Hunting Down (a few of) the Best Tapas Bars in Granada Sincere congrats and daggers of jealousy: You’ve landed in Granada, and you’re ready to eat and drink your way through town and maybe explore the Alhambra since you are already in town. You’ve heard that this city – unique to Spain in so many ways – is particularly unique when it comes to gastronomic custom: that is, every bar in town dishes ... Read Full Article
Easter in Spain: Tips for Tourists
Make the most of Easter in Spain Tips for Easter in Spain Easter, or Semana Santa in Spanish, is the most important religious holiday of the country. More important than Christmas and it also lasts a lot longer. Although the word ‘semana’ (week) indicates a week, the entire festivities cover more like two weeks, during which time most of public life grinds to a halt. Everybody is gearing up to ... Read Full Article
Six of the Sunniest European Winter Destinations
Yes, the fairytale-like German Christmas Markets are magical, but also cold. Let's take a look at some of the most desirable, sought after and sunniest European winter destinations. Those accustomed to stunning sunsets and balmy eves during their European getaways might balk at the thought of traveling to the Old World during the long, cold winter. But you might be surprised that, from December to ... Read Full Article
Alhambra: Spain’s Last Stronghold of the Moorish Kings
Looming above Granada as a reminder that all things must pass over time, stands the red stone walls of Alhambra. The castle, visible from most points in the city, is nestled in the hills like a mirage of some Medieval memory. While Granada is one of those European towns that proffers an air of the old world, Alhambra is in itself a true monument to an Age. While its origins are debated, it ... Read Full Article
The Tapas, Culture, and Relaxation of Granada, Spain
Roughly a year ago the idea began forming in my head that I should move to Spain, and almost on a whim I chose Granada as the destination for my relocation. While I had visited the town roughly ten years earlier, I had only spent a few days tasting its tapas and melting in its extreme summer sun. And, in reality, I didn't actually know all that much about the place. In fact, my memory of ... Read Full Article
Flamenco, Feria, Bullfighting and Barbers in Seville, Andalucia
Capital of the southern Andalucía region, as well as Spain’s cultural and artistic core, Seville is aesthetically beautiful, intoxicating and graceful. Moorish and Arabic architectural sensibility dazzles in a city rich with Spain’s most archetypal cultural attributes. It is here that the bullfight, flamenco and tapas all originate, and it’s hard not to lose yourself in Seville’s ... Read Full Article
Malaga, Spain: A Moorish Masterpiece
One of eight provinces in Andalusia, Spain, Malaga dazzles with its regal architecture and glistening blue waters. Once considered the less-sophisticated little brother of Andalusia’s capital, Seville, Malaga is now a star in its own right. The home of a “one-armed woman,” the Moorish Alcazaba fortress (dating back to 1065), and the birthplace of the creator of “Guernica,” it is the perfect ... Read Full Article
Cordoba, Spain- A Convergence of Cultures
A true Andalusian gem, Cordoba, Spain has a rich and varied history, which is apparent in the city’s current culture. Over the centuries, Cordoba has been inhabited by three of the world’s major religions- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which have shaped the architectural landscape and customs of the city. What to see in Cordoba The Mezquita is a Roman Catholic Cathedral that was ... Read Full Article
Ronda, Spain: Where the Rain Falls Up
I was in the historic Andalusian town of Ronda for less than an hour before I realized that an umbrella will only do you so much good. Rain clouds were flying in over the surrounding Serrania de Ronda mountains as I crossed the 18th century Puente Nuevo , or New Bridge. As I peered over the edge down the 400 foot El Tajo gorge to the River Guadalevin, I noticed the strangest thing. The rain was ... Read Full Article
Granada, Spain: City of Culture, Castles and Cuisine
While planning what was supposed to be a trip to Spain and Morocco, I scheduled a 1-day stop in Granada, Spain. After sampling the sights, sensations, and savory cuisine of Granada for one afternoon, we decided to prolong our stay. Well, we liked it so much that we never ended up making it to Morocco on that trip. What could possibly cause us to rearrange our itinerary you ... Read Full Article