Spain – how do I count the ways in which I love thee?

Spain – it’s the only country we seem to visit every year. We seem to book tickets to one or the other city of Spain every year without fail. Nope it isn’t without reason. I don’t quite know where to start – the food or the people, the monuments or the weather, the roads or the panoramas? It’s perfect whether you’re young or old. In fact Spain is perfect for senior travellers – many websites such as Saga Holidays have holiday packages catering to senior travellers. As for me, my favourite destinations in Spain would have to be :-

1) The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands aren’t spoken about very often but they happen to be one of the most spectacular corners of Spain. They are scattered off the Spanish mainland towards the coast of Africa, which means the weather is warm throughout the year. There are countless beaches where one can swim throughout the year, even in December and January. Moreover the volcanic landscape springs up one surprise after the other – houses carves out of lava, cafes inside volcanic caves, stunning beaches with hidden volcanic coves, and barren yet stunning national parks – there is truly no dearth of things to see and do in the Canary Islands

2) Andalucia

Nothing I say about the picturesque white villages of Andalucia would do it any justice. The entire region is peppered with quaint villages that are bound to bring a smile to the face of most sceptics. The scenery in this region of Southern Spain will be the highlight of your trip. There are dozens of villages we’ve grown to know and love over the years but we have a soft spot for Casares and Montefrio. A visit to either of these villages is bound to make you feel like you belong in a fairy-tale of the best kind. It’s easy to spend hours walking in the alleys, munching on nibbles in tapas bars, and taking dozens of photographs and videos.

3) Valencia

Now Valencia might seem like an odd choice while chronicling the highlights of Spain as a country. However it’s a great city to get a good feel of a Spanish metropolis without entering larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, which can get overwhelming and claustrophobic. Besides Valencia is also the getaway to Costa Brava’s stunning beaches and sunflower fields and the world-famous Tomatina Festival. Tomatina is the world’s largest food fight – visit Valencia towards the end of August if you want to attend this crazy day-long carnival. Make sure you plan your visit in advance and book a hotel as well because accommodation runs out at this time of the year.

4) The Balearics

The Balearic Islands are another archipelago located off the coast of Spain. All four Balearic islands are worth a visit but we absolutely love Mallorca – it’s easy to explore the entire capital of Mallorca in one day  but don’t let that deter you from planning a longer trip to the island. Its beaches are absolutely gorgeous and the ripples of turquoise and azure waters will delight you to no end.

There you go – our favourite areas of Spain. So which part of Spain will you be hitting this year?