Boundaries sometimes overlap when categorizing Southern Europe as many of the countries listed in this part of the continent are also listed in other broader regions. However, the one unifying factor in this group of sixteen countries that make up this part of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite predictably, the food and culture are influenced by the climatic conditions of the region, as is the landscape. Visitors head to Greece’s Santorini or Croatia’s coastline in droves to experience first-hand the wonders of the Mediterranean lands. While Spain and Italy are the most industrialized countries in Southern Europe, the rest of the countries in the region rely greatly on agriculture.
Southern Europe too is dipped in history, and the remnants of great civilizations and cultures are visible in the ancient ruins and great monuments. The grand Colosseum of Rome, the Alhambra in Granada, and the San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro are a testament to the region’s glorious past. Southern Europe’s fascinating present is reflected in the well-heeled cities of Milan and Barcelona and in the gastronomic centers of San Sebastian and Bilbao.
When the Beach Boys crooned “Aruba, ooh I wanna take ya”, they sure knew what they were going on about. We loved our trip to this gorgeous “One Happy Island” which is home to aquamarine-turquoise waters, long stretches of pristine white-sand beaches, and an ever-present zephyr that’s just the right temperature. The best bit? Aruba conveniently…
If there’s any place on the planet that deserves to be called postcard-perfect, it has to be the Maldives. Picture this: islets and atolls of white sand sprinkled with tropical vegetation, turquoise waters, sandbars, coral islands, and amazing marine life. Better yet, imagine them as the setting for some of the world’s most luxurious resorts.…
When you’d hear “Cabo” decades ago, it would mean buckets of Corona, tequila incidents, and all-night discos. However, Cabo has grown up and is now known for its impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and the sun, sand, and sea. Aside from the fact that it has an enviable location on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Cabo…
The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, is an addictive blend of hedonism and heritage, topped off with a dash of the friendly and warm Irish spirit. It’s a city chock-full of history, whether it’s its Viking past, its elegant Georgian architecture, or the cathedrals and medieval castles. What makes it all the better…
Barna, as locals call Barcelona, sits on Spain’s northeastern coast, overlooking the Balearic Sea and the great blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea beyond. It’s one of the world’s most visited and greatest cities and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and many, many Gaudi landmarks. But the Catalan capital is so much more;…
Not too long ago, our team had the privilege to visit the city of San Sebastian, one of Spain’s most visited cities. With a rich culture and vibrant food scene, our time in the city was nothing short of spectacular. We’re foodies and culture enthusiasts, so it wasn’t hard for us to fall in love…
For us, San Sebastian is special because this is where we honeymooned after our wedding. So, it was only fitting for us to go back to this gorgeous Basque Country stunner of a coastal town for a second honeymoon. And what topped our stay was the Hotel Villa Favorita San Sebastian, which is the crowning…
We’re deeply intrigued by Spain’s mountainous Basque Country, so visiting San Sebastian-Donostia was a no-brainer. After all, what better place to enjoy our romantic second honeymoon than a resort town with lush hillsides and pristine golden beaches? With San Sebastián always having held undeniable allure, we were looking for an equally unforgettable place to stay.…
For LGBT travelers, Sitges is the perfect place for a great beach getaway, and it’s easy to see why. The coastal town in Spain’s Catalonia region is a picture-perfect spot nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Garraf Mountains. Just as important is the fact that Sitges is super-open to LGBT people. Indeed, it’s so…
There are many reasons why Spain, until today, remains one of Europe’s top hitters. From its warm weather to its laidback vibe, scrumptious food, excellent wine, and beautiful beaches, Spain has a lot to offer for all types of travelers. It’s a nice travel destination for those who want a peaceful break or a memorable…
Mesmerizing Malaga puts the ‘soul’ into Costa del Sol, the famous Spanish coastline overlooking the Alboran Sea. This ancient beach town is the birthplace of Picasso and is steeped in rich Islamic and Roman history. Moreover, it blends lip-smacking cuisine and authentic Spanish traditions with stunning architecture and wicked, wild nightlife. With Spain being renowned…
The scintillating Spanish capital of Madrid is one dynamic city overflowing with culinary, artistic, and architectural treasures and marvels. This city radiates irresistible and rather unimitable energy, and you need a good three days to explore its museums, palaces, and plazas while enjoying churros dipped in hot chocolate. But that’s not all. Madrid is also a…
Barcelona, endearingly called Barna by locals, is a fantastic destination to explore. Whether it’s the plazas, churches, and ruins of Old Town, the lush parks, or Montjuic mountain’s Olympic Stadium, there’s a ton to see and do in the town. However, just outside the fringes of this Catalan capital is a whole world of beautiful historic…
Only an hour’s train ride from the city of Barcelona, you’ll find the beautiful city of Tarragona. And just like Barcelona, Tarragona is also a province! There is plenty to explore in Tarragona, such as traditional villages, Roman ruins, and cava wineries. Apart from that, a long sandy beach also pulls in the summer crowds!…
Madrid and Barcelona are great travel destinations, but if you want to visit a friendly Spanish city with plenty of things to do and experience how it feels to be a local, Zaragoza is perfect! Zaragoza is the country’s fifth-largest city, and compared to its siblings; it has fewer crowds. Don’t worry, as this city…
The lovely city of Madrid is the capital of Spain, and it’s one of the most impressive travel destinations in the world. This beautiful city is chock-full of incredible culture, mouthwatering food, and a great history that’ll surely make you fall in love with it. There’s an abundance of different activities you can participate in…
As the hub of one of the most visited cities in Spain, El Prat Airport in Barcelona is a busy one. Frequent flyers come and go every day for different purposes. Be it for leisure or business, this city got something to offer to anyone. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the…
Explaining the charm and beauty of Madrid in a few sentences is definitely not an easy task. The Spanish capital is so full of soul and character. It’s arguably one of the most artistic cities in Europe, with masterpieces from the renaissance era and architectural magnificence scattered everywhere. And if you plan on visiting here…
Known as the Island of Eternal Spring for its enviable moderate climate, Tenerife is easily one of the world’s top traveling destinations. The largest of the Canary Islands, this city is a favorite for those who want to spend a tropical holiday with breathtaking views. Its stunning volcanic and coastline landscapes facing the Atlantic Ocean…
Cordoba, an Andalusian city in southern Spain, is a hot destination in more ways than one! Besides having the highest summer temperatures in Europe, it’s home to multiple World Cultural Heritage Sites. From the Mezquita Mosque and Cathedral to the Palace Town of Medina Azahara, there’s no shortage of fascinating sights. And without a doubt,…
Whether you’re pining for a hot beach getaway, a shop ’til you drop expedition, or days strolling beside marvelous historic architecture, you’ll find all these and more in Palma de Mallorca. Situated on Mallorca, the largest of the sun-soaked Balearic Islands off eastern Spain, it’s a compelling destination for a Mediterranean vacation. Choose from one…
Day or night, there’s always something to do in Barcelona. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s among the most visited cities in Spain! History buffs will marvel at the centuries-old buildings, while foodies will have a feast with Catalan cooking. In Barcelona, world-class art museums brim with the works of artists like Joan Miró and…
Toledo is the capital of the Castilla-La Mancha region in central Spain. It’s one of the country’s oldest and most important cities. In fact, Toledo used to be Spain’s capital until Philip II transferred his court to Madrid in 1560. Called the “City of Three Cultures,” it’s rich in Judaic, Islamic, and Christian influences. These…
Some cities have a way of creeping into your soul by seducing you with their disarming charm. Seville is one such city that lures you with its history and culture. The Old Town is where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Seville, Spain. However, the city center itself has plenty of good hotels…