What are some good places to go to on a visit to Spain?

Question

Please don't all tell me to go to the Prado, the Alhambra, etc..... any interesting spots that may be a little off the beaten path would be appreciated.

Answer 1

* The Basque Countries - Basauri / Santurtzi / Axpre-Atxondo / Elorrio / Durango / Gernika / Mundaka / Sollube / Mungia / Bakio/ Amorebieta / Getaria / Urliola / Orduña / Bilbao / Vitoria-Gazteiz/ San Sebastian



Casa de Juntas (Gernika) - The Assembly House in Gernika is the meeting point of the people of Biscay. If you want to have an overview of "Basque" then this is the right place to learn and understand it. There is also an interactive PC available to further explain its history and its unique existence. Not all Spaniards can understand Basque, they use EUSKERA, it's a completely different language and art form. It's existence and survival to this day is what makes it so beautiful.

Puente Colgante - Discover the oldest Transporter Bridge in the world and be amazed of this work of art in engineering with more than a 100 years of history. I would recommend you to take the suspended foothpath than crossing over the estuary on the "gondola" which I think is the best spot to see the incredible panoramic views of the Port of Bilbao and the Abra Bay in the distance. By the way, there's a lift that will take you up. So, no sweat! :)

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe - This place is what I fondly call "the Calvary". A 200+ steps challenge -- walking your way up to see the church on top! It looks like an islet. Great experience and the view of the sea and the surrounding rock mountainsis fantastic!

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, there's a Gothic Church called Cathedral de Santa María which would be very interesting for Architects and Historians but not for the religious as this site is being preserved and is undergoing re-construction. If you fancy seeing crypts and bones of past bishops protruding underneath boulders of ancient stones, grand arch-ways and pillars, gothic art and the evolution of times in Vitoria then it's worth a peek! But, be prepared to take some useful Spanish words with you since there's only a few who can understand...much less speak English, esp. in these parts of Spain.

* Castilla y León - Zamora / Salamanca / Segovia / León.

Zamora - known as the City of the Romanesque because of its strong medieval imprint. Long stretch of stone walls, ancient Castle, Vaults and Gothic arches and several cathedrals surrounding the city -- simply outstanding!

Salamanca - Go around the town and discover Baroque and Gothic establishments. Expressionistic art and monuments are very impressive.

Segovia -- The entrance gate to the historic quarter of Segovia is the famous Roman Aqueduct. Built under the Roman empire (1st Century). Inside the city you can find important medieval and renaissance buildings, castles, cathedrals and the Alcázar de Segovia (Segovia Fortress).

León -- The grandest Gothic Cathedral in all of Spain is the Catedral de León. The Cathedral in the capital Madrid can not compare to it.

Ofcourse, your adventure should include Food Tripping! Enjoy PIntxos (like canapés) and Tapas at the old pubs around the Ayuntamiento (Municipal Square). And, try a exotic gourmet of "morcilla", it's like a roasted pig's blood on a pan (bread) and serve like a pintxo. Jamon, Chorizos and cheeses are a must!

Answer 2

An interesting city is Gijon, great landscape , food and people. Beautiful place and great prices .

A small town to visit in North Spain : Santillana del Mar, middle ages town well preserved all the hotels are palaces that were built in the XV and XVI centuries

If you like romanic art the province of Palencia is the area in Europe with most romanic art , great castles and churches .