Tomes can be written about the rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s primary cities. Blood has been spilled, friends turned to enemies, and bitterness has drawn out for decades. And that’s just on the soccer pitch. Madrid was the seat of power as a newly unified Spain built one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen in the 16th century. Barcelona, meanwhile, grew as an industrial power and capital of Catalonia, a prosperous region with a fierce independent streak.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between them. In Madrid, you can see many of Europe’s greatest works of art at the Museo del Prado, stroll through the Plaza Mayor, and head on a day trip to the well-preserved “city of three cultures,” Toledo. In Barcelona, you can marvel at the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, stroll the major thoroughfare of La Rambla and explore the well-preserved Gothic Quarter. If you’re heading out on a Mediterranean cruise, there’s a good chance you’re leaving from Barcelona, which is also the gateway to the Balearic islands of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. Go at the right time — and get your tickets well in advance — and you can view one of the great spectacles in sport, El Clasico between soccer powers Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Though the two major cities are well worth a visit, they’re just the beginning of the wonders of Spain. In the Basque Country on the northern coast, an enchanting combination of beautiful beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants makes San Sebastian a must-visit. While you’re up there, check out the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Inland from those gems is the Rioja wine region. Anyone who’s walked the Camino de Santiago can tell tales of the beauty of northern Spain. In the west, along the Portuguese border are the sparsely populated but historically rich Castile & Leon and hardscrabble Extremadura, the birthplace of many conquistadors.
Andalusia spans the southern coast where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet and Africa nearly meets Europe. The historic cities of Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, and Granada are rich in culture and architecture, while Malaga, Marbella, and the rest of the Costa del Sol are renowned for their beaches. Work your way up the east coast and you’ll come to Valencia, whose contributions include L’Oceanogràfic — Europe’s largest aquarium — and paella. While many regions compete for your visit, whatever taste of Spain you choose is sure to be a good one.
Where to stay
For 110 years, Mandarin Oriental Ritz has been rolling out the red carpet for the likes of celebrities, politicians, and royalty. Following a highly anticipated and extensive restoration, the hotel will be doing so once again in extravagant style. Picture top-of-the-line spa updates including multi-sensory showers and a vitality pool, room and suite makeovers by renowned French designers Gilles & Boissier, and a completely reimagined dining experience with Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta at the helm.
A dazzling display of contemporary architecture, Hotel Arts Barcelona (operated by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company) is renowned the world over for its impeccable service and lavish accommodations, including 28 duplex penthouses. The penthouses are located on the top floors of the hotel and offer butler service and the use of a MINI Cooper. The hotel has an exclusive spa, 43 The Spa, located on the 43rd floor. Visit the terraced gardens, infinity-edge pool, family pool, the stunning collection of Spanish art, or the five restaurants – including the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez, with a wine cellar topping 700 labels.
Hotel Alfonso XIII reclaims its place among Europe’s grandest hotels. The 148 guest rooms and suites have custom furnishings and a fusion of Moorish, Andalusian, and Castilian styles. Original marble floors and handpainted ceramic tiles sparkle in the refurbished lobby and common areas; the popular Bar Americano has been redesigned with a hip art deco flair. Sip tea in the tranquil courtyard, stroll the lovely gardens, or relax by the swimming pool before dining at Restaurante Ena.
Richard Branson’s latest dreamscape, Son Bunyola, is worth the splurge. Three spacious, traditional Balearic villas (one has five bedrooms, the others four) lie sprawled across 680 acres on Mallorca’s northwest coast. Each has a heated pool, sleek kitchen, and courtyard with dining area, although Son Balagueret – housing a bedroom in the original 13th-century turret – has its own magic. The lush estate includes vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards; you can walk to the beach, hike, and bike on miles of mountain trails, or play some of the island’s almost two dozen golf courses.
Are Spain’s coastlines calling you in Catalan? Set-up a time that works best for you for us to start that conversation.