Highlights of a Trek Through Spain

Similar to the many tapas I tried, my recent Spain vacation gave me a taste of many Spanish cities. Madrid had a lot to offer, from art at The Prado to shopping on Gran Via Boulevard. I stayed at Hotel de Las Letras which is located on Gran Via. The hotel has a very modern feel. The hotel’s restaurant, Al Trapo, was just one of the many fantastic culinary establishments I indulged in while in Madrid. These restaurants enabled me to enjoy an array of culinary offerings including churros con chocolate, paella, tapas, and sangria.

In the next city I visited, a walking tour of Cordoba brought me through narrow cobblestone streets in the old Jewish Quarter. The highlight of this beautiful city was The Mosque of Cordoba which features around four-hundred dual colored arches and intricate mosaics.

My next stop was Seville, where I visited the Plaza de España. Along the walls of this plaza are separate areas dedicated to each province in Spain; each area has painted tiles depicting an area map. The details were captivating. La Feria de Abril, or April Fair, was in full swing during my stay. This annual celebration took over the city. Women wore traditional flamenco dresses while walking excitedly towards the festival where booths were reserved. I was lucky enough to find one of only a few public booths where I enjoyed traditional Spanish food such as Tortilla de Patata (Spanish Potato Omelet).

The following day I went to Granada where I explored the iconic Alhambra Palace. The grounds were well-kept and beautiful to leisurely stroll through.

Toledo was next on my trip. I was only in the city for a few hours; however, the quaint streets and charming architecture would entice me to return on my next adventure to Spain.

The final destination of my Spain vacation was Barcelona. I stayed at the Hotel Neri, a boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter. The service at this beautiful hotel is impeccable and the location is ideal. Within walking distance is Las Ramblas, the main boulevard. The highlight of my stay in Barcelona was the artistic tour I took, which focused on Gaudi’s (a Spanish architect from the late 19^th to early 20^th centuries) creations. This tour took me to La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, two amazingly intricate and magnificent works.

Overall, Spain exceeded my expectations. I explored historical sites and tasted local cuisine. I look forward to returning in the future, or helping you plan your next Spain vacation.

Courtney Lavarnway