"A pilgrimage to this enchanting park is a must for any Antoni Gaudí fan. Located atop Carmel Hill to the north of the city, the park was inspired by English landscape gardens, but itsfantastical elements make sure you know it was created by Catalonia's most eccentric architect. Though there are multiple entrances, the most impressive is via a grand staircase guarded by an enormous, mosaic-tiled dragon. It leads to a sprawling plaza with a mosaic-covered cement bench stretching some 328 feet around the perimeter. Park Güell was originally designed as a gated residential development, but it failed; a show home built to lure buyers is now the Gaudí House Museum (not included with park admission). Visitors should reserve an online ticket to avoid lines."

"The city’s old fishing quarter, Barceloneta, is a warren of narrow residential streets dotted with classic family-owned seafood restaurants. The neighborhood is charming, if a bit scruffy, but its biggest asset is its proximity to Barcelona ’s urban beaches, a three-mile-long stretch of sand and sea that buzzes with activity day and night. Passeig Joan de Borbó is the grand boulevard that divides Barceloneta from Port Vell, the harbor area where gleaming mega-yachts have now taken the place of humble fishing boats. Lined with touristy cafés and souvenir shops, it’s nevertheless a pleasant street to stroll along on your way from the city to the beach."

"Boqueria Market (Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boqueria) As you enter Barcelona 's famous Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boqueria from La Rambla, one of the first stalls you encounter is Tocineria Marcos, purveyors of Iberico ham and a stunning array of other cured, cooked, and fresh meats. It's just one of the dazzling displays of delicacies in this, the most famous of Barcelona 's 40 or so food markets. (Another favorite, and slightly less touristed, is the beautifully remodeled Mercat de Santa Caterina, short walk away.) La Boqueria dates back to 1217; a pig market was conducted here starting in 1470; and the current metal roof was built in 1914. There's no better place to shop for a taste of Catalan culture."

"Amble down La Rambla, stopping to admire fresh flowers, original artwork, and Barcelona souvenirs at your leisure. Watch living statues come to life when you drop a euro in their cups—most will pose with passersby, for a price, of course. Keep an eye out for the pavement mosaic by Joan Miró at 80 Pla de l’Os and the Canaletes Fountain at the top of La Rambla (across from No. 133), where FC Barcelona fans come to celebrate victories."

"The Culture Box San Sebastián's monument to modernity, the Kursaal, sits perched on the seashore, cutting boldly into the skyline. The Kursaal is the spot for the biggest get-togethers in town, from the Film Festival to Gastronomika. It also hosts concerts, plays, and more. In some cases, those under thirty can enter for 3 euros if seats remain right before the show. It's a great culture hub and a fabulous night option for those rainy winter nights, which is when the programming is at its peak."

"The best way to the best view in San Sebastian The view of La Concha Bay must be the most photographed and recognisable of San Sebastian. What you may not realise is that one way to ascend the spectacular Monte Igueldo from where you can capture this unforgettable shot, is by a rickety old funicular railway. The funicular feels like it's been working on the same equipment for hundreds of years (maybe it has) and its slow descent may have you wondering whether you will arrive at all. When you eventually do, you are greeted by the charmingly cheesy (borderline too much) fairground with rides offering even better views of La Concha and beyond. It is also the perfect spot to enjoy a gin and tonic as the sun goes down. By Victoria Hermon"

"San Sebastián, or Donostia in the Basque language, is a Belle Époque resort town built around the Bay of La Concha. Stroll the cobblestone Old Town streets in search of cozy shops, the city’s oldest church (San Vicente) and celebrated restaurants like Arzak and Akelarre. In the newer part of town, visit the Buen Pastor Cathedral and Spanish Queen Maria Cristina’s country home at Miramar Palace and Gardens, as well as a theater and luxury hotel named after her."

"Chic Cinema Overnight Stay in San Sebastián The Astoria7 hotel is one of the few spots in town with character. With Hollywood stars as its leitmotif (in homage to the San Sebastián Film Festival), each room is dedicated to a different actor. Comfortable, modern and clean, and with a lovely lobby area and restaurant/bar, Astoria7 is a great option in San Sebastian. The only downside is its location, a good 20 minute walk from the beach and the old part."

"One of the World's Best Museums Madrid's Prado Museum, home to Goya, Velazquez, Murillo, El Greco, and numerous other greats, has so much to see that just one visit isn't enough! If you have a few days in Madrid , drop into the museum in the afternoons (after 5pm) when there is no charge, rather than attempting to see the entire collection in one visit. If you only have time for one trip to the museum, stop by the gift shop to pick up a mini guide, which serves as cheat cheat to the museum's highlights. Photo by vanOrt/Flickr ."

"What's Growing UP in Madrid! Anyone with an iota of interest in art will certainly visit the Prado while in Madrid . But be sure to save some time to visit another nearby museum, where there's something wonderful to see before you even get inside. Just a 5-minute walk down Paseo del Prado you'll find the CaixaForum Madrid , with its awe-inspiring vertical garden. From a distance, you might even think you're looking at a mural there on the wall, but as you approach, the lush greens and earth tones come to life with varying textures that are luscious and welcoming. A masterpiece where nature is the medium!"

"The Gorgeously Groomed Generalife Gardens A visit to Granada, Spain isn't complete without a stop at the Alhambra. The Moorish architecture, robust gardens, and stunning views of Granada combine to make a truly memorable experience. Start your day with a tour of the Generalife Gardens. Take it slow to fully enjoy the blooming flowers and stunning water features at every turn. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to the Alhambra or you may miss out on a visit to the breathtaking Nasrid Palace portion. Tickets are easily purchased through the official Ticketmaster site, where you are able to schedule a morning or afternoon time slot. If you are unable to secure a ticket to The Nasrid Palace you can still purchase a pass to the Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba Fortress, and it's well worth the time and money. By Aubrey Dunnuck"

"Atlantis Sunken in Spain Marshy wetlands, shallow streams and grassy sand dunes cover the landscape of Doñana National Park, in the Huelva and Sevilla provinces. A small portion of it is protected parkland, but the area has been designated UNESCO World Heritage, and the trip is worth it for two intriguing reasons. First, in 2011 a team of American archeologists claimed to find remnants of the lost city of Atlantis in the center of the park, five miles from the coast inland, which was wiped out by an incredible tsunami. Second, and an only slightly more elusive reason to visit, come for the bird watching. The park is not only home to five endangered bird species, but is also one of the largest heronries in the Mediterranean region, and some half a million water birds migrate here for the winter. Bring your binoculars and camera for possible sightings of the Spanish Imperial Eagle. Sponsored by The Tourist Office of Spain"

"The Monkey Park in Gibraltar You've probably heard of Gibraltar a few times. An industrial island, oddly still under the British crown, the shortest gateway from Europe to Africa - just over 13 miles. So short, in fact, that on clear days, you can see as far as Tangiers. It certainly makes for a nice lookout point over the other continent, that goes without saying. Can someone say "hello sunset"? But perhaps the best reason to visit Gibraltar, outside its peculiar history, is the thriving macaque population on the Upper Rock Reserve. The only monkeys of the European continent were brought in from North Africa over 12 centuries ago by the Moors, who ruled over Spain at the time - and kept the apes as pets. Unlike their Moroccan and Algerian cousins, this monkey population is thriving and living in excellent conditions due to tourism and good care. What's so fun about this isn't just seeing the apes - it's observing them, and very often, playing with them. Living in a natural reserve means the apes are free to wander around, poke tourists and play with each other as they wish, without any sort of restricting walls. Liberty in its true form - for the pleasure of tourists, and I suspect, monkeys too!"

"Colors of the Canaries, Lanzarote Island On Lanzarote, the easternmost island of the Canaries, Spanish archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa, there’s a volcanic semi-crater that has created a dense and salty green-colored lagoon. The lagoon has grown rich with algae and the contrast of the volcanic rock, black beach and green lagoon is stunning. If you’re looking for an inexpensive afternoon excursion, this one is worth the visit. The lake is protected so swimming is prohibited, however, visitors can still walk to the edge, and close ups are worth the walk for the geology and the fauna here. Sponsored by The Tourist Office of Spain"

"Part of Lanzarote’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the 52-square-kilometer volcanic Timanfaya National Park is known for its Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), where subsurface temperatures reach up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (593 degrees Celsius). Eruptions as recent as the 18th century have produced a Death Valley-like lava landscape. The artist César Manrique designed a tourist center here as well as the El Diablo restaurant that uses geothermal heat to cook traditional Canarian dishes."

"Not Your Average Joe Cesar Manrique is the pride and soul of the island of Lanzarote. This local artist's influence can be seen throughout the character and construction of the island (he imposed the white building design regulations). Built in 1966 upon his return from NYC, Manrique spawned this 3,000m house inside a defunct volcano. By Lauren Heineck"