Did you know that beautiful country of Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities? If not, you’ll definitely agree that this is a lot of land to explore! Which region of Spain is the most spectacular and what parts of Spain should be on your travel bucket list?

Just before we start a little war in here, let’s agree that every region of Spain is beautiful in its own particular way. Each part of ‘España’ has its special landscapes, customs, gastronomy and sometimes even a different language.

Spain is a diverse country, there is no doubt about it! And so, we have selected the following regions of Spain as the most beautiful mostly because of our personal relationships to these places.

If you don’t agree with our selection of the most beautiful regions in Spain below, just give us a comment with Spanish places which have captured your heart and tell us why! We’ll be happy to have them all here.

Balearic Islands – Caribbean of Europe

Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are some of the most popular destinations for travellers of all kinds. Which is hardly a surprise! Each of the islands offer you a slightly different experience, but all of them have at least these two strong traits in common –  one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean sea and gorgeous nature.

Water is the main topic we are going to talk about here! From crystal clear waters in Mallorca, through the turquoise waves of Caribbean look-alike Formentera to the dark deep blue waters on the way to Ibiza, the Balearic Islands won’t disappoint any water lover!

As a European you can enjoy exotic-feeling vacations within just a few hours! What we truly recommend is exploring the island via a boat trip. If you decide to help the environment and choose a sailing boat instead of a yacht (it’s also a much nicer experience), a 7 to 10-day boat trip should be enough to explore all of these enchanting Spanish islands. 

Andalusia – The Home of Flamenco

Flamenco is mistakenly connected with Spain as a whole and not many people know that it’s the Andalusian region which brought this passionate way of dancing and singing to the world.

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, and not just because of its unique culture. This very southern part of Iberian Peninsula can also be proud of its diverse and spectacular countryside and nature.

There are in total 2 National Parks and 22 Natural Parks which are an important part of the ecosystem, climate and geology of Andalusia. This flamenco region is also well-known for stunning sandy beaches across all four coasts – the Costa del Sol, Costa del Luz, Costa Tropical and Costa Almeria.

That’s not all folks! Another thing to blow your mind (or rather your tongue) is the typical Andalusian cuisine based on tapas dishes, cold soups, seafood and lots of fried stuff! And if you need further reasons to come to Andalusia, the Arabic heritage around Granada or snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada may persuade you.

Basque country – Alien Language & Michelin Restaurants

There are rumours that the Basque language is the most unique language not only in Spain, but also in the whole world! According to linguists Basque is ‘unrelated to any other language of Europe and isolated from any other current living language’. Its originality allowed people to spread the legend that it comes directly from the universe – and it’s not only the way people speak, you may have also heard about the Rh-negative Blood Type Theory. Let’ keep it short: Basque people seem to be very special!

That’s not what we wanted to talk about though! It’s not a myth that Basque country looks like a paradise from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The place is all about never-ending greenery, magical forests and hills, the wild waters of the Biscay Bay… Those who prefer city escapes will also appreciate the splendid gastronomy, vibrant culture and rich art life of cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Catalonia – The Cradle of Art Geniuses

Antoni Gaudí, Pau Casals, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso… All of these artists spent the best years of their lives in Catalonia and proudly called it home (even though not all of them were born there). Catalonia is the cradle of avantgarde art in Spain and one of the most important regions in the whole country.

Catalunya – as this region is called in Spanish, is not just about big artsy cities like Barcelona. Even though is vibrant and definitely worth visiting, there is much more to discover in this north-eastern part of Spain.

One of the most beautiful spiritual destinations of Catalonia is definitely Montserrat, located just an hour from Barcelona. Easily reachable by train and cable car it’s a chance for people to take in some breath-taking panorama scenery, hike around the mountain and as well, if not most importantly, to think about your recent sins (oh yeah!)

For those who are attracted by water rather than hills and peaks, there is the Costa Brava – a long coast packed with astonishing beaches, bays and lagoons calling you to jump into their waves. In nearby fishing villages you can taste some seafood delicacies and in nearby vineyards you can get drunk from love to wine. Doesn’t it sound like a beautiful place to stay?

Asturias – Cows in Meadows, Pilgrims on Trails

Emerald green valleys, monumental mountains with snowy peaks, cute forest houses and cows happily feeding on fresh pastures. Nope, we are not talking about Bavaria, nor about Switzerland. This kind of fairy-tale scenery is ready to be seen in the northern region of Spain called Asturias.

Things you shouldn’t miss on your experience-packed Asturian trip is the capital Oviedo, so charming that it captured the imagination of even the famous director Woody Allen. You have to try its unique cider, eat tasty Asturian cheese, and most of all get closer to the green Spain you can’t see in many corners of the country.

Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, thanks to its spectacular nature. Take a hike to the famous Picos de Europa and try to close your mouth while absorbing the wonderful natural surroundings. If you are looking for something more spiritual, get on the famous Camino del Rey, the very first pilgrim trail starts in Asturias!

Beach girls and boys won’t leave Asturias with tears, as the Costa Verde is on fire with its sandy beaches and impressive cliffs. The only thing to watch out for is plenty of rain… and cows (almost) everywhere.

There are More Beautiful Regions of Spain

We know that it’s hard to choose just 5 most beautiful regions of Spain when each of them is splendid in its own way. As we are no ‘region racists’ or don’t try to do any kind of ‘region propaganda’ we have to mention the rest of the purely stunning places in Spain you have to see!

Galicia is famous for its gorgeous scenery and spiritual town of Santiago de Compostela. It’s also unofficially known as ‘The Scotland of Spain.’

Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean next to the African continent, are definitely the most exotic parts of Spain you can visit. Don’t skip on surfing and watch out for those volcanos!

Extremadura is wild and nearly untouched. One of the best places for nature lovers.

La Rioja is the kingdom of lovely Spanish wines and Aragon attaches itself to you with its mountainous terrain and rich history.

Cantabria belongs to the ‘Green Spain’ and its beauty lies in delightful countryside and nature, while Castile and León has one of the most amazing architecture and historical monuments.

Castilla-La Mancha is a desert-like region with deep medieval history, also famous for the famous novel ‘Don Quixote’ as well as tasty wine.

Community of Madrid being the heart of Spain is a must-visit place for art, history and culture lovers.

Navarre is a picturesque land filled with stunning scenery of Pyrenees and Ebro river valley.

Murcia has almost everything that an excited traveller may need: nature, hiking, beaches, plenty of historical cathedrals and churches, charming towns and villages.

And the last beautiful region of Spain, proud of its coastlines and natural gems – Valencia is the home of one of the most typical Spanish delicatessen of all times – paella.

Spain is home to so many beautiful sights and sounds that an article like this can barely scrape the surface. Next time you pay a visit to this wonderful country, make sure to try and take in some of those regions you may not have explored before, as Spain is so much more than sun, sand and sangria!

About The Author: Lenka is a Slovak blogger currently based in Spain. The idea of her page wesolotravel.com is quite simple: ‘Sometimes we travel solo, sometimes we travel together. It doesn’t matter if you explore the world alone or with your friends, what really matters are the memories and experiences you gain!’ 

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Sit back, pour a glass of your favorite varietal and start dreaming of your next trip. If you’re considering a wine tour through Europe and wondering what destinations are of top tasting value, then here are a few to mark on your map.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is situated in the southwest of France and is home to the largest wine producing region in the country – which itself is the largest wine producing country in the world. Tours here give visitors the chance to experience a beautiful port city surrounded by rolling hills lined with grape vines. The town of Saint-Émilion is a great place to head for tours and tastings.

Montepulciano, Italy

Tuscany is known throughout the world for being a major food and wine centre, and if you’re looking to experience both wonderful tastes and stunning sites, including Renaissance churches and artwork, then the region of Montepulciano is for you. The famed Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a dry, full-bodied red, and was for a long time the only wine to be served to region’s nobility.

Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal

Today people will commonly call any dessert wine a Port, but true Port can only be produced in one region of the world. The Douro Valley is known for producing sweet red wines in a variety of styles, from Tawny Port to Late Bottle Vintage. Visitors to this region of Portugal will also quickly discover that it is home to one of Europe’s most stunning natural landscapes.

La Rioja, Spain

La Rioja is home to what most will consider Spain’s finest wine, made from the country’s noble grape, Tempranillo. If you’re a fan of food and wine pairings than Spain is the perfect destination for you, as most tastings can be paired with delcious servings of Tapas. La Rioja is also home to a number of quaint towns such as Arnedillo, and famous sites like the Monasterios de San Millán de Yuso.

If you’re looking for some of the best places to not only taste wine, but also enjoy local food and stunning vistas, then the above destinations will not disappoint.

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Here’s a few travel tips for a memorable Lanzarote holiday:

Where to stay

Depending on how you travel (solo, family, group of friends), there are cheap alternatives for everybody. If you look at one bedroom apartments you can pay about £150($230) per week and get two of your friends to go with you. It gets a bit crowded but it can’t get any cheaper.

Alternatively, if you’re in a big group it might be worth renting a villa which can go up to £200-250($310-385) per person. And for solo travellers there is always the beloved hostel which you can easily book on http://www.hostelbookers.com/.

Hostels always provide a good bed, good friends and a story to tell when you get back home.

Getting there

All main airports in the UK have flights to Lanzarote and booking with the low-budget airliners doesn’t make a difference when you’re only flying a couple of hours to the island. Remember that most will arrive at Arrecife (ACE) Airport which is locally known as Guacimeta.

Alternatively, you can book a holiday with the multitude of companies that offer packages for about £300($460) flights and accommodation included. It’s always worth a look at the LastMinute Lanzorote page for the latest offers. There’s also the likes of TravelSupermarket and Thomas Cook to consider as well. We all know them. Be picky and you’ll always find one that fits your needs and budget best.

With that out of the way, it’s time to think about transport. Of course there is always public transport on the island but there is no link between the airport and the island’s major resorts. So you can either get a car hire or book an airport shuttle – both of which will be at around the same price. While thinking about saving money you can easily pre-book your car hire in Lanzarote with Holiday Autos. They always give great prices and offers all the time by comparing prices across the board. Easy and cheap, who can say no to that?

Alternative fun

Nothing beats a Lanzarote holiday with diving, windsurfing, fishing, sailing or golf, you can find a daily activity that will fit everybody’s taste.

• Go Karting San Bartolome
  We all love Go Karting! It always makes a fun day out and not just for the kids. It’s also very affordable. For a go at ‘Go Karting San Bartolome’, it’s around 10 Euros(£8/$13) or you can get a three ticket ride for 25 Euros (£21/$33). You’ll definitely want to give it – the size of the track alone gets your blood pumping. If you’re a beginner or you haven’t done this in a while, just go for the 200cc single engine Karts first and then change to 320cc. Safety first, so if your driving skills aren’t as good as Fernando Alonso’s, you might want to take it easy in the beginning.
• Diving
  Everybody has diving on their travel bucket list and there’s few better places to strike that off than in Lanzarote. While diving, you can have a very close encounter with barracuda’s and angelsharks, explore underwater caves like the ‘Cathedral’ and adventure yourself around the coast to see the old ship wrecks. The Marine Park was created by sinking – yes, on purpose – several boats just off the coast at Puerto del Carmen. And if this didn’t make you open a new tab in your browser to start booking your holiday than maybe this picture of the reefs around the island will

  

  Don’t you just want to be that diver?

• Windsurfing
  This island is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean which makes it a perfect spot for windsurfing. Starting with April the winds blow in your favour having even 6 Bft (Beaufort scale) while in winter it varies and goes to 5Bft. This basically means you’ll have the perfect condition to windsurf and enjoy the warm clear waters of Lanzarote.

In Costa Teguise you will find the beach for both beginner and freelance windsurfers alike. The beach of Las Cucharas is the most popular spot in Lanzarote known for suiting experts, freelancers and beginners on the same spot. As jetties shelter the beach it gives rookies a great practice area and the flat waters in the bay seduces freestylers on a regular basis.

On the other hand, if you are a good windsurfer and you brought your own equipment, you will be extremely pleased in Lanzarote as the island is full of amazing surf spots. Good waves can be found in Jameos del Agua or Famara. These two really are for the pros as waves break in multiple sections over the volcanic reef. Don’t force yourself over these two if you’re not in the top of the windsurfing class.

A Lanzarote holiday is everything you could want from this summer. With warm and clear waters, reefs, volcanic spots and amazing beaches there is nothing left to do than go book you tickets, car hire and accommodation – time to start practising your water sports skills.

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For this Valentine’s Day, here are 5 romantic things you can do in Malaga.

1.     Parque Natural de los Montes

The easiest way to discover the best of Malaga is by car. Plus, it’s cheaper if you rent a car with a good discount. Once that is done you can drive through Malaga to the Parque Natural de los Montes Park.It’s pretty easy to find, and once there you can enjoy a nice picnic with Cheese and Jamon and then explore the area to spot a chameleon as one of the largest colonies of chameleons in all Andalusia is there.

2.     Guadalmar

East of the city, if you drive towards Torremolinos you will find one of the last unspoilt beaches of Malaga. Hire a sunbed and enjoy the white sandy beach with your loved one. To top the day off there are two restaurants close by to delight your senses with extraordinary Mediterranean dishes.

It’s only a 15 minute drive over the highway, so buckle up and get that suntan you know you crave for.

3.     Tapeo de Cervantes

There is no Valentine’s Day if you don’t have dinner at the number 1 Restaurant in Malaga. Tapeo de Cervantes has the most beautifully cooked and simply divine dishes. If looking at the menu is giving you a headache the waiters are very helpful in terms of helping you choose from the variety of tapas on offer. You can expect to pay approximately €3.50 with 1/2 plates between €5.50 and €8 and don’t forget to book in advance as the place is cosy and tiny but extremely popular.

4.     Museum of Glass and Crystal

The Museum of Glass and Crystal (El museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga)  is something you don’t want to miss on this trip. This elaborated restored home is filled with a fantastic glass and crystal collection – the tour guide will make you a glass geek after the first five minutes. For €5 entrance fee will get a memorable experience – it’s a pretty good deal.

5.     Kelipe Centro de Arte Flamenco

You can’t visit Andalusia and not see a Flamenco show. The live performance at the Kelipe Centre (Centro de Arte Flamenco) is one of the most authentic in town. The acoustic and graceful dance of the artists make the room in the 18^th century “palacio” resonate with magic.

Make sure you book you flights and get find offers now for your romantic trip to Malaga. Holiday Autos car rental discounts are running all year round so it’s well worth grabbing checking out the Malaga deals now, so you can spend more money on your Tapas.

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Some of the beautiful beaches of Andalusia worth visiting include:

1. Bolonia Beach, Cadiz

Bolinia Beach is surrounded by a gigantic white dune and the impressive San Bartomolme Mountains. It is one of last beautiful beaches of Andalusia that have not been tampered with by modern development. The beach is home to the historic Baelo Claudia Archaeological Centre.

The Bolonia Beach offers a wide area of sea water, where you can swim comfortably without worrying about windsurfers or rocks. You can also lie lazily on the fine white sand and enjoy the sun without feeling crowded.

2. Playa de Almayate, Malaga

Playa de Almayate Beach is situated next to River Velez. It has dark gravel, and sand, and usually experiences very moderate waves. It is full of superb bars, cafes, and restaurants that offer local drinks and dishes.

Playa de Almayate Beach is surrounded by natural vegetation, making it one of the best beaches that offer very cool breeze. The beach is easily accessible by road. If you would like to reach the beach in style, you can take a flight from the Malaga City. Malaga flights are not only comfortable, but they are also very affordable.

3. Playa de la Joya, Granada

Playa de la Joya Beach is surrounded by a very quiet and peaceful environment. The beach is nestled between Penon de Jolucar and El Cabo de Sacratif. It is full of golden yellow sand and boasts of impressive blue waters. Even though it lacks bars and restaurants, it is a very wonderful place that allows you to cool off your mind without unnecessary disturbances. The beach is accessible by car.

4. Playa de los Muertos, Almeria

Playa de los Muertos Beach, also referred to as the Beach of the Dead, is situated near the Natural Park of Carbo de Gata and is surrounded by turquoise rocks. It is one of the best beaches where you can enjoy swimming and fishing. It is also lined with vibrant restaurants and bars that offer wonderful drinks and meals at very affordable prices. The beach’s crystal-clear sea water is home to wonderful tropical fish. The sand on this beach comprises of multi-coloured tiny stones. Due to its location, getting to the beach involves a bit of trekking.

5. Playa Huellin Beach, Malaga

Playa Huellin Beach is one of the beautiful beaches of Andalusia that is situated on the south of the port of Malaga. It is widely known for its beautiful promenade that is named after one of Spain’s best actors – Antonio Banderas. The beach comprises of very fine grey sand that is comfortable to sleep or walk on. It is equipped with magnificent hotels, life guards, hammocks and beach umbrellas, making it one of the most preferred places for family vacations in Andalusia. The beach is accessible by bus. If you need more luxury, you can get to the beach by air. Just book the Malaga flights and you will get there in effortless style for your vacation.

6. Playa de Matalascanas, Huelva

Playa de Matalascanas is a town beach in Huelva Province, Andalusia that stretches about 45,000 m2 in length. It offers water sports such as surfing, fishing and swimming. The beach has golden sand, and is equipped with very modern facilities such as sunshades, showers, and sunbeds. The beach is accessible by bus.

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I think it easy to guess in which town area was taken this shot   Lets see what Ronaldo will show as today. Enjoy the game.

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As summer approaches, many people are thinking about where they want to spend their holiday this year. Battling with everybody else for a piece of beach, or pushing through crowds to see a city’s top attractions can turn what should have been a relaxing holiday into an experience you’ll need another break to recover from.

If you’re tired of going where everyone else is, there’s a multitude of other less well known but just as fascinating holiday destinations you could visit.

Calgary, Canada

Many people simply use Calgary as a base to reach other, more popular destinations like Jasper or Banff, but this city has a lot to offer in itself. Downtown you’ll find a plethora of bustling restaurants, cafes and bars as well as museums and other cultural centres. You can visit Calgary Zoo or relax in Devonian Gardens, which is one of the world’s biggest urban indoor gardens. Heading west of the city you’ll find the Heritage Historical Village and great shopping areas.

Canberra, Australia

Overshadowed by the popularity of Sydney, which is often also mistaken as Australia’s capital, Canberra is rich in culture and history. It’s home to some of the country’s best museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery, and is dotted with national monuments. It hosts a number of major festivals, like Stonefest and the National Folk Festival. It’s also a great place for those who love the outdoors, with fantastic parks, nature reserves and bushwalks.

Formentera, Spain

Many people think of holidays in Majorca when they want to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. This island does have it all, but so does the less well-known Formentera. The last of the Pine islands, Formentera is a small island south of Ibiza. It’s composed of stunning white sand beaches and ideal for water sports or a hike around the cliffs. Many regions are managed as national parkland and boardwalks through the sand dunes are an ideal way to observe the different species of flora and fauna.  For a little history there are a number of intriguing cultural attractions including megalithic sites, 18^th century watchtowers and castles.

Gdańsk, Poland

Rebuilt during the 50s and 60s after its heavy destruction during World War II, Gdańsk is an up-and-coming tourist destination. Walking around its streets you can admire some beautiful architecture, monuments and fountains. The Old Town is particularly interesting and contains the old city hall, Artus Court and the Golden and Green gates. It has all the charms of a coastal town and you can go sailing, take a canoe tour or simply have a dip in the sea.

Siena, Italy

Italy is a major tourist destination and many people come to float on a gondola in Venice or visit the Vatican in Rome. Siena is one of the more overlooked cities. However, its historic centre is particularly fascinating and has even been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It has a number of notable landmarks that include its 12^th century cathedral, and the Palazzo Pubblico, housed within the Piazza del Campo. The city is also renowned for its art, museums and delicious cuisine.

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