Traveling Around Spain

Travel Note

ZARAGOZA - (“Tharagotha”) Marta’s hometown

Between Madrid and Barcelona and just 1.5hr by train from both. What to visit: 1. Cathedral - Basilica del Pilar: this impressive baroque style church, built in the 17th century, hosts the pillar that gives name to the church where Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James in 40 AD. Also displays domes painted by Goya and bombs dropped during the Spanish Civil War that didn’t explode and can still be seen inside 2. Aljaferia Palace, a fortified medieval Islamic palace built in the 11th century, when Zaragoza was an independent Arab Muslim state 3. Cathedral La Seo, just across from El Pilar, it mixes different styles including romanesque, gothic, mudejar, renaissance and baroque Where to eat: 1. Casa Lac: in the Casco Antiguo (Old town), this 1825 restaurant ground floor bar is relatively casual, and the upstairs offers more formal dining 2. Tapas around Casco Antiguo: when bar hopping, try the croquetas at Taberna Doña Casta - they have dozens of different varieties

Travel Note

SEVILLA - one of the most beautiful cities in the country

How to get there: 2.5 hrs and 75 euros will get you on a bullet train straight from Madrid to Sevilla. You can also combine this with Cordoba for a 2-3 day trip. Both cities are very different but have a unique southern vibe. If you want to focus on one, we recommend Sevilla (1 or 2 nights). Stay: ...close to the Cathedral. The center of the town is difficult to access by car and better to be close to the main attractions. Visit: - Cathedral of Sevilla and La Giralda (the tower of the cathedral, which you can climb) - Plaza de España, which you’ll recognize from some Star Wars Episode II scenes, built in the early 1900s for the World’s Fair of 1929 - Alcazar de Sevilla: if this places looks familiar, it’s because you’ve seen it in Game of Thrones as Dorne Eat: - Casual Restaurants: Coloniales, Bodeguita Antonio Romero, Bodeguita Becerra, Mercado La Lonja del Barranco offers many food stands. Maria Trifulca for a more formal dinner - Bars in Barrio Santa Cruz (try Taberna Perejil)

Travel Note

TOLEDO - The Imperial City, day trip from Madrid

Just a quick 25 min train from Madrid, Toledo is a great option for a day trip. Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it’s also known as the "City of the Three Cultures" for the Christians, Muslims and Jews influences. How to get there: take the train in Madrid at Estacion de Puerta de Atocha, tickets can be purchased online at www.renfe.com for ~12.5 euros. We recommend the train option, but you can also rent a car and drive, although don’t really need a car in Toledo as it's mostly pedestrians only. What to visit: - The Great Cathedral - Alcázar de Toledo - Walk around the town, it’s small and no cars are allowed - Explore the Jewish quarter - Take a taxi to Mirador del Valle for some views Where to eat: - Restaurante La Orza: delicious typical Toledean food (lamb and any game meats are famous around this area) - Try Toledo typical sweets called mazapán (marzipan), you’ll find them in multiple sweet shops around the city Don’t miss the famous Manchego cheese

Travel Note

CORDOBA - a mix of Christian and Muslim influences

How to get there from Madrid: Take a bullet train and get to Cordoba in <2 hrs for just 60 euros. This is the easiest way but you can also drive (~4hrs) although you don’t need a car there, most areas are pedestrians only. What to visit: 1. Mosque - Cathedral of Cordoba: originally a Christian church, it was converted to a Mosque and then re-converted to a church. 2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: a medieval castle with a military vibe and with exotic gardens. 3. Roman Bridge and its gorgeous views of the city Just walk around this city’s cobblestone streets, and indoor patios. Where to eat: - Mercado de la Victoria. multiple food stands, such as La Salmoreteca, where you can find limitless varieties of Salmorejo, a typical dish from South of Spain similar to Gazpacho. - Bar Santos, in front of the Cordoba Mosque. They only serve spanish omelette and Salmorejo, but they will be the best you’ll ever try in your life.

Travel Note

BALEARIC ISLANDS (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera)

These islands are a true paradise and just a 1hr flight from Madrid. Below there’s a description of each of the islands, 1. Mallorca: the main and largest island, the city capital (Palma de Mallorca) has an impressive cathedral and is a cute town to explore. This is the hilliest of all the islands and offers some good hikes in the north 2. Menorca: a smaller version to Mallorca, less explored and touristy, has smaller beaches that during the summer get very crowded. Check out the cute restaurants in Ciudadella. 3. Ibiza: needs no presentation, and although famous for its party, this island has some unique small beaches and a really cute (but touristy) town 4. Formentera: the hidden gem, a quick ferry trip from the rest of the islands, it is great for a quick day trip. Rent a car or better, a scooter, to get around this tiny island that offers endless and gorgeous beaches and very fun beach bars with outstanding food

Travel Note

San Sebastian & Wine Country

San Sebastian, located in the North of Spain, close to the French border, is not as easily accessible by train, but you can drive or take a flight. Walk around the beach of La Concha, get some pintxos (tapas, northern style). For seated lunch try Cafe La Concha or Branca, and Atari for a drink. Walk around Monte Ulia, it’s a bit of a hike but you can make it as long or short as you want and has fantastic views; about 20 mins from city center and you can take a taxi back. San Sebastian is also home to many Michelin star restaurants, such as Akelarre, Arzak, Mugaritz or Mirador de Ulia (unique views), among others. The Wine country of La Rioja is home to some of the best wines in the world, and located between Madrid and San Sebastian. Some recommended wineries are Marques de Riscal, and there are fantastic restaurants in the area such as El Echaurren.