Experiencing Spain with Anne: Insider Travel Tips
Experiencing Spain with Anne: Insider Travel Tips
From sipping cava on a rooftop in Seville to watching paella made in a winemaker’s kitchen in Ronda, Edgewood Travel advisor Anne Bond recently explored Spain on a whirlwind itinerary filled with luxury stays, hidden gems, and local encounters.
Her trip offers travelers a window into Spain’s layered culture—from Barcelona’s bold architecture to the emotional intensity of flamenco in Madrid—and is packed with insider tips for traveling in Spain that turn a good vacation into an extraordinary one.
Best time to travel to Spain
Spain shines year-round, but the timing of your trip shapes the experience. Anne traveled in March, which she found ideal for comfortable sightseeing and smaller crowds. “The countryside outside Seville was a lush green, and even the most popular spots like La Sagrada Familia were manageable if you timed them right,” she noted.
Spring is also festival season, with events like Seville’s Feria de Abril just beginning to energize the cities. Southern Spain remains temperate in winter, making destinations like Andalusia appealing year-round.
Anne’s Insider Tip: “Visit popular sites early in the day, especially in Ronda and Barcelona. Even in March, places like the bridge in Ronda get crowded by mid-morning.”
A culinary journey across Spain
Food was a constant highlight of Anne’s trip. “Everywhere we went, the food was incredible—and yes, we had ham every day, and yes, it was delicious.” From Catalan tapas at Can Bo in Barcelona to freshly carved Iberian ham in a backroom Sevilla bar, every meal had a story.
One of the most memorable moments came at a family-run winery near Ronda, where Anne and her group watched the owner prepare paella from scratch. “We watched him prepare it in his kitchen. It was delicious!”
She also enjoyed upscale dining at Amar in Barcelona, a restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Rafa Zafra, and had a showstopping experience in Madrid coupling flamenco with a three-course, wine-paired dinner.
Anne’s Insider Tip: “Don’t skip the ‘second breakfast’—Catalan ham, cheese, and pan con tomate made fresh with a tomato rubbed on the bread. It’s the little things that stick with you.”
Unique places to visit in Spain
While iconic landmarks were part of the itinerary, Anne found some of Spain’s greatest treasures just beyond the guidebooks:
- Barcelona: Beyond Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, Anne toured the vibrant El Born district, wandered Passeig de Gràcia’s designer-lined avenues, and raved about the Art Nouveau-style Hospital Sant Pau. “It’s absolutely stunning. It’s now a museum, and 100% worth the visit.”
- Madrid: Staying at the Rosewood Villa Magna in the elegant Salamanca district, Anne explored both historic sites and artisan shops—including an espadrille maker and a cape shop with a 100-year legacy.
- Seville: From the Alcázar to the flower-filled streets of Triana, every corner charmed her.
- Ronda: “Even in March, the place felt like a zoo. Afternoon or early morning is better.”
Anne’s Insider Tip: “If you only have time for one Gaudí house, go with La Pedrera. It limits entries, so it’s less crowded, and the gift shop is fantastic.”
Spain off the beaten path
Some of Anne’s favorite experiences came when she stepped off the tourist trail. In Aracena, she visited one of Spain’s largest caves, followed by a charming ceramics shop. At a private bull farm, she met the owner, rode through the countryside in a carriage, and witnessed a bull being evaluated by a professional torero. “It was bucolic and stunning.”
Looking for more European travel advice? Check out our Paris insider travel tips with Melinda.
Anne’s Insider Tip: “Ask your travel advisor about private winery tours or rural day trips. These moments—when you’re eating, drinking, and laughing with locals—are what you’ll remember.”
What to know before traveling to Spain
Spain’s cultural rhythm is part of its charm. “Dinner is served at 9 p.m. with the show starting at 10 p.m. and lasting about an hour.” Museums are best visited with a private guide, especially major ones like the Prado, where she had early access and a top-tier art historian to lead the way. She also emphasized that while train travel is excellent, it requires lifting luggage and navigating platforms with limited signage.
Read how Anne compares Iceland travel styles here.
Anne’s Insider Tip: “Skip Las Ramblas in Barcelona. It’s chaotic, touristy, and doesn’t reflect the city’s charm. Instead, head to El Born or Passeig de Sant Joan for a local feel.”
Final thoughts: Spain through Anne’s eyes
Anne’s journey across Spain blended rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, unforgettable food, and authentic cultural moments. Her insider tips and on-the-ground experience offer travelers a more nuanced, enriching way to explore this beloved destination.
Ready to experience Spain the Edgewood way? Contact Edgewood Travel today to start planning your personalized, insider-guided adventure through Spain.