Lying near the French border, Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and the most architecturally modern, thanks to the celebrated architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Walk along the Passieg De Gracia to experience Casa Batlo, an intriguing structure. At first glance, skulls and bones seem to be lining the outside facade. Take a second look, and you realize that the skulls are balconies and the bones are the supporting pillars. For night owls, Barcelona waits until nightfall to come to life. Diners begin to gather in restaurants at about 10 p.m., and revelers dance and sing well into the morning.
If you enjoy museums, architecture, dining and entertainment, Spain's capital should be among your cities to visit. Explore Old Madrid as you wander among the shops and enjoy the many places where you can sample Spanish foods like tapas. Or take in a bullfight. At the edge of the trendy neighborhood of Chueca, tour the Museo Romantico, a small museum devoted to depicting life in Madrid during the 19th century but without the usual hanging pictures and exhibits. Like many Spanish cities, Madrid is also famous for its late nights. If you can keep pace with the residents, join in the revels.
Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular vacation destinations. You will find sunny beaches and serene coastline beauty. On the east coast, the Nerja Caves are a great place for exploring. Listen to music and join in a dance within the famous caverns. At the foothills of Nerja, you can escape the party atmosphere on a solitary beach of your choice.
The west coast is highly developed and attracts more of an international crowd. Visit Málaga, a vibrant city virtually unaffected by tourism. Torremolinos is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveler. Marbella-San Pedro de Alcántara offers a more exclusive and expensive destination.
Ciutadella, located on the island of Menorca, is the religious capital of the island. The harbor town has attempted to remain true to its history despite an increase of tourism in the 20h century. The statue of a rearing stallion, a symbol of the Fiesta de San Juan, welcomes you as you enter the city. Visit during festival time for a memorable experience. Sit at a harbor-side cafe and engage in some people watching. If you are in the mood to meander, go into the Old City, with its narrow streets and unusual shops.
