Things to Do in Spain

A striking monument to those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War, the Valley of the Fallen, or Valle de Los Caidos, is a poignant dedication to the 40,000 victims whose remains lie buried beneath. The immense structure features a basilica and tomb complex set in a mountain valley north of El Escorial and is topped by an enormous 500-foot-tall stone memorial cross – allegedly the tallest monument of its kind in the world and visible for miles around.

The impressive site is an admirable achievement, but one not without controversy. In fact, many dispute the nature of a monument that only commemorates two names – the Nationalist dictator General Francisco Franco who commissioned the monument and José Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of the Fascist Falange – believing the monument to be a one-sided tribute to the victorious, rather than a sign of post-civil war reconciliation. Also under contention is the fact that the monument, erected in 1959, was built by forced labor under the dictatorship of General Franco, taking thousands of political prisoners over 18 years to complete and costing many their lives in the process. Despite the controversy though, the memorial remains one of the country’s most dramatic cenotaphs and walking through the underground crypt is a harrowing reminder of the bloody battle.

A hallmark of Granada's Moorish tradition is its use of water "“ fountains, pools, trickling streams, and of course the Baños Árabes (Arabic baths). Although it might not reach quite the glorious heights of the Sultan's own bath (Blind musicians! Dancing girls!), Granada's Aljibe de San Miguel Arab Baths (San Miguel Hammam) is still a great way to relax after a tough day on the tapas.

A soothing color scheme in yellow and blue, the waft of essential oils, chunky adobe pillars and seven pools with different temperatures will put you in a heavenly state of calm. If any stress lingers, choose some scented oils and treat yourself to an optional massage.

Until the 1980s, when the Basque Country earned autonomous status from the Spanish government, Vitori-Gaitez was just another quaint provincial capital, notable for its two outstanding cathedrals, Gothic 14th-century Santa María and 1907 María Inmaculada, surrounded by scores of monumental buildings, some housing museums focusing on art, history, and in the 1525 Palacio de Bendana’s Museo Fournier, playing cards.

The hilltop old town was founded in the 6th century, though the oldest surviving structures are part of the well-preserved Medieval stronghold. This is surrounded by newer (14th to 18th-century) plazas and shady pedestrian promenades lined with shops and cafes.

The more affluent and energetic modern center of the young capital, however, showcases today’s talented architects, heralding the bright future of the Basque region. 

Exciting big-screen movies are shown at the Hemisferic IMAX cinema at Valencia’s impressive City of Arts & Sciences. The impressive curved building was designed by the renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava in the shape of an eye. 

A popular day trip from Madrid, the ancient Walls of Avila are the remnants of the medieval bastion surrounding the provincial capital of Avila. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed walls are renowned as one of Europe’s finest examples of a medieval wall, impressively preserved and stretching for 2.5 km.

Dating back to 1090, the Walls of Avila took almost 600 years to complete and feature 88 towers and 6 gates along their length. Towering 12 meters high, the walls are an imposing sight and walking along the top is a popular pastime for visitors, providing expansive views over the city. Only around half of the walls circumference is walkable from the top, but exploring the city periphery from the ground is still a fascinating stroll, taking in the elaborately carved stone gateways.

Inside the walls, the hilltop city of Avila is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and as the birthplace of mystic Saint Teresa of Jesus has become an important pilgrimage site. The 12th-century Gothic Cathedral, the Romanesque Bascilia de San Vicente and the Convent of Saint Teresa are also key attractions, all easily to find inside the walls.