How to spend a long weekend in Spain
Spain is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its stunning
landscapes, its sunny weather, and its warm, welcoming culture. It’s a fantastic destination
for a long holiday, but it’s also brilliant for short city breaks, when you’re limited on time but
still craving a blissful escape.
Here are three ideas to inspire your long weekend in Spain.
Soak up art and culture in Barcelona
For exquisite art, architecture and culture, head to the capital. Barcelona is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture – the city is home to the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished church temple designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. You can also explore the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia here.
Foodies will be thrilled with the range of restaurants in the city, many of which take inspiration from global cuisines, but be sure to sample some authentic Catalan dishes to get a true taste of Barcelona. The city is also recommended for its exciting nightlife and has a number of chic cocktail bars and thriving clubs, making it a great option for a weekend getaway with friends.
Lounge on the beach in Malaga
Malaga, on the Andalusian coastline, is known for its extensive beaches that make it a great spot for a long, lazy weekend soaking up the sun.
As one of the oldest cities in Spain, Malaga also has plenty of historic spots to explore. Check out the incredible Roman Amphitheatre which was hidden underground until the 1950s, and the Alcazaba Fortress which dates back to the 11th century.
Aesthetes will enjoy walking around the Soho art district to see the incredible street art and explore the endless galleries and art spaces. Malaga is also well known for its nightlife and you’ll find plenty of bustling bars and clubs for night-long dancing.
Experience traditional Spain in Seville
Seville is one of Spain’s most beautiful and luxurious cities, known for its grand buildings and monuments, extraordinary parks and gardens, and incredible food. If you want a taste of traditional Spain, you’ll find it in Seville’s old town where tapas bars serve up delicious small plates to accompany ice-cold beers. You can also catch authentic flamenco dancing in Seville, especially if you visit during the Biennial, which is a festival of flamenco that takes place every couple of years in September.
As for architecture, there are three buildings you can’t miss during a weekend-long visit – The Real Alcazar, the Giralda and the Cathedral. This set of buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its heritage and artistic impact.
With so many cities to choose from and so many sights to see, a weekend in Spain will only tempt you to come back for a longer trip. The country ranks in the top 10 destinations for expats, and it’s easy to see why – even after just a short weekend in this beautiful country, you’ll feel right at home and may never want to leave.
