Spain Vacations: Unveiled & Curated

07/04/2025

A calçada portuguesa encantou o New York Times que a descreveu como fantástico tapete de pedra e é, de facto!

This Portuguese pavement enchanted the New York Times that described it as a fantastic carpet in stone and it is a fact!

Located in Faro, Portugal.

Rua de Santo António/Faro/Algarve/Portugal

Faro, Algarve, Portugal

19/03/2025

🌟 Customized Spain Guided Tours

Contact: www.spainandportugalvacations.com

Throughout Spain we offer personalized and private tours and extended multi day vacations ( exclusive to your group).

Here are some experiences available through Spain and Portugal Vacations, our travel company that has been arranging trips to two countries only, Portugal and Spain, since 1998.

Each tour is fully customizable to reflect your travel preferences and interests. Whether exploring Spain’s iconic cities or uncovering hidden gems, we create bespoke itineraries tailored to you.

➡️ Booking Options:

✅Stand-Alone Walking Tours: Available with 24-hour notice, perfect for those looking to explore a specific city.

✅Incorporate Into Extended Tours: Seamlessly blend these experiences into longer, multi-day itineraries across Spain.

✅Ready to discover the magic of Spain at your own pace? Contact us to plan your personalized walking tour today! 🎉

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀
Granada captivates with its spellbinding blend of Moorish architecture and Andalusian charm. Explore the cobbled streets of Albaicín, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra Palace with exclusive access to the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens. Enjoy panoramic views from Mirador de San Nicolás and soak in the city’s vibrant culture. ✅ Highlights Include:

Skip-the-line entry to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens.
Stroll through the vibrant Alcaicería Market for local crafts.
Optional hammam spa experience for a relaxing post-tour treat.

𝗗ɪꜱᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ 𝗕ᴀʀᴄᴇʟᴏɴᴀ’ꜱ 𝗔ʀᴄʜɪᴛᴇᴄᴛᴜʀᴀʟ 𝗪ᴏɴᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴀɴᴅ 𝗛ɪᴅᴅᴇɴ 𝗖ᴏʀɴᴇʀꜱ

Barcelona is a city where history meets cutting-edge design. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and admire the ancient Roman walls before being awestruck by Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces, including Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of El Born, where boutique shops and tapas bars create a lively setting.
✅ Highlights Include:

Skip-the-line entry to Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló.
Guided exploration of La Rambla and the Boquería Market.
Optional rooftop wine tasting with views of the Barcelona skyline.

Sᴀᴠᴏʀ Pɪɴᴛxᴏꜱ ᴀɴᴅ Bᴀꜱϙᴜᴇ Cᴜʟᴛᴜʀᴇ ɪɴ Sᴀɴ Sᴇʙᴀꜱᴛɪáɴ

Indulge in a culinary and cultural adventure through San Sebastián, known for its world-renowned gastronomy and charming coastal beauty. Wander through the lively Parte Vieja (Old Town), where pintxos bars overflow with mouth-watering bites. Explore the La Co**ha Promenade and soak up the coastal views before delving into the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

✅ Highlights Include:
Pintxos tasting with local wine pairings at iconic establishments.
Visit to San Telmo Museum to explore Basque heritage.
Optional Michelin-starred restaurant reservation or cooking class.

07/02/2025

we're now on Blue Sky app follow us there (we/ve deleted the X/Twitter account)

This is a heavily interactive web application, and JavaScript is required. Simple HTML interfaces are possible, but that is not what this is.

28/01/2025

Arcos de la Frontera: Where White Villages Meet Andalusian Charm

Nestled high above a dramatic ravine, Arcos de la Frontera is a breathtaking jewel in Andalusia, Spain. This picturesque town, just a short drive from Seville, is more than just a pretty face; it's a living testament to the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. The geography of Arcos is what truly sets it apart.

Perched atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Guadalete river, the town boasts some of the most stunning panoramic views in Spain. The natural ravine itself has shaped Arcos, providing a dramatic setting for its iconic white villages architecture.

Arcos de la Frontera is considered the gateway to the famous Route of the White Villages of Cádiz, it's easy to understand why it is a popular stop for travelers who are seeking the true essence of Andalusia. Wander through its narrow, winding streets where whitewashed facades meet iron-barred windows adorned with brightly colored flowerpots.

Explore the Plaza del Cabildo and its renowned balcony, offering sweeping views of the surrounding fertile farmlands and the nearby Sierra de Grazalema mountain range. These features are must-see for anyone visiting.

Beyond its visual appeal, Arcos de la Frontera offers a taste of authentic Andalusian life, especially with its vibrant yearly events. One of the main festivals includes the celebration of the patron saint, the Virgen de las Nieves in early August, and the Feria de San Miguel which is held at the end of September. These festivals allow visitors to experience the towns local traditions, music and food.

The culinary dishes of Arcos are as captivating as its views. The town is known for its traditional Andalusian cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes are rabo de toro (oxtail stew), sopa de tomate (tomato soup), and berza gitana (a hearty chickpea stew).

Try the local queso de cabra (goat cheese) and pair it with the regional wine. These flavors reflect the heart of this region. You’ll find many excellent restaurants and tapas bars showcasing the local specialties. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Arcos during your visit.

For those seeking an escape from city life, Arcos de la Frontera provides an ideal opportunity for exploration, both within the town and in the neighboring mountains. This town is a must-see destination on any Andalusia travel itinerary.

Explore its stunning landscapes, enjoy its delicious food, and immerse yourself in the culture. Arcos offers you a glimpse into Spain's heart, where history, nature, and tradition come together.

22/11/2024

The Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid, are an expression of the Catholic Counter-Reformation and the Spanish Golden Age.

Today I led our small group tour, with the help of our wonderful guide, on a private trip about an hour outside of Madrid to El Escorial.

El Escorial was built at the behest of King Philip II in 1563 as a place for prayer and a pantheon to the Spanish monarchs. The style is particularly austere and yet overwhelming in its pure grandness starting with the rough hewn massive stones that the complete complex is made up of. This monastery church and Pantheon, including two Royal palaces of two different dynasties of Spanish rulers, is truly one of the most remarkable buildings I've ever seen..

The real highlight of your visit will probably be the Royal residences. The spanish kings were great patrons of the arts and the monastery housed one of their finest collections. Many of the highlights have been moved to the Prado Museum, but the monastery still has a very impressive collection, which is mostly portrayed in the Habsburg residence..

The mausoleum houses almost all Spanish kings since Charles I and an INORDINATE amount of members of the Royal families. Most of the tombs of the latter group are quite plain, with only a few exceptions like that of John of Austria.

The overall atmosphere of the crypt is severe and sombre. The Kings and Queens are members of the Royal families from throughout Europe. Most of the tombs of the latter group are quite plain, with only a few exceptions like that of John of Austria.

The library (at least the part you can visit) IS small, but pretty impressive. I advise taking a look at the beautifully decorated muslim manuscripts. The Monastery houses a far bigger, though inaccesable sible, collection of books, botanical and macabre oddities as Philip V was a great fan of them.

SUMMARY:
Overall the building perfectly reflects Philip's personality. It's functional (quite cool even in summer) severe and sober. The almost complete lack of decoration and gigantic size definitely give it a very particular aesthetic, which you'd be hard pressed to find in any other palace complex in Europe.

If you're interested in having a custom designed trip through Spain and want to include a private excursion to this incredible UNESCO world heritage site, you can reach us through our website:

www.spainandportugalvacations.com

18/11/2024

Chinchón we took our small group tour to this town located about 45 km from Madrid. First and foremost, the town is a square, or more exactly, the focal point is the Plaza Mayor. From the panoramic picture which you can control to get a full view, it is flanked by arcades staggered roofs and 234 green wood balconies all from the medieval period.

This town was the seat of a very important Noble family who were closely related to the kings of Spain, and particularly one of the brothers of King Phillip V.

Throughout the years it has hosted Royal announcements and celebrations mock spear, combats, bullfights and even burnings at the stake of heretics during the time of the Spanish Inquisition.

In addition to the fascinating medieval, baroque town with the very well preserved architecture and the stunningly beautiful tile roofs, this town is known for its foods, in particular, suckling pig, lamb, chorizo and others all roasted in a wood fired stove.

The front page of the menu with the name of the restaurant is one we highly recommend where you can taste these foods as well as other appetizers such as roasted peppers, garlic and traditional soups made with bread crumbs and sheep's milk cheese.

If you would like to arrange your own trip with us, either a private individual tour or you have a group of people that would like to form a small group tour, you can contact us through our website and we will make sure that you have one of the most spectacular private trips ever arranged throughout Spain, including this incredible town which must not be missed .

www.spainandportugalvacations.com

Below are our other Facebook groups which you are invited to join to follow our other trips throughout Spain and Portugal.

Discover Portugal Travel

Spain and Portugal Guided Tours

Spain and Portugal Vacations

15/11/2024

Walking through Madrid seeing the beauty of this city that never ceases to amaze

07/08/2024

Sun- Kissed Shores.

Historic Ports.

Unforgettable Sailing Adventures.

Spain and Portugal Vacations

Www.Spainandportugalvacations.com

07/08/2024

A huge thank you and welcome to all of our new followers and everybody that has been a follower sometime. We really appreciate your support!

28/07/2024

Discover the Basque Coast & Countryside.

Visiting the Basque Country must include the coastal village of Getaria to understand and enjoy the history and exotic life.

People from here include: acclaimed fashion designer Balenciaga and centuries before him was Elcano, the first to sail around the world. Both are from the small fishing village, Getaria.

Several Michelin rated restaurants, including the famous Elkano;

The legendary turbot is an absolute must!.

Feel free to contact us and make Getaria part of your bespoke itinerary we'll design for you and your traveling party.

www.spainandportugalvacations.com

18/07/2024

𝔸𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟. 𝕄𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕚𝕣.

𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤?

𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 !