Vacation Rentals in Spain

Spanish food is famous the world over, and for good reason. Having inspired many modern international gastronomies, including Latin American and even Filipino dishes, a good meal is at the core of any celebration in Spain. As you might expect, regional variations exist, but there are several staples you can find virtually everywhere in the country. Paella is a hearty rice-based stew that's often adorned with indulgent seafood including lobster and mussels.

Tapas-style dining allows groups of friends to share lots of small dishes such as patatas bravas (spicy potato squares), meatballs, and croquetas filled with cheese or meats. Regional specialties include puntillitas, which is fried baby squid found around Seville, and crema catalana, a variation on crème brûlée popular in Barcelona. Spain is also famous for its superb wines of every variety.

For a successful cultural stay, you'll find plenty of accommodation options close to a breathtaking heritage. Spain's tumultuous history, which Catholic kings long competed with Muslim kingdoms in the south, has left impressive relics.

The Alhambra

Aside from prized beaches in the summer under a generous sun, Spain's last remaining lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea hide famous relics such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Cordoba Mosque

With the Great Mosque of Cordoba, it is a prestigious testimony of the Muslim presence for 7 centuries that awaits you. At a cost of $15, it is possible to admire the Palace of Charles V, the Nasrid palaces, the Generalife, the Bath of the Mosque and the gardens. The latter can even be visited at night for the most romantic effect.

Palace of El Escorial

Charles V, the first Habsburg to rule the kingdom of Spain, left with his dynasty a substantial legacy. Among the most exemplary buildings is a few blocks from Madrid the Escorial Palace. If you live in an apartment in Madrid, it is very easy to get there by taking the train at the Atocha station. With the Cercanías C-8 line, it takes about 1 hour to get to where the kings of Spain resided. The visit to the Royal Pantheon is included in the $10 admission, as is the incredible library with painted ceilings, a humanist project of Philip II.

Spanish history is arguably one of the most fascinating in all of Europe, having incorporated dramatic turns of fortune across its former empire. What's more, its contributions to the worlds of art, cinema, architecture and many other disciplines cannot be understated. Even in the resorts better known for their beaches, such as Torremolinos or Málaga, you'll find ancient castles tucked among hills, or museums detailing the local areas' histories.

Of course, the larger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the former capital Seville are among the best for learning about Spain's culture. See living history at the Royal Palace of Madrid, still the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Gaudí's still-unfinished Sagrada Família Cathedral in Barcelona is one of the world's most famous with its numerous spires dominating the city skyline. Meanwhile, you can also visit the Real Alcázar, another home of the Royal Family in Seville and the setting of Dorne's palace in Game of Thrones.

Spain is also one of the most popular destinations in the world for family vacations. With a seemingly endless choice of golden beaches and resorts located close to water parks and kid-friendly museums, there's a lot to keep everyone happy. Costa Caleta on the isle of Fuerteventura is known for its relaxed ambience, but there's still plenty to do including mini golf and superb nearby dining facilities. The beaches to the north of Menorca are known to be quieter than the busier south coast, and so also suit families looking to escape to the coast in calm surroundings.

Back on the mainland, Murcia is located a little inland, but still close to the beaches around Alicante. It offers a world of outdoor adventure among the dazzling pine forests of Sierra Espuña. For introducing children to the culture of Spain, Bilbao is another excellent choice among the larger cities. Located in the north, it's home to gems such as the modern Guggenheim Museum, which is a marvel in itself and designed in the shape of a giant metal fish. The Basque Museum will introduce you to the history and culture of this fascinating part of the country, too.

The nightlife scene in Spain is varied depending on where you are, but always has an emphasis on good times with friends as you party well into the night. At the coastal resorts and the islands of, say, Majorca, you'll find many vibrant neighborhoods almost completely devoted to bars and clubs. These are excellent places to make friends from all over the world on vacation. In the cities, you'll have a chance to party like the locals, and get into the swing of the Spanish way of life.

As dinners tend to happen late and restaurants stay open so long, many don't head to the bars and clubs until well after midnight. If you're looking for a calmer night of entertainment, smaller bars will often give you an appreciation for an authentic, casual night out in Spain, especially if a soccer game is on! Madrid in particular is excellent for high culture such as opera at the Teatro Real or performances at the Ballet Nacional. Traditional evening entertainment such as Flamenco shows are another must-do on vacation here. You can check them out across the country, such as in the Sants Montjuic neighborhood of Barcelona.

Ferias from April to July

If you decide to rent a vacation rental, apartment or villa during the feria season, the festive atmosphere is guaranteed day and night.

In April, it's Seville that lives to the rhythm of the ferias while in Pamplona, the festivities are held in July. In May. it's Madrid that's in jubilation, celebrating its patron saint Isidro.

The San Isidro festivities

Beginning around May 15 each year, they represent a prime time to watch a bullfight at the arenas of Las Ventas. The best bullfighters come to compete and the price of tickets can soar beyond $110, but affordable seats can also be found, around $35, by booking well in advance of the festivities.