Hidden Spain: Standout Experiences to Elevate Your Spanish Itinerary
Spain reopened to American travelers on June 24th, and we have some off-the-beaten-path experiences that will help you get to know Spain on a whole new level. ¡Vamos a España!
Photo courtesy of Victoriano Izquierdo
As more and more destinations are reopening for travel, we are constantly thinking back on some of our favorite countries to visit, and Spain is definitely high on the list. With everything from rolling green hills to mountains perfect for hiking to exquisite beaches to cities blending multiple architectural styles, Spain’s diversity within itself renders it a fascinating destination to explore. Whether you’re simply looking for a warm, sunny spot to relax, an immersion in history and culture, or a gastronomic adventure, Spain is the place for you.
Now that American travelers can once again visit Spain, we have compiled a list of four unforgettable Spanish experiences that will help you to delve deeper into the heart and soul of this stunning country. As you start planning your next escape to Spain, you’ll want to make time for these in your itinerary. Of course, we can help you fill the rest of your days too, with all the food, wine, art, history, and culture you could ever want.
1. Discover an Underwater Winery in Basque Country
Bay of Plentzia, Basque Country
Photo courtesy of Made for Spain & Portugal
Historical experts have long-since fascinated over bottles of wine found in shipwrecks. These bottles are full of flavor, perfectly preserved, and have even inspired an incredible project just off the Basque Coast, in the Bay of Plentzia.
This is your chance to explore an underwater laboratory built fifty feet below sea level where wines, ciders, and txakolis from the Basque Country and beyond are brought to age. After you’ve explored the laboratory’s installations, you’ll even get the chance to head out on a boat to extract bottles from the sea so that you, too, can taste the magic of ocean-aged wines. Your tasting will be complemented by tasty Basque bites for the perfect afternoon.
2. Explore the Museo Sorolla with the Artist’s Great-Granddaughter
Madrid
Photo courtesy of Made for Spain & Portugal
Joaquin Sorolla is one of Spain’s all-time most celebrated artists, though he is not as well-known outside of his home country. This master of light called the center of Madrid home for many years, though he also had a deep love for his hometown of Valencia, which you will see evidenced in many of his paintings on this exclusive visit.
Sorolla’s former house, a small palace hidden behind tranquil Andalusian gardens, has been transformed into a museum to the artist himself. A visit to the museum is a wonderful experience already, but to take it to the next level, you can visit this family home with Sorolla’s great-granddaughter, who is a painter yourself, as your private guide. With all the behind-the-scenes knowledge you could ask for, she will fill you in on the stories hidden behind his masterful works, pointing out the many family heirlooms strewn throughout this magnificent house.
3. Lunch at a Sustainable Family Farmstead in Andalusia
Córdoba, Andalusia
Photo courtesy of Made for Spain & Portugal
Venture to a 15th-century family-owned farmstead for an unforgettable morning spent in the soft breeze and amongst the olive groves. Just outside of Córdoba, this ancient farmstead is forging a new identity for itself with its sustainable and biodiverse production of organic vegetables, legumes, and olive oil. Today is your chance to explore and taste for yourself.
Your host will whisk you away to show off the farmland and regale you with the tale of the family’s innovations to traditional techniques dating back over five centuries ago. You will certainly learn why their small-batch products are in such high demand today when you get to sample them yourself. You’ll settle in on a beautiful terrace for a lunch made of their most prized produce, such as chickpeas, greens, and almonds, all while chatting about life in the countryside past and present—a true experience in Andalusian luxury.
4. Bike & Cook with a Renowned Chef in the Countryside
Ampurdán, Catalonia
Photo courtesy of Made for Spain & Portugal
Pedal your way through charming medieval villages for a morning of discovery with an expert host. Your route will, of course, be personalized to your own biking experience, and you’ll be invigorated by taking in the open Spanish air as you cycle your way through towns carved from reddish rock and past vineyards, the smell of the seaside never far away. Your guide will take you through the fascinating history of the area as you go, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be dropped off for a gastronomic experience to remember.
An afternoon spent at dear Pilar’s house is always one well spent. Pilar is a celebrated chef and was trained in the most prestigious cooking schools and also by Spain’s top Michelin-starred chefs, so you’re in for a treat. Her home is a masia, traditional for this region, and in her spacious kitchen, she will walk you through a cooking class of local specialties. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in Pilar’s beautiful garden, which enjoys unparalleled views of the area, a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds.
As you explore Spain, there are plenty of wonderful experiences to be had, whether it’s your first or tenth time to the country. Mixing in some of these hidden gem experiences can take your Spanish itinerary to the next level, and you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime. Plus, there will be plenty of time for tapas in the sunshine, and who is going to say no to that?
If you would like to get away to Spain (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.