Must-Sees - Spain
Too often, we associate Spain with the Mediterranean and forget the towns and cities on the Atlantic side of the country. However, these are actually brimming with internationally renowned treasures. Below, we give you five things to do to improve your understanding of this "Atlantic Spain".
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The Essentials - Spain
The Atlantic coast and Spanish Basque Country offer travellers a warm welcome. Learn more about this part of Spain set between the Mediterranean, Africa and the Atlantic and its convivial gastronomy, lovely towns and cities, and enticing culture.
Read more
Must-Sees - Spain
Too often, we associate Spain with the Mediterranean and forget the towns and cities on the Atlantic side of the country. However, these are actually brimming with internationally renowned treasures. Below, we give you five things to do to improve your understanding of this "Atlantic Spain".
Explore Vejer de la Frontera
Some say it's one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Made a site of historic interest in 1976, Vejer de la Frontera is perched 200 metres up on a hillside. Its houses press together, pots of geraniums decorate balconies, roses stand out against white walls, alleys turn into winding staircases to create a maze in which it's fun to get lost, tiled fountains and squares, Divino Salvador: the parish church, the remains of a medieval fortress, laundry drying on roofs, patios... Vejer de la Frontera has a Mediterranean feel halfway between those of Spain and Morocco. This is a peaceful oasis.
Be a pilgrim in Santiago de Compostela
Tucked away at the end of a bay in the north-west of Spain, the town of Cée is a calm place. People enjoy walking along the promenade and through the shady streets. Cée is also one of the starting points for journeys to Santiago de Compostela. Some people choose to walk to Santiago via the Way, while others go straight to the city, which is the third biggest pilgrimage site in the Christian world. All the landmarks represent the fate of this city inextricably linked to faith: Praza do Obradoiro, St Jerome's Palace (the Pazo), Catholic Kings' Hospital now transformed into a luxury hotel, the Portico of Glory, the Cathedral and the Tomb of St James.
Admire an ancient wonder
While A Coruña attracts tourists looking to enjoy some sun and its huge sandy beach, it is also famous for its Roman lighthouse. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, the Tower of Hercules has been welcoming ships coming into the city port since about 100 AD. This lovely site is on a headland facing the Atlantic Ocean and also contains several statues, a Muslim cemetery and Iron-Age petroglyphs.
Enjoy a day in San Sebastián
Near the border between France and the Spanish Basque Country lies San Sebastián. Tucked away in a charming bay, this seaside resort where the royals used to holiday has a fantastic sandy beach: the ideal place to stop and cool off before heading into the old town. The city contains the lovely gothic-style Saint Vincent's Church built in the 16th century, the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro and Constitution Square. The numbers on the windows of the buildings around the square are a reminder that it used to be a bullfighting arena. When the narrow alleys become more lively following the afternoon siesta, it's nice to wander them in search of authentic tapas bars and designer boutiques.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
It dominates Bilbao's river. Its imposing titanium, granite and glass structure is reflected in the water running right through the city. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, its very structure is inspiring. Then there are the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum's 11,000 square metres of rooms. Permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase the work of famous 20th-century artists. This is a fabulous example of harmony and dialogue between a place and the works it contains, delighting contemporary art lovers.
The Essentials - Spain
The Atlantic coast and Spanish Basque Country offer travellers a warm welcome. Learn more about this part of Spain set between the Mediterranean, Africa and the Atlantic and its convivial gastronomy, lovely towns and cities, and enticing culture.
Top tips
Dos. The Spanish are happy to use informal language right from the off. Using the formal you (usted) can be perceived as insulting. It is also normal to kiss as a greeting, even if you do not know each other.
Don'ts. Spanish people like to dress to impress, especially during their pre-dinner walk, known as the paseo. Sloppy outfits are a no-go.
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Click on the items you want to select. You can select several of them. You can click on an item again to deselect it.
Click on the items you want to select. You can select several of them. You can click on an item again to deselect it.
