Five Reasons to Visit Spain and Portugal
A magical fusion of heritage and history, culture and cuisine, it’s no surprise that we keep returning to Spain and Portugal. From the countryside covered by olive groves and vineyards to the buzzing city streets and vibrant local markets, there are plenty of reasons to visit Spain and Portugal. In case you need any convincing, here are our top five reasons to put this beautiful region on your bucket list.
Amazing Architecture
Thanks to the many twists and turns of history, Spain and Portugal are blessed with some of Europe’s most beautiful and intriguing architectural treasures – you truly are spoilt for choice.
If you’re looking for reasons to visit Spain, you cannot fail to be convinced by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. Nestled against snow-capped mountains, it’s an exquisite example of medieval Moorish design. There is a myriad of twisting streets, the old Moorish quarter and the traditional gypsy area to explore Granada and Alhambra with our Classic Spain escorted tour described by Stephen, a guest, as ‘Brilliant from start to finish. Great organisation, outstanding guides. A well-designed itinerary.’
Salamanca is known as the loveliest city in Spain, and the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals dominate the skyline, and the ancient buildings of Salamanca’s university date back to 1218. Segovia’s Roman aqueduct is one of the best preserved in the world and, at over half a mile long and close to 100 feet high, it is all the more remarkable because neither mortar nor cement were used in its construction.
The Plaza Mayor lies at the heart of Madrid, and this vast 17th-century square is one of the prettiest in Spain. In times gone by, up to 50,000 people would gather here to mark royal weddings and births. You can visit the Plaza Mayor in Madrid on our Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo escorted tour.
Kings and Queens of Portugal escaped from the heat of the city to Sintra, and the unmistakable silhouette of the unique National Palace dominates the surrounding hills. The history of the palace stretches back over 1000 years, and the different architectural styles bear testament to many royal influences over the centuries.
For something more contemporary look no further than the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Opened in 1997, this avant-garde building is home to a superb collection of masterpieces of modern and contemporary art. You can visit this beautiful museum of modern and contemporary art on our escorted tour of Spain’s Basque Country, La Rioja and Burgos.
The Sound Of Music
Evoking passion and energy, flamenco is one of the most exhilarating art forms to witness. Flamenco has a rich history originating in the 15th century, brought by travellers from as far afield as Egypt, Iran and India who adopted various folk dances on their journey to the Iberian Peninsula which they amalgamated to create their own culture and art of expression. No visit to Andalucía is complete without experiencing a flamenco performance and in Seville, you can admire the superb artistry and energy of world-class dancers, singers and musicians who will bring their passion alive.
Fado is the musical expression of Portugal. These hauntingly beautiful melodies are thought to date back to the 19th century and reflect the dangerous sea voyages so many took in search of new worlds. The origins of Fado are similar to Argentina’s renowned tango; the passion is the same, and the songs are often about love, but Fado does not have dancers, is more intimate and, as the Portuguese would say, “saudade” which translates as melancholic and nostalgic. You’ll find the most authentic Fado in the atmospheric clubs and bars of Lisbon, particularly in the historic Bairro Alto district. Visit Lisbon on the Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley escorted tour.
Stunning Landscapes
The Douro River is known as the ‘River of Gold’ and the overwhelming feeling here is tranquil isolation in one of Europe’s most beautiful and unspoilt valleys. Pretty waterside villages and vine-clad terraces cling to the hills and, as you ascend the lofty valley slopes, you’ll catch glorious vistas of the shimmering river below. Sail the Douro River on our Spanish and Portuguese river cruise – The Douro, Porto and Salamanca.
“Really felt we were being given a taste of life in Portugal. We particularly enjoyed the wine tastings and the day in Salamanca” – Janet, Walton-on-Thames.
The journey from Córdoba to Granada takes you through arid countryside which gives way to rolling olive groves and, in the distance, the spectacular Sierra Nevada. The Puente Nuevo bridge at Ronda is perhaps one of Andalucía’s most recognisable sights. Built on a ridge, the town is split by an impressive gorge which plunges down hundreds of feet with three bridges spanning the gap.
A ride on the cog railway is the perfect way to experience the typical villages and countryside of Spain’s Basque region and as you travel to the summit of La Rhune, you’ll be rewarded with views of the majestic Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay.
Not to be overlooked is Spain’s legendary wine region of Rioja where rows of vines cover the undulating landscape and sleepy medieval villages crown the hilltops overlooked by the jagged peaks of the Cantabrian mountains.
Toledo is circled by a deep ravine and as you make your approach to this golden-hued city it appears to rise from the plains. El Greco captured the distant panorama of his beloved Toledo, Spain’s enchanting former capital, in one of his most famous landscape paintings, currently on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Fabulous Food
A selection of tapas is the perfect introduction to the flavours of Andalucía. These small dishes were originally a slice of bread or meat which was placed over a glass of sherry to keep the flies away. Tapas have evolved over the centuries and today you’ll find an incredible selection; plump garlic prawns, tasty Patatas Bravas in a spicy tomato sauce or creamy ham Croquetas, to name just a few. San Sebastian is home to the pintxos which are a more elaborate version of tapas and these tasty creations have been elevated to an art form in the city.
For more hearty fare look beyond paella to the rich dishes of the Castile region. The city of Burgos is home to many fine restaurants and is renowned for slow-roasted lamb and a flavoursome stew made with the famous morcilla sausage. Spanish treats for the sweeter tooth include turrón – a type of nougat – and sweet churros, which are usually dipped in a cup of hot chocolate.
Petsicos are Portugal’s version of tapas – salt cod croquettes are a particular favourite – and you can’t leave Lisbon without sampling the pastel de nata, the city’s devilishly moreish custard tart. Piri-Piri chicken has its roots in the Portuguese colonies of Africa and arroz de tamoboril and gambas is a sumptuous prawn, monkfish and rice dish which is similar to paella. The food is simple but always delicious and one of our favourite reasons to visit Portugal.
Superb Shopping
Whether you’re browsing at a luxury boutique or mingling with the locals at a traditional market, shopping is all part of the holiday experience on a Spanish or Portuguese tour.
Spanish smoked paprika or saffron which grows on the plains near Madrid is perfect for a foodie friend and delicious Iberico ham comes vacuum packed so is easy to transport. The traditional blue and yellow pottery of Talavera dates back over five centuries and there are still communities of artisans who make these distinctive ceramics in Toledo where you are sure to find a piece that will fit into your suitcase. Exceptional leather goods can be found throughout Spain but are particularly good quality in Andalucía and a bottle of fragrant orange blossom water will always remind you of a visit to Seville.
Shopping is one of our favourite reasons to visit Portugal. As the world’s biggest producer of cork, you’ll find table mats, jewellery and even shoes made from this environmentally friendly and sustainable material. Intricately designed Portuguese azulejos adorn buildings, churches, and train stations and these tiles, each of which is a mini work of art, are available in all shapes, sizes and colour combinations.
