Planning your vacation in Spain

With its relaxed attitude and late-night antics, Spain is the perfect destination for nomads who just want to take things slow, and discover life along the way. Your typical day might start with mouth-watering churros con chocolate and a stroll through a historic neighborhood, followed by a copious lunch and a well-deserved siesta. Once you’re well rested, you’ll be able to catch a few rays of sun at the beach before you start getting ready for a night out on the town.

Sophisticated palates seeking something out of the ordinary will find no shortage of culinary invention and extensive tasting menus here. While contemporary visionaries like Ferran Adrià have put Spain on the culinary world map with their outlandish creations, Spaniards take equal pride in their historical dishes and comida cassera (home-style dishes).

The easiest way to get a sampling of Spain’s most common dishes is by diving into the tapas culture.  Nibbling on juicy marinated olives, tortillas and Manchego cheese while sipping a vino tinto from Rioja by the bar also happens to be the best way to mingle with locals and practice your Spanish language skills!

If you’re heading to the beach, you’re in for a treat. Spanish coastal cuisine is among the finest along the Mediterranean coast, with traditional dishes like Paella and Gazpacho as well delicious fried seafood platters (we suggest ordering a glass of Albareño white wine with that). Meat lovers rejoice! Every year Spain produces around 40 million hams, each carefully labelled with the animal’s geographic origins and diet. For a taste of Spain’s pride and joy, seek out the Iberian Patta Negra ham, a cured delicacy made from acorn-fattened black pigs.

History buffs will be in awe of Seville’s Alcazár and Granada’s Alhambra Palaces, relics of centuries of Moorish rule. After you’ve hit these tourist hot-spots, a day trip driving through the picturesque Pueblos Blancos will take you to Ronda and other charming whitewashed towns peppered throughout the Andalúz Mountains. There, you’ll find hidden gems like pre-historic caves, roman ruins and gothic basilicas.

Spain’s rich traditions stem from a love and preservation of the past. From the traditional bullfights, to the Flamenco dances and Spanish guitar, the south of Spain’s most beloved art-forms are powerful experiences that will transport you back in time.

From Bilbao’s Guggenheim to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, Spain also boasts its fair share of more modern wonders. The best of these can undoubtedly be found along the Costa Blanca and the Costa Brava, where Gaudi’s otherworldly Neo-Gothic inspired buildings have transformed Barcelona into a living museum. Modern art lovers from all over the world make their way to this vibrant city to visit the Picasso Museum, as well as the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum.

Experiencing Luxury Homes in Spain

With their panoramic windows and sprawling terraces, our villas in Marbella and Málaga will give you that picture-perfect mountain and sea view. From Moorish-era inspired palaces to ultra-modern mansions, each one of our Costa del Sol homes offer a glimpse of Spain’s eclectic charms. When you’re relaxing by your infinity pool or soaking up the sun on the beach, we suggest you go for a stroll in Puerto Banús, a charming marina where you can indulge in some high-end boutique shopping or casual celebrity spotting. The other perk of choosing this sunny European destination? A day-trip to Casablanca and Marrakesh is just a ferry-boat ride away!

The islands of Ibiza and Mallorca might be close to one another, but each one has its very own unique personality. Ibiza is the wild-child, the island that never sleeps. However, you’ll have no problem punctuating your Balearic getaway with a few siestas in your private Luxury Retreats rental. Wedged between the Mediterranean Sea and picturesque hills, many of these upscale properties include private pools, outdoor dining areas, indoor gyms and easy access to golf and tennis clubs. With gorgeous beaches and an electrifying nightlife featuring the most talented DJs from around the world, it’s no wonder renting a villa in Ibiza  is such a trend amongst celebrities.

Mallorca is the uncontested star of the Mediterranean, and has been attracting Europe’s elite to its beautiful coastline for decades. From charming mountain estates to modern seafront mansions, our Mallorca villas are some of the most luxurious in our portfolio. From the edge of your infinity pool, you’ll be able to admire the island’s perilous cliffs rising from azure waters, a chilled glass in hand. Once you’ve gathered enough energy to venture out onto the island, we suggest trying to find one of Mallorca’s famous isolated coves, or visiting Palma’s breathtaking cathedral.

From hip city-center flats to charming estates near the world-famous beaches in Sitges, our Barcelona vacation rentals  are the ideal starting point to the family vacation of your dreams. Perfectly blending vintage elements with state-of-the-art amenities and modern touches, some of these homes are so spacious that they can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests. When you’re not out and about discovering Catalonia’s many attractions, your luxury villa will be the perfect place to enjoy the company of your fellow travelers.

Have you chosen luxury accommodations for your trip to Spain yet? One of our Villa Specialists can help you choose the right place today!