I vividly remember my first time in Spain . I was in my early-twenties and Spain was very high on my bucket list. Together with a friend, I planned an 18-day road-trip from Barcelona to Madrid; a trip which turned out to be the start of my love affair with Spain which continues till this day!
We started with a few days in the city of Gaudí and Míro, taking in all the major sights before heading for the Pyrenees mountains. We spent a few days criss-crossing this majestic mountain range before heading south to the Rioja region. From here, we went further south to the historic city of Segovia, and continued west to Mérida in the Extremadura region which borders Portugal. After several days here, we headed east to Toledo before ending our pretty epic road-trip in Madrid. Our list of experiences was long and varied, encompassing culinary, historical, natural and cultural highlights. Now, more than twenty trips later, I’m still deeply in love with Spain (map)! Here’s why…
Reasons why I love Spain in 50 photos
The colours!
Spain is such an incredibly colourful country: from the vivid colours of Míro’s creations to picturesque villages, the bright blue of the Mediterranean Sea, festivals and the food… The colours are simply captivating!
Check out my guide to the best places to visit in Costa Brava on a road trip.
Read about the highlights of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Read about things to do in Valencia.
Read about things to do in Asturias.
Read about a stroll around Girona.
Read about Salvador Dali museums in Costa Brava.
Read about things to do in Lanzarote and places to visit by car in Lanzarote.
Tantalising markets
Markets are always one of my favourite places to visit whenever I travel and especially so in Spain!
Read about my visit to Mercado de San Miguel and other things to do in Madrid.
Gorgeous towns and villages
There are countless towns and villages in Spain worth exploring. Many feature quaint alleys and lively squares whilst some have magnificent cathedrals, fortresses and other historic monuments.
Read more about Morella.
Read about my visit to Peniscola.
Read about the medieval towns in Costa Brava, Catalonia.
Read about things to do in Toledo.
Read about things to do in Sitges.
Read about a winter getaway in Gran Canaria and a spectacular Gran Canaria road trip.
Glorious food!
Haha, you were probably wondering when I was going to mention food! Well, yes, the amazing variety and quality of the food is one of the biggest reasons I love Spain! From the pintxos bars in the Basque Country to the freshest seafood in the smallest coastal villages, and from the buzzing tapas bars in Seville to Michelin heaven in El Celler de Can Roca, Spain is a true culinary paradise!
Bewildering architecture
Another great reason why I love Spain! The diverse architectural styles, from medieval monuments to Gothic greatness, the romance of the Renaissance and futuristic creations… Spain has loads to offer in terms of architecture!
Read about the historic architecture in Seville.
Read about things to do in Seville.
Read more about the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.
Read about the Centro Niemeyer.
Extraordinary experiences
I’ve had so many extraordinary experiences in Spain, including many firsts, like sky-diving, taking part in a medieval festival and enjoying an exquisite dinner in an artist’s studio.
Read about my Costa Brava skydive.
Read about my meal at El Celler de Can Roca.
Read about the Terra de Trobadors medieval festival.
Read about my extraordinary dinner with Quim Hereu.
And finally, I love Spain because of its fabulous BEACHES!
Note: this post was brought to you in partnership with the Spain National Tourist Office. All views mentioned above, including my unbridled enthusiasm, are mine.
I went to Spain in the 1950’s and what a change it made in my life. Off base we were not to ware uniforms, needed a coat and tie, and was given a small clothing allowance. I got three coats, ties, slacks, dress shoes, and this was a big step for a country boy. The streets, plazas, buildings, cafes, and the girls would blow your mind. I have always managed to go back, and its still another world. These people a mixture of good and bad, but you love them as they are. I’m old now, but have so many good memories. If you can, go and visit. Think you’ll agree
Beautiful photos. I’d never had the travel bug but seeing your photos makes me want to put Spain on my bucket list.
Thank you Joe for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed my photos. Have you been back to Spain since?
Cheers,
Keith
Enjoyed the photos of Spain.
I worked for Honeywell and sold terminals to Iberia Airlines.
I had traveled in many of the places you photographed. At the time we did not have cell phones or I would have taken as many pictures. I envied your poses with the great cooks and dreaming of the many fine meals I had in Spain as I worked there.
Excellent point! The wines are incredible! Point #46 I guess. Hehe!
Cheers,
Keith
45/45! I love Spain for exactly the same reason as you do! I might have added a little something in there about the wine 😉
One of my favourite countries to visit! I’m sure you’ll love Spain! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
These pictures of Spain are amazing! I love Europe, and I see now that I will have to add Spain to my wish list of places to visit!
Thanks Scott! 🙂
Spain, amazing images. this will give me a virtual tour to Spain. It feels like I visit Spain with you.
Thanks for your comment Alex! 🙂
Beautiful pics! I would love to visit Spain as well one day!
The pictures are simply amazing!
Spain is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Margot,
Oooh, Cordoba is high on my list! I’m sure I’ll love it!
Cheers,
Keith
Thank you Raymond! Spain is absolutely gorgeous!
Glad you enjoyed my post! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Fantastic photos. Gorgeous Spain!
Cordoba can surprise you next time!
wow.. Nice image. I would like to visit Spain for my next trip.
Thanks for that picture.
Hi Amanda,
I know right! There’s so much to see and do there, and the people are terrific! Can’t wait for my next trip. Woohoo!
Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Spain is so great. I actually didn’t visit for the first time until 2015, and I wondered what the hell took me so long! I loved the 3 weeks I spent there, and can’t wait to go back and see even more!