Spain

Visiting Spain? Olé ! Spain is one of my favorite countries to travel in. Its sheer size, distinct regions, and layered history make it feel like several countries rolled into one—and wonderfully different from anywhere else in Europe. You could explore Spain for years and still keep discovering new places.

If you’re planning to visit Spain, you’ll need to make some serious decisions about where to go and what to see. It’s a VERY big country, so your first priority is to determine how much you can realistically see in the time you have available.

For the Artsy Traveler, Spain delivers fiery flamenco, sumptuous Moorish palaces, gold-encrusted cathedrals, world-class modern art, and a vibrant everyday culture shaped by friendly people and unforgettable food. Explore the posts below to help you plan your own arts-inspired journey through Spain.

Planning a trip to Spain? Start with my comprehensive guide to artsy & independent travel in Spain, covering literature, theater, historic cities, countryside destinations, and practical tips for exploring without a car.

Visiting Spain: My Best Tips for Artsy & Independent Travelers

Posts About Spain

Here are all my posts about Spain.

10 Best Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela

My husband Gregg Simpson, a visual artist, has had two solo exhibitions at the Museo Eugenio Granell in Santiago de ...

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Santander, Spain: Best 3 Museums for Art and History Lovers

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path Spanish destination with three excellent museums, you can’t go wrong with Santander on Spain's ...

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The Magic of Flamenco Shows in Spain: How to Enjoy

Flamenco invades your soul, raises your heartbeat, and makes you feel grateful to be alive. If you’re touring southern Spain, ...

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The Best Novels Set in Spain for Arts-loving Travelers

Reading novels set in Spain is a wonderful way to spark excitement before a trip and to deepen your experience ...

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How to Spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

Madrid was a revelation. I had the opportunity to spend two weeks there while Gregg Simpson (husband, artist, frequent travel ...

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Exploring Madrid, Europe’s Best-Kept Secret for the Artsy Traveler

I spent two weeks exploring Madrid (minus a three-day excursion to Ávila and Cáceres at the end of week one) ...

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Best Artsy Sightseeing in Spain

When it comes to artsy favorites, Spain has more than its fair share of wonderful sights and experiences. From amazing ...

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Best Itineraries to Tour Favorite Regions in Spain

My two Spain itineraries last for three weeks each because, frankly, you can’t “do” Spain in one trip. But in ...

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Exploring Burgos and León along the Camino of Santiago

Burgos and León are both fascinating cities located along the Camino of Santiago in northern Spain. Guest poster Elizabeth Petrie ...

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Best Tips for Walking the Camino of Santiago

Everyone I know who has walked the Camino of Santiago (the Way) to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain raves ...

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Walking the Camino from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela: A Journal

Is walking the Camino (walking the way) across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela on your travel wish list? Artsy ...

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Exploring Spectacular Northern Spain & Basque Country: My Best Bets

Northern Spain stretches from the Atlantic to the Pyrenees, a distance of almost 700 kilometers. This area of Spain boasts ...

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Best 10-Day Itinerary to Tour Andalusia in Southern Spain

Heading to Andalusia in southern Spain? You're in for a treat! I recommend allocating ten days to tour Andalusia by ...

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How to Spend Two Packed & Fabulous Days in Beautiful Barcelona

Barcelona has much to offer the artsy traveler. You won’t see all of it in two days, but you will ...

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Traveling in Central Spain: Best Destinations for the Artsy Traveler

Traveling in central Spain is a commitment! Distances are vast and destinations spread out. You will drive and drive and ...

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Where to Stay in Spain: My Best Picks

I've had great luck finding marvelous places to stay in Spain. Hotel proprietors are friendly, and almost all speak English ...

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About Carol

Carol M. Cram writes novels inspired by the arts; runs Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, and Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,700+ novels inspired by the arts; and hosts The Art In Fiction Podcast. She has also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. Carol lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.

See all my novels