Spain in general is a great country to visit if you are wanting to take a short European trip. If you are looking for a nice relaxing holiday to lounge on the beach and enjoy some nice tapas, then there are some great cities in Spain to visit. On the other hand, if you are looking for a place with great nightlife and plenty of bars and clubs, then Spain is still an ideal choice! In fact I believe it celebrates the most festivals, or has the most days off work in order to celebrate festivals in the year compared to all the other European cities.
The following cities are a few places that I have visited in Spain and I would highly recommend but unlike Barcelona and Madrid, I unfortunately didn't spend enough time in them to advise on where to stay or where to go out. I can however suggest what time of year is best to visit these places if you are interested in hitting up the festivals.
Pamplona
Ah good old Pamplona, what an interesting little city this is. This is where the Running of the Bulls takes place in summer. Normally at the end of June and beginning of July. To be honest I don't really know what it is like during the rest of the year, but I can tell you during the Running of the Bulls it is just one massive street party. I was only there for two days but I would love to go back again because it was so much fun. And what a spur of the moment trip that was! My friend and I decided the night before that we would jump on a ferry from Rome to Barcelona, followed by a coach! I would probably not recommend this journey if you can avoid, because as fun as it was, it did take a solid 22- 24hours.
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| On the streets in Pamplona |
I think what I love about this festival is that everyone is in such high spirits and the streets are just mayhem. The full white outfits adorned with red sash and neckerchief make quite an impact and the streets look amazing. If you think about it though, it is such a bizarre concept. Who would have thought running through the streets while angry bulls charge at you, whilst being rather intoxicated could be so much fun. People go through sangria like water over there and it often ends in sangria fights.
All in all, this is one not to be missed.
Valencia
This was actually quite a popular choice for many people when it came to selecting a year abroad destination. There is a big student network here, which often means there is plenty of nightlife and cheaper prices.
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| At the Science Museum in Valencia |
This is also where Las Fallas takes place around 19th March. Again another bizarre festival (Spain seems to be pretty hot on these). It is basically where huge paper-machรจ statues (Nintos) are constructed, paraded around the streets and then eventually set on fire. This is like a piromaniac's haven really. This unique festival is all about the street parties, as it often seems to be with Spain, and to enjoy the sites of these monumental constructs burning away. An interesting festival and a lot of fun with the street parties and experiencing the hustle and bustle of Valencia, but I don't think I would go out my way to shift some holiday time around to
return.
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| Las Fallas |
La Tomatina - Valencia is also where the tomato festival takes place at the end of August/beginning of September. I am yet to experience this festival but I would love to go. The streets fill up with people and truckloads of tomatoes and it is just one massive tomato fight... awesome! Although I have been warned to be aware of people trying to rip your clothes off, though as you can see from the picture below that they had a few secrets to preventing this! Getting trampled on was another fear though as the streets can get pretty crowded. But all my friends seemed to have survived and had a great time, so am definitely putting that on my list of To Dos.
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| Really making sure the clothes don't get ripped off! |
This was actually quite a long time ago as I was 14 at the time on a school trip and staying with a weird Spanish woman. It was however very pretty and has a traditional Spanish vibe about it. If you are looking to escape the tourists then I think it would be a good choice to come and have a traditional Spanish experience. Don't forget to try the oranges! I definitely picked a few off the trees.... although I can't tell you if that is actually allowed or not so perhaps we should keep that on a down low.
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| Plaza de Espana |
San Sebastian
Now this is one city that is on the top of my list to visit. I can't believe that I haven't been here yet and I have heard so many great things about it. It is renowned for its tapas and a surfer's paradise. I can't wait to go there and I will be sure to let you know all about it when I do.
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| San Seb |
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