europe

spain

Ttttttapppper me. How can you go wrong in the country is laden with sangria, paella and a never ending onslaught of tapas?

The popularity of Spain as a destination can be attributed not just to its people’s reputation as sexy and passionate but also its diverse regions. Barcelona is the ultimate beachside city and in Madrid you can run with hipster elite. Marvel at the works of Picasso or Gaudi and the modern day wannabes. Flirt with flamenco or channel your Pedro Almodóvar movie. Bullfighting is on its way out (in January 2012 a ban will take effect in the state of Catalonia) – so if you do want to witness the tradition now is the time. While you may party hard in Ibiza, there are other island beauties like Formossa, Santander and Majorca. Festivals such as Tomatina (Tomato-Throwing) and Pamplona, the Running of the Bulls, draw the international partygoers. From more traditional Holy Week celebrations to red wine harvest fiestas you’ll find many more, less famous festivals. You may leave Spain wondering how anybody gets any work done.