On this day, August 18th, Spain celebrates the life and enduring legacy of Lorca, nearly a century on from his brutal murder.

Lorca gave Spanish poetry a voice that was both intensely local and universal: his Romancero Gitano fused the rhythms of Andalusian folk song and flamenco with a surrealist's eye for image, while plays like Blood Wedding, Yerma and The House of Bernarda Alba turned rural Spanish life into tragedy.

But Lorca's endurance is also cultural and political. For decades under Franco, his books were banned and his name barely spoken in public. Since Spain's return to democracy, Lorca's story has been reclaimed by popular culture as “Lorcamania”. 

Through TikTok’s thriving Spanish-language book community, young readers have transformed Lorca into something of a viral phenomenon. From videos exploring his literary work to stories about his doomed love affairs and mysterious disappearance, Lorca continues to reach an audience who might otherwise never have encountered his poetry.

This appetite is also driving one of the most anticipated Spanish films in years. La Bola Negra, from the directing duo Los Javis, takes its title from an unfinished play Lorca had only just begun when he was killed — a tale about a young gay man rejected by Granada high society. The film expands Lorca's work into an epic spanning three generations of Spanish men, from the 1930s to the present day, using the poet's own life, relationships and poetry as its emotional spine. It premiered to a captivated reception at Cannes, where it won the festival's Best Director award, and arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on 6 November.

For Brits planning future travels to Granada, a visit to Lorca's home in Huerta de San Vicente provides profound insight into his life. The house will remain open to visitors until 30th September, from 9am to 3pm. 

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.

A Tradition Rooted in the Cantabrian Coast

Found in the nutrient waters of the Cantabrian Sea, anchovies have been an important part of northern Spain's fishing heritage for centuries. Santoña, approximately 50 kilometres from Santander, developed into one of the principal fishing, salting and canning centres in the region during the twentieth century, establishing a reputation that continues today.

The production of Cantabrian anchovies remains rooted in traditional techniques following the spring fishing season, when anchovies are then cleaned, salted and cured over several months before being filleted and preserved, most commonly in olive oil. This meticulous process contributes to the product's distinctive flavour and texture, qualities that have made Cantabrian anchovies a staple of Spanish gastronomy and a sought-after ingredient among chefs and food lovers around the world.

Supporting Communities and Sustainable Fishing

The industry has also played an important role in supporting coastal communities across Cantabria. Fishing, preserving and processing anchovies have provided livelihoods for generations of families, while helping to sustain the maritime traditions that continue to define much of the region's cultural identity. 

In recent decades sustainability has become an increasingly important focus for the sector, particularly following the recovery of anchovy stocks in the Bay of Biscay. The Cantabrian anchovy fishery became the first anchovy fishery in Europe to achieve certification from the Marine Stewardship Council, recognising collaborative efforts between fishermen, scientists and industry stakeholders to support the long-term sustainability of the species.

Today, visitors to Santoña can discover this rich maritime legacy through its fishing port, local producers and visitor experiences dedicated to the history and production of anchovies. Alongside its coastal scenery and natural surroundings, the town offers insight into one of Spain's most enduring culinary traditions.

Anchovies in Print

The continuing appeal of Cantabria's anchovy heritage has recently been reflected in the publication of Consider the Anchovy: A Journey in Pursuit of the Little Fish with the Big Flavour by British food writer Sudi Pigott. 

Published in April 2026, the book explores anchovy culture, history and production across several countries, with Santoña and Cantabria featuring prominently among the destinations highlighted. For readers interested in learning more about the communities, traditions and craftsmanship behind this iconic product, the publication offers further insight into one of northern Spain's most celebrated gastronomic exports.

Readers can find further information here: Guidebooks to Spain

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.

At the centre of the celebration is PRIMADA, a landmark exhibition taking place inside the Cathedral from May to October 2026, presenting more than 350 masterpieces spanning paintings, sculpture, codices and liturgical objects. The exhibition route will cover over 2,000 square metres through key spaces of the Cathedral and will include works by El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, Bellini and others, drawn from more than fifty public and private collections.

A major component of the anniversary will be a comprehensive programme of restoration works designed to preserve and enhance the Cathedral’s artistic legacy for future generations. Key projects include the restoration of El Transparente, the Juan de Borgoña paintings, medieval stained glass, sculptures and liturgical ornaments in the Cathedral. Additionally, the conservation of the historic realejo organs and choir carillons will represent an investment of €60,000 across four months.

The Jubilee Year will also introduce a range of accessibility and cultural initiatives, including a partnership with ONCE to ensure accessible routes for the Cathedral’s Lúmina experience and a new Cathedral Youth Orchestra, reflecting the celebration’s commitment to community engagement. In addition, the International Musicology Symposium, scheduled from 8 to 10 October 2026, will bring together leading scholars to explore the Cathedral’s musical heritage.

The Jubilee will officially open on 25 October 2026 with the ceremonial opening of the Puerta de Reyes, followed by a rich calendar and underscoring the Cathedral’s enduring role as a centre of spirituality and culture within Spanish history.

For more information on Spain as a tourist destination, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk

The announcement was made at FITUR 2026 in Madrid by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, and the President of Paradores, Raquel Sánchez, during an event at the Paradores stand where the hotel’s interior was unveiled for the first time. The Mayor of Ibiza, Rafael Trigueros, also attended the event.

“With this Parador, we reach number 99 in the network and manage to reach all the autonomous communities. The Parador will allow us to recover, revitalize, and rehabilitate a part of Ibiza’s historic centre, and specifically Dalt Vila, but what is more important: it will allow people to discover Ibiza beyond the summer months. An extraordinary Ibiza that connects us with heritage, culture, and history, and that allows us to reduce seasonality and generate employment 365 days a year.” – Raquel Sánchez, President of Paradores.

About Parador de Ibiza

The opening of Parador de Ibiza culminates a long and complex rehabilitation process that began in 2008 and was later interrupted in 2012 by the discovery of important archaeological remains, prompting a rethink of the initial project. The work resumed in 2019 and has been carried out by Turespaña, with the aim of balancing the conservation of historical heritage with sustainable and high-quality tourism.

The establishment is set within one of the island’s most emblematic enclaves: the Castle and Almudaina of Dalt Vila, a 16^th-century fortress situated in the city’s historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and witness to numerous historical events that have shaped Ibiza’s identity for more than two thousand years. Standing at the highest point of the walled city, the Parador’s privileged location offers unique panoramic views over the port and the historic surroundings, making it an exceptional space where heritage and history converge with a premium tourist experience.

Parador de Ibiza is the first Parador de Turismo in the history of the Balearic Islands. With its opening, together with the recent inauguration of Parador de Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), the Paradores network now comprises 99 establishments, achieving representation in all autonomous communities. The project has received a total investment of €47 million, including investments from Turespaña and Paradores, as well as actions financed with funds from the Recovery Plan.

A Boost for the City’s Historic Centre

The opening of this Parador represents an opportunity for the revitalisation of Ibiza’s historic centre, specifically in Dalt Vila, an area of outstanding heritage value that has experienced a decline in activity in recent years. The hotel’s year-round operation will help restore commercial life and economic activity in the historic neighbourhoods beyond the peak season.

In addition, the establishment will generate quality employment with an estimated workforce of 60 people and will contribute to economic growth and the reduction of seasonal tourism on the island by remaining open throughout the year. In this sense the project returns the castle to the city, after years of being closed to the public, during which Ibiza locals were unable to see its interior. The opening of the Parador will allow both residents and visitors to access this historic site, highlighting its value as a space of immense cultural significance.

Facilities and Services

Spanning five buildings, the Parador has 66 rooms (41 available to guests), a wellness area, an outdoor pool, a solarium, a café, a restaurant, several lounges and terraces. The courtyard, covered with a light, textile-like structure and featuring a small auditorium with views of the port and the Cathedral’s bell tower, expands the hotel’s spaces and will allow for the hosting of evening events in a spectacular setting. The Parador also has underground parking with 40 spaces, which represents an unparalleled feat of civil engineering. It consists of a 37-metre-long tunnel that safeguards the historical wall of Dalt Vila and a communications shaft approximately 30 metres high. This unique solution improves accessibility between the lower and upper parts of the city by using the Parador’s elevators, which until now was accessed via the Soto Fosc pedestrian tunnel.

Enhancing the Value of Archaeological Heritage

Another major milestone of the project has been the ambitious incorporation and musealisation of nine archaeological digs within an interpretation centre integrated into the Parador. Through infographics, signage, and audiovisual projections, the most important remains found during the excavations are revealed. Some of these digs have been restored for the guests’ and wider public’s enjoyment, reinforcing the Paradores’ founding objective to conserve and disseminate historical and artistic heritage. This space makes the Parador a strategic asset for the cultural development and diversification of tourism on the island.

Furthermore, there is a carefully curated artistic programme that includes painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and ceramics, with works by established and contemporary artists. The programme, inspired by the light, sea, and cultural traditions of Ibiza, transforms the historic building into an authentic living gallery in dialogue with its surroundings. The opening of the new Parador de Ibiza, destined to become one the leading hotels and cultural destinations on the island and one of the jewels of the state-owned hotel chain, has generated great excitement among customers and friends of Paradores.

For more information, please visit https://paradores.es/es/parador-de-ibiza

Introductory video to the property can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/parador-de-ibiza

For more information on Spain as a tourist destination, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk

International appeal in La Rioja is already rising. In 2025, the region welcomed 142,848 overseas visitors, up 16% year on year. UK arrivals, however, remain notably low. Just 13,000 British travellers visited La Rioja in the first eleven months of 2025, making it the least visited Spanish region by the UK market. With fewer than 0.1% of the 18.1 million Britons travelling to Spain choosing La Rioja, the region currently trails behind Navarre and Castilla-La Mancha, underlining the opportunity for growth in 2026.

For those looking to discover the region in 2026, UK tour operators are responding with a range of tailored itineraries showcasing the very best of La Rioja. Three standout examples include:

A taste of authentic Spain with Kirker Holidays

Kirker Holidays’ five-night La Rioja escape puts food and wine centre stage. Based first in Peñafiel, one of Spain’s great wine cities, and then at the 4* Hotel Eguren Ugarte in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria, expert Tim Clarke will introduce some of the finest winemakers in Northern Spain. Highlights include the innovative Viña Ijalba, who pioneered the revival of Rioja’s classic grape Graciano, the state-of-the-art Viña Real winery and lunch at the farmhouse of Contino, the oldest ‘single estate’ Rioja bodega. There is also a day in Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja, and Briones to visit the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, one of the best wine museums in the world.

For more details, visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Cycling through La Rioja culture and history with Headwater 

Headwater’s six-day itinerary explores the heart of Spain’s celebrated Rioja wine region, following quiet country lanes past vineyards and wine museums. The route allows for discovery of UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries in San Millán de la Cogolla and includes part of the Camino de Santiago. Other highlights include the medieval towns of Laguardia and Ezcaray, tastings at renowned bodegas and soaking up the sun in lively pintxo bars.

For more details, visit www.headwater.com 

Nature awaits with Audley Travel

La Rioja’s scenery is as dramatic as it is diverse. The Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park is a haven of mountains, forests and wildlife, home to deer, wild boar and birds of prey. In the Parque Natural de las Lagunas Glaciares de Neila, a series of glacial lakes – including Laguna Negra, Cascada and Tejera – create one of the northern Spain’s most beautiful high-altitude settings. For walkers and photographers, Las Calderas Gorge provides waterfalls, rock formations and natural pools in a dramatic canyon environment.

For more details, visit www.audleytravel.com

For more information on Spain as a tourist destination, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk

This year’s Pueblos Mágicos span across various regions:

• Aragón (Teruel): Aliaga, Belmonte de San José, Jabaloyas
• Andalucía: Arjona (Jaén), Arjonilla (Jaén), Bujalance (Córdoba), La Palma del Condado (Huelva), Tabernas (Almería), Arriate (Málaga), Gaucín (Málaga)
• Región de Murcia: Mula
• Extremadura (Badajoz): Zalamea de la Serena
• Castilla‑La Mancha (Toledo): La Puebla de Montalbán
• Asturias: Navia, Coaña
• Cantabria: Alfoz de Lloredo, Miengo, Reocín
• Islas Canarias: Arona (Tenerife), Vallehermoso (La Gomera)
• Islas Baleares: Ferreries (Menorca)
• País Vasco (Álava): Elburgo (El Burgo)

Each of these places embodies the essence of a Pueblo Mágico whether it’s a stone-built street in Aliaga, or a fortress and olive landscapes in Bujalance. A UNESCO-listed tamborada in Mula or volcanic terrain in Vallehermoso, these towns are all well-lived and share community pride.

These 22 towns now form a richer, more diverse network, connecting historic plazas, local workshops, intimate traditions and coastal seascapes. Together they deepen Spain’s invitation to travel off-the-beaten-track in 2026 in places that truly welcome their heritage.

For more information on Spain as a tourist destination, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk

Under the slogan “Eat, Drink, Love Jerez”, Jerez de la Frontera has been awarded the prestigious title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2026. 

Thanks to the collective effort made in supporting the city’s wineries, restaurants, food producers and ‘tabancos’, visitors are set to fall in love with Jerez’s legacy as a world-renowned producer of traditional sherry wines and delicious local cuisine. In celebration, the city will host 54 activities throughout 2026: from wine and tapas events to cultural tours and food festivals, Jerez’s impressive project champions responsible gastronomic tourism, cementing itself as the Spanish destination for authentic and quality cuisine.

As an annual award which recognises cities that have gone above and beyond to promote their foodie scene, The Spanish Capital of Gastronomy (CEG) has swiftly become one of the nation's greatest tourism attractions. Since its creation in 2012, each and every award-winning city has achieved impressive results in generating tourism buzz around their respective gastronomic offerings. Former winners of this prestigious title include Logroño (2012), Burgos (2013), Vitoria (2014), Cáceres (2015), Toledo (2016), Huelva (2017), León (2018), Almeria (2019), Murcia (2020/21), Sánlucar de Barrameda (2022), Cuenca (2023), Oviedo (2024) and Alicante (2025).

Being the second municipality in the province of Cadiz to receive this award, preparations are underway for Jerez de la Frontera to welcome national and international tourists keen to celebrate their honour next year.

For more information on Jerez de la Frontera as a municipality, please visit: https://www.turismojerez.com/en/

With its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty, Mallorca’s capital of Palma offers the perfect sunny escape for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Mediterranean life. From the magical Night of San Juan to British artist Julian Opie’s brand-new art street exhibition, Palma is the place to be this summer.

ST JOHN’S NIGHT: AN ANCIENT CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL (23 June)

The enchanting annual celebration of La Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Night) takes place on the evening of the summer solstice on 23 June, with bonfires marking the transition from spring to summer. This mystical tradition is said to bring good luck to those who leap over the fire and make a wish. Throughout the island and across Playa de Palma’s beaches, visitors can mark the shortest night of the year by taking part in the music and dancing, watching the fireworks and walking through the torchlit beaches.

A popular area to visit during the day is Palma’s Parc de la Mar, the park located at the foot of the medieval walls, in front of the iconic La Seu Cathedral. Various activities here, such as drumming courses, folk dances and cooking displays attracting thousands of people each year. The night officially begins at 11pm with the “correfoc” (fire-run) when local Mallorcans traditionally dress up as devils and run through the streets with torches. This is said to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. At midnight, participants often mark the end of the rituals by bathing in the moonlight on the nearby beaches of Playa de Palma.

NEW JULIAN OPIE EXHIBITION IN PALMA (26 April – 31 August)

Julian Opie, a London-born visual artist renowned for his innovative approach to art, has always pushed the boundaries of traditional techniques to reimagine the everyday. Widely known for his Shaida Walking animated sculpture permanently installed on London’s Carnaby Street, Opie will now bring a captivating exhibition to the streets of Palma from 26 April-31 August 2024 in collaboration with the Palma City Council and Balearic Islands’ Government.

Opie’s art, consisting of a curated selection of 18 sculptures, installations and film screens, will be displayed across various spaces in the city. With this special Palma exhibition, Opie invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and urban life, enriching their understanding of the world around them.

Participating venues include La Lonja guildhall, the Casal Solleric exhibition space, and throughout the beautiful gothic neighbourhood of Palma, as well as along the iconic streets of Passeig Sagrera and Passeig des Born.

La Lonja will welcome 12 works the complement the geometric intricacies of the old guildhall’s interiors, exploring themes of movement, human expression, and architectural symbolism. Outside, two towering steel sculptures will command attention in the square. Meanwhile along the bustling streets of Passeig Sagrera and Passeig del Born, Opie's LED-animated sculptures will dance to the rhythm of pedestrians, adding a dynamic element to the city streets. Visitors to Casal Solleric will find a large-scale installation and an LCD animation visible from the street, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond traditional gallery settings.

Check out our round-up of destinations to visit in 2024 to inspire your next Spanish get-away.

January – The Canary Islands, for off-season winter-sun wellness: The Canary Islands, situated off the coast of Africa, are the ideal spot for a January break after the indulgences of Christmas. Average temperatures are regularly in the late teens degrees Celsius during January. These islands – with their dramatic volcanic and lunarscape scenery – offer exceptional scuba diving, water sports, wildlife, cycling and hiking opportunities: the perfect winter break.

February – Jerez in Andalusia, for Carnival and a technicolour Flamenco Festival: Each February, visitors to the historic city of Jerez in Andalusia (the home of sherry) can join the town’s vibrant celebrations at the Festival de Jerez, a world-renowned event celebrating one of the region’s most famous exports: flamenco. This year’s festival will be held between 23 February and 9 March 2024.

March – Valencia, for Las Fallas Festivals: Enjoy poking fun at satirical giant figures in one of Valencia’s world-famous ‘Las Fallas’ festivals, where larger-than-life statues parade through the streets before being set on fire to the cheers of the crowd. A popular parade is the UNESCO-listed festival at Gandía, which will take place between 15 March and 19 March 2024.

April – The Balearic Islands, for a shoulder-season family Easter break in the sun: Many schools across the UK will break for the Easter holidays in late March and early April. Avoid the summer crowds by visiting the Balearic Islands in April. Mallorca’s capital – Palma de Mallorca - is perfect for art and culture buffs, whereas visitors to Menorca can enjoy its plethora of walking and water sports or explore its UNESCO-listed Talayotic monuments and pristine scenery.

May – Girona and Barcelona, for a flower festival and a world-famous beach music party: Travellers to Catalonia during shoulder season will be rewarded with the vibrant displays of Girona’s Flower Festival (11 May – 19 May 2024). Music lovers should not miss the renowned Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival (30 May – 1 June 2024), with a line-up this year including Lana Del Rey, Pulp and Disclosure.

June – La Rioja, for the Haro Wine Battle: With temperatures warming, June is the start of Spain’s peak season, so why not visit one of the country's lesser-known regions to enjoy an authentic Spanish experience. The northern region of La Rioja is a hidden gem which is known for its superb ‘Rioja’ wine, and which in June also hosts the Haro Wine Battle (29 June), a riotous celebration during which locals and visitors throw copious quantities of wine at each other!

July – Galicia, for exceptional seafood and beaches without the crowds: Find a quieter Spanish summer in the northern region of Galicia, known for exceptional local seafood, fishing villages, breathtaking beaches perfect for surfing (the July weather makes this time of year perfect for novice surfers) and, of course, the world-famous cathedral at Santiago de la Compostela. You can travel by sea from the UK to Santander with Brittany Ferries.

August – The Basque Country, for Bilbao’s ‘Big Week’: The Basque Country city of Bilbao has acquired a reputation for culinary and artistic excellence, and for good reason. In August locals and visitors alike celebrate ‘Aste Nagusia’ or ‘Semana Grande’ – meaning the Big Week. During the festival, concerts, firework displays and other shows take place across the city, creating a true party atmosphere.

September – Valdepeñas, to celebrate the wine harvest: Visit in September to witness the beginning of the harvesting season – across the country, festivals are held to celebrate this important milestone. The small village of Valdepeñas, near Ciudad Real in Castile-La Mancha, does this particularly well: its notable wine festival includes shows, wine and food tastings, all in honour of the new season’s grapes.

October – Consuegra, for the Saffron Festival: Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Spain: fewer tourists and cooler climes coincide with food and wine festivals throughout the country. Visit the picturesque, windmill-studded village of Consuegra in Castile-La Mancha for the annual Saffron Festival (‘Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran’) during the last weekend of October, which celebrates the world-class saffron that comes from this region, including a gastronomy contest, tastings, music and dance performances, and much more.

November – Madrid, for an off-season city break: Enjoy Spain’s capital of Madrid during the month of November, when weather is cooler and crowds are thinner. Sit back and soak up the music at the city’s annual Jazz Festival (2024 dates TBC), or take advantage of fewer tourists to visit the city’s many museums, galleries and monuments.

December – Seville, for a picturesque Spanish Christmas: Enjoy an alternative Christmas city break in Seville, the historic city known for its Moorish architecture, flamenco festivals and intoxicating cuisine. Christmas lights adorn the city’s ancient streets, nativity scenes are displayed across the city, and Christmas markets host a plethora of artisan goodies for the perfect Christmas gift.

On 19 October 2023, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. Villages are listed annually, and those who are selected have proven their use of tourism to promote local development, their integration of sustainable tourism practices, and their accredited cultural and natural assets.

Villages are selected and evaluated under the below key areas:

1. Cultural and Natural Resources
2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
3. Economic Sustainability
4. Social Sustainability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
8. Infrastructure and Connectivity
9. Health, Safety, and Security

Three villages from Spain were included on this year’s list, each celebrated for their exceptional and unique cultural heritages and their sustainable approach to local tourism: Cantavieja, Oñati and Sigüenza.

Cantavieja:

This extraordinary Aragonese village, the historic capital of Alto Maestrazgo (a Medieval region), is situated high up on a steep rocky outcrop and is full to the brim with monuments from the Medieval and Aragonese periods and beyond. Declared a historical-artistic site since 1981, Cantavieja’s historic quarter is designated with a Property of Cultural Interest title, and with good reason: the town is a treasure trove of fascinating buildings, including historic hermitages, the ruins of a castle destroyed during the I Carlist War, the Levantine-Gothic church of San Miguel and the old Baroque hospital of San Roque.

Travellers to Cantaviejo are able to immerse themselves in local culture and support the local community by staying in one of the many rural accommodations, including La Tarayuela, Casa Vidal, Casa Sara and 40 de Mayo. By day, visitors can hike or mountain bike in the surrounding countryside, spotting wildlife and taking in panoramic vistas of the Aragonese countryside and, by night, guests can enjoy a traditional local meal at one of the town’s many family-run restaurants.

Oñati:

Located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, Oñati is surrounded by lush countryside and mountains and dates back to the Medieval period. Its name in Basque references its scenic location, translating as “place with plenty of hills”. Historically a centre of learning and faith, Oñati is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful university buildings in Spain, alongside the more recent Sanctuary of Arantzazu, a key church in the region with works from artists such as Eduardo Chillida, Jorge Oteiza and Nestor Basterretxea. Amongst Oñati’s many extraordinary historical highlights include the 16^th-century monastery and hospice of Bidaurreta, the Renaissance university, and the Gothic church of San Miguel, with its Baroque tower.

Visitors to Oñati are warmly welcomed to share in the local culture, which thrives to this day. On the Medieval festival of Corpus Christi Day, processions and traditional dances take place throughout the city. Active travellers are able to take to the hills on foot or by bike to discover the many trails in the vicinity, and even to discover the Aizkorri-Aratz national park, which stands out for its majestic mountains, awe-inspiring wildlife and ancient churches and roads. Guests can stay in charming locally-owned hotels and hostels, each of which display the warm, rural hospitality for which the region is famed.

Sigüenza:

The ancient town of Sigüenza is located in the lesser-explored region of Castile-La Mancha and can trace its routes back to the Roman colony of Segontia. The town has been occupied under Roman, Visigothic, Moorish and Castilian rule and its architecture and culture plays vivid testimony to the tapestry of influences that make up this unique city. The town was declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1965, with highlights for visitors including the majestic Gothic cathedral (which possesses its very own El Greco painting), the castle with roots stretching all the way back to the fifth century AD, and the 12^th-century church of St James. The town can also boast a Medieval university, the University of Sigüenza, and a variety of historic monasteries, churches and religious buildings.

After visiting the town’s cultural and architectural gems, visitors can explore the impressive landscape that surrounds Sigüenza, with multiple options for excursions, hiking and cycling. Travellers can dine in one of the many restaurants situated in historical buildings throughout Sigüenza, and support the development of the local tourism economy by staying overnight in one of the town’s various ‘casas rurales’.

There will be eight exhibitions held in Madrid, three in Malaga, three in Barcelona, one in A Coruña and one in Bilbao. These exhibitions will highlight the artistic trajectory of Picasso throughout Spain and how his works were inspired by each region.  

MALAGA

Picasso was born in Malaga and spent the first ten years of his life living in the city. Although he never returned after the Civil War, the city made a lasting impression on the artist, and frequently featured in the pieces he made throughout his lifetime.

Exhibitions:

• Picasso: Matter and Body (8 August 23 – 10 September 23) – Picasso Museum Malaga
• The echo of Picasso (2 October 23 – 24 March 24) – Picasso Museum Malaga
• The ages of Pablo (21 June 23 – 1 January 24) – Picasso Birthplace Museum

A CORUÑA

Picasso went on to spend four of his formative years in the Galician city of A Coruña moving there when he was nine years old. It was here that he attended the Fine Arts school and gave his first exhibition. There were a number of pivotal moments that the artist experienced in A Coruña, such as the death of his sister, that are said to have influenced his style and artwork.

Exhibition:

• Picasso white in blue memory (23 April 23 – 23 June 23) – A Coruña Museum of Fine Arts

BARCELONA

At the age of 13, Picasso went on to attend the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona where his father taught. The architecture of the city, such as Gaudi’s naturalism and modernism, is said to have greatly inspired him. It provided him with the opportunity to live alongside brilliant artists that left their mark on his art: Ramón Casas, Santiago Rusiñol and Carles Casagemas.

Exhibitions:

• But is it possible that they could have done this before me? Picasso and Spanish ceramics in the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona collections (1 June 22 – 30 September 23) – Picasso Museum in Barcelona
• Daniel – Henry Kahnweiler (18 November 22 – 19 March 23) – Picasso Museum in Barcelona
• Miró – Picasso (19 October 23 – 24 February 24) – Picasso Museum in Barcelona

MADRID

In 1897, Picasso started at the Fine Arts Academy in Madrid and during his time in the city he found inspiration in the great classics in the Prado Museum, such as El Greco.

Exhibitions:

• Julio González, Pablo Picasso and the Dematerialisation of sculpture (23 September 22 – 8 January 23) – Fundación Mapfre
• Picasso, Masterpieces from the Nahmad Collection (4 April 23 – 2 July 23) – Royal Academy Fine Arts
• Picasso / Chanel (11 October 22 – 15 January 23) – Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
• The last Picasso. 1963 – 1972 (19 May 23 – 17 September 23) – La Casa Encendida
• Picasso – El Greco (13 June 23 – 17 September) – Prado Museum
• Picasso. The sacred and the profane (4 September 23 – 14 January 24) – Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
• Picasso vs. Velázquez (September – November 23) – Casa de Veláquez
• Picasso 1906: the great transformation (14 November 23 – 4 March 24) – Reina Sofía National Art Centre

BILBAO

Bilbao, one of the main Spanish cities with close ties to the art world, will be celebrating the Picasso Year with an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum.

Exhibition:

• Picasso: Matter and Body (29 September 23 – 14 January 24) – Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Picasso's legacy can be experienced throughout Spain. For more information visit Spain’s Official Tourism site here.

Cáceres, in Extremadura, has inherited Dubrovnik’s title of representing the capital of Westeros, Kings’ Landing.  The picturesque renaissance town is a UNESCO world-heritage site and represents a slightly newer, shinier King’s Landing that is set centuries before the events of the main show.

Extremadura’s Trujillo Castle will once again feature in the HBO series after appearing in Game of Thrones as Casterly Rock, the home of the ruling Lannister family. The regional market town contains a plethora of medieval and renaissance churches, and its plazas are a popular tourist attraction.

A number of scenes are to be set in  Granada’s Castillo de la Calahorra, in the Andalucía region, and reports state that the majority of shoots are taking place at night, likely depicting a battle. The castle itself still contains jail cells where imprisoned Moors were kept and is a now a national museum located less than an hour’s drive from the fortress of Alhambra, that has a a rich Moorish culture.

Spain has a long history of being a popular filming destination due to its varied terrain. From Clint Eastwood´s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly shot in 1966 to Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. From Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond in Die Another Day, to Harrison’s Ford’s Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This series will once again highlight the incredible architecture and culture that Spain has to offer. 

For information on Extramadura, please visit https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en/index.html

For information on Castillo de la Calahorra, please visit https://www.andalucia.org/en/la-calahorra-cultural-tourism-castillo-de-la-calahorra