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  • Spain
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  • Things not to Miss
The stamp of heels and heart-rending lament of a <em>cante</em> jondo encapsulate the soul of the Spanish south. Drive over lemons and walk old mule paths in this picturesque region of mountain villages nestled in the southern folds of the Sierra Nevada. Perhaps Spain’s finest Gothic cathedral dominates the likeable small city of Burgos, destined to be European City of Culture in 2016. The islands’ little-developed beaches range from gem-like coves to sweeps of white sand. For more information, see Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. <em>Pintxos</em> are kings of the tapas in the Basque region’s culinary capital. Forget sleep, and experience everything else to excess, on Ibiza – the ultimate party island. At eight hundred metres long the extraordinary Roman aqueduct of Segovia is one of Spain’s most breathtaking ancient monuments. The Dalí museum in Figueres is as surreal as its creator – who lies in a mausoleum within. The capital of medieval Spain, Toledo has changed little since its depiction in El Greco’s paintings. Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking Grand Mosque of Córdoba – one of the world’s most beautiful buildings Rioja region’s amazing designer temple of wine. The legendary Moorish palace complex is a monument to sensuality and contemplative decoration. Easter week sees processions of masked penitents, with the biggest events in Seville and Málaga. The pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela left a swathe of Gothic and Renaissance churches, not least the great cathedral. Doñana’s unique habitats host myriad birds and other wildlife, including the Iberian lynx. Spain’s most famous and historic university sits at the heart of the gorgeous honey-coloured city. Take a hike along the stunning Cares Gorge, the most popular walk in glorious Picos de Europa National Park. For more information, see Hiking in the southern Picos: the Cares Gorge. Spain’s greatest art museum is an obligatory visit on any trip to the capital. Sitges is Spain’s biggest gay resort and throws simply spectacular parties, especially at Carnival time. Wander at will around the ancient Roman ruins of Mérida, the most extensive such remains in the country. Frank Gehry’s flagship creation of undulating titanium has become one of the iconic buildings of our age. The quintessential Andalucian city with sun-drenched plazas, winding alleyways, Moorish monuments and more bars than seems remotely feasible. One of Spain’s truly essential sights – Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the church of the “Sacred Family”. There are few greater pleasures than a chilled glass of fino or manzanilla, and there’s no better place to sample them than in the sherry heartland of Jerez. In March, Valencia erupts in festivities as giant models are burnt and fireworks crackle across town to celebrate San José. Delight in the capital’s most traditional of rituals – a night of bar-hopping and clubbing rounded off by a dawn reviver of <em>chocolate con churros</em>.