If you are a lover of art, Madrid is one of the top destinations on Earth to explore some of history’s most impressive works.

Madrid has a “holy trinity” of art museums which are considered to be world-class: the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.

First, the Museo Nacional del Prado is probably the most famous of Madrid’s art museums. This museum is massive and hosts one of the world’s finest collections of European art. It spans a large range of history, from the 12th century up until the 1900s.

Located here are works from artists such as Diego Velazquez, Hieronymous Bosch, and El Greco. “Las Meninas” by Velazquez is one of the top pieces located here.

Next, let’s take a look at the Reina Sofia Museum. Located in an old hospital, this museum focuses on Spanish art from the 20th century. As we all know, Spanish masters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali produced world-class work such as Picasso’s “Guernica,” which is on display here.

Finally, the Thyssen-Bornemisza has a varied collection of art from mainly European and American figures. It hosts a treasure trove of Italian Baroque art, as well as works from impressionists such as Monet and van Gogh.

Any art lover should have Madrid at the top of their travel list for the opportunity to see these three fantastic museums.

The post Madrid is an Art Lover’s Paradise appeared first on Traveler Master.

This description might not make San Andrés de Teixido sound like much, but it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain due to its cult of devotion to Saint Andrew and its spectacular and remote setting.

The current chapel, which was built in the 17th century, is very bare-bones, but it has several interesting art elements that refer to the sea, as well as a shrine to Saint Andrew.

Various myths surround the town and the cathedral. One famous saying in the native Galician language about San Andrés de Teixido is “quen non vai de vivo, vai de morto,” which roughly means that if you don’t go while you’re still alive, you’ll visit in the afterlife.

Other traditions include a drinking fountain, which has three spouts. If you drink from all three, legend has it that your wishes will come true.

This unique chapel and town is a must-visit for those that enjoy religious history and beautiful ocean views. You’ll certainly never forget your trip to this hauntingly beautiful place.

The post San Andrés de Teixido: The World’s Most Unique Chapel appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located in the quiet Extremadura region of western Spain lies the city of Caceres, a tranquil small city of only 95,000 people. You’ve probably never heard of this city, but it’s hiding a beautiful secret – it has the most beautiful old town in all of Spain.

Caceres was founded by the Romans back in 25 BC, but the city’s still-standing old town dates back to the medieval times. With no influence by modern architecture or buildings, you truly feel that you’re stepping into a time machine by walking into the beautifully preserved old town.

The old town is a fascinating blend of different historical periods and architecture. One of the most recognizable parts of the old town are the towers which were once used for defense. These were built during the era of Moorish rule in Caceres, and have been standing for nearly a thousand years.

Other architectural influences in Caceres’s old town include Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance. It’s an eclectic mix, but it’s beautiful in combination. Caceres’s old town in so stunning and authentic, in fact, that it’s been used as the set for several movies and TV shows such as “Game of Thrones.”

So, if you’re looking for a fascinating Spanish destination that’s off the beaten path, you can go wrong with the beautiful old town of Caceres.

The post Cáceres Has the Most Beautiful Old Town in Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

These little plates of food are eaten along with a drink. Depending on where you travel, they might even come free with your drink order!

Here are our recommendations for the four best tapas cities in Spain.

Granada

Located in Andalusia is the southern city of Granada. Here, you’ll find excellent and generous tapas that are provided for free with a drink. Be sure to try local favorites like gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, and all kinds of meat dishes.

Leon

This small northwestern city might not have the most fame for tourists, but its tapas scene is fantastic. Another city where tapas are included with a drink order, you have to try Leon classics such as blood sausage and “cecina,” a dried, cured beef product.

Vigo

Love free seafood tapas? Vigo is the right city for you. Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the region of Galicia, bars here typically provide a seafood-inspired tapa made with local ingredients such as mussels or seafood rice with your drink order.

San Sebastian

The tapas in San Sebastian aren’t free as they are in the other cities on the list, but they are delicious. Try Basque tapas (called “pintxos”) in the Old Town near La Concha Beach and be ready to try all kinds of unique flavors.

The post These Are Spain’s 4 Best Cities for Tapas appeared first on Traveler Master.

The country is divided into 17 “autonomous communities,” all of which have their own cultural identity. Some even have their own language!

Here are our picks for Spain’s four most unique regions that you should check out ASAP.

Galicia

The first stop on our tour of Spain takes us to Galicia, a rain and wind-swept region in the country’s northwest corner. Galicia shares Celtic heritage with places like Ireland and Scotland, and it’s easy to see why. Galicians have their own language, and you can try delicious dishes like Galician octopus in cities like Santiago de Compostela.

Basque Country

Basque Country is a very unique place. Located in northern Spain near the French border, this fiercely independent region speaks the only non-Indo-European language in Europe. In addition, it has an elite gastronomic rating and features stunning, modern cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Catalonia

Catalonia, located on Spain’s Mediterranean border, has been in the news recently for wanting to become independent from Spain. This region also has its own language, Catalan, and one of the world’s most spectacular cities in Barcelona.

Andalusia

Andalusia is Spain’s southern region par excellence. Sharing a Moorish heritage with the north of Africa, you can find beautiful North African-inspired architecture at places like the Alhambra in Granada and at the Mosque of Cordoba.

The post Discover Spain’s Four Most Unique Regions appeared first on Traveler Master.

While hiking is exciting, it probably isn’t quite right to define it as an “extreme sport.” That is, until you see the “Caminito del Rey,” a hiking path located in the province of Malaga, Spain.

This hiking path was constructed at the turn of the 20th century in order to provide workers at the hydroelectric plants in the areas a way to reach their worksites. The Guadalhorce River cuts through the gorge that the path traverses.

The name of the path translates to “The King’s Little Path,” and this is because Spanish king Alfonso XIII visited and walked the path back in 1921 to celebrate the opening of the canyon’s hydroelectric dam.

Now that the path isn’t used by the workers, it’s become a tourist attraction and a thrilling hike for visitors of all skill levels and abilities. Until a restoration was completed in 2015, it was known as a dangerous path due to various stretches in which the path had fallen into disrepair.

However, now that the path has been made completely safe, more and more tourists are flocking to the Caminito del Rey to enjoy the extreme views and thrilling experience that the 3-kilometer hike provides.

Would you be brave enough to do this hike?

The post Looking for an Extreme Hike? the Caminito del Rey is for You appeared first on Traveler Master.

While it might not have spectacular beaches or be as famous as cities like Alicante and Valencia nearby, Elche is a fascinating city that’s definitely worth getting to know.

Parts of Spain, including where Elche is located, were ruled by the Moors for several centuries until nearly 1500. Elche itself was under their rule throughout the Middle Ages, until 1244. Their fingerprints still remain in this city.

In Elche, you can find “El Palmeral,” a massive plantation of date palms that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Moors implemented an irrigation system that allowed this grove to grow in Europe due to Elche’s warm climate. It’s the only date palm plantation in all of Europe and is a beautiful and fascinating place to walk around and visit.

Elche’s Old Town also has plenty of signs of its Moorish past. By strolling around its pedestrian-only streets, you can see architecture and blue domes that are clearly inspired by Arabic architecture.

Believe it or not, you can also visit an underground Arab bath complex dating back to 1150. It has been excavated and can now be visited, providing a fascinating look at Elche’s past.

Be sure to check out Elche if you’re in Spain!

The post Discover Spain’s Moorish Heritage in Elche appeared first on Traveler Master.

The Camino de Santiago is any route that follows an ancient Catholic pilgrimage dedicated to St. James, which finishes at the spectacular cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

While there are several routes, some of which begin in places such as Portugal and in Andalucia, the most common Camino route is the “French Way.”

This route begins in the French city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and then begins with a difficult route over the Pyrenees Mountains and into Spain. This part of the hike provides magnificent mountain scenery.

After this, the route continues through northern Spain towards Galicia. Hikers pass through the spectacular countryside all of the way.

While largely a rural route, hikers also go through Spanish cities such as Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, and Leon before reaching Santiago and its cathedral. It’s common for hikers to visit the cathedrals of these cities to pay tribute to the saint.

Those that finish the route in one go usually hike for about four weeks to a month to finish the 700-kilometer route. It’s also to hike the trail in sections.

This is a fantastic way to see Spain, its beautiful cities and towns, and to experience a truly unforgettable experience and physical challenge. Would you be able to hike the Camino?

The post The Camino de Santiago is an Unforgettable Travel Experience appeared first on Traveler Master.

Visit “Praia das Catedrais”

The Praia das Catedrais (“Cathedrals Beach”) is in the northeast of Galicia and has spectacular rock formations that can be seen only at low tide every day, so don’t forget to check the tide schedule!

Marvel at Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral

This 11th-century gothic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela serves as the end of the famous Camino De Santiago pilgrimage route. Not only is it beautiful, but legend has it that it also holds the tomb of Saint James.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZaQxzgiSs/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=okcfe5mrpk6j

Drink a glass of Albariño wine

Some of the world’s best white wine comes from the Rías Baixas region in the southwestern coast of Galicia. Try a glass of the dry, citrusy wine at dinner, as it pairs perfectly with a plate of Galician seafood.

Eat Galician octopus

“Polbo á feria” is Galicia’s seafood specialty, consisting of boiled octopus served with a topping of olive oil and smoked paprika. Don’t be squeamish—just try it!

Take a boat to the Cíes Islands

Only a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, these islands are a natural oasis and offer pristine white beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s Galicia’s more natural version of the Caribbean.

The post Things You Must Do in Galicia, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

Don’t Get Fooled By The Climate

Don’t think Spain is only about beautiful sunny beaches and Mediterranean climate. Most of the country is an elevated plateau that is cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and it rains a lot in the North. So if you plan on exploring Spain’s full beauty you should bring layers to your trip, bring a warm waterproof jacket as well if you are traveling in the winter or in the mountains.

Avoid Crowded Seasons

Over tourism is a huge problem in some parts of Spain, so you should book your holiday during the shoulder seasons, from September to November or March to May, when it is still warm. Also, the prices for flights and accommodation are much more affordable than in summer.

Stores Have Twin Hours

Small businesses adhere to the traditional “siesta” – the rest from mid-day sun, where people go home to have lunch and a short nap and then return to work from 5 to 8 p.m. So plan your shopping ahead.

The post How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

If you are a lover of art, Madrid is one of the top destinations on Earth to explore some of history’s most impressive works.

Madrid has a “holy trinity” of art museums which are considered to be world-class: the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.

First, the Museo Nacional del Prado is probably the most famous of Madrid’s art museums. This museum is massive and hosts one of the world’s finest collections of European art. It spans a large range of history, from the 12th century up until the 1900s.

Located here are works from artists such as Diego Velazquez, Hieronymous Bosch, and El Greco. “Las Meninas” by Velazquez is one of the top pieces located here.

Next, let’s take a look at the Reina Sofia Museum. Located in an old hospital, this museum focuses on Spanish art from the 20th century. As we all know, Spanish masters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali produced world-class work such as Picasso’s “Guernica,” which is on display here.

Finally, the Thyssen-Bornemisza has a varied collection of art from mainly European and American figures. It hosts a treasure trove of Italian Baroque art, as well as works from impressionists such as Monet and van Gogh.

Any art lover should have Madrid at the top of their travel list for the opportunity to see these three fantastic museums.

The post Madrid is an Art Lover’s Paradise appeared first on Traveler Master.

This description might not make San Andrés de Teixido sound like much, but it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain due to its cult of devotion to Saint Andrew and its spectacular and remote setting.

The current chapel, which was built in the 17th century, is very bare-bones, but it has several interesting art elements that refer to the sea, as well as a shrine to Saint Andrew.

Various myths surround the town and the cathedral. One famous saying in the native Galician language about San Andrés de Teixido is “quen non vai de vivo, vai de morto,” which roughly means that if you don’t go while you’re still alive, you’ll visit in the afterlife.

Other traditions include a drinking fountain, which has three spouts. If you drink from all three, legend has it that your wishes will come true.

This unique chapel and town is a must-visit for those that enjoy religious history and beautiful ocean views. You’ll certainly never forget your trip to this hauntingly beautiful place.

The post San Andrés de Teixido: The World’s Most Unique Chapel appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located in the quiet Extremadura region of western Spain lies the city of Caceres, a tranquil small city of only 95,000 people. You’ve probably never heard of this city, but it’s hiding a beautiful secret – it has the most beautiful old town in all of Spain.

Caceres was founded by the Romans back in 25 BC, but the city’s still-standing old town dates back to the medieval times. With no influence by modern architecture or buildings, you truly feel that you’re stepping into a time machine by walking into the beautifully preserved old town.

The old town is a fascinating blend of different historical periods and architecture. One of the most recognizable parts of the old town are the towers which were once used for defense. These were built during the era of Moorish rule in Caceres, and have been standing for nearly a thousand years.

Other architectural influences in Caceres’s old town include Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance. It’s an eclectic mix, but it’s beautiful in combination. Caceres’s old town in so stunning and authentic, in fact, that it’s been used as the set for several movies and TV shows such as “Game of Thrones.”

So, if you’re looking for a fascinating Spanish destination that’s off the beaten path, you can go wrong with the beautiful old town of Caceres.

The post Cáceres Has the Most Beautiful Old Town in Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

These little plates of food are eaten along with a drink. Depending on where you travel, they might even come free with your drink order!

Here are our recommendations for the four best tapas cities in Spain.

Granada

Located in Andalusia is the southern city of Granada. Here, you’ll find excellent and generous tapas that are provided for free with a drink. Be sure to try local favorites like gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, and all kinds of meat dishes.

Leon

This small northwestern city might not have the most fame for tourists, but its tapas scene is fantastic. Another city where tapas are included with a drink order, you have to try Leon classics such as blood sausage and “cecina,” a dried, cured beef product.

Vigo

Love free seafood tapas? Vigo is the right city for you. Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the region of Galicia, bars here typically provide a seafood-inspired tapa made with local ingredients such as mussels or seafood rice with your drink order.

San Sebastian

The tapas in San Sebastian aren’t free as they are in the other cities on the list, but they are delicious. Try Basque tapas (called “pintxos”) in the Old Town near La Concha Beach and be ready to try all kinds of unique flavors.

The post These Are Spain’s 4 Best Cities for Tapas appeared first on Traveler Master.

The country is divided into 17 “autonomous communities,” all of which have their own cultural identity. Some even have their own language!

Here are our picks for Spain’s four most unique regions that you should check out ASAP.

Galicia

The first stop on our tour of Spain takes us to Galicia, a rain and wind-swept region in the country’s northwest corner. Galicia shares Celtic heritage with places like Ireland and Scotland, and it’s easy to see why. Galicians have their own language, and you can try delicious dishes like Galician octopus in cities like Santiago de Compostela.

Basque Country

Basque Country is a very unique place. Located in northern Spain near the French border, this fiercely independent region speaks the only non-Indo-European language in Europe. In addition, it has an elite gastronomic rating and features stunning, modern cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Catalonia

Catalonia, located on Spain’s Mediterranean border, has been in the news recently for wanting to become independent from Spain. This region also has its own language, Catalan, and one of the world’s most spectacular cities in Barcelona.

Andalusia

Andalusia is Spain’s southern region par excellence. Sharing a Moorish heritage with the north of Africa, you can find beautiful North African-inspired architecture at places like the Alhambra in Granada and at the Mosque of Cordoba.

The post Discover Spain’s Four Most Unique Regions appeared first on Traveler Master.

While hiking is exciting, it probably isn’t quite right to define it as an “extreme sport.” That is, until you see the “Caminito del Rey,” a hiking path located in the province of Malaga, Spain.

This hiking path was constructed at the turn of the 20th century in order to provide workers at the hydroelectric plants in the areas a way to reach their worksites. The Guadalhorce River cuts through the gorge that the path traverses.

The name of the path translates to “The King’s Little Path,” and this is because Spanish king Alfonso XIII visited and walked the path back in 1921 to celebrate the opening of the canyon’s hydroelectric dam.

Now that the path isn’t used by the workers, it’s become a tourist attraction and a thrilling hike for visitors of all skill levels and abilities. Until a restoration was completed in 2015, it was known as a dangerous path due to various stretches in which the path had fallen into disrepair.

However, now that the path has been made completely safe, more and more tourists are flocking to the Caminito del Rey to enjoy the extreme views and thrilling experience that the 3-kilometer hike provides.

Would you be brave enough to do this hike?

The post Looking for an Extreme Hike? the Caminito del Rey is for You appeared first on Traveler Master.

While it might not have spectacular beaches or be as famous as cities like Alicante and Valencia nearby, Elche is a fascinating city that’s definitely worth getting to know.

Parts of Spain, including where Elche is located, were ruled by the Moors for several centuries until nearly 1500. Elche itself was under their rule throughout the Middle Ages, until 1244. Their fingerprints still remain in this city.

In Elche, you can find “El Palmeral,” a massive plantation of date palms that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Moors implemented an irrigation system that allowed this grove to grow in Europe due to Elche’s warm climate. It’s the only date palm plantation in all of Europe and is a beautiful and fascinating place to walk around and visit.

Elche’s Old Town also has plenty of signs of its Moorish past. By strolling around its pedestrian-only streets, you can see architecture and blue domes that are clearly inspired by Arabic architecture.

Believe it or not, you can also visit an underground Arab bath complex dating back to 1150. It has been excavated and can now be visited, providing a fascinating look at Elche’s past.

Be sure to check out Elche if you’re in Spain!

The post Discover Spain’s Moorish Heritage in Elche appeared first on Traveler Master.

The Camino de Santiago is any route that follows an ancient Catholic pilgrimage dedicated to St. James, which finishes at the spectacular cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

While there are several routes, some of which begin in places such as Portugal and in Andalucia, the most common Camino route is the “French Way.”

This route begins in the French city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and then begins with a difficult route over the Pyrenees Mountains and into Spain. This part of the hike provides magnificent mountain scenery.

After this, the route continues through northern Spain towards Galicia. Hikers pass through the spectacular countryside all of the way.

While largely a rural route, hikers also go through Spanish cities such as Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, and Leon before reaching Santiago and its cathedral. It’s common for hikers to visit the cathedrals of these cities to pay tribute to the saint.

Those that finish the route in one go usually hike for about four weeks to a month to finish the 700-kilometer route. It’s also to hike the trail in sections.

This is a fantastic way to see Spain, its beautiful cities and towns, and to experience a truly unforgettable experience and physical challenge. Would you be able to hike the Camino?

The post The Camino de Santiago is an Unforgettable Travel Experience appeared first on Traveler Master.

Visit “Praia das Catedrais”

The Praia das Catedrais (“Cathedrals Beach”) is in the northeast of Galicia and has spectacular rock formations that can be seen only at low tide every day, so don’t forget to check the tide schedule!

Marvel at Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral

This 11th-century gothic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela serves as the end of the famous Camino De Santiago pilgrimage route. Not only is it beautiful, but legend has it that it also holds the tomb of Saint James.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZaQxzgiSs/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=okcfe5mrpk6j

Drink a glass of Albariño wine

Some of the world’s best white wine comes from the Rías Baixas region in the southwestern coast of Galicia. Try a glass of the dry, citrusy wine at dinner, as it pairs perfectly with a plate of Galician seafood.

Eat Galician octopus

“Polbo á feria” is Galicia’s seafood specialty, consisting of boiled octopus served with a topping of olive oil and smoked paprika. Don’t be squeamish—just try it!

Take a boat to the Cíes Islands

Only a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, these islands are a natural oasis and offer pristine white beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s Galicia’s more natural version of the Caribbean.

The post Things You Must Do in Galicia, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

Don’t Get Fooled By The Climate

Don’t think Spain is only about beautiful sunny beaches and Mediterranean climate. Most of the country is an elevated plateau that is cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and it rains a lot in the North. So if you plan on exploring Spain’s full beauty you should bring layers to your trip, bring a warm waterproof jacket as well if you are traveling in the winter or in the mountains.

Avoid Crowded Seasons

Over tourism is a huge problem in some parts of Spain, so you should book your holiday during the shoulder seasons, from September to November or March to May, when it is still warm. Also, the prices for flights and accommodation are much more affordable than in summer.

Stores Have Twin Hours

Small businesses adhere to the traditional “siesta” – the rest from mid-day sun, where people go home to have lunch and a short nap and then return to work from 5 to 8 p.m. So plan your shopping ahead.

The post How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.