Spain

Often hailed as the home of tourism, vibrant, sophisticated and culturally diverse Spain is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. From the cosmopolitan cities of Barcelona and Madrid, to the valleys and vineyards of La Rioja, with stunning scenery, fabulous food and passionate people, Spain serves up a rich variety of landscape and lifestyle to satisfy all the senses.

With almost 20,000 hotels, ranging from small, family-run guest houses to international five star chains, Southern Europe’s largest country offers something to suit every taste and budget. If you’re looking for an elegant city refuge in Valencia, or a converted farmhouse on the outskirts of Seville, a luxurious beachfront property in Marbella, or a modern boutique hotel overlooking Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, Spain - with its seemingly limitless array of options - will leave you spoilt for choice.

The nation is renowned as a haven for food and wine lovers with a buzzing bar and restaurant scene at the heart of every city. And since eating out is practically a national pastime, discerning visitors wanting to sample fine local cuisine and delectable wines are sure to find similarly enthusiastic locals and tourists to share their passion! Simple, seasonal ingredients - the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet - feature strongly in all Spanish cuisine and the country’s rich cultural history is reflected in the regional diversity of its food. Here you’ll find everything from traditional tapas to award-winning Michelin star fare, and whilst the metropolises of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville are at the pinnacle of quality and choice, this hasn’t stopped some of the country’s smaller cities from stealing a little bit of the limelight. Amongst these, San Sebastián in the Basque Country is particularly well known for its gastronomic delights. Birthplace of the Pintxo (a small bar snack usually spiked with a skewer and served on bread), this coastal city of around 200,000 inhabitants also boasts Europe’s highest concentration of Michelin stars.

Of course, an authentic Spanish dining experience would not be complete without a glass or two of the nation’s favourite drink. Just like food, wine here is taken very seriously, with hoteliers, restaurateurs and bar owners all keen to promote the wines from Spain’s 69 Denominaciónes de Origen, alongside acclaimed international styles. From the upmarket wine bars of Barcelona to the traditional taverns of Seville, Spain’s choice of wine venue is a match for anywhere in the world. So if you’re looking for a reason to visit this wonderful country - that is, beyond its beautiful beaches, rich history and world famous cuisine - then look no further...