My Top Destinations in Spain for 2015

The holidays are over and the new year is upon us.  The time is not to start consider where you may want to visit so here are my favorite destinations in Spain for 2015.  Most people always include Seville and Barcelona but this year I really wanted to emphasize some choices that I thought would give you  good insight into a more authentic Spain without going to far off the beaten path for those first time visitors. There are certainly plenty more cities to feature but these will start for our new year!

In the heart of Andalusia, Granada remains one of my favorite places to visit for one simple reason, the Alhambra. It dominates the skyline with the snow capped mountains for its backdrop giving the entire city a sense of mystery and majesty. Granada makes you feel as if there is something yet to be discovered here.

You can not talk about Spain and not mention the wine. According the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, wine production in Spain has reach 51 million hectoliters out producing France and Italy at 42M and 47M respectively. Not only was the Castilian language born here, the La Rioja region boasts some of the best wines the country has to offer.  The lush country side, excellent food and great accommodations make La Rioja on of my best picks for discovering Spain more “off the beaten path.”

Madrid is more about lifestyle than monuments. Despite the fact Madrid has the largest functioning royal palace in Europe and boasts several of the top rated museums in the world what stands out most to me in Madrid is the vibrant street life.  Its a social town that loves to eat, drink, socialize and go out.  Mixing culture and pleasure is the daily routine. All my first time visitors alway remark:  “if I knew Madrid was going to be like this I would have planned more time to spend here!”

Menorca may be one of the smallest islands in Spain but probably one of the best to get away from crowds and truly feel like you are in an exotic location. Crystalline turquoise waters and easily accessible coves and beaches make Menorca an outdoor lovers paradise.  Relaxed and unpretentious  you will get a great peak into authentic Balearic life here.

Probably one of the most important culinary towns on the planet, San Sebastian is a food lovers spectacular spectacular. The Basques take cooking and eating to a whole new level.  From the popular pintos offered at every bar to the 3 star Micheline magic San Sebastian is a must for any one who enjoy the art of eating well.  From one dish meals made over an open fire to a 13 course dinner at Arzak you can not go wrong in this town.  On top of it the city faces the sea boast three pristine beaches right down town.

For more destinations in Spain please visit our places to visit page here…