SOP UP SPAIN

Ask a millennial for his travel bucket list and Spain shall definitely be in the top 10. Some may say it’s overrated, with spots like Morocco and Vietnam becoming the next hot tourist destinations but we disagree. A Spanish experience is unmatchable, to say the least. If you are a traveler, then take a month or two but if time is of the essence, then a minimised version of the Spanish glory can surely be indulged in. Extraordinary Spanish architecture, extensive inclusion of history that lives in museums, glitzy night life, adrenaline spiking extreme sports and one-of-a-kind culture in all its raw, original form that still defines the country; everything does justice to sop up one of the most happening tourist destinations in the world. It might break the bank but it will worth going broke for.


BARCELONA

You don’t have to be a fan of a certain football club to put Barcelona on your bucket list. The city’s grand architecture, historical edifices and nightlife are all the right reasons to spend at least a week soaking up the Spanish sun and will be worth the tan. Barcelona is one of those cities where the temperature is always perfect and the sky is always blue; will make your Instagram feed look essentially aesthetic. To start with, evidence of a Barcelonan vacation is a visit to the La Sagrada Familia, the church that has been under-construction for over a century. For all music and culture lovers, the Palau de la Música Catalana, the famed concert hall, is a must-visit. An emblematic, modernist piece of architecture that doesn’t require technical knowledge for the admirer to be left in awe.  Other than this, Barcelona is literally littered with castles and cathedrals. If you are an adventure buff, then put down scuba diving on your itinerary. For an experience of a lifetime, don’t speed train or fly it, rather rent out a Harley or convertible and take a road trip across Spain.

MADRID

The European city that never sleeps. This city is for those who want to be alive and not just live. Parks, plazas, fountains, flea markets and cafes along the sidewalk to relax at, is the ultimate European experience. Then there is the USP of Madrid which is the art museums. The Prado Museum is the house of some of the best artworks across European art schools that made their way here during the course of history. It also has elaborate religious history and heritage, namely Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Another must visit tourist spot is the Arab Wall. The remains of the Moorish military outpost that became the city of Madrid are visible on Calle Cuesta de la Vega. Of course European hub is also going to be front and center of the fashion scene. The epicenter of the fashionable and historic La Latina neighbourhood – a maze of narrow streets that extend south of Plaza Mayor and across Calle Segovia – this is a diagonal street crowded with excellent (if overpriced) tapas bars and traditional tabernas. Its lively atmosphere spills over onto nearby streets and squares including Almendro, Cava Alta, Plaza del Humilladero, and Plaza de la Paja.

SEVILLE

The capital of Andalusia is one of Spain's primary river ports, and is famed as the starting point for explorers like Christopher Columbus and Magellan. Today, the city is known for its stunning palace and sultry atmosphere, thanks to the abundance of flowering trees, as well as flamenco. Just outside the city, don’t miss the ruins at Itálica. During Semana Santa (Holy Week) between Palm Sunday and Easter, Seville throws one of the biggest fiestas in all of Spain. So, if you are one to enjoy a vacation witnessing cultural rawness, then plan a vacation around this time. Seville too is the centre of art museums in Spain. Second only to the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes includes works by Velázquez, Alonso Cano, and El Greco.

BILBAO 

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim is arguably what put Bilbao on the map. The undulating building is covered in 30,000 sheets of titanium. Inside you'll find works by various artists. When Frank Gehry unveiled his shimmering, wavy Guggenheim museum in 1997, the world had never seen anything like it, and it's safe to say that no other monument has so radically changed a city's fortunes. As impressive as it is, there is more to Bilbao. The Old Quarter features graceful old homes, and the museum of fine arts can't be missed. The city is also famous for its sophisticated dining. The Bilbao Live Festival is a rock and pop-music festival held each summer.

BASQUE COAST

The area between San Sebastián and Bilbao is lined with beaches, cliffs, and picturesque fishing ports. To get the best views, rent a car and drive along the twisting roads. Start at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and work your way east to Getaria. In addition to the beaches, you'll also come across unique churches and museums. The tiny, gemlike hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe clings to rocks over the bay. Visitors must climb 321 steps to reach it. Bermeo has the largest fishing fleet in Spain and is home to the Museo del Pescador – the only museum in the world dedicated to fishermen and the craft of fishing.

There’s a good chance you might not want to come back after this. The urge to rent out a studio apartment with a low ceiling and a roof-to-floor window overlooking a piazza and starting over might feel like a good idea. Spending your days dressing without a care in the world and eating salsa and chips for eternity might feel like the purpose of your life. You might be intensely and obsessively infatuated with the Spanish vibe and you know what? It’s not crazy at all. It makes perfect sense.

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