Europe Up Close

Easter in Spain: Tips for Tourists

Published/Revised June 20, 2018 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

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

Why Sevilla is the Heart of Spain

Published/Revised September 9, 2016 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

We spent ten days in Spain this year and even though we loved Madrid, Malaga and Granada, we found that Sevilla is really the heart of Spain. There is something about this little town that just exudes the essence of this beautiful country. We stayed in the center of the old part of Sevilla, within walking distance of the cathedral and the Alcazar Real. Sevilla does not seem like a tourist town, ... Read Full Article

Six Great Places for Spring Travel in Europe

Published/Revised August 29, 2017 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

It’s always a stunning time in Europe when the sleet and snow of winter make way for the glowing renewal of spring. Parks and gardens blossom and bloom, cities return life again. Ahead of the summer throngs, it’s also a fabulous time to bulk the European crowds, while keeping the back pocket in tact with friendly shoulder-season rates. From the Italian Lakes to Vienna, Budapest to Seville, we take ... Read Full Article