Remi André Lurud — Travel & Food

Barcelona is one of those rare cities that delivers on every front. World-class architecture, Mediterranean beaches, a food scene that rivals any in Europe, and a creative energy rooted in Catalan culture. It can feel overwhelming on a first visit — there is simply too much to see, eat, and experience. Here is how to navigate it. When to Visit May-June and September-October are ideal. Summer is hot and crowded, especially around La Rambla and the beaches. Winter is mild (10-15°C) with fewer tourists and excellent restaurant availability. What to See and Do Sagrada Familia — Gaudí's masterpiece, under construction since 1882. The interior, flooded with colored light from the stained glass, is breathtaking. Book tickets online in advance. Park Güell — Gaudí's mosaic-covered park with panoramic city views. Go early to avoid crowds. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) — Medieval streets, hidden plazas, the cathedral, and countless bars and restaurants. Get lost on purpose. L...

Madrid's hotel scene has transformed in recent years, with a wave of openings that have elevated the city alongside Paris and London as a European hotel destination. Restored palaces, design-forward boutiques, and international brands competing for the best rooftop pool — the options are excellent across every category. Luxury Rosewood Villa Magna — On Paseo de la Castellana, recently reopened after a complete renovation. Madrid's most refined hotel — elegant rooms, a world-class spa, and the outstanding Amós restaurant by Jesús Sánchez (three Michelin stars in Cantabria). Four Seasons Hotel Madrid — In a stunning conversion of seven historic buildings near Puerta del Sol. Rooftop pool and bar with city views, the Dani Brasserie by Dani García, and the central location in the new Canalejas district. Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid — The grande dame of Madrid, reopened after a meticulous restoration. Classic luxury with a Palm Court, beautiful gardens, and Deessa res...

Madrid has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting food cities. The combination of Spain's finest ingredients, a new generation of ambitious chefs, and a deeply rooted tapas culture creates a dining scene with remarkable range — from three-Michelin-star theatrics to neighborhood bars where a glass of vermut and a plate of croquetas is all you need. Fine Dining DiverXO — Three Michelin stars. Dabiz Muñoz's wildly creative cuisine is a sensory assault — playful, intense, and technically dazzling. The tasting menu can stretch to 20+ courses. Love it or find it overwhelming, but never boring. Book months ahead. Smoked Room — Two Michelin stars. Fire-based cooking elevated to art. The aged beef, smoked fish, and charcoal-kissed vegetables are extraordinary. More focused than DiverXO, equally impressive. Coque — Two Michelin stars. Brothers Mario and Rafael Sandoval create a multi-room dining experience through cocktail bar, cellar, kitchen, and dining room. Elegant...

Madrid is a city that lives late and lives well. While Barcelona gets more international visitors, Madrid is where Spain's heart beats loudest — in the late-night tapas bars, the world-class art museums, the sun-drenched plazas, and the infectious energy of a capital that refuses to go to bed early. This is a city built for living, not just visiting. When to Visit Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. Summer is hot (35°C+) but the city compensates with rooftop bars and late-night dining. Winter is cold but sunny, with excellent cultural programming. What to See and Do Museo del Prado — One of the world's great art museums. Velázquez's Las Meninas, Goya's black paintings, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. Allow at least three hours, preferably a full morning. Museo Reina Sofía — Home to Picasso's Guernica and an outstanding collection of 20th-century Spanish art. The building itself, a former hospital, is impressive. Reti...

Mallorca's hotel scene reflects the island's diversity. Palma has some of Spain's best boutique hotels, the Tramuntana hides fincas of extraordinary beauty, and the coast offers everything from intimate cove hideaways to full-service resorts. Mountain Retreats Belmond La Residencia (Deià) — Two stone manor houses among olive groves with mountain and sea views. Art collection, sculpture garden, mountain spa. One of Europe's most beautiful hotels. Finca Son Palou (Orient) — Rural estate among mountains, olive groves, orange trees. Few rooms, pool, absolute silence. The Mallorca most tourists never see. Gran Hotel Son Net (Puigpunyent) — 17th-century estate with contemporary art, fine restaurant, mountain views. Palma City Hotels Hotel Sant Francesc — Converted 19th-century mansion. Rooftop pool with cathedral views, elegant rooms, best address in the city. Can Cera — 17th-century palace, 12 rooms. Original details, small spa, peaceful courtyard. Hotel...

Mallorca has quietly become one of Spain's most important food destinations. Outstanding local ingredients — seafood, lamb, almonds, citrus, olive oil — combined with chefs committed to the island's identity have created a restaurant scene that regularly surprises visitors. Fine Dining ZARANDA — Two Michelin stars at Castell Son Claret. A tasting menu journey through Mallorcan ingredients with technical brilliance. Exceptional wine pairings featuring local bottles. Adrián Quetglas — One Michelin star in Palma. Blends Mediterranean tradition with global experience. Creative and excellent value. Es Fum — One Michelin star at St. Regis Mardavall. Fine dining with Mediterranean sea views. Impressive seafood. Farm-to-Table Ca Na Toneta — In Caimari. Sisters cook daily from only Mallorcan ingredients, many from their garden. No menu. One of Spain's most authentic dining experiences. Moli des Torrent — Converted 17th-century olive mill in Santa Maria del Camí. ...

Mallorca suffers from an image problem. Decades of cheap package tourism gave it a reputation for sunburned crowds and all-you-can-drink bars. But the real Mallorca — the one that has attracted artists and writers for over a century — is an island of extraordinary beauty, serious gastronomy, world-class cycling, and cultural depth that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean. When to Visit April to June and September to October are ideal. Warm, fewer crowds, lower prices. Summer is hot and busy. Winter is mild — perfect for cycling and hiking. What to See and Do Palma de Mallorca — A genuine Mediterranean gem. Gothic cathedral La Seu, old town full of courtyards and galleries, and restaurants rivaling Barcelona. Worth two days minimum. Serra de Tramuntana — UNESCO-listed mountain range along the northwest coast. Drive Valldemossa to Deià to Sóller for spectacular scenery. Deià — Hilltop village attracting artists since Robert Graves settled here in the 1930s. Beautiful, w...

Gran Canaria's accommodation ranges from sprawling resorts in the sunny south to characterful hotels in Las Palmas and converted rural houses in the mountains. The key decision is which part of the island to base yourself. Luxury Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia — The finest on the island. Subtropical gardens near Maspalomas dunes, large pool, spa, and refined restaurant. Canarian colonial architecture. A Leading Hotels of the World member. Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel — Las Palmas landmark from 1890, recently restored. Beautiful gardens, excellent restaurant, rooftop terrace with city and ocean views. Lopesan Costa Meloneras — Upscale resort near Maspalomas with multiple pools, gardens, and direct beach access. Boutique and Character Hotel Rural Las Calas — Converted rural estate surrounded by mountains. Peace, hiking trails, genuine hospitality. La Hacienda del Buen Suceso — A banana plantation estate in Arucas. Charming, with beautiful grounds and a p...

Gran Canaria's food scene is built on excellent raw ingredients — Atlantic seafood, volcanic-grown potatoes, goat cheese from the mountains, and tropical fruits. A growing number of chefs are reinterpreting Canarian cuisine with modern technique, creating a food destination that surprises most visitors. Fine Dining La Aquarela — One Michelin star. Chef Germán Blanco's seasonal tasting menu showcases Atlantic fish, Canarian fruits, and volcanic terroir with precision. Ocean views. Book in advance. Deliciosa Marta — Modern Canarian cuisine in Las Palmas. Chef Borja Marrero blends island traditions with global influences. The degustación is exceptional. El Equilibrista 33 — Contemporary restaurant in Las Palmas where bold flavors meet restraint. Impressive seafood preparations. Traditional Bodegón Vandama — Traditional guachinche-style restaurant in the hills. Papas arrugadas, grilled goat cheese, pork ribs, and local wine. Authentic. Casa Montesdeoca — In the ...

Gran Canaria is often called a continent in miniature. Within a single island you find towering sand dunes that look like the Sahara, lush pine forests in volcanic mountains, dramatic cliff coastlines, and golden beaches stretching for kilometers. Add year-round warm weather, and it becomes clear why this has been one of Europe's favorite destinations for decades. When to Visit Any time. Average temperatures range from 20°C in winter to 26°C in summer. The south is consistently warmer and drier. Spring (March-May) is particularly lovely with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. What to See and Do Maspalomas Dunes — Golden sand dunes stretching to the sea. Walk through them at sunset for dramatic light and shadows. A protected nature reserve. Roque Nublo — The island's iconic volcanic rock formation at 1,813 meters. A 30-minute hike rewards with panoramic views, and on clear days, Tenerife's Mount Teide. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — The capital deserves...

Malaga's hotel scene has caught up with the city's cultural renaissance. A decade ago, options were limited to chain business hotels and beach properties. Today, there are beautifully restored historic buildings, design-forward boutiques, and rooftop terraces that rival any in southern Europe. The compact old town means most of the best hotels put you within walking distance of everything worth seeing. Luxury Gran Hotel Miramar GL — Malaga's crown jewel. A 1926 palace meticulously restored and reopened in 2017, with gardens, a spa, an outdoor pool, and views over the Paseo de Reding to the sea. The building alone is worth the visit. From around 250 EUR per night. Palacio Solecio — In a beautifully converted 18th-century palace in the heart of the old town. The rooms blend historic architecture with contemporary comfort, and the interior courtyard is stunning. Design and Boutique Molina Lario — Opposite the cathedral, with a rooftop pool and terrace offe...

Malaga may be the most underrated food city in Spain. While Barcelona and San Sebastián get the international attention, Malaga quietly delivers some of the best eating in Andalusia — from Michelin-starred tasting menus to legendary beach chiringuitos where the fish was swimming an hour ago. The combination of exceptional seafood, fertile farmland in the surrounding mountains, and a deeply rooted tapas culture creates something special. Fine Dining Kaleja — Chef Dani Carnero earned a Michelin star for his deeply personal tasting menu that draws from Malaga's land and sea. Each course tells a story about the region. The wine pairings feature exceptional small-production Andalusian wines that most visitors have never encountered. José Carlos García — Located on the port, with views of the lighthouse. One Michelin star for a menu that celebrates Mediterranean seafood with creative technique. The tasting menu is excellent, and the a la carte lunch offers great value. Be...

Malaga has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations of any European city. Once dismissed as merely the airport gateway to the Costa del Sol, it has emerged as a genuine cultural destination in its own right — a city with world-class museums, an electric food scene, beautiful beaches, and a historic center that rewards days of exploration. When to Visit Malaga enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — warm, sunny, and less crowded. Summer is hot but the beaches and evening dining culture make it manageable. Winter is mild and quiet, with daytime temperatures around 16-18°C. What to See and Do Museo Picasso Malaga — Housed in a 16th-century palace, this museum holds over 200 works by Malaga's most famous son. The collection spans his entire career and offers a more intimate experience than the larger museums in Barcelona or Paris. Alcazaba — A Moorish fortress-palace from the 11th century, wi...

Marbella's hotel scene reflects the town itself — a mix of old-world elegance, modern luxury, and Andalusian character. The Golden Mile between the old town and Puerto Banús is home to the most famous resorts, but there are also charming boutique options in the old town and spectacular properties further along the coast. Iconic Resorts Marbella Club Hotel — The original. Founded in 1954 by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, this is where Marbella's reputation as a luxury destination began. Beachfront gardens, an outstanding spa, the Grill restaurant, and a sense of timeless Mediterranean elegance. The bungalow suites with private gardens are exceptional. Puente Romano Beach Resort — A sprawling, village-style resort with botanical gardens, multiple pools, and an impressive collection of restaurants including Nobu and Leña. The beach club, tennis courts, and kids' facilities make it equally suitable for couples and families. Recently renovated rooms are excellent. ...

Marbella's restaurant scene has transformed over the past decade. What was once dominated by beach clubs and tourist traps has evolved into a serious culinary destination, anchored by multiple Michelin stars and driven by a new generation of chefs. The old town alone has enough excellent restaurants to keep you eating well for a week — and that is before you explore the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, and the quieter stretches of coast. Fine Dining Skina — Two Michelin stars earned in a restaurant with just 20 seats in the old town. Chef Marcos Granda delivers a seasonal tasting menu rooted in Andalusian tradition but executed with modern precision. The wine pairings are exceptional, drawn from a deep Spanish cellar. Book well in advance. Leña by Dani García — At Puente Romano, Marbella's most celebrated chef focuses on fire and smoke. The aged Galician beef, whole grilled fish, and smoked tomato salad with burrata are all exceptional. The atmosphere is convivial and t...

Marbella occupies a unique place on the European travel map. It is glamorous without being pretentious, relaxed without being boring, and somehow manages to balance beach-club luxury with genuine Andalusian charm. The old town, with its orange trees and whitewashed walls, feels a world apart from the mega-yachts of Puerto Banús — and that contrast is precisely what makes Marbella work. When to Visit May to October is prime season, with temperatures between 25-35°C and virtually guaranteed sunshine. July and August are hot and crowded. June and September offer the best balance — warm enough for the beach, but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter is mild (15-18°C) and quiet, ideal for golf. Where to Stay Marbella Club Hotel — The hotel that essentially created modern Marbella. Founded by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe in 1954, it remains the most elegant address on the coast. Beachfront gardens, a world-class spa, and the kind of discreet service that attracts guests...

Staying in Marrakech is unlike anywhere else. The city's best accommodation is hidden behind unmarked doors in the medina — traditional riads with interior courtyards, rooftop terraces, and the kind of personal hospitality that large hotels cannot replicate. But there are also spectacular palace hotels and modern resorts for those who prefer more space and amenities. Palace Hotels Royal Mansour — Commissioned by King Mohammed VI, every unit is a private three-story riad connected by underground tunnels through which staff move unseen. The result is absolute privacy combined with palace-level service. The spa, gardens, and restaurants are exceptional. From around $800 per night, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. La Mamounia — A legend. First opened in 1929, with guests including Winston Churchill, who called it the most beautiful place in the world. The gardens, spanning over 17 acres, are magnificent. The recently renovated rooms blend Art Deco heritage wit...