Things to Do in Spain

A vast range of black and red peaks dominating the landscape of the Timanfaya National Park, the evocatively named Fire Mountains (Montañas de Fuego) serve as a lasting reminder of Lanzarote's explosive past. Although the last eruption was recorded in 1824, it was a series of eruptions in the 18th century that was most memorable "“ the blasts covered a large portion of Lanzarote with hot ash and lava and created much of the island's unearthly topography, including natural wonders like the El Golfo crater lake and the Los Hervideros cliffs.

Arguably the most beautiful beach on the Balearic island of Mallorca "“ and certainly its most unspoiled "“ the three-km (1.75-mile) stretch of Es Trenc is found on the southwest coast near the resort of Colonia Sant Jordi. Thanks to the soft, sugar-like golden sand and the pristine, shallow water, this is a favorite beach for families; there are sunbeds and parasols to hire as well as lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Facilities also include several bars and restaurants along the beach, including the popular chiringuito (casual beach restaurant) of S'Embat in the purpose-built enclave of Ses Covettes, where several areas of the beach are given over to nudity. Despite its length, Es Trenc becomes very crowded in high summer, but a quiet spot can always be found. The beach also gets packed with wind surfers when the sea breezes start blowing. In winter it is often completely deserted apart from the migrating birds stopping over among the dunes, marshy wetlands and pine scrub backing the beach, which are protected as an Área Natural de Especial Interes (Natural Area of Special Interest).

Get to know Bilbao beyond just its artsy image by taking a trip to the city's Casco Viejo. Dating back to Medieval times, this "“ the Old Quarter "“ and its original seven streets still retain an almost untouched charm, free of the touristy trappings you might find in other big cities.

This once walled-in neighborhood originally consisted of exactly seven streets and, for that reason, is sometimes still called Los Siete Calles ("seven streets" in Spanish). Each of these original avenues still exist, with names such as Tendería Kalea (Shoekeeper's Street) and Carnicería Vieja Kalea (Old Butchery Street). Since Medieval times, the barrio has expanded to include still more streets beyond those seven originals, and also squares like Plaza Berria and Plaze Nueva.

The Casco Viejo draws a crowd for more than just its historical appeal, too. Head to the old-world district to fulfill your culinary cravings by popping from one bar to the next for pintxos (essentially Basque tapas with a gourmet twist) and glasses of txakoli, a local dry white wine. While there, visit the nearby Mercado de la Ribera, the largest food retail market in Europe; the city's over 600-year-old church, Santiago Cathedral; or stick around on Sundays for retail therapy at the market in Plaza Nueva.

The quirky one-time abode of eccentric traveler Frederic Mares is now a museum devoted to his lifetime's collection of artifacts "“ a fascinating space crammed with an eclectic array of curiosities. Open by Mares in 1948 to display his collection, the museum was bequeathed to the city after his death in 1991 and quickly gained acclaim as one of Barcelona's most distinctive attractions.

If you're looking for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Barcelona's upper-class throughout the 20th-century, the Frederic Mares Museum, or Museu Frederic Marès, offers a unique perspective, including a range of daily objects like ticket stubs, train tickets, period clothing, pipes and handbills. The sculpture gallery, featuring a prominent collection of Hispanic works spanning the pre-Roman period to the late 19th century, is one of the most talked about exhibitions, including a fascinating series of polychrome holy carvings. Down the hall, the Sala Femenina gallery is devoted to the women of the era, with exquisite fans, combs and jewelry on display, alongside a dazzling selection of clothing and fashion accessories.

Other highlights include a number of antique dolls and 20th-century toys; a section dedicated to smoking paraphernalia and an assortment of old coins. That's not all; carved crucifixes, antique clocks, historic cameras and walking sticks can all be spotted, and once you've marveled over the oddities within, the museum's courtyard cafe offers a tranquil space to mull over your visit.