After a recent trip, I asked my dear friend Jane to share 5 Highlights of Spain. She takes us on a quick tour....
Here in the States we know tapas as a generic term for a variety of appetizers, but while in Madrid, go tapas crawling!!! There is plenty of opportunity to eat local and enjoy organic delicacies. You will find it a totally social experience amongst the Spanish, a time after work to eat a little, drink a little, catch up with friends, then move on to the next specialty snack featured at another eatery close by. Without much effort you can easily tapas crawl into the wee hours of dawn….. A must!!
Scallops and seaweed-a highlight of our tapas crawl.
If you have the time, plan for a full day at the very famous Museo del Prado. Seeing one of the most important galleries in the world, you’ll be inspired by exhibits from all schools of art spanning medieval times to the end of the eighteenth century. Velaquez and Goya are well represented as are an extensive collection of decorative arts.
The Royal Palace in the city of Madrid is the largest in all of Europe and houses richly appointed rooms filled with ornate collections from royalty since late 1700s. The dining room is probably one of the most impressive in the country. Seating 145, decorated with Flemish tapestries and crystal chandeliers, it’s pretty easy to imagine the pomp and circumstance that would accompany a meal here. Only 50 of the 2600 rooms are open to the public, but that doesn’t stop the visitor from seeing examples of the extravagant lifestyle.
The highlight of this area for me was an hour outside the city in Toledo, the earliest capital of Spain. El Greco lived in this medieval town, and today, his original “Burial of the Count of Orgaz” sits in the Cathedral that dates back to 1200s. This piece will be familiar to those who studied Catholicism, but to see its defining lines of heaven and earth in person really brings the legend to life.
The cathedral of Toledo is one of three 13th -century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain. Considered by many to be the high point of Gothic style in the country, the high alter is breathtaking.
If you are in Barcelona, take a drive to another treasure town, Girona. Hidden away, and off the beaten path, it is colorful, and like Toledo, also houses a “must see” cathedral.
Not to be missed is the Can Solivera olive oil farm; you can’t leave this area without a tasting at the source. This haven of lush greenery and wonderful aromas will capture a piece of your heart. Can Solivera produces some of the most pristine EVOO you could have on your table. Buttery, with a slight tang, this artisan product will leave a deep memory on your taste buds. There is ample opportunity to induge with oils, soaps and other skin care products made from the purest ingredients. Bring home a treat or two!! You will not soon forget the warmth of this family who will open their home to you and leave you wanting to discover more of Spain.
Well, I’m certainly ready to book a ticket! What about you? If you’d like to see some of Jane’s terrific mixed media artwork, often inspired by her travels, visit Shadowstories.
I love Spain and have spent a lot of time there but somehow still haven’t made it to Toledo. Next trip but I may not eat a seaweed and scallops tapa – just saying!
Good choice of landmarks. I visited Girona when I was in Barcelona en route to the Dali Museum in Fugueres. It is a picturesque city with an interesting history. I would love to have the opportunity to explore more of Spain.
Fantastic post! Love to see the highlights – I love Spain! One of the highlights for us was in Barcelona we visited a museum of the works of Picasso when we was a teen. Remarkable.
My first visit will probably be frustrating. There are so many great places to see, and delicious foods to eat. It will be hard to try and make decisions!
I just love Madrid and Spain overall. I could eat tapas for dinner every day and never get tired of it. The museums of Madrid are truly astonishing. In the evening, when you’re exhausted with exploring, it’s worth getting on one of those double-decker buses that drop you off at museums and you can see all the illuminated historic buildings, fountains and sculptures along the way.
I like your choices of highlights. I love visiting Spain, and some of these bring back memories (Toledo) and others I’ll add to my list for future visits (Girona).
I’ve heard that Girona is a must-visit place. Amazing how ornate some of the buildings and customs once were, but I like the contrasts with the modern that you highlight. Nice. Tempting!
Your post makes me want to book a flight to Spain right now. Only problem: too many choices of where to go! Foodie Girona would be a good place to start…
Spain is one of my favourite countries – so much to see and do. I love tapas as well, although I’ve never come across seaweed and scallops (I’ll look out for them next time).
Scallop tapas and Madrid’s Royal Palace – we’re sold on a trip to Spain! We’d also like to visit Granada and the Alhambra palace/fortress.
What an inspiring post! Great to have friends like Jane:-)
I love Spain and have spent a lot of time there but somehow still haven’t made it to Toledo. Next trip but I may not eat a seaweed and scallops tapa – just saying!
All excellent choices of places and landmarks. I’d love to try those scallops and seaweed, what a combo
Good choice of landmarks. I visited Girona when I was in Barcelona en route to the Dali Museum in Fugueres. It is a picturesque city with an interesting history. I would love to have the opportunity to explore more of Spain.
Fantastic post! Love to see the highlights – I love Spain! One of the highlights for us was in Barcelona we visited a museum of the works of Picasso when we was a teen. Remarkable.
My first visit will probably be frustrating. There are so many great places to see, and delicious foods to eat. It will be hard to try and make decisions!
I just love Madrid and Spain overall. I could eat tapas for dinner every day and never get tired of it. The museums of Madrid are truly astonishing. In the evening, when you’re exhausted with exploring, it’s worth getting on one of those double-decker buses that drop you off at museums and you can see all the illuminated historic buildings, fountains and sculptures along the way.
Wow, the alter in Toledo is truly amazing! Great photos.
I like your choices of highlights. I love visiting Spain, and some of these bring back memories (Toledo) and others I’ll add to my list for future visits (Girona).
Oooh this makes me eager to return to Spain!
I’ve heard that Girona is a must-visit place. Amazing how ornate some of the buildings and customs once were, but I like the contrasts with the modern that you highlight. Nice. Tempting!
Spain is full of wonders. I’d love have dinner at that magnificent table at the Royal Palace in Madrid. Have you ever spent the night in a parador?, http://berkeleyandbeyond.com/Way-Beyond/Travel-Articles/Abroad/Paradors-of-Spain/paradors-of-spain.html
I haven’t Carole, and had to look it up. Your post about the parador has me hooked!
Your post makes me want to book a flight to Spain right now. Only problem: too many choices of where to go! Foodie Girona would be a good place to start…
I agree Anita-I always look at the food offerings when putting a trip together.
Spain is one of my favourite countries – so much to see and do. I love tapas as well, although I’ve never come across seaweed and scallops (I’ll look out for them next time).
Hey, thanks for the mention in the post,
David Johnston,
Webmaster,
Can Solivera