9 things to do in Cadiz in Spain

The narrow path weaved along the side of a vertiginous promontory carpeted with ferns and the occasional cluster of buttercups and purple hollyhocks. Wispy tendrils of fog dissolved, and the June sunshine warmed my back as I stood on a wind-sculpted granite boulder and peered into the Atlantic Ocean's cobalt depths. The cries of gulls mixed with the sound of waves crashing against the rocks, releasing cascades of salt-charged spray. I could still see the fingernail outline of the creamy beach we'd traversed earlier, where plovers scuttled from the incoming tide.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Morgan Duram, a full-time content creator who moved from Michigan to Madrid. It has been edited for length and clarity. 

Georgia’s oldest city, not to mention the first capital, was established on the Savannah River in 1733 and, for nearly 300 years, has beckoned visitors to the Spanish moss-lined trees and charming homes. It’s one of the nation’s biggest ports, and its hospitable locals helped earn the nickname the “Hostess City.”

Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.

After taking annual vacations to Europe for over a decade, I followed my dream and moved abroad right after my 32nd birthday. I initially did a six-month stay in Bordeaux, France, before heading to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2020.

Late last year, I was itching to leave my hometown of Los Angeles and booked a short trip to the East Coast. But, as soon as I boarded my return flight, I realized I couldn't wait to get back home.

You’ve probably heard of La Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine-making region, but what about Castile-León or the town of Miranda del Ebro? It may be worth committing these names to memory—especially if you love good food and wine.

When it arrived in Málaga, Spain, 17 years ago, Finca Cortesin set a new standard for Andalusian hotels with its sumptuous design and vast swimming pools. Now, with Grand Hotel Son Net, the brand has done the same for Mallorca. Designer Lorenzo Castillo oversaw the transformation of the storied palacio that has seen aristocrats, royals, and Lauren Bacall walk its cobblestoned patio. The richly patterned upholstery, 18th-century tapestries, majolica-inspired wallpaper, and shimmering antique mirrors may compel guests to accessorize to match the decor. Here, a few smart choices:

As a 31-year-old woman, I've been on most dating apps and have been on more dates than I can remember. During the pandemic, I even went on a "first date" with someone where we ordered food for each other and FaceTimed. He cut out paper hearts and taped them to the wall behind him. 

Seville, the sun-drenched capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, is a city packed with cobbled alleys, terraza bars that spill into plazas filled with orange trees, and live flamenco. Known for its magnificent architecture, Seville is home to a stunning array of historical landmarks. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, standing in the heart of the city. Seville’s culinary scene is a delightful journey through hole-in-the-wall tapas bars. At local tavernas like El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest bar, you can savor traditional tapas such as espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) or solomillo al whisky (pork in whisky sauce), paired perfectly with a glass of crisp, local sherry or vermouth. Choosing where to base yourself in the city is depends what style you’re into. The old centre is a tangle of narrow medieval streets, while the neighbourhood of Triana, one of the birthplaces of flamenco, has become the city’s hippest hangout. To help you out, here’s a selection of top-rated hotels famed for their level of service, design aesthetic, and location close to must-see attractions.

A historic store in Barcelona has become so frustrated with tourists snapping selfies rather than spending money, it has imposed an entry fee.

“Being able to watch the journey out of the cabin window, seeing France fade away and Spain come into view, you experience the travel and the journey itself as part of the trip, rather than it being a means to an end. We both really love that,” says Katie Nicholson, who recently became a digital nomad, setting sail with Brittany Ferries from the UK to Spain on a new adventure with her partner, Ciaran.