- \n
- Location:<\/b> Catalonia region, NorthEast<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best time to visit: <\/b>Spring and summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Getting lost in the mysterious Gothic Quarter – I loved narrow medieval streets lined with trendy bars, clubs, and dining on earthy and aromatic flatbread topped with grilled zucchini, mushrooms and onions at the superb Catalan restaurant L’Antic Bocoi del G\u00f2tic<\/a>. <\/li>\n
- Sipping on Pineapple-infused Caribbean Storm cocktails accompanied by amazing sunset views at the Azimuth Rooftop Bar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. Costa Brava, Catalonia<\/h2>\n
![\"Costa](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Costa-Brava.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"Costa")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Girona-riverside-houses-taken-in-September-2023.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&ssl=1\")
<\/picture>My photo of Girona riverside houses – I loved how the colorful facades reflected beautifully in the River Onyar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n I escape to this picturesque coastal region when I want an alternative to the busier Spanish resorts! It\u2019s a dreamy, rugged haven with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, shimmering turquoise waters, charming seaside villages, protected natural parks, and a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe enriched with a love of art.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLocated in Catalonia, in the northeastern part of the country, it stretches 124 miles along the Mediterranean coast, from Blanes to the French border near Portbou.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI spent a magical few weeks at contemporary 4-star Hotel Maritim<\/a> here just kicking back on the pristine beaches, exploring the charming villages (turned beach resorts) of Cadaqu\u00e9s and Tossa de Mar, hiking the scenic Cami de Ronda coastal paths, visiting the Dal\u00ed Theatre-Museum <\/a>in Figueres, and discovered the ancient ruins of Emp\u00faries. <\/p>\n
I also dined on delicious, Catalan cuisine, discovered the medieval charm of Pals with its cobblestone streets, snorkelled in the clear waters of the Medes Islands, exploring the rugged Cap de Creus Natural Park<\/a> and discovering the Insta-worthy colourful riverside houses of Girona (my photo is above).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- \n
- Location:<\/b> East coast<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best time to visit: <\/b>summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Spending an afternoon on Fenals Beach which was nestled in a small bay – I particularly liked the lifeguard services and the fun jet ski rentals!<\/li>\n
- Visiting Salvador Dal\u00ed’s house in Portlligat<\/a> – I was in awe of its labyrinthine design, the quirky giant egg decor and stunning views of the serene Cadaqu\u00e9s Bay which I found out from the guide had inspired much of his art! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
5. Valencia, Valencia Region <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-City-of-Arts-and-Sciences-Ciudad-de-las-Artes-y-las-Ciencias-in-Valencia-in-spring-2025.jpg?resize=1200%2C703&ssl=1\")
<\/picture>My photo of City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) – the city was a striking mix of old and new!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-La-Lonja-de-la-Seda-The-Silk-Exchange-in-Valencia-taken-in-spring-2025.jpg?resize=1200%2C1001&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
My photo of La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange) in Valencia – the historic buildings were very well preserved!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n I think this is a very fine culturally rich coastal city! On my visit, I felt it had everything\u2014stunning historic landmarks, awe-inspiring futuristic architecture, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, lively festivals like Las Fallas, easy-on-the-eye parks, and an irresistible blend of old-world charm and modern cool!<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\nLocated on the eastern Mediterranean coast, it\u2019s Spain\u2019s third-largest city and the birthplace of paella, my all-time favorite Spanish dish!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
I stayed for four days at the dreamy 4-star Saman Hotel Boutique<\/a>, which was just enough to take in the jaw-dropping City of Arts and Sciences<\/a>, wander through the historic Old Town to discover the Valencia Cathedral and Silk Exchange, relax on its superb sandy beaches (my favourite was the local haunt La Malvarrosa!), people-watch in the elegant Plaza de la Reina, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the trendy Ruzafa neighbourhood!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n- \n
- Location:<\/b> East Coast<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best time to visit: <\/b>May to August<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Bargain hunting and trying local food at Valencia’s Central Market – I especially loved the gourmet coffee at La Boutique Del Cafe.<\/li>\n
- Dining on creative, locally inspired dishes at the award-winning Karak restaurant<\/a> – their version of Gazpacho was divine!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
6. Malaga, Malaga Province<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Plaza-de-la-Constitucion-Malaga-taken-in-spring-2025.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1\")
<\/picture>My photo of Plaza de la Constitucio\u0301n – it had a very buzzy vibe!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Alcazaba-of-Malaga-taken-in-spring-2025.jpg?resize=1200%2C911&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
My photo of Alcazaba of Ma\u0301laga – it was a gorgeous place!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Playa-de-la-Malagueta-in-Malaga-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\")
<\/picture>My photo of Playa de la Malagueta in Malaga – it was a dreamy spot!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n This sunny, cosmopolitan, and increasingly popular city destination is a standout on the Costa del Sol! While the region\u2019s concrete high-rises lack traditional charm, I found M\u00e1laga to be the exception, offering the perfect mix of golden beaches, a fascinating art scene, historic landmarks, and a buzzy, youthful vibe. I also love that it still has some grittier parts which makes it a little edgier.<\/p>\n
It’s located along the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea, in the region of Andaluc\u00eda, on the southern coast, I was fascinated to find it was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BCE.<\/p>\n
I spent a long weekend at the chic and trendy 4-star ICON Malabar<\/a> and explored the historic Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, visited the Picasso Museum<\/a>, strolled along the charming Muelle Uno waterfront, relaxed on the golden sandy beaches, enjoyed the panoramic views from the M\u00e1laga Cathedral\u2019s rooftop, discovered the pretty Jardin Botanico Historico La Concepcion Gardens<\/a> and wandered the old town which was brimming with excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n- \n
- Location:<\/b> Malaga Province, South<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best time to visit: <\/b>Spring and Summer<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- \n\n\n\n\nExploring the family-friendly Playa de la Misericordia, which had long, dark sands and unique chimney monument, and Playa del Palo, which charmed me with its picturesque promenade and traditional fishing village atmosphere.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
- Dining at the Do\u00f1a In\u00e9s restaurant<\/a> – I was won over by the creative Mediterranean dishes, the trendy decor and my dish of a Axarqu\u00eda pepper salad with a sherry vinegar dressing which had quite a kick to it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
7. Marbella, Costa del Sol <\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Puerto-Banus-boats-in-Marbella-taken-July-2023.jpg?resize=1200%2C1198&ssl=1\")
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Marbella](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Marbella-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C526&ssl=1\")
<\/picture><\/p>\nThis is a famously fun, and glitzy coastal city! It’s a popular tourist spot with a vibe that leans more Costa del Sol than refined, but there’s still plenty of beauty to enjoy! It boasts golden sandy beaches, sparkling Mediterranean waters, a charming Old Town, and gleaming moored yachts basking in the scorching sunshine.<\/p>\n
Situated on the Mediterranean Sea along the Costa del Sol in the province of M\u00e1laga, Andaluc\u00eda, it boasts a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains.<\/p>\n
I spent a week here and kayaked the scenic coastline, explored the Old Town with its narrow streets and orange tree-filled plazas, enjoyed luxury shopping in the gorgeous boutiques, gazed at flashy yachts in Puerto Ban\u00fas, hiked La Concha Mountain, dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and checked out the buzzy nightlife on the famous Golden Mile!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Location:<\/b> Andalusia, South<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Best time to visit: <\/b>May to September<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Staying at the gorgeous gem the 4-star Linda Boutique Hotel<\/a> – I was charmed by the bright, contemporary decor, the lovely rooftop terrace and its convenient location just steps away from the long, wide Venus Beach.<\/li>\n
- Watching the sunset at the stunning rooftop bar Air by Breathe<\/a> – the experience was made even greater by gorging on on freshly made Lotus Root & Wild Mushroom Siu Mai washed down by a potent “Fowl Melon” cocktail! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n8. San Sebastian, Basque Country
![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/San-Sebastian-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\")
<\/picture><\/h2>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/San-Sebastian-Spain.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\")
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n\n - Watching the sunset at the stunning rooftop bar Air by Breathe<\/a> – the experience was made even greater by gorging on on freshly made Lotus Root & Wild Mushroom Siu Mai washed down by a potent “Fowl Melon” cocktail! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Dining at the Do\u00f1a In\u00e9s restaurant<\/a> – I was won over by the creative Mediterranean dishes, the trendy decor and my dish of a Axarqu\u00eda pepper salad with a sherry vinegar dressing which had quite a kick to it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Location:<\/b> Malaga Province, South<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Location:<\/b> East Coast<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Sipping on Pineapple-infused Caribbean Storm cocktails accompanied by amazing sunset views at the Azimuth Rooftop Bar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Alcazar-Palace-in-Seville-taken-in-August-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Royal-Alcazar-of-Seville-taken-in-August-2024-.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1\" "\\"My")
I’m a huge fan of the romantic and captivating city of Seville. It’s home to an enchanting mix of grand Moorish palaces, stunning historic architecture, sunlit courtyards filled with orange trees, mesmerising flamenco dancing, and a vibrant, lively atmosphere that never fails to draw me in!<\/p>\n
Dating back to Roman times, it\u2019s the capital of Andalusia, nestled along the banks of the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, known as the birthplace of Flamenco and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
I stayed here for a magical three days and explored the breathtaking Alc\u00e1zar Palace<\/a> with its jaw-dropping Moorish splendour, climbed the iconic Giralda Tower and saw incredible panoramic views, wandered the narrow streets of the charming Santa Cruz neighbourhood, admired the grand Seville Cathedral, watched an authentic flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria and took a dreamy boat ride in the ornate Plaza de Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This unique historic city never fails to charm me! It\u2019s breathtakingly easy on the eye, with a heady mix of Moorish palaces, blooming gardens, and sweeping panoramic views, all wrapped in an intoxicating charm where history, art, and natural beauty weave a truly magical spell!<\/p>\n Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Andaluc\u00eda, Granada is a mid-sized city with a population of around 232,000, boasting prehistoric origins and a rich blend of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian heritage.<\/p>\n I spent a wonderful three days here exploring the jaw-dropping Alhambra Palace<\/a> (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its ornate Generalife gardens, wandering through the maze-like streets of the historic Albaic\u00edn district, enjoying a fiery flamenco performance, discovering the awe-inspiring Granada Cathedral and visiting the Royal Chapel where the Catholic Monarchs rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n My favourite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I adore this energetic and hugely artistic city! I adore Gaud\u00ed\u2019s whimsical architecture, the bustling streets, sandy beaches, and the captivating blend of history, art, and laid-back Mediterranean cool that makes this city absolutely irresistible.<\/p>\n Located on the Mediterranean Sea in the northeastern part of Spain, I fall in love with this proud capital of Catalonia every time I visit (and that\u2019s quite often)!<\/p>\n\n
\n
2. Granada, Andalusia<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Alhambra-Palace-taken-spring-2025-.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Alhambra-Palace-taken-in-spring-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Granada-Views-taken-spring-2025.webp)
<\/picture>\n
\n
3. Barcelona, Catalonia<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Parc-Guell-taken-summer-2024.webp "\\"My")
<\/picture>![\"l\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Casa-Batllo-in-Barcelona-taken-summer-2024.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Girona-riverside-houses-taken-in-September-2023.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-City-of-Arts-and-Sciences-Ciudad-de-las-Artes-y-las-Ciencias-in-Valencia-in-spring-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Plaza-de-la-Constitucion-Malaga-taken-in-spring-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/My-photo-of-Playa-de-la-Malagueta-in-Malaga-taken-summer-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Puerto-Banus-boats-in-Marbella-taken-July-2023.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Marbella](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Marbella-Beach.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/San-Sebastian-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/h2>\n![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/San-Sebastian-Spain.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n