Why the Things to Do in Spain for Americans blog?
Since 1998, living and traveling in España on a quest to find the best things for Americans to do on custom Spain trips has been fascinating. This has been enriching for a myriad of reasons (beyond a Spanish wedding in a medieval castle :-) Here are some of my top ideas for things to do in Spain for your own vacation sojourn:
- Sunset vistas from legendary Moorish palaces in Andalucia.
- Hike ancient trails between rolling hills of olive groves.
- Sip Spanish wines with the winemaker in the Rioja.
- Savor a Spanish cooking class fun in Madrid.
- Kite surf or wind surf classes in sunny Spain
- Sail from Mediterranean islands of Spain.
- Passion of championship football matches.
- Ride horses or mountain bikes on mountain paths.
- El tapeo, the tapas social ritual in Sevilla .
Quick Back Story: Visiting some of the most
enriching places in
the world from Machu Picchu to Mayan ruins to Buddhist temples to Beijing, gives you perspective.... and Spain (beyond the tourist crowds of Barcelona) is
up there. That first night in Seville, 15 years ago, left me
unsettled, breathless, yet wanting more. It may not have been the same as
being stared at by a cobra in Morocco or growled at
by an African
tiger 6 feet away, but it Spain is a place that marks you, especially on a well-planned guided adventure.
8 more cool things to do in Spain:
- Taste the 150+ Spanish cheeses and gourmet olive oils.
- Learn the nuances of Spanish culture: siesta, fiesta & late meals
- Meet flamenco dancers, chefs, entrepreneurs and artist.
- El Camino de Santiago, the epic medieval pilgrim trail.
- Fusion of Spanish culture from Roman and Moorish heritage.
- Balloon rides over eautiful national forest and vineyards.
- Medieval castles and modern architecture all over.
- Discover the art of Picasso, Goya and Velazquez in Madrid
But perhaps it is the pervasive, carpe diem, that very Spanish habit of enjoying the moments, even a few minutes to chat over a coffee, a small beer or wine ...or all three, that is most unique. We often seem to have struggle to enjoy the moments in our go-go Anglo-Saxon based workaholic culture in my native and beloved USA not to mention much of northern Europe.
For over 40 million foreign visitors a year, Spain is a must-see destination for foodie, active and cultural
travelers. Expect to be stimulated and at times over-wined and dined. I do recommend that you make sure to include a
few days in at least in some of the beautiful small medieval village in the lesser known regions of Andalucia, Galicia or Extremadura.
Also be sure to see and feel the passion of Flamenco, not just for the unforgettable
experience of seeing the guitarist and dancer up close, but also notice the fusion of music and beats that is the fusion of diverse cultures from Sephardic Jews, Berbers, Arabs to Castillians
Now do not fantasize too much about traveling to Spain tomorrow :-)....
But if you are now enticed to vacation in Spain, perhaps we can
help.....by connecting you with Spain your way + saving you from endless planning and days on the internet. This is why we ensure you a much more personalized and satisfying Spain trip, because you get more out of your hard earned vacation
time with your favorite people.
Below you can meet the writer of this post and founder of MagicalSpain.com
Daniel O'Beirne
Founder & Partner - MagicalSpain.com
Spanish Travel & Events for Americans
Dan has lived in Spain and organized travel in Europe since 1998. MagicalSpain Travel & Events has collaborated with many major US travel companies from New York to California + Rick Steves Spain travel books
and has helped the TRAVEL CHANNEL and MTV on location in Spain. We have appeared in USA TODAY and CONDE NASTE TRAVEL among others.
Before his Iberia exile to Spain, Dan worked 24-7 in a corporate America Dilbert cube type gig. A near death event, wanderlust and European family roots (via New Orleans from Ireland, France and
Spain) led him back to South American and then the Old World. A bilingual foodie, Dan enjoys learning and sharing the legends and lore behind the landmark sites, the medieval
villages, luxury & historic hotels, ancient trails, vintage cars,
gourmet olive oils, history,....
While not a wine snob, Dan loves sharing his favorite wines, conversations and known and unknown places to eat (and enjoy Spanish wines) + favorite emerging Spanish
wine regions. This include Rias Baixas, Toro, Jumilla, traditional
and Monsant and Somantano.
Contact us to get a copy of our Spain Travel Top 20 Report +
request a free travel consult (for serious travelers), so you can decide if it might be a good fit for you and yours.
If
you would like to add an unforgettable Spain journey of discovery to
your list of memories contact us about our world-class customized Spain
trips for your group of 4+ or join our ultra-small group Spain travel adventure.. (max size of 12 persons).
