2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 34)

This Mediterranean city is both modern and classic. It embraces the future, but knows full well that its past is well-deserving of being preserved. Here, one beautiful neighborhood spills onto the next, and you can be wandering through the city's historic neighborhood one moment, and then looking out at a beautiful marina the next. SEE: Look up and take note of all the lovely terraces gracing the buildings, and let them guide you to the city's most noteworthy attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the Gothic Quarter.... The list of must-sees is infinite, but just wandering aimlessly through the city will bring you face-to-face with delight after delight. SAVOR: Explore the city's markets, including the Boqueria Market, lining La Ramblas and offering everything from vibrant candy stalls to fish, vegetables and a wide assortment of meats; the Santa Caterina Market, with its colorful roof protecting a treasure trove of delights; and the Sant Antoni Market, whose beautiful architecture is a feast for the eyes for book lovers-and other market patrons-who head to the market on Sundays when second-hand books are on sale. SIGNATURE EVENT: September's Festes de la Merce, held in honor of Barcelona's patron saint, Saint Eulalia, features an array of events over the course of four to five days and seemingly takes over the city. Look for the giants made out of papier-mache dressed in a variety of costumes. STAY: Head to El Born district, where you'll find the Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, a member of Design Hotels. Recently renovated, this historic property offers a spectacular rooftop area with panoramic views of the city as well as 147 spacious guestrooms that evoke a modern vibe. CRUISE: This city on the Med is one of the world's most popular ports of call for major cruise lines such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises and Holland America, among a host of others. Madrid Spain's capital city is always dressed to the nines with an impressive lineup of museums, parks, cultural delights-from ballet to top-notch theater performances-and stunning architecture. Visitors to this city will delight in the fact that Madrid is said to have more cloudless days than almost any other city in Europe-we're talking more than 200 per year-offering ample opportunity to truly explore. First stop is the historic Plaza Mayor, inaugurated back in 1620, then it's on to the city's famous tablaos, or flamenco bars. SEE: With more than 60 museums in this city, museum-hopping is a no-brainer-from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Prado Museum, to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the CaixaForum Madrid, housed, in part, in an abandoned electrical station. SAVOR: Hang with the locals on Sundays at the open-air El Rastro, a flea market featuring a plethora of odd objects-everything from paintings and drawings to funky clothing and accessories. Don't leave without checking out the area's antique shops. SIGNATURE EVENT: The Fiesta de San Isidro, which takes place in May, is a celebration of the capital city's patron saint, San Isidro. One of the event's highlights is the San Isidro bullfighting festival, and a can't-miss are the numerous parades. STAY: Centrally located on Madrid's Gran Via, The Principal Madrid, a member of Design Hotels, is housed in a Spanish Renaissance-style building and features a landscaped top-floor terrace and alfresco restaurant. The 76 decor-centric guestrooms feature high ceilings, large windows (all rooms are outward-facing), and extra-large bathrooms. CRUISE: Although not a port of call, Madrid is such a popular destination that several river cruise companies, including Scenic Cruises, AmaWaterways and Uniworld, include it in their river cruise itineraries as part of a land tour. 34 PALOMA VILLAVERDE DE RICO SPAIN GRENADA Barcelona Park Guell in Barcelona. FACTS April to November The Mediterranean diet was awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 2010, and Soria, in Castile-Leon, is cited as a clear example of a city that is committed to the Mediterranean diet GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Madrid and Barcelona from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Malaga from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Tapas; paella; Manchego cheese; Spanish omelette; all manner of seafood; and lots of olive oil BEST BUYS: Saffron; paella pans; Lladro; shawls; hand-held fans; unique clothing and accessories designed by local designers INFORMATION PLEASE: spain.info BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: http://www.spain.info

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide