bar.
Spain has natural beauty to match its built environment. A wild and rugged interior shelters countless secrets and many national parks have been established to protect sensitive regions. Walkers can stroll through the pretty mountain villages and forests of La Marina, a world away from nearby Benidorm, while climbers can take their pick from the lofty Picos de Europa or the rugged Pyrenees.
Wherever you go, you’ll find a country infused with a fervent vitality. Lunch is late and long, while evenings last forever. It isn’t clear when the Spanish sleep but it doesn’t seem to be at night: even Spanish children play late into the night.
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Don’t be put off by the salacious reputation of Spain’s coastal resorts. There are great wildernesses within reach of most of the country’s budget airline hubs. Robin Ashenden found solitude in the Paraje Natural Desierto de Tabernas, Europe’s only genuine desert, and only a short bus ride from Almería. Jasper Winn, on the other hand, took to the remote tracks and soaring peaks of the Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca, blissfully cut off from the Happy Hour drinking games of some of the beach resorts below.
For something completely different, T.S. Learner recommends a visit to Basque territory in Northern Spain, a world apart, with it’s own traditions, customs and food. Sarah Baxter cycled through the same region, revelling in the relaxed rhythms and generosity of the locals.
If you want a real insight into Spain and the Spanish, Christopher Howse suggests catching a trains, preferably a slow one. He recently completed a 3,000 circumnavigation of the country by train and has plenty of tips for making your train trip in Spain as cost-effective and memorable as possible.
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A Wild West weekend in Almeria – Robin Ashenden
A walking weekend in Mallorca – Jasper Winn
Off the map in Basque territory – T. S. Learner
Spain recycled – Sarah Baxter
Take the train in Spain without the pain – Christopher Howse
