Spain's Best

There are over 300 golf courses in Spain, and many are among the best in Europe and the world. However, these are the top 10 courses in the country:

1. Real Club Valderrama

Green fee  € 550+

Real Club Valderrama is located in Andalucia, the largest and southern-most region of Spain. A few miles north of Gibraltar, it is approximately two hours' drive from Cádiz and one and a half hours from Málaga. The climate is ideal for year-round golf.

The Par 71 Championship Course measures 6356 metres from the professional tees. The fairways have been described by top pros and leading golf writers as the best in Europe, if not the world. It is not an easy course - nor was it intended to be. It is designed so as to call forth thought and precision for every shot. The course was designed in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr, one of the great golf course architects, and was originally known as Sotogrande New. In 1981 its name was changed to Las Aves. Finally, Ortiz-Patiño renamed the course, Valderrama, after the ancient estate on which the land is situated.

2. Finca Cortesín Golf Club

Green fee  € 370+

Very near the Mediterranean Sea and in a privileged area of Andalusia, Finca Cortesin has become a reference in the world of golf. At almost 7,000 meters from the back tees, it is considered one of the longest courses in Europe. The natural environment and landscape of Cortesin are one of it's most attractive features.

Finca Cortesin Golf Club has 18 holes designed by Cabell Robinson, a length of 6800 meters and more than 100 bunkers. It is considered one of the best golf courses in Spain. The privileged location of the layout will make the player enjoy wonderful views of the Mediterranean sea and mountains.

3.Club de Golf La Reserva - Sotogrande

Green fee  € 310+ 

The Course RSGC is considered as one of the masterpieces of Robert Trent Jones who chose this course as one of his five favourites from more than 500 courses he designed worldwide according to what he wrote in his book GOLF – THE MAGNIFICIENT CHALLENGE – published in 1988. Officially opened in 1964 Sotogrande was the first course Trent Jones designed in Europe and is blessed with his design philosophy, which consists of building courses perfectly integrated with the natural surroundings which are a great challenge to the better players, but accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Nothing describes better a round on Sotogrande than these words. It is a fascinating course for players of any level which retains all the natural beauty of the land on which it was built only 150 metres from the Mediterranean.

4.Golf Son Gual

Green fee € 175+

Laid out across beautiful Mallorcan terrain, just east of the capital Palma, Golf Son Gual is the realisation of one man’s dream. Adam Pamer, a double-glazing magnate and a self-confessed golf nut has been visiting the island since 1974 and purchased a holiday home there in 1994. Frustrated with the poor condition and service he experienced at many of the island’s courses, he set out to build his own dream golf club and employed three-time German Amateur Champion, Thomas Himmel, to create it. Himmel has worked wonders and delivered an exquisite golfing experience that blends seamlessly into the local landscape.

5. PGA Catalunya / Camiral Golf & Wellness

Green fee  € 200+ 

One of the best courses in Spain and Europe and satisfying all requirements for hosting professional competitions.
A beautiful course and a very difficult one, where the stars of the round are the trees and the numerous big lakes. It's a long course suitable for big hitters, though accuracy is also essential from the tee as the greens are surrounded by water. Everyone who has had the pleasure of walking its fairways has gone away with a positive impression of the course. With its naturally undulating terrain, the fairways can seem quite narrow when you are driving off from the tee but they open up for the second shot before reaching greens which are wide but full of secrets.

6. Real Club de Golf El Prat

Green fee  € 160+

The Royal El Prat Golf Club is designed along classic lines on a marvellous estate and is dotted with bunkers and gentle slopes.
It is a varied and entertaining 45-hole course and is suitable for all levels of play. The greens are very tricky and the round is both demanding and rewarding. It is possible to combine five different rounds.
In short, a new course that plays host both to daily matches and social tournaments and to major national and international championships, while respecting the strictest environmental regulations and blending perfectly with the natural surroundings.

7. Parador & Golf El Saler

Green fee  € 105+

In the early 1960s, Javier Arana, undoubtedly the best golf course designer Spain has ever had, took a walk through the pine forest next to the sea at El Saler and his special intuition enabled him to determine that this land could be used to build a magnificent golf course. After a great deal of effort, the Ministry of Information and Tourism agreed to the idea and construction began on the current Parador, with Javier Arana responsible for creating the golf course. His customary wise choices included the decision to do the utmost to respect the natural landscape, keeping as many pine trees as possible and the sand dune that separates the pine forest from the sea.

The result is now familiar to anyone who has visited this golf course, which has generally wide fairways; vast, challenging greens; and almost one hundred bunkers, some of them natural, created by using the dunes. Although there are no other special challenges, it is difficult to achieve the course's par 72. Those who play at El Saler should know that this is one of the best courses in the world, with an exceptional location beloved by all Valencians: the Dehesa de El Saler forest.
 

8. Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Green fee  € 220+

Real Club De Golf Las Brisas was founded by D. José Banús in 1968 as "Club de Golf Nueva Andalucía." He was appointed its first President until 1981. For its design, he chose the American, Robert Trent Jones, already considered one of the best golf course designers in the world. He had just finished building the golf course at Sotogrande and after Las Brisas, went on to design Los Naranjos and Valderrama. The course includes numerous water obstacles: there are ten artificial lakes fed by two streams. The greens, the majority of which are raised, are amply protected by bunkers.

The results of Robert Trent Jones's efforts, which we continue to enjoy today, were truly notable and original, obtaining a difficult and attractive course. He was also original in his choice of Bermuda grass for the fairways and Pencross Bent on the greens, unusual species in the Europe of the sixties. The outcome of all this is a round that requires a precision game of golf. As an example of the opinion of great golfers, we can quote that of Paul Azinger (USA), "There is not a single bad hole in Las Brisas. Indeed it is one of the finest courses on which I have been able to play".

Nº 9  REAL SOCIEDAD HÍPICA ESPAÑOLA CLUB DE CAMPO (NORTH) - MADRID

Green fee €150+
 
The RSHE Club de Campo can trace its roots as far back as 1901- attaining royal status in 1908- and it was one of the founder members of the Spanish golf federation. The two courses on the property – North and South - were both laid out by the prolific American architect Robert von Hagge. The North course was redesigned in 1997 and it now stretches 7162 yards from the back tees. Most fairways are gently undulating and tree lined – but not restrictively – and water comes into play at four holes on the back nine. There are no fewer than seven left-dogged holes. Laid out on a huge scale across naturally undulating and sometimes hilly ground. These elevation changes provide for an interesting and though provoking round

10. Desert Springs Resort

Green fee € 80,00+

In the last `forgotten´ corner of the Mediterranean coast of south eastern Spain on a plateau overlooking the Almanzora Valley, with easy access from the international airports or Almería and Alicante, Desert Springs has constructed Europe´s first ever Arizona style desert golf course.
Designed by Peter McEvoy, Desert Springs is built to full USGA specifications and is well worth the visit.
Here the talk is of water courses, hardpan, armadillos, cactus and there is, of course about half the green planted area you will find on a regular course. But this the desert where host of other westerns so a tough golf course fits in perfectly. Not that Desert Springs is especially tough, it just looks, well, rugged with those towering outcrops of sandstone rock. Eventually there will be two courses on the site.
For the time being be among the first to enjoy the original. Desert Springs is certainly that and it offers a challenging round of golf.

If you are one of those people who always travel glued to your binoculars, silently looking at the sky with your camera's telephoto lens always ready to go, then you are probably one of the thousands of fans in Spain of ornithological tourism — also known as birding, or birdwatching. If that’s the case, your most frequent travel destinations probably include places like Monfragüe, Doñana, Cabañeros, etc. But there is life beyond the large National Parks. Here are five lesser-known but equally interesting destinations for birding. Get your eagle eye ready!

1. Llobregat Delta, Barcelona

It’s astonishing that, just over six miles (ten kilometers) outside of a major city like Barcelona, you can find an amazing natural area like this one. The Llobregat Delta has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds because of its excellent location on a strategic point along the migratory route between Africa and northern Europe. The area includes marked routes that you can explore as you please, following leaflets and information panels, or with one of the guided tours organized by the park itself. In fact, there is a special guide service for birdwatching. The visit is guided by an expert ornithologist, who will take you to the spots where the most interesting species can be seen. Storks, Kentish plovers, Little ringed plovers, grebes, avocets, pratincoles, little terns, and even endangered species, like ospreys and Balearic shearwaters, await you here.

2. Los Barruecos, Cáceres

Did you know that, Spain has one of the largest urban colonies of white storks in Europe? In the small Extremaduran village of Malpartida de Cáceres, you have to walk around as if you were in New York city, with your head turned up to the sky—not to see skyscrapers, but instead to admire the hundreds of storks that have made their nests on its buildings. Among the village’s hundreds of specimens, one of the most beloved is Antonia the stork, whose migratory journeys stretch as far as Mali. And outside the village, at the Los Barruecos Natural Monument, you'll be treated to an exceptional landscape, one of the very few colonies of this species of stork in the wild. The birds live on the massive granite boulders — especially on the rock formation called Peñas del Tesoro — in front of the ponds where the storks quench their thirst.

3. Río Lobos Canyon, Soria

The walls and hollows of the canyon that rises up on both sides of the Lobos River in Soria are the perfect refuge for the many birds that inhabit the Natural Park. Strolling along the river or venturing into its forested areas, you can find species like the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, the eagle-owl, the goshawk, and river-dwelling species like the kingfisher and the mallard. A unique experience in this area is to get up early and arrive at the Galiana lookout point before any of the tourists. Here, in silence, with the breathtaking canyon in front of us, spectacular specimens of griffon vultures, one of the area's most abundant species, will fly over you at an altitude of only five meters. They take flight from among the rocks beneath the lookout point and emerge, majestic, in front of your eyes, so close that you can even admire the way their feathers move in the wind.

4. Gallocanta Lake Nature Reserve, Zaragoza

It’s not a National Park, but it’s undoubtedly one of the favorite destinations for genuine birdwatching enthusiasts. The Gallocanta Lake, halfway between Zaragoza and Teruel is a salt water lake despite being located at an altitude of almost 3,300 feet (1,000) meters. It is a spectacular setting that has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds. Among the species that are most frequently found in this area are the common pochard, the red-crested pochard, the mallard, the northern shoveler, and even the aquatic warbler, the most threatened small bird species in Europe. The one that stands out the most, however, is the crane — both for its beauty and for the large number of specimens who find shelter in this lake, with about 40,000 cranes stopping every year.

5. Villafáfila Lakes Nature Reserve, Zamora

Only 40 minutes away from the city of Zamora, you can find one of the best birding spots in Castile and León: the Villafáfila Lakes. These important wetlands emerge almost as an oasis amid the farms, where grains are the main crop. The area includes three large lakes — Salina Grande, Barillos, and Salinas — and other small marshes. It is an exceptional place for all types of birds. The most characteristic species here is the great bustard. In fact, it is one of the world’s largest communities of the species, with more than 2,000 specimens. This species looks like it was born to be in front of the camera, and here you’ll be able to shoot incredible photos, especially when they are in large groups. The observatory in front of the main lake is the perfect place to see species like the Montagu's harrier, the little bustard, the little grebe, the white stork, the northern shoveler, the mallard, and the crane.

Lights, floats, pages, sweets, and a lot of excitement are all you need to make a procession of the Magi or Three Kings into a one-of-a-kind experience. Even so, every year towns and cities go the extra mile to make these parades special: theatrical productions with top-quality settings and costumes, and fabulous fireworks. From all the processions organised in Spain every 5 January, we have chosen five which amaze children and adults alike, due to their spectacular production values, their originality, or their history.

1. Alcoy, the oldest in Spain

Any discussion of Magi processions in Spain has to begin with Alcoi, which has been holding its parade since 1885. This is not its only impressive statistic - it also has an enormous number of participants, with nearly a thousand people in the procession. One of the most exciting parts of the parade is the torch-bearers, who light the way for the floats and the royal pages. As always in the Valencia region, bands of musicians are an essential part of the procession, with Christmas carols to add to the mood. Up to three bands participate in the parade, as well as groups of drummers and dulzainas (pipers). Another feature of this parade is the work of les negres, the royal pages who bring presents to the children, using wooden ladders to climb up to the balconies of the houses. Traditionally, the event begins at 6 pm and ends after 10 pm, with the sky lit up by an impressive fireworks display.

2. Girona, all lit up

Processions of the Three Kings in Girona province are lit in a very special way, with the fanalets all the children carry. These are small lanterns, made of paper and brightly painted, with a lightbulb inside and carried on a stick. In recent years they have been modernised and can be bought in the shape of one of the Magi, a Christmas tree, a snowman, or even the latest popular cartoon character. The tradition is thought to have begun in mountain villages where the children would light bunches of lavender to make sure the Three Kings would see them, even though there was no procession in the village. Now there are many towns and villages where children light the parade with their little lanterns, in one of Catalonia's most endearing Christmas scenes. Although the tradition has spread throughout the region, the processions in Girona province, such as in the cities of Girona or Vic, are still among the most spectacular.

3. Cerler, the Magi on skis 

Few presentations are as spectacular as the arrival of the Three Kings at the Cerler ski resort, in the Huesca Pyrenees. Their Majesties sweep down the slopes, leaving the children open-mouthed in amazement, as well as their parents - it is pretty unusual to see the Three Kings riding a chairlift or performing pirouettes on skis. For the whole morning, they chat with the children and pose for photos with them, and even hand out sweets, without the need for royal pages. The celebration continues in the afternoon in Benasque, with a more traditional and restrained procession - this is a small village - but with the best possible setting. There's no need to use fake snow to decorate the parade here, as the real thing is usually in plentiful supply for Epiphany, and the scene could hardly be more picturesque.

4. Madrid, the most spectacular

Although there are several processions in the capital every 5 January, the most spectacular pass through the city centre. This is one of the biggest in Spain, with more than 1,500 volunteers taking part. The route traditionally begins at Nuevos Ministerios and ends at Plaza de Cibeles, like so many of the city's major celebrations. It was first held in 1928, and one of its unusual features is that since the late 1980s, the Three Kings have been played by members of the City Council. Another peculiarity is that the people in this parade don't throw sweets into the crowd along the whole route, only in the fenced-off areas. The City Council introduced this measure in 2014 for the children's safety. The parade ends with a fireworks display after a speech by the Magi in Plaza de Cibeles.

5. Santillana del Mar, like a fairytale 

This is one of the prettiest medieval towns in all of Spain, so here the processions of the Magi have an incomparable setting, one of the main factors which have made it an official National Tourism Festival. The setup is different from most because as well as the traditional procession, eight scenes are performed from a Mystery Play, the Auto Sacramental de Los Reyes Magos. The streets are covered in straw, torches are lit as dusk falls, and the townspeople dress up as pages, washerwomen and shepherds. The scene-setting and the participation of many of the residents completely transform Santillana, giving the sensation of having travelled back in time more than two thousand years. The numbers give an idea of the majestic scale of the event: nearly 500 extras, 100 torch-bearers, 5 floats and around twenty horses to thrilling young and old alike with the magic of Christmas.

Spanish geography is marked by a large number of green spaces where we can discover rich and wide biodiversity. Places where we can escape to breathe clean air, do all kinds of activities or simply admire the landscape. With this in mind, I am going to briefly review the best national, natural and regional parks in the country following the recommendations of Antonio Puente in his book 'Spain Inédita: 100 fascinating places you should know' (GeoPlaneta).

Galicia

Cies Island.

In Galician lands, we find the National Maritime-Terrestrial Park of the Atlantic Islands, which extends from the Arousa estuary to the Vigo estuary. It is in its rich seabed where its most precious jewels are found: wide biodiversity guarded by ancient sunken ships. On the other hand, the Fragas do Eume Natural Park is one of the best preserved Atlantic riparian forests in all of Europe.

Asturias

Peaks of Europe.

The Picos de Europa National Park extends into the Communities of Cantabria, Castilla y León and Asturias, although it is in the latter where it occupies the most space. It stands out for its high peaks, its beautiful lakes and a landscape marked by glacial erosion.

Basque Country

Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.

Located between the provinces of Álava and Gipuzkoa, the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park stands out for its limestone mountains and extensive beech forests. In addition, here is the highest peak in the Basque Country, Aitxuri, 1,551 meters in height, and the largest colony of griffon vultures in Gipuzkoa.

Navarre

Bardenas Reales Natural Park.

The Bardenas Reales Natural Park forms a harsh desert landscape of over 42,500 hectares. Its relief is spectacular and its fauna and flora are more typical of the African continent. It is an ideal place to explore on foot or by bicycle through its three paths.

Aragon

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.

The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is dominated by a huge 3,355-meter massif, to which are added forests, meadows, caves, canyons and waterfalls. For its part, the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park contains the highest peaks in the entire Spanish Pyrenees.

Catalonia

More than 200 lakes form the landscape of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, as well as its cliffs known as Els Encantats and its beautiful high mountain meanders. Likewise, in Catalonia, we also find the Ebro Delta Natural Park, one of the most important aquatic habitats in the western Mediterranean.

Castile and Leon

Laguna de Peñalara in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

In the south of Castilla y León, the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park extends, the highest in the interior of Spain. Here we find lagoons, cliffs and gorges marked by glaciations. On the other hand, shared with the Community of Madrid, the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park crosses the centre of the Iberian Peninsula from east to west, leaving behind rich biodiversity.

Extremadura

Monfrague Natural Park.

The Monfragüe National Park has the Tagus River as its backbone, which crosses gentle mountains and extensive meadows. In this place, we can enjoy bird watching, and even contemplate fauna in danger of extinction.

Castilla la Mancha

Tablas de Daimiel

One of the most valuable spaces in the Montes de Toledo is the Cabañeros National Park, home to large birds of prey or black storks. All this is dominated by extensive valleys and high peaks. The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a unique wetland in Europe since it is the last representative of the ecosystem known as fluvial tables.

Valencia

The Sierra de Espadán Natural Park is marked by a mountainous massif full of springs, leafy ravines and forests. Added to this is a landscape that combines a rugged relief with a humid climate.

Balearic Islands

Cabrera Bay.

To the south of the island of Mallorca, we find the Cabrera Archipelago National Maritime-Terrestrial Park, a practically virgin ecosystem that is home to large colonies of seabirds, an incredibly well-preserved seabed and even some endemic species.

Murcia

The Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila Regional Park is located at the eastern end of the Murcian coast, specifically between Cabo de Palos and Portmán. Its landscapes are very varied, being able to find everything from pine forests to sandbanks, passing through salt flats.

Andalusia

Sierra Nevada.

The latest addition to the national parks is Sierra de las Nieves, due to its great botanical interest, mainly for its Spanish firs. Likewise, the Sierra Nevada National Park stands out for its high snow-capped peaks most of the year. While the Doñana National Park is made up of an immense wetland where ecosystems as varied as beaches, dunes or marshes come together.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are home to four national parks. On the island of La Palma is the Caldera de Taburiente, a huge circus 8 kilometres in diameter. For its part, the Garajonay National Park, in La Gomera, is characterized by its large extensions of laurel forest.

In Tenerife, the Teide National Park is home to the highest peak in all of Spain, as well as its unique nature. And finally, the Timanfaya National Park, in Lanzarote, is home to a large number of endemic animals and plants.

Time Out has officially released its annual ranking of Europe's happiest cities, based on the insights of thousands of residents. Topping the continental list—and securing a spot in the worldwide top ten—is the sun-drenched Spanish city of Seville.

The ranking is drawn from a survey of 18,500 city-dwellers, who were asked to rate their home on factors contributing to overall happiness. The survey focused on whether locals felt happier in their city than elsewhere, if people seemed positive, and if they found "joy in the everyday experiences."

Seville's Formula for Joy

Seville’s residents responded overwhelmingly with positivity, making it the happiest city in Europe. A staggering 91 percent of locals surveyed reported that their city makes them happy. Digging into the details, 86 percent of residents said they found joy in the everyday and felt their neighbours were positive, indicating a strong sense of community and daily delight. Furthermore, 74 percent agreed that the city's sense of happiness had grown recently.

Iberian Peninsula Shines

The Iberian nations of Spain and Portugal dominated the top rankings. Spain, in particular, proved to be a country of contented residents, claiming half the spots in the top 10. Beyond Seville, Valencia secured fourth place, and the nation's capital, Madrid, rounded out the list at tenth.

Perhaps the most remarkable finding came from Bilbao, which landed seventh place. An incredible 100 percent of residents surveyed in the Basque city reported being happier there than in any other place they had lived.

Portugal also made a strong showing, with its two largest cities, Porto and Lisbon, claiming third and eighth place, respectively.

The UK's Strong Showing

The United Kingdom was the only other country represented in the European top ten, securing four spots. Both England and Scotland saw successful entries, with Brighton taking an impressive second place and London coming in sixth. Up north, Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh (9th) and Glasgow (5th) both made the grade, cementing the UK's position as a hub for happy city-dwellers.

In total, Europe's top 10 happiest cities for 2025 were found to be concentrated exclusively in three countries: Spain, the UK, and Portugal.

Europe's 10 Happiest Cities, According to Locals:

1. Seville

2. Brighton

3. Porto

4. Valencia

5. Glasgow

6. London

7. Bilbao

8. Lisbon

9. Edinburgh

10. Madrid

Here are 10 stunning forests to visit this season. Autumn is around the corner, and there will be some beautiful colours to discover. Escape the city and breathe some fresh air and admire these picture-perfect landscapes...

1.  Forests of Ordesa (Huesca) 

The charm of the Pyrenees’ most spectacular valley lies in this explosion of colour that skirts these mountains covered in oak, ash, maple, hazel and rowan trees straddling the River Arazas.

2.  Fuentes de Narces (Asturias) 

The slopes that lead down to the River Narcea are home to one of the biggest and healthiest deciduous forests in Spain, providing rich, nutritious food for the brown bears that live in the vicinity.

3.  Fraga del Eume (A Coruña) 

This Atlantic forest, situated further west than any other in Europe, is hanging on by a thread as cement and tarmac encroach on its territory. It’s still a beautiful spot though, and the location for the famed novel 'The Enchanted Forest' by Wenceslao Fernandez Flórez.

4.  Montes de Redes (Asturias) 

The upper basin of the Nálon River, in the Asturian municipality of Caso, is covered with the wild forests of Redes, where brown bear and wolves roam amid the beech, oak and chestnut trees that are also home to chamois and grouse.

5. Dehesa del Moncayo (Zaragoza) 

Moncayo Mountain rises like an Atlantic island in the middle of the Mediterranean, offering shade and a splash of rich colour. Thick with beech trees and surrounded by holm oaks, olive trees and vineyards, this is a mystical corner of the peninsula where many seek spiritual solace amid the foliage.

6.  The Saja Forest (Cantabria) 

The Palombera pass is the crowning glory of the forests of the Saja River in the fall. The ancient woodlands hide a maze of paths traditionally used by mountain dwellers, who left their valleys to occupy the lands of Castile, retaken in the year 1,000 AD. The photo shows the waterfalls at the Pozo de la Arbencia inside Saja-Besaya Natural Park.

7 Tejera Negra (Guadalajara) 

Fall paints the landscape of the Ayllón massif between Segovia and Guadalajara, where beech trees mingle with yew trees. Against the odds, this forest has survived the hot dry Guadalajara climate as though a woodland spell is at work.

8.  Selva de Oza (Huesca) 

The high valley of Hecho in Aragón is crowned with an old untouched forest of beech and firs and black pines marching along the ridges. Below is the mountain gorge at the Boca del Infierno that twists upwards to the source of the River Aragón Subordán – the point where the mountains enclose this Pyrenean treasure whose very remoteness has saved it from the axe.

9.  Valle de Iregua (La Rioja) 

The Cameros hills conceal within their folds a beautiful beech wood, close to the source of the River Iregua. Surrounded by a semi-alpine pasture that has served nomadic cattle farmers for centuries, these beech trees account for the last native deciduous forest in the region.

10.  Monte de Santiago (Burgos) 

The source of the Nervión River is tucked away among the leafy beech forests of Santiago that begin at the cliffs of the Salvado mountains and advance down towards the meadows of the Arrastaria valley in Alava. The forests are constantly doused in moisture by the dense mists that also feed the river and ensure that the Salto de Nervión waterfall – considered the highest in Spain – remains a spectacular sight.

While beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, the travel community of Fascinating Spain has come together to crown the most beautiful village in the country. Their readers and social media followers, considered "true experts" on Spain, have cast their votes to create a definitive list that moves beyond the usual suspects.

Many well-known villages received mentions, including the charming Hondarribia, the medieval gem Besalú, the coastal fortress of Peñíscola, and the artistic haven of Cadaqués. However, a new champion has emerged from the crowd.

The countdown of the top five is as follows:

5. Frigiliana, Málaga: Located in the province of Málaga, this village is a stunning example of Andalusia's famous white villages. Its pristine streets wind through a landscape of breathtaking views, making it a favourite for those seeking classic Spanish charm.

4. Setenil de las Bodegas, Cádiz: This village in Cádiz stands out for its unique architecture. Houses are built directly into the rock face of a gorge, creating a truly spectacular and unusual sight that has captivated many travellers.

3. Cudillero, Asturias: A picturesque fishing village, Cudillero is perched on the cliffs of Asturias. Its colourful houses cascade down the hillside towards the harbour, creating a postcard-perfect scene that earned it a bronze medal from the voters.

2. Santillana del Mar, Cantabria: Often referred to as "the town of three lies" (as it's neither holy, nor flat, nor by the sea), Santillana del Mar is a testament to traditional Cantabrian architecture. Its historical richness and close proximity to the Altamira Cave secured its spot at number two.

1. Albarracín, Teruel, Aragón: The undisputed winner is the medieval village of Albarracín. Tucked away in the province of Teruel, Albarracín is described as a "medieval fantasy." Its natural setting is breathtaking, with stone streets and an extraordinary historical heritage that sets it apart. It is this combination of history, nature, and preservation that led the travel community to declare it the most beautiful village in Spain.

More than 1100 kilometres of coastline, two National Parks and cities such as Seville, Córdoba and Granada are the epitome of Andalusia, but there is so much more to this region. Roman ruins, villages that defy gravity, dizzying trails and rivers that appear to be from another planet. This too is Andalusia. Come discover these other destinations, those that aren't on the first page of the travel guides. They will make your jaw drop all the same. This is the ideal place for your next getaway. (In no particular order)

1. Archaeological Site of Baelo Claudia. Roman Andalusia

If you like archaeology, here are two places that cannot be missed. The first is in Santiponce (a mere 15 km from Seville), where the remains of the ancient Roman city of Italica (206 BCE.) are found. From here you can see its Roman amphitheatre and part of the outline of its streets. In Cádiz, only two and a half hours by car from here, you'll find the Archaeological Site of Baelo Claudia, one of the best known examples of Roman urban planning.

2. Caminito del Rey, Malaga

Leave your dizziness behind to enjoy the Gaitanes Gorge on this unique trail. It has a bridge hanging from the mountain's wall that in some stretches is barely a metre wide, and 100 meters tall. Although it has been closed to the public due to poor maintenance, after a long restoration process, it was reopened at Easter.

3. Río Tinto, Huelva.

It's as if you were on Mars; the landscape seems dyed red along the Río Tinto, a river running through the province of Huelva. The peculiar colour of this river is due to the high concentration of heavy metals in underground aquifers.  In addition to gazing at the river's extraordinary beauty, you can get closer to the Río Tinto with a visit to its Mining Park, where you will learn how the region was transformed thanks to mining.

4. Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz.

This is one of the white Andalusian towns where you'll run the risk of running out of memory on your camera, especially at its walled fortress which is perfectly preserved. Situated on a hill, Vejer shines almost to the point of making you squint. Nevertheless it is necessary to keep your eyes open to appreciate its incredible views that allow us to see the African coast

5. Casacada de la Cimbarra, Jaén

An impressive waterfall nearly 40 metres high is one of the best kept secrets in the province of Jaén. The town council of Aldeaquemada, the nearest village, recommends leaving your car at the foot of La Cimbarra and taking the path to the right in order to see the waterfall from its base, or taking the path on the left to see the waterfall head on.

6. Sierra de Grazalema. Grazalema, Cadiz

It's April year round in the Grazalema mountains. According to records it rains here more than anywhere else on the Iberian peninsula, something that makes this area one of the most ecologically valuable in Andalusia. The intense rainfall and the limestone terrain make this area a paradise for fans of rock climbing and caving as the landscapes are steep and there are many caves and grottos.

7. Cortegana, Huelva

At only 60 kilometres from the Portuguese border you'll encounter a small medieval village with a gem to be discovered, the Sanchocuanto castle, where every August the most important Medieval fair in Andalusia takes place. In addition to the village's historic and architectural value, Cortegana is worth a visit for its natural beauty. The town is located in the middle of the Aracena mountain range, surrounded by valleys full of cork oak and chestnut trees.

8. Pasarela sobre el río Castril, Castril, Granada

While the capital and the Sierra Nevada are the main tourist points in the province of Granada, there are other charming places in this area such as the Granada high plateau, a land of contrasts with nearly desert like terrain as well as high mountains. Here you'll find treasures such as the hanging footbridge over the Castril river, a spectacular 20 minute walk on the wooden footbridge through the river gorge. In addition to the village of Castril, it's also worth visiting Huéscar, the county's capital.

9. Vélez-Blanco. Castillo de Vélez-Blanco

This Renaissance fortress, one of Andalusia's best, impresses from afar with a perfectly maintained silhouette on a hillside. It is nearly 2500 square metres and has two main buildings joined by a drawbridge. The fortress's "Patio de Honor" [Courtyard of Honor] cannot be missed. Made of white marble, it is considered a gem of the Renaissance.

10. Setenil de las bodegas, Cádiz

One of the most spectacular destinations in Andalusia is this village set in stone. Adapting perfectly to the topography of the area, part of the old town has been built around rocks, with some buildings above them and some inside them. Wandering the narrow streets you may suddenly find yourself in the heart of a rock.

Castles in Spain were built mainly for defensive purposes. During the Middle Ages, northern Christian kingdoms had to secure their borders with their Muslim southern neighbours, thus forcing both Christian and Muslim kings to grant border fiefs to their liege noblemen so as to keep and maintain defensive fortresses. When the Reconquista advanced, those border castles lost their initial purpose, and, as in the rest of medieval Europe, they were used as noble residences and fief-keeps.

However, due to sporadic threats of war, they kept their military purposes, for enemy invasions were common. In some locations, such as the Basque country, fiefdoms did not exist as such, and noble families could not afford nor did they need huge fortresses, giving rise to many tower houses. On the other hand, in Muslim Spain many castle-palaces were built: the petty taifa kingdoms that arose after the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba were militarily weak but culturally rich, and every emir or king liked magnificent palaces, of which the Alhambra of Granada is an example.

During the late Middle Ages, Christian kingdoms had secured and enriched themselves well enough to support a more courtly lifestyle, so more residential castles were built, such as the Alcázar of Segovia, which was used as the main residence of the kings of Castile, whereas the Castle of Olite, built in a luxurious gothic style, was the seat of the Kingdom of Navarre's royal court. After the Conquest of Granada in 1492, the Catholic monarchs ordered all the castles in their realms to be handed over to the Crown. Although the order was not completely carried out, the War of the Germanias, a rebellion against king Charles V in the early 16th century, forced the new Spanish Habsburg dynasty to continue the process, and many castles were demolished as well. Most of castles in Spain were successively abandoned and dismantled, Spanish kings fearing noble and peasant revolts, especially in the newly conquered lands.

Accordingly, most of them are nowadays in a state of decay, and although some restoration work has been done, the number of former castles is so large that the Spanish government lacks both the resources and the will to restore them all. Nowadays in Spain there are well over 2000 castles, but here are 10 of the Best restored castles in the country …

1. Alhambra Palace (Alcazar)

http://www.alhambra-patronato.es

2.Alcazar de Segovia

http://www.alcazardesegovia.com

3.Castillo de Olite

http://guiartenavarra.com/index.php?m=4&subm=25&id=1

4. Castillo de Coca

http://www.castillodecoca.com

5. Castillo de Ponferrada

http://www.ponferrada.org/turismo/es/monumentos/castillo-templarios

6. Castillo de la Mota

http://www.castillodelamota.es

7. Castillo de Loarre

http://www.castillodeloarre.es/vistas/01.aspx?id=12

8. Castillo de Almodóvar

http://castillodealmodovar.com

9. Castillo de Manzanares (Mendoza)

http://www.turismomadrid.es/mas-guias/10799-el-castillo-de-manzanares-el-real

10. Castillo Butrón

http://turismo.euskadi.net/es/patrimonio-cultural/castillo-de-butron/x65-12375/es/

Campsites have experienced a small rebirth. Now they are as cool as ever. There are also those that offer innovative tree houses, waterfront cabins and even luxury safari tents.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to choose, but the Best Campsite in Spain awards make it a little easier. These awards given by the Spanish Campsite Federation (FEEC) are granted to certain establishments taking into account both their characteristics and the evaluation of the campers themselves.

The winners reveal spectacular landscapes and luxurious facilities, both aimed at the whole family and focused on enjoying peace and silence. Here they are the main prize winners:

1. BEST MOUNTAIN CAMPSITE: PINETA (BIELSA, HUESCA)

https://campingpineta.com/

The location of this campsite is truly spectacular. It sits at the entrance to the extraordinary Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, in the Pineta Valley.

It is surrounded by majestic mountains, pine, beech and fir forests and next to the source of the River Cinca and is located in the spot where the majority of walking routes in the area begin. It has bungalows, double rooms and plots for rent.

2. BEST BEACH CAMPSITE: PINAR SAN JOSÉ (ZAHORA, CÁDIZ)

https://www.campingpinarsanjose.com/

In the beautiful Natural Park of La Breña y Marismas de Barbate, a large dune populated by pines, wild olive trees and mastic trees and located next to magnificent cliffs, is the Pinar San José. There, time is spent surfing or hiking, riding bicycles, spotting dolphins or strolling under the sun on mythical beaches like those of Bolonia.

Nearby are some popular towns like Vejer and Conil. The facilities also cater for sports, a children's club, swimming pools and a dog area.

3. BEST FAMILY CAMPSITE: RIBADESELLA (RIBADESELLA, ASTURIAS)

https://camping-ribadesella.es/

Spa, gym, playgrounds, entertainment activities for children, miniature golf, sports courts, outdoor and heated swimming pools ... The Ribadesella campsite is certainly an Eden for the whole family, located just one kilometre from the beach.

In fact, the little ones will dream of sleeping in their safari tent in the glamping area, although the enclosure also has bungalows and a camping area. It is, of course, a destination to remember only when the sun rises, since it only opens from the end of April to the end of September.

4. BEST CAMPSITE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND: MOLINO DE CABUÉRNIGA (CABUÉRNIGA, CANTABRIA)

https://www.campingcabuerniga.com/

This family business, which pampers every aspect of its accommodation, prides itself on the beauty of its protected natural environment, the Cabuérniga Valley. Its greatest asset is its tranquillity.

Open since 1991 and named Best European campsite open all year round in 2017, Cabuérniga offers pitches, as well as cabins and apartments with a rural air, lined with stone from the area.

5. MOST ORIGINAL ACCOMMODATION CAMPSITE:  SON BOU (ALAIOR, MENORCA)

https://www.campingsonbou.com/es/inicio

70,000 square meters of pine forests and large green areas and the most charming architecture based on wooden chalets make up this beautiful Mallorcan campsite with a swimming pool, restaurant, sports courts, mini-club and children's playground.

Nearby, the Son Bou beach, the Cavalleria lighthouse and the Sanitja port are wonderful excursions for the whole family.

6. SPECIAL MENTION: CAMPSITE BAYONA PLAYA (BAIONA, PONTEVEDRA)

https://www.campingbayona.com/

The wonderful renovation carried out at this campsite, which now has a series of modern glazed bungalows with a terrace practically on the seashore, has earned it a special mention from the FEEC. They also have a glamping area made up of two-level raised wooden tents with a dining room, storage area and bedroom, as well as traditional pitches.

The accommodation offer is complemented with all kinds of attractions for children -animation, trampolines, zip line, water slides ... as well as a privileged environment, formed by wide beaches and very close to the interesting old town of Baiona.