Festive, colorful, and rich in history, Spain has been one of the top European destinations for years, with its breathtaking natural scenery, amazing architectural feats, incredible local arts, and a vibrant local cuisine that has captured the taste buds of food lovers and travelers from all over the world.
Spain has re-opened for tourism and offers endless possibilities for your next adventure. Here are four cities to consider:
1) Barcelona
Bursting with artistic influences from famous Spanish artists like Gaudi and Picasso, Barcelona teems with passion for the arts that is evident throughout the Catalan capital – from the grandiose Basílica de la Sagrada Família and the enchanting Casa Batlló to the historic Montjuïc and the UNESCO-listed Palau de la Música Catalana.
Discover the undeniable charm of Barcelona from a fresh perspective with a private helicopter tour or take in the beauty of its distinctive skyline from the deck of a private yacht. Need a dose of adrenaline? Take the sportscar of your choice – Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren – and speed down the city highways in style. Even better, take it for a spin at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the official track of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Taste the finest Catalan cuisine at Lasarte, the first restaurant in Barcelona to earn three stars, or indulge in haute cuisine at ABaC Restaurant, the second Barcelona restaurant to be awarded three stars. Barcelona also offers a wide range of five-star hotels, including Hotel Arts and W Hotel, both offering stunning beachfront views, and the elegantly imposing Mandarin Oriental and the grand Majestic Hotel and Spa.
2) Ibiza
With celebrities, top models and socialites flocking to Ibiza, it is no wonder the beautiful island has become the hottest summer destination in Spain. Enjoy the best views of the sea and the finest hospitality on the island with its array of premier beach clubs, including the stylish and cozy Nikki Beach and the laidback and Boho Chic Aiyanna beach restaurant.
Explore the picturesque coastlines of Ibiza in the luxurious comfort and privacy of a private yacht and discover the island’s widely popular beaches, Las Salinas, Benirrás and Ses Salines, for instance, as well as more secluded gems like Cala Olivera and Sol D’en Serra.
With plenty of fresh seafood and local ingredients around, Ibiza offers sublime flavors and superb culinary creations by some of the world’s renowned chefs. Enjoy sumptuous Mediterranean fare served in a contemporary elegant setting at It Ibiza, headed by two-Michelin-starred executive chef Gennaro Esposito. Located at the five-star Mirador de Dalt Vila hotel, Es Mirador restaurant serves a concoction of “avant-garde Mediterranean cuisine” and a first-class wine selection.
When it comes to lavish hotels and resorts, Ibiza sets the bar high with its elite range of luxury accommodations, including the serene and secluded 7Pines Kempinski, the vibrant retro cool Paradiso Ibiza, the Mediterranean contemporary chic Aguas de Ibiza and the exclusive Hacienda Na Xamena, the first five-star resort in Ibiza and features breathtaking cliff-top views of the sea.
3) Madrid
Madrid, the vivacious and colorful capital of Spain, is a European destination famed for its historic and prominent art scene, strikingly beautiful architecture, rich culinary experiences and thriving urban life.
One of the most popular attractions in Madrid is its “Golden Triangle of Art”, referring to three important museums located close to one another on the Paseo del Prado: the Museo Nacional del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Reina Sofia Museum. For guests who wish to appreciate the creations of some of history’s greatest artists in a quiet and intimate setting, private viewings can be arranged before and after peak hours.
Experience the crème de la crème of Madrid hospitality at its most exceptional hotels, including the five-star Hotel Wellington located in the prestigious Salamanca neighborhood and the Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques, a 19th century palace and a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”.
Savor the richest flavors and most innovative culinary creations in Madrid’s world-class gastronomic scene. For a revolutionary and unforgettable fine dining experience, visit DiverXo, the city’s only three-starred Michelin restaurant renowned for its unorthodox culinary techniques.
For those who prefer a cozier gourmet experience, the two-starred Santceloni restaurant in Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid curates a medley of flavors and sensations drawn from a harmony of fresh local ingredients and cutting-edge culinary techniques. Led by chef Óscar Velasco, Santceloni evolves and recreates gourmet food with respect to traditional origins.
4) Málaga
Málaga—the birthplace of Pablo Picasso– is a quaint seaside city in the center of the Costa del Sol. Warm, welcoming, and colorful, Malaga’s easy-going pace makes it a perfect summer destination for travelers who want to unwind and relish in the beauty of the countryside.
With new art galleries popping up around the more established museums, Málaga is quick to establish itself as a budding destination for the arts. The most popular attraction for art lovers is Museo Picasso Málaga, featuring paintings that span Picasso’s 80 years of work and his diverse artistic styles. Meanwhile, the eye-catching Centre Pompidou exhibits immersive modern and contemporary art from noted artists such as Frida Kahlo, Wassily Kandinsky and Max Ernst.
Standing proudly in the heart of the city is the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress palace built in the 11th century. Guests can explore its serenely beautiful gardens and intricate labyrinthine walls while savoring impressive views of the port and the city from Alcazaba’s strategic viewpoint.
Treat your palate to exquisite flavors concocted by native chef Jose Carlos Garcia at his eponymous restaurant, the one-starred Restaurante Jose Carlos Garcia at Muelle Uno in the Port of Málaga. Indulge in sumptuous international cuisine at the Restaurante Principe de Asturias, an elegant fine dining restaurant located at the splendidly magnificent Gran Hotel Miramar & Spa, the only five-star hotel in Málaga city.
Travel to Spain
Spain is open to travelers coming from EU and Schengen countries, as well as some third countries that are part of the EU-approved list. Travelers must go through temperature scans and fill in a public health form which must be presented upon arrival. Your Jetex team is an excellent resource for the latest information and requirements regarding your trip to Spain or to any country you wish to visit.
