A Spain vacation offers an absolute paradise to explore, a peninsula of unparalleled beauty that bears tribute to an age of exploration, an ambiance of art and music that encapsulates the rich history that brings to life its modern culture. You might begin your Spain vacation through this country's mountainous region; idyllic Ronda's mountaintop perch overlooks a stunning valley. Architectural gurus should travel to the Alhambra, a Moorish palace unrivaled in its portrayal of Muslim and Christian influence. Antonio Gaudi's structures in Barcelona are a must. (see more below)

Spain weather varies by region, especially between the north and south divide. Traveling south, Spain has a relatively mild Mediterranean climate that draws vacationers year-round. The Costa del Sol region is a popular vacation spot for northern Europeans who visit Spain. Spring, summer, and fall are all ideal seasons to make a trip to Spain if you’re looking to spend time on one of the region’s many beautiful beaches. While southern Spain weather maintains a mild climate throughout the year, in the northern peninsular regions, winter months can be quite cold, with snow along the mountain region. Travel experts recommend northern Iberia vacations in spring months from February to May, when flora and fauna are in full bloom and the weather in Spain begins to warm up, making seaside visits ideal.

The whole of Spain is easily accessible for travelers by rail or by road. Trains are available to take you to nearly every small village, medium-sized town, and large city in the whole of the country. Renting a car may be advisable if you have special needs, or if you require greater flexibility than the European rail system can deliver, but it is rarely necessary for a vacation. There is also a great bus network between cities, if you prefer traveling with locals at a slower pace. Mediterranean cruises are another way to navigate along the coast of Spain and Portugal, with Barcelona a major gateway. Of course, TravelStore can arrange for your Spain cruise, as well as any pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in Spain or Portugal.

On a trip to Spain foodies might travel south to Catalonia, a region famous for imaginative fare and Michelin-rated cuisine; while the north is famous for Pintxos and the creative cuisine of Jose Andres, world renowned as founder of the non-profit World Central Kitchen. Each of Spain's regions has notable cuisine. Food is such a big part of the Spanish culture. Perhaps paella, a saucy rice dish with mounds of seafood and/or meats or sausage, is the national dish, and it varies throughout Spain. Spain is the world’s number one producer of dry cured ham, Jamon Iberico, and is still made using century-old techniques. You'll find it everywhere in Spain. Chorizo is the fermented, cured pork sausage seasoned with smoked paprika and other spices. Gazpacho is the wonderful cold soup and made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread, peppers, and cucumber. A popular roasted lamb dish is lechazo asado, with a crackling skin and tender meat. Gambas al ajillo is sizzling prawns seasoned with olive oil, garlic, chili, and parsley, while pulpo a la Gallega is grilled octopus flavored with paprika and olive oil. Torrtilla Espanola is a popular omelete with potatoes and onion. Consider washing your wonderful food down with a pitcher of sangria. And for a sweet snack or dessert, there's Churros con chocolate. Buen provecho!

Don Quixote (Cervantes), For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Sun Also Rises (E. Hemingway), The New Spaniards (J. Hooper), Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past (G. Tremlett), The Shadow of the Wind (C.R. Zafon), The Basque History of the World (M. Kurlansky), The Return (V. Hislop), The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain (M. R. Menocal),Tales of the Alhambra (W. Irving), Origin (D. Brown).