Spain isn’t just beautiful for its towns & cities.

The country has more UNESCO Biosphere Reserves than anywhere else on Earth.

A guide for those to visit in every region of Spain:

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1. Andalusia

- Cabo de Gata-Níjar
- Doñana
- Sierra Nevada
- Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas
- Sierra de Grazalema
- Sierra de las Nieves
- Dehesas de la Sierra Morena
- Marismas de Odiel
- Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean

A case for why Spain is the greatest country on Earth to eat & drink:

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We’ll start with my favorite Spanish tradition of all:

The Sobremesa.

Otherwise known as relaxing and conversing around a table long after a meal is over.

As one of my followers put it, “The best Sobremesa extends so long after lunch that dinner begins at the same exact table.”

In 2007, a pair of broadcasters ran a contest to determine the most important landmarks in in the country.

Here are the places voters chose as the 12 Treasures of Spain:

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1. Alhambra

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the Alhambra is up there with Sagrada Familia for the most-visited site in Spain.

Its name comes from Arabic and translates to the "Red One”.

25 features of Spain that no other country can offer:

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1. The Oldest Person

Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spanish supercentenarian, holds the title of World's Oldest Verified Living Person at 117 years, 2 months, 1 week, and 2 days.

She has lived in Catalonia with her family since the age of 8.

Perhaps the greatest adventure I’ve had in Spain was the Camino de Santiago —

The most famous pilgrimage in all of Europe.

For those hoping to follow my footsteps, here are 25 pieces of advice I wish I knew beforehand:

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1. Consider deeply why you’re doing the Camino. Having an answer to this question will make for deeper conversation and reflection.

More than 10,000 castles have marked Spain across history.

With 2,500 still standing today.

Here are the 25 castles & fortresses that make Spain the most enchanting country on Earth:

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1. Alcázar de Segovia (Segovia, Castile & León)

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the castle is shaped like a ship.

Inspiring the work of Disney, most notably the iconic Cinderella Castle.

A love letter to Sevilla:

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As the capital of Andalusia, Sevilla is both the most-populated city in the region and the 4th-largest city in Spain.

Just outside every Spanish city —

Are the most charming towns & villages on the planet.

Here are the best places to discover in every region of the country:

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1. Andalusia

- Arcos de la Frontera
- Baeza
- Baños de la Encina
- Carmona
- Casares
- Castril
- Cazorla
- Estepona
- Frigiliana
- Gaucín
- Grazalema
- Júzcar
- Mijas
- Mojácar
- Montefrío
- Nerja
- Ojén
- Olvera
- Osuna
- Setenil de las Bodegas
- Tarifa
- Úbeda
- Ubrique
- Vejer de la Frontera
- Zahara de la Sierra
- Zuheros

A look into the most colossal sites in Spain:

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1. The Largest Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid —

The largest in Western Europe.

Nearly double the size of Buckingham Palace in London and the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

Spain isn’t just beautiful for its towns & cities.

The country is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth.

Here are Spain's 16 National Parks, and what to expect in each one:

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1. Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

Located in the Pyrenees of Catalonia, the area is known for its more than 200 lakes and countless streams.

Key points of interest within the park include:

1) Estany de Sant Maurici: the park’s largest lake

2) Riu Escrita and Riu de Sant Nicolau: the two rivers that give the park its name, “Twisted Waters”

Not to mention the Vall de Boí, a nearby valley with nine Early Romanesque churches, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today, Spain celebrates the Community of Madrid —

Whose capital city is the the place I call home.

If I someone were to ask me why Madrid is the greatest city on Earth, here’s what I’d say:

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As the capital of Spain, Madrid is both the second-most populated city in the EU and the primary economic hub of the Iberian Peninsula.

Spanish cuisine is the best in the world.

But in my country, it is remarkably overlooked.

Here are the foods items from every region of Spain that make it the most fascinating place to eat on Earth:

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1. Andalusia

Foods:
- Salmorejo
- Gazpacho
- Rabo de Toro
- Pescaíto Frito
- Berenjenas Fritas con Miel
- Carrilleras de Ternera
- Carrilleras de Cerdo
- Flamenquín
- Gambas al Ajillo (Gambas al Pil-Pil)
- Pringá
- Cazón en Adobo (Bienmesabe)
- Huevos a la Flamenca
- Ajoblanco
- Tortillitas de Camarones
- Ensaladilla Rusa
- Pipirrana
- Patatas a lo Pobre
- Pinchos Morunos
- Espeto de Sardinas
- Boquerones Fritos
- Alboronía
- Migas
- Pollo al Ajillo
- Espinacas con Garbanzos
- Solomillo al Whisky
- Calamares a la Andaluza
- Pavías de Bacalao
- Serranito
- Puchero Andaluz
- Caracoles a la Andaluza
- Papas Aliñás
- Salpicón de Marisco
- Chocos Fritos
- Gazpachuelo
- Albóndigas de Choco

Desserts & Sweets:
- Tocino de Cielo
- Polvorones
- Piononos
- Pestiños
- Roscos Fritos
- Mantecados de Estepa
- Borrachuelos
- Alfajores de Almendra
- Soplillos
- Yemas del Tajo

Food Products (Denominación de Origen):
- Aceite de Antequera (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Baena (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Estepa (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Lucena (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Montes de Granada (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Montoro-Adamuz (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Poniente de Granada (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Priego de Córdoba (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Sierra de Cádiz (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Sierra de Cazorla (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Sierra de Segura (Olive Oil)
- Aceite de Sierra Mágina (Olive Oil)
- Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga (Olive)
- Chirimoya de la Costa Tropical de Granada-Málaga (Custard Apple)
- Jamón Ibérico de Guijuelo (Iberian Ham, Multi-Regional)
- Jamón Ibérico de Jabugo (Iberian Ham)
- Jamón Ibérico de Los Pedroches (Iberian Ham)
- Miel de Granada (Honey)
- Pasas de Málaga (Raisins)
- Vinagre de Jerez (Sherry Vinegar)
- Vinagre de Montilla-Moriles (Wine Vinegar)
- Vinagre del Condado de Huelva (Wine Vinegar)

Food Products (Indicación Geográfica Protegida):
- Aceite de Jaén (Olive Oil)
- Alfajor de Medina Sidonia (Cigar-Shaped Pastry)
- Caballa de Andalucía (Mackerel)
- Cordero Segureño (Lamb, Multi-Regional)
- Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar (Green Asparagus)
- Garbanzo de Escacena (Chickpea)
- Jamón Serrano de Serón (Serrano Ham)
- Jamón Serrano de Trevélez (Serrano Ham)
- Mantecados de Estepa (Shortbread Cakes)
- Melva de Andalucía (Frigate Mackerel)
- Mojama de Barbate (Cured and Dried Tuna Fish Loin)
- Mojama de Isla Cristina (Cured and Dried Tuna Fish Loin)
- Mollete de Antequera (Soft and Round Bread Roll)
- Pan de Alfacar (Bread)
- Polvorones de Estepa (Shortbread Cookies)
- Tomate La Cañada (Tomato)

A case for why Spain is the greatest country on Earth:

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1. The Quality of Life

What better measure for quality of life than how long the people live?

Spain ranks 8th in the world in life expectancy, with an average of 84.05 years between the sexes.

And a 0.45% increase since 2021.

Spain offers some of the most diverse cuisine in the world.

With vastly different foods to try wherever you go in the country.

Here are the iconic food items that best remind me of each region:

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1. Andalusia

- Salmorejo: Cold and creamy soup made from tomato, bread, olive oil, and garlic

- Gazpacho: Cold soup made from blended raw vegetables

- Pescaíto Frito: Assortment of fried fish and seafood

- Olive Oil: Andalusia produces the most olive oil in the world.

Nothing I've done was more adventurous than walking the Camino de Santiago.

The most famous pilgrimage in Europe in the most beautiful country on Earth.

Here are 25 pieces of advice I wish I knew beforehand:

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1. Consider deeply why you’re doing the Camino. Having an answer to this question will make for deeper conversation and reflection.

Some call the Canary Islands the “Hawaii of Europe”.

But that nickname doesn’t do the region justice.

Here are 40 insights into Spain’s fascinating Atlantic paradise:

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1. The Canary Islands were (probably) named after the Latin word for dog

That word being ‘Canis’.

Given by the first Europeans to arrive there.

The story goes that when the first Europeans came to the Canary Islands, they encountered large dogs.

Or, perhaps it was named after the islands’ seals — referred to as ’Sea Dogs’ by the Romans.

There are few things I love more than the city of Madrid.

But sharing it with friends & family is one of them.

If I had 5 days visiting Madrid for the first time, here’s what I’d do:

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First, I’d stay at Hotel Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá (not pictured).

To me, it’s the most beautiful hotel in Madrid.

25 insights into Spanish wine:

1. Spain has more land dedicated to viticulture than any country on Earth.

Around 1.2 million hectares or 13% of the world’s total vineyard area.


2. Spain is the third-largest wine producer in the world.

Behind Italy (1st) and France (2nd).

In total, Spain produces 13.82% of the world’s wine.

This month marks 8 years since I first stepped foot in Spain.

A country that quickly became my favorite place on Earth.

Here are the 30 aspects of Spanish culture I find the most fascinating:

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1. Sobremesa

The tradition of relaxing and conversing around a table long after a meal is over.

As one of my followers put it: “The best Sobremesa extends for so long that lunch turns into dinner at the same table.”

On this day 3 years ago, Storm Filomena made landfall in Madrid, Spain.

The city’s heaviest snowfall in over a century.

A look into the beauty and devastation it caused:

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On January 7th, Storm Filomena formed near the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

As the storm moved over the Iberian Peninsula, it collided with cold air channeled down from the Arctic, producing a heavy snowfall.

📸: Meteored Spain

Spain isn't just tapas, wine, and sunshine.

It's a country of innovation.

Here are 25 inventions made in Spain that changed our lives forever:

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1. The Classical Guitar

Classical guitars derive from the Vihuela and Gittern Spanish instruments.

However, the modern classical guitar was invented by Spanish luthier, Antonio Torres Jurado in the 19th Century.

📸: vaeldegines .com