Trip Alertz For Jetsetters, By Jetsetters
Every year, more and more people are heading to Spain for their annual holiday, to relocate for work or move into a luxury villa for retirement, and it’s easy to see why. Spain has been a popular tourist and expat destination for the longest time, made famous for its stunning beaches, temperate climate, and relatively low apartment prices. The largest numbers of tourists flock to the Balearics, the Canaries, and the Costas. Those who crave warm oceans and sunny days are often the same people who avoid many untouched areas.
Those who choose to holiday in Spain for the beaches and foodie treats often miss out on the best that Spain has to offer. Large parts of the country remain unaffected by tourists. When deciding that Spain is the perfect holiday destination, visitors are spoilt for choice. Holidays can be held along the coast, in the beautiful countryside, or focused on Spain’s amazing cultural background Here are the top cultural holiday destinations in Spain.
Aranjuez
Rodrigo’s evocative Concierto de Aranjuez is arguably one of the most stunning pieces of music which have come out of Spain. The song was inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of the lush gardens of the Palacio Real. The attraction was commissioned by Philip II in the 16th century. Later construction of the Palacio Real was inspired by Versailles as an extension of the palace itself. Additionally, Aranjuez is also known for its strawberries. These delectable fruits were also the inspiration behind the Strawberry Train.
Chinchón
Chinchón’s Plaza Mayor is one of Spain’s timeless spots, surrounded with medieval three-story properties, the wooden balconies of which are hired out to spectators for occasional bullfights in summer. This town has been the romantic inspiration of countless writers and actors. One of the most well-known attractions of the area is the local anís.
León
Leon is jam-packed with architectural and artistic riches. Many locals believe this area to be Spain’s Gastronomic Capital and is host to the capitalespanoladelagastronomia.es festival, which sees thousands of tourists’ flock to the site for free tapas and drinks. Situated approximately 200 miles northwest of Madrid, this is the essential stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Some of these include the Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque Basílica de San Isidoro, and Gaudí’s Casa de Botines.
Cuenca
You can travel to Cuenca in less than an hour from Madrid on one of Spain’s high-speed trains. Situated in the middle of nowhere, Cuenca was granted World Heritage status. This dramatic part of Spain is set between the Júcar and Húecar rivers. Here you’ll be able to see one of Spain’s historical ‘Hanging Houses’ that spill over the top of the gorge. The astounding Museum of Abstract Art also features artworks by Antoni Tàpies and Eduardo Chillida, to name just a few.
Comillas
An Antoni Gaudí creation would seem a good enough reason to visit Comillas, yet El Capricho is among several magnificent buildings in this little town on Spain’s north coast. Hidden behind numerous trees, El Capricho is one of Gaudí’s earlier works.
