Spain - Our Top 10

Over our four weeks in Spain we were able to cover a lot of ground, visiting Madrid, Barcelona, and a number of cities in Andalusia with a short stopover in Lisbon part way through. Here are our favorite sites, most memorable meals, and must see attractions from our time in beautiful Spain!

Mezquita 

If you've had a chance to read up on our visit to the Mezquita in Cordoba, it's probably not a surprise that it took the top spot. From our first steps inside we were captivated by the forest of red and white arches, while the detail of the Mihrab and the stunning Renaissance chapel and alter rendered us speechless for the duration of our visit. 

Segovia

A popular day trip from Madrid, Segovia grabbed out attention with it's stunning aqueducts and held it throughout the afternoon with a display of breathtaking viewpoints, a fairytale like alcazar, and an incredible gothic cathedral.  

 
 

Markets Galore 

Travis may go for the food and Calli for anything kitschy, but in the end cheap prices and people watching is the great equalizer. We've found wonderful markets throughout Spain, from La Boqueria in Barcelona to San Miquel Market in Madrid, and wonderful small flea markets throughout Andalucia, we definitely got our fill of window shopping.

 

 

Alhambra 

The last and greatest palace complex of the Moorish civilization in Spain is not only Granada's crowning jewel but a definite must see as well. The lines may be long, the admission process a bit convoluted, and the site expansive, but any confusion and sore feet are immediately forgotten upon entering the Nasrid Palace. 

 

Seville's Alcazar 

Like much of Andalucia, the beauty within this building lies in the seamless melding of Islam and Christianity. Rennaisance ceilings in some rooms, intricate tile work in others, and a central garden and reflecting pond made famous by Ridley Scott.

 

Gaudi 

Gaudi devoted over forty years to shaping Barcelona's architectural landscape and today, the city, and millions of tourists each year, pay homage to his creative genius. With seven of his buildings categorized as protected UNESCO World Heritage sites there are plenty of chances to contemplate his unique style. 

 
Prado Museum 

Although the French Impressionists at the Thyssen topped our list of Top 10 Art - Spain and Portugal, the Prado museum won us over in the end. With a seemingly endless collection of paintings and sculpture it's possible to spend a week here and still not see everything.

 
Madrid's Architecture 

From the Cathedral to the Royal Palace to the Piazza Mayor to the Gran Via, no city thus far (except maybe Zagreb) has put on such a display of architecture. Wandering through the city we didn't know where to look next, or where to focus the camera.

 

 

Plaza de Espana 

Hearing it was a worth a look, we decided to wander towards Parque de Maria Luisa one morning during our time in Seville. We ended up spending half the morning exploring and photographing the amazing Plaza de Espana. In a city boasting one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the only alcazar still in use in Europe, the Plaza has some heavy competition and it definitely holds its own.

 

 

Atletico Madrid Match 

We had a blast walking around the stadium, watching old people scream at the players, and laughing as a young guy paced up and down the aisles "coaching" the players and yelling instructions to the (actual) coach across the stadium. Oh and seeing a 30 yard volley to win the game in the 94th minute wasn't too bad either.

 

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Seville - Our First Stop in Andalucia

Moving on from Lisbon, we started a week long stay in Spain's Andalucia region with a visit to Seville. Arriving on the night bus in the early morning hours, we expertly navigated Seville's winding streets and found our hotel without argument - a surprise considering how tired we were. After dropping off our bags we wandered back to the main square, grabbed a Starbucks*, and watched the sun come up in the presence of the town's looming Cathedral. 

Cathedral exterior and bell tower

Entrance details

Orange grove from the original mosque

It really is enormous, the Cathedral I mean. The largest in the world, by volume, we've read that the family responsible for funding the project actually strove to create something so large they would be thought mad. Mission accomplished as I personally can think of a million other ways to spend millions of dollars.

Reading the paper

Cathedral interior

Christopher Columbus' tomb

In addition to the over-the-top Cathedral, we spent time exploring Seville's Alcazar, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Entrance is 7.50 Euro/person but definitely worth it as the grounds and architecture are amazing. However be forewarned that the line is very long on weekends/whenever the Cathedral is closed. We lined up on a weekday morning around 9am and got in right away when it opened at 9:30am. 

Alcazar reflecting pool - as seen in Kingdom of Heaven

Castle-like exterior

Interior details

We also spent a lot of time wandering Seville's streets and eventually found our way over to Maria Luisa Park and the Plaza de Espana one afternoon. The plaza, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, and surrounding park are not only lovely but also free to explore.

The Plaza de Espana

Great colours and a wonderful sunny day

Although the Cathedral is Seville's pride and joy, and main attraction, we were a bit disappointed with the interior, especially after paying the 8 Euro/person entrance fee. I understand that Christoper Columbus is buried there (allegedly), however I'm not sure this calls for such a steep entrance fee (we can eat an entire dinner for 16 Euro). Unfortunately, we felt a bit cheated after being charged such a large amount and then discovering the alter was covered with a tarp while undergoing 1.5 million Euro in repairs. I don't think I'd pay to visit the interior of the Cathedral again, the exterior is the real gem in my opinion; However, it's easy for me to say that having already been inside. In the end it's you're choice and hey, maybe the alter will brighten up the interior once it's restored.

*Come on, don't be like that, there's really no reason to judge. Everyone is entitled to a little indulgence now and then and it was one of only a handful of places open so early.

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