<p>Yvonne's journey with B&amp;R started over a decade ago, when a good friend working from our headquarters in Beaune revealed to her that B&amp;R was in search of Guides for the upcoming season. While she was based in Ireland at the time, Yvonne had already spent a year living in Italy and was yearning to live out <em>la dolce vita</em> once again. She hopped on board to guide her first B&amp;R Walking trip in the Cinque Terre and hasn't looked back since.</p><p><em>"I still have fond memories of leading travellers through those spectacular cliffs and making fresh pesto at a local friend's house at one of our lunch spots. I got hooked on the B&amp;R way of life straight away - travelling and slowing down to see the world."</em></p><p>Since making Madrid her home eight years ago, this guide-turned-Experience Designer has become a true expert in all things Spain-related and loves nothing more than to plan amazing adventures to her adopted Spanish soil. Get to know more about Yvonne in our Q&amp;A below!</p>

<h2>Vital Stats:</h2><p><strong>Years in Travel Business:</strong> 25</p><p><strong>Years with B&amp;R:</strong> 16</p><p><strong>Regions of Expertise:</strong> Spanish Wine Country, Camino de Santiago</p><p><strong>Countries visited:</strong> 20+</p><p><strong>Countries lived in: </strong>Italy, Spain, Ireland, UK, Argentina</p><p><strong>Trips planned:</strong> 15+</p><p><strong>Trips guided:</strong> Lots! 40+</p>

<h2>Q&amp;A with Yvonne:</h2><p><strong>This officially marks your first year as a B&amp;R Experience Designer </strong><strong style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">after gaining a wealth of experience guiding over 40 trips.</strong><strong> And what a year it's been! Any favourite moments or lasting impressions from the season?</strong></p><p>It’s been a special year for planning trips as many of our travellers were hitting the road for the first time since before the pandemic. I felt their travel experiences were almost more sacred than ever before and that made it a real privilege for me to be part of the process.</p><p>After spending a lot of time before the trip communicating by email or phone it’s always really special to receive photos or videos from our guides of the group out on the road, cycling around La Rioja or dancing up a storm during their final night celebrations! That’s when it makes it all worthwhile.</p>

<p><strong>What’s your preferred method for immersing yourself in a new place?</strong></p><p>Shopping for food. It sounds basic but I make a real effort to seek out local food markets and shop in small, independent butchers, fishmongers and fruit shops when I spend time in a region. There's no better way to learn the language, speak with the locals and get a feel for what’s going on in the area.</p><p>Food is a huge part of any culture and speaking about food with others creates a universal connection that taps into historical and cultural habits and norms. I learn so much about a place and its people by trying their food and getting curious about their cooking traditions. Needless to say, It also pleases my palette immensely!</p><p><strong>Favourite hotel in the world?</strong></p><p>It has to be Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara in the west of Ireland. Being Irish I am, of course, a bit biased but that hotel for me personifies Irish charm and elegance.</p><p>As soon as you walk in the hotel’s main door you're greeted by friendly staff at the front desk and the peaty smell of the open fire with its trusty old leather armchairs perched to the side, just inviting you to sit down and relax beside the cozy hearth. Combine that rustic charm with beautiful natural surroundings and I think that Ballynahinch really is the most idyllic country haven (and you can experience this incredible stay on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/ireland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ireland Biking</a> trip!).</p>

<p><strong>Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?</strong></p><p>It has to be Casa Gonzalez in Madrid. It’s an old-school deli and wine bar that’s been around for almost 100 years and is still in the same family. The owner Paco is a real character and serves a great variety of wines by the glass and top-quality Spanish cheeses and cured meats. This place is a much-loved institution in the Huertas neighbourhood and the front-window table is the ideal place to watch the world go by over some tasty treats.</p><p><strong>Favourite restaurant in the world?</strong></p><p>OK, I am going to cheat here a bit as this is not a restaurant but I have to say the street food at the local markets in South East Asia and I am specifically thinking of <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a>.</p><p>If I think about my favourite food experience this is absolutely what springs to mind. I’ve had the most delicious foods on an early morning trip to the fish market in Hoi An where all of your senses are just blown away by the bustling market scenes, the loud chatter of the vendors, the pungent smells of the fresh fish and the first tastes of exotic foods that I had never tried before. It’s a truly memorable place to eat and it makes me smile every time I think back to it!</p>

<p><strong>Favourite bottle of wine?</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Well, this changes regularly as I love to try lots of different wines but they are always Spanish and, over the years of living here, I have made it my mission to try as many of the different varieties available. That keeps me busy as Spain has 69 wine regions or DOs!! So, while I still have lots more to get through I will say that my most recent favourite is a red blend of tempranillo and mencía grapes from Galicia, in the north of Spain, called Pajaro Loco or Crazy Bird in English. So delicious!</p>

<p><strong>Are there any destinations you haven’t been to, but want to visit?</strong></p><p>Yes, many! Nepal, New Zealand and Iceland are probably up there in my top three.</p><p><strong>What are your three most underrated destinations?</strong></p><p>I would say Bangkok, Naples and New York. They all just happen to be big cities that often get a bad rap and I guess I like them because I love the buzz and chaotic energy of big cities and the random encounters you can have there.</p><p>When I was in New York people couldn’t have been friendlier to me with strangers stopping on the street one day to help me with directions, which obviously goes against all the negative stereotypes you hear of New Yorkers!</p><p><strong>&nbsp;What items are absolute musts on your packing list?</strong></p><p>A refillable water bottle, Mac red lipstick and a notebook and pencil.</p><p><strong>And finally, what’s your favourite trip you’ve ever taken?</strong></p><p>Oh, that’s a difficult question but I would have to say the hiking trip that I did in Patagonia, Argentina. Never have I felt such awe and respect for nature as I did in that part of the world. You can’t help but be overwhelmed by the beauty and sheer magnificence of the scenery there. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things.</p>

Experts + Insiders: Yvonne Power

Features &amp; Stories

Notes From the Road

Hotel Splendido Portofino

Italy

Piemonte

Truffles

Walking

Cinque Terre

New Trip Spotlight: Piemonte to Portofino Walking

Forbes

Inside B&amp;R

Media Mentions

Portugal

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Forbes Names B&R On Their List Of 5 New Walking Trips For 2022

Around The World

Travel 2022—10 Best Trips For Next Year And Your Post-COVID Vacations

Hotels

Our Friends

See + Do

The Slow Road

Mallorca

Son Brull Hotel &amp; Spa Pollenca

<h2><strong>A Family Affair </strong></h2>
<p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-49711 alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-480x300.png" alt="Son Brull Hotel Mallorca" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />Son Brull’s striking gold exterior and sophisticated detailing make for a regal façade at first glance. But the personalized greetings that each guest receives from the Suau siblings upon arrival create a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the laidback island lifestyle of Mallorca.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">“Being the only family-run boutique hotel on the island makes a huge difference because we’re on the property every day, and most of our team has been with us for years,” she said. “We have a lot of regular guests who return year after year and see the same faces greeting them. Our staff remembers them and knows how they like their coffee in the morning and what kind of cocktail they drink. All of our staff are local from the surrounding villages, we train them ourselves, and they’ve been with us for many years.”</span></p>
<h2><strong>Continuing the Legacy of Son Brull</strong></h2>
<p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-49731 alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-480x300.png" alt="Son Brull exterior" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />For Mar, the business of hotels has always pulsed through her veins. And while being the daughter of a hotelier prompted her childhood to look a little different, she’s had the advantage of gaining experience in every aspect of the business. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">“When I was a kid, I didn’t play with dolls. I played hotels. I played the role of receptionist, cook, waiter. We were always at the hotel to be closer to our father because he was working all the time. He never planned for us to continue his legacy, but it just happened,” she said. </span></p>
<p>Continuing her father’s legacy at Son Brull also meant continuing the legacy of the 17th c. monks who lived off the land and welcomed tired travellers in search of food and shelter. Three centuries later, the Suau family has restored the property into one of Mallorca’s top boutique hotels while maintaining its unique heritage and natural resources.</p>
<figure id="attachment_49732" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49732" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-49732 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2.png" alt="Son Brull Pool" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49732" class="wp-caption-text">One of Son Brull&#8217;s four newly renovated Villa Suites</figcaption></figure>
<p>All in all, a stay at Son Brull encompasses award-winning cuisine, a wealth of adrenalin-pumping activities, cozy interiors and <a href="https://sonbrull.com/en/spa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">organic spa treatments</a>—all tied together with family-friendly service and an atmosphere brimming with environmental sustainability and Mediterranean magic.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling inspired to experience the rich heritage of Son Brull for yourself, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get in touch with Christine Tucker</a> to see how she can craft your ideal Mallorcan escape.</p>


Son Brull Hotel & Spa: Embracing Sustainability in Mallorca 

B&amp;R Fund

Slow Travel

Basque Country

The Slow Fund: Commissioning New Instruments for Musika Etxea

Departures

B&R Recognized by Departures Magazine 2020 Legend Awards

Discovering Mallorca's Undeniable Beauty by Bike

Eat &amp; Drink

Recipes

Latin America

Argentina

A Taste of South America at Home: Argentinian Beef Empanadas

Experts + Insiders

B&R Guides: The Artists Behind our 2021 Tote Collection

family

Safari

Africa and Middle East

Tanzania

<p>Different personalities thrive in such a setting: Grandma could be active or sedentary as she pleased; for her, the best part was watching her grand-kids interact with everything in their sight-line, people and lodge alike; after bonfires and sundowners with the whole family, her brother could stay up late with other guests at the lodge; parents could elect to jump on safari or not depending on energy levels, meanwhile the kids scrambled around the lodge-making friends with the kitchen staff and learning to stumble a bit. As a parent Christine felt she could be a little more hands-off in this environment allowing her daughters to feel more resilient as a result.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45740 size-large" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kids-w-community-900x600.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kids-w-community.jpg 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kids-w-community-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kids-w-community-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></p>
<p>“Everyone gets something out of it without it being a huge orchestrated event.”</p>
<p>“The safari setting made everyone feel so comfortable and taken care of. It was thrilling to watch the kids be blown away by everything they love and for us, as parents, not to have to think about meals or where to eat.&#8221;</p>
<p>Despite usually despising car rides her children loved the freedom of the safari jeep and could spend large parcels of time out with the guides seeking out big animals, becoming versed in the craft culture of Tanzania, taking in the differently shaped trees.</p>
<p>The beauty of travel is that it jars us from the usual. It has the power to elevate quotidian events—so that a lingering meal becomes entirely memorable, enhanced in this case by a panorama of the Serengeti, as the sun tucks into the horizon.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45751 size-large" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1-960x600.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1-960x600.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fam-on-rock_banner-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p>You experience a culture by immersing yourself in the sensory milieu. Children do this intuitively. Sometimes we must remind ourselves to.</p>
<p>Part of the work of Trip Designers is the continued cultivation of their own awe; how that sense of earnestness and excitement toward the wonders of the world must be preserved and continually evaluated. Having kids along with you forces you to do a better job of that—in your day-to-day life and in your professional role as well.</p>
<p>Travelling with children, no matter the age, goes beyond showing them the world. It reminds you how to see the world too.</p>


<p>An American ex-pat living in Switzerland with her young family, Christine has nurtured an itinerant lifestyle most of her adult life. It seems more than likely that that will be passed onto her children; her kids have joined her on the road from a young age. At six months Remie was touring Andalucia, a moon-faced accomplice, as they vetted hotels and lunch spots.</p>
<p>The benefits of travelling with your children are great at any age, but as with anything child related, there must be balance.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-45743" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/feet-and-elephants-450x300.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/feet-and-elephants-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/feet-and-elephants-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/feet-and-elephants.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></p>
<p>On a recent phone call with a traveller she was planning a trip for, Christine recalls trying to dissuade the traveller from changing safari lodges with her two young kids, every two nights. The traveller, understandably, was grappling with the desire to hit all the best spots in a certain amount of time. With kids on the journey as well, Christine knew that moving that frequently would likely tire them out; that the family would need to find their stride and that staying at a lodge a few more nights would help bring that out.</p>
<p><strong>Why safari works so well for generational travel </strong></p>
<p>There’s the constant balance of knowing your kids (and their limits) and giving them enough room to relax around a place, taking time to flit about some morning without a hard-wired schedule. Trying to cram in too much can cause over-stimulation. In fact, Christine often advises just the opposite “don’t try to see everything, instead slow down to the rhythm of where you are.” Often just a change from your everyday life is enough to spark new associations in a child.</p>
<p>Keeping it simple in terms of ground covered is one of the reasons Christine loves to choose safari for family trips. It’s the format that best serves a large group of divergent ages, expectations and interests.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45748 size-large" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pool-time-900x600.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pool-time.jpg 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pool-time-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pool-time-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></p>
<p>Last year, Christine arranged for her extended family to get together to take in the wonders of Northern Tanzania. Trying to gather and accommodate her partner (an individual with a strong desire not to be in a car for more than 5 hours at a time), her two young daughters (4 and 8), her almost eighty-year-old mother (agile, yet looking for less rigour than, say Christine) and her brother (who generally angles for trips that celebrate late nights), made it clear that the exercise was less about where to go but how to go.</p>
<p>Safari operates with the same underlying principle as a Butterfield &amp; Robinson trip: everything is taken care of so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. There’s a schedule, but you can scrap it or modify it as you please. There’s an emphasis on slowing down to move at a pace that allows discovery on your own time. You are there to soak it up—not cruise through.</p>


Notes from the Road: A Generational Trip to Tanzania

Insider's Guides

San Sebastian

<h3>Santa Clara Island</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-42415" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-island.jpg" alt="" width="355" height="272" />Perched between Mounts Urgull and Igueldo, Santa Clara is a tiny island that offers stunning views of San Sebastian&#8217;s shore.</p>
<p>Most famous for the (long unmanned) lighthouse perched at its peak, the island has a small beach that only appears during low tide. As in the rest of San Sebastian, food and drink are never far from reach. Enjoy a snack and a glass of wine at Chiringuito de la isla Santa Clara, and drink in the views of Donostia in all her glory.</p>
<hr />
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-42418" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-old-town.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="675" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-old-town.jpg 380w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-old-town-169x300.jpg 169w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-old-town-338x600.jpg 338w" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px" />Stroll la parte vieja (the Old Town)</h3>
<p>Lying at the foot of Mount Urgull and bordered by two bodies of water, the sea and the River Urumea, the Old Town is the beating heart of San Sebastian.</p>
<p>As mentioned, the streets are packed with pintxo bars and bustling with energy, and dotted with landmarks like the Basilicata of St. Mary of the Chorus, St. Vincent’s Church and the Plaza de la Constitucion.</p>
<p>While there’s plenty to see during the day, at night is when the Old Town really comes alive. Head out around 8 pm and begin bar hopping from one pintxos bar to the next for a quintessential San Sebastian experience.</p>
<hr />
<h3>See the Casino-cum-City Hall</h3>
<p>Built between 1882 and 1887, the building that now serves as San Sebastian’s city hall might just occupy the best piece of real estate in the entire city. Originally the home of the Gran Casino until gambling was outlawed in 1924, politicians, writers, artists and many others gambled the nights away during the Belle Epoque era.</p>
<p>In 1937, the building quite literally found itself in the middle of the Spanish Civil War, and bullet holes from the conflict can still be seen to this day.</p>
<p>The city council moved in a decade later, in 1947, and the building has served as the city’s civic headquarters ever since.</p>


<h3>San Telmo Museoa</h3>
<p>Partially housed in a 16thC Dominican convent in the heart of Old Town, San Telmo Museoa, or STM is dedicated to all things Basque.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42486" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-museum.jpg" alt="" width="782" height="514" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-museum.jpg 782w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-museum-456x300.jpg 456w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-museum-768x505.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 782px) 100vw, 782px" /></p>
<p>Boasting more than 26,000 historic Basque artifacts, this is the best place in the world to learn about the rich heritage of Basque culture. In addition to its many treasures, the building itself is worth exploring for its mixture of architectural styles; Gothic, renaissance and contemporary designs are all incorporated into the building, making it a must-see.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Soak up the (Beachside) Spa</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-42489" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-spa.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="242" />There are admittedly more luxurious spas in San Sebastian, but none quite as interesting as La Perla, located on La Concha beach (and when I say <em>on</em> the beach, I mean that literally).</p>
<p>La Perla offers thalassotherapy, which uses seawater as a form of therapy. Various salt water pools filled with water pumped in directly from the bay offer various forms of water therapy, primarily through the use of high-powered jets that target specific muscle groups.</p>
<p>While the water therapy can be incredibly soothing, the real benefit of La Perla is the beachside views offered by the panoramic jacuzzi. Relax in the water or on a nearby heated lounger and bliss out as you take in views of the beach and the bay.</p>
<p>If a rainy day keeps you from exploring as much as you&#8217;d like, La Perla offers the perfect in-door alternative.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Admire the Views from Monte Igueldo</h3>
<p>Described as the limit between the city and the sea, Monte Igueldo sits at the western edge of La Concha Bay and offers some of the very best views of the city.</p>
<p>A 1912 funicular railway brings you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in views of the entire city, as well as the Gipuzkoan coastline and the sprawling Cantabrian Sea.  The mountain&#8217;s summit also boasts an amusement park and the 16thC El Torreón tower, on top of which you can get the best views of the city.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42491" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-view.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="356" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-view.jpg 800w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-view-480x214.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-view-768x342.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
<hr />
<h3>Bask in Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro</h3>
<p>Perched on the corner of Mayor and Trinidad streets, construction on the &#8220;modern&#8221; part of Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, designed by Pedro Ignacio de Lizardi, began in 1743.</p>
<p>I say &#8220;modern&#8221; because the church actually predates Lizardi&#8217;s 275-years-old building. Originally built by the Kings of Navarra in the 12th and 13th centuries, the previous structure was enlarged in the mid-16th century in the Gothic and Rennaisance styles by the Asturians. In 1668 a cache of gun powder being stored in the building accidentally exploded, severely damaging the previous church and necessitating Lizardi&#8217;s redesign.</p>
<p>The church&#8217;s rich history, combined with Lizardi&#8217;s remarkable design and classical style, makes it one of the oldest and most storied in San Sebastian.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42494" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-church.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="978" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-church.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-church-231x300.jpg 231w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Things-to-Do-in-San-Sebastian-church-461x600.jpg 461w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>


Magazine Column

Europe

Denmark

Rioja

Peru

<h2><strong>Go Low in the Colca Canyon</strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40871 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/peru-child-alpaca-350.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="233" />Don’t fear the depths of the Colca Canyon, located in the south of the country. In some places, it’s deeper than the Grand Canyon itself, and is recognized as one of the deepest canyons in the world, as low as 3,270 feet (10,730 feet). This typical Andean valley is saturated with hundreds of Inca terraces in an array of colours—lush and green in the summer, gold in the drier months—and rooted in pre-Inca times.</p>
<p>The first people to inhabit the region were the Quechua-speaking Cabana, descendants from the Wari, and the Collagua cultures, who relocated here from Lake Titicaca. It was only in the year 1320 that the Inca civilization came to this area, and through intermarrying, the Inca established their dominance over the region. Spanish conquerors under the direction of Gonzalo Pizarro arrived in 1540 and relocating the locals to centrally-built pueblo settlements, which remain today as the main towns in the region.</p>
<h4><strong>Active Pursuits</strong></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40881 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/hikers-400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" />Your best bet to make the most of the Colca Canyon is heading out by foot on picturesque hikes, with postcard-worthy views at every turn. A relaxed and tranquil atmosphere means your walk on the trails will be uncrowded, a major contrast to sites like Machu Picchu. Rafting on the Colca River and horseback riding are other activities to consider.</p>
<h4><strong>A birder’s delight</strong></h4>
<p>Don’t forget to look up—swarms of the magnificent Andean condor make their home along the Canyon amongst the rocks. This endangered bird is the largest flying land bird in the Western hemisphere with a maximum wingspan of up to 3.3 metres (just over 10 feet). Anywhere else in the world, a sighting is extremely rare, but not so here in the Colca Canyon; you will see flocks of them soaring and perhaps, if they fly close enough, you will feel the mighty wind from their wings. Also keep an eye out for the giant hummingbird, about 21 centimetres (8.5 inches) in length, and the bird that inspired the hummingbird art of the Nazca Lines.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40872 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/condor-960.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/condor-960.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/condor-960-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/condor-960-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/condor-960-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h4><strong>Where to Stay: </strong></h4>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/colca-canyon/belmond-las-casitas/">Hotel Belmond Las Casitas</a></strong> is a serene and tranquil getaway in the Colca Valley with just 20 private casitas. It is set amongst the backdrop of the Andes Mountains and features an on-site spa, vegetable garden, greenhouses, and even a small farm with horses, pigs, alpacas and guinea pigs, great if you are travelling with the family.</p>


Discover A New Peru:<br> Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Sardinia

<h2><b>Time Moves Differently Here</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I met a woman recently while buying a gift for my sister; her (Canadian) daughter married a Sardinian and now lives on the island. And here’s one thing she remarked to me about the island: “I like how people take their time.” It’s really an understatement, as when you get here, you’ll feel as if there’s all the time in the world. The priority for us Sardinians is quality of life, and our philosophy is simple: enjoy life and take your time to savour the everyday moments, no matter how small. You, too, will see just how time weaves its magical spell as you slow down to the rhythm of the island.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40458 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-768x510.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sardinia-Swimmers-960px-903x600.jpg 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>Rural Life</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-40464 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sheep-732-250x156.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="156" />While the outer coastal cities are more urbanized, there is something to be said about the Sardinian rural way of life—it’s wonderful. I had an elemental childhood, running wild on the beach, on my grandparents’ farm, and generally playing outside amongst nature. Most of us have family land in the countryside to roam in, where we work the land as our ancestors have through the generations. Here is where we Sardinians put aside our phones to enjoy the simple things: sunshine, the earth and the things that grow from it—fruits and vegetables, tending to animals and plants. My niece and nephew go to the countryside daily after school with their parents to pick fruit or just play outdoors. As you travel the island, you’ll see this everywhere you go (and maybe get to participate in it, too).</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40473 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="482" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/rural-sardinia-732px-456x300.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><b>The Sea and the Coast</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40474 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/archway-sardinia-beach-350px-1.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="233" />One of the things I miss from back home is one of the simplest: it’s the smell of the sea, and the distinctive smell of Sardinia with its trees, plants, herbs and shrubs on the wind. The second I get off the plane, it just hits me and I know that I’ve arrived. I also feel joyful and nostalgic when I return to the beloved beaches, coves, and smaller islands that I know so well. Much has been written about Sardinian beaches, as they’re secluded, dramatically beautiful, clean and safe—truly without compare. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of my favourites are hard to get to, and some of the more popular ones are just so pretty that their appeal is hard to hide from the masses! Stintino is one of the big ones, with its white sand and blue water. I also love Argentiera, next to an old </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">argento</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (silver) mine, the Spanish towers overlooking Porticciolo and Porto Ferro, and Cala Goloritze on the east coast, with its white limestone and endless shades of blue—accessible only after a hike through an ancient cork forest.  </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40445 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/stintino-960-1-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


Paradise: <br> The Sardinian Way Of Life

Essentials &amp; Advice

<h4><strong>A Feast For the Eyes<br />
</strong></h4>
<p>Mallorca has some of the Med’s best qualities on offer: limestone cliffs, baby blue seascapes, swathes of almond groves and artichoke fields—just to name a few. This luxurious island is truly something special, from the dramatic Cap Formentor to the main city, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2016/09/15/things-to-do-in-palma/">Palma</a>, a little busier but still relaxed.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38750 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mallorca-960-wavingfronds.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mallorca-960-wavingfronds.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mallorca-960-wavingfronds-400x300.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mallorca-960-wavingfronds-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mallorca-960-wavingfronds-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h4><strong>&#8230;And The Stomach</strong></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38751 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mallorca-meal-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" />You’ll never go hungry: hearty peasant fare is typical of Mallorquin cuisine, with a host of cultural influences that echo its history, including Roman and African touches that heighten Spanish flavours.  There are <a href="https://www.seemallorca.com/cuisine/guide">many specialties on the island to try</a>, including <em>fideua</em>—a paella-like dish served with noodles instead of rice—to sweet <em>ensaimada </em>breakfast buns, generous doses of local olive oil, and <em>turrón</em> made from local almonds. Dining aficionados will rejoice that Mallorca has retained its <a href="https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Restaurants/Restaurants-Palma_de_Majorca-_-Balears-Spain">eight Michelin stars this year</a>. Not bad for an island a bit smaller than Rhode Island!</p>
<h4><strong>Luxurious Hotels</strong></h4>
<p>From countryside retreats to sun-soaked days by a glamorous pool, Mallorca has, hands down, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2018/01/11/mallorcas-luxurious-hotels/" target="_blank">some of the most luxurious hotels</a> in Spain. (No wonder all those celebrities, not to mention the Spanish royal family, like to bunk here). From former 16thC monasteries and farmhouses to tucked-away city hideouts and impeccably designed boutique properties, you’re sure to find your next favourite on this tiny island.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-37160 size-full aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cap-Rocat-Cliffside-960px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="633" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cap-Rocat-Cliffside-960px-compressed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cap-Rocat-Cliffside-960px-compressed-455x300.jpg 455w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cap-Rocat-Cliffside-960px-compressed-768x506.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cap-Rocat-Cliffside-960px-compressed-910x600.jpg 910w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


Our Favourite Coastal Walk Right Now: Mallorca

Culture &amp; Lifestyle

Vines &amp; Wines

Portfolio

Wine

<h3><strong>Best Wines from Ribera del Duoro</strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.cvne.com/en/ct-vino/imperial-reserva/"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38946 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/lady-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="233" /></a><a href="http://www.vega-sicilia.com/en/wine/234/unico">Vega Sicilia Unico 2008</a><br />
</strong>The top wine from the legendary Vega Sicilia, founded in the Ribera region in 1864. This vintage is 95% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Savoury with strawberry and blueberry, as well as prominent vanilla, it is drinking well now but will improve with age.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.haciendamonasterio.com/vinosreservaespecial2012-eng"><strong>Hacienda del Monasterio Reserva Especial 2012</strong></a></p>
<p>This winery is relatively new, having established itself in the 1990s and quickly gaining fame. The Reserva Especial is a powerful wine made from Tempranillo blended with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex fresh and aged fruit notes, with a long and fruity finish.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.emiliomoro.com/en/our-wine/#"><strong>Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero 2014</strong></a></p>
<p>The Moro family has farmed these vineyards since 1932 and are now making some of the most exciting wines in the region. This is 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak for 12 months. Flavours of black fruit, toasted oak and vanilla.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.grupopesquera.com/index.php/en/vinos-pesquera"><strong><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38950 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/diners-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" />Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2014</strong></a></p>
<p>An agricultural machinist named Alejandro Fernández helped propel Ribera del Duero to fame in the late 1980s with his high-quality wines. Tinto Pesquera is soft, plush and voluptuous — and very good value.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dominiodeatauta.com/vino/parada-de-atauta-2/?lang=en"><strong>Dominio de Atauta ‘Parada de Atauta’ 2015</strong></a></p>
<p>An age-worthy Ribera that will be at its best in a few more years. Lots of black fruit, ripe berry and plum. Big and brooding.</p>


The 10 Best Rioja and Ribera del Douro Wines

North America

United States

<h2><strong>Sonoma</strong><a href="https://www.kostabrowne.com/product/detail/16PNSC750/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-39194 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/table-350px.jpg" alt="Top California Wines" width="350" height="230" /></strong></a></h2>
<h4><a href="https://www.kostabrowne.com/product/detail/16PNSC750/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016</strong></a></h4>
<p>A stellar vintage brought pristine fruit sourced from several vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, which experiences maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean. Savoury and spice notes meld with plum, currants and chocolate.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.williamsselyem.com/wine/pinot-noir/2016-olivet-lane-vineyard-pinot-noir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016</strong></a></h4>
<p>From one of the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in the Russian River Valley, planted in 1975. This was an excellent vintage. Expect a perfumed and floral Pinot with black cherry and herbal notes. A complex, voluptuous wine.</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-39190 size-full aligncenter" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vines-green-732px.jpg" alt="Top California Wines" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vines-green-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vines-green-732px-450x300.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></h4>
<h4><a href="https://www.lacrema.com/wine/nine-barrel-pinot-noir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>La Crema Nine Barrel Pinot Noir 2015</strong></a></h4>
<p>This 100% Pinot Noir is made from nine barrels selected by the winemaker for their exceptional quality. A complex, multi-layered Pinot packed with cherry, black licorice and chocolate.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.pridewines.com/wine/our-wines/reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/2015-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015</strong></a></h4>
<p>A blend of fruit from Sonoma and Napa, this is Pride’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. It delivers the winery’s classic style: unctuous, powerful and fruit-forward, with layers of spice, herbs and nuts contributing to its intensity.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com/en/our-wineries/arrowood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arrowood Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon 2013</strong></a></h4>
<p>Arrowood has focused on Bordeaux varieties since 1986. The <a href="https://www.arrowoodvineyards.com/r%C3%A9serve-sp%C3%A9ciale-cabernet-sauvignon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flagship Réserve Spéciale</a> is designed for ageing for 20 or more years. Robert Parker rated this wine 94+ points.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.kistlervineyards.com/wines/chardonnay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2015</strong></a></h4>
<p>Kistler is a specialist in Chardonnay, though they also do wonderful Pinot Noir. <a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/kistler-sonoma-mountain-chardonnay-2015/183921#.WuMYWdPwZTY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This wine</a> is made with fruit sourced from vineyard parcels in the Sonoma Mountains.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-39196 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vineyard-barn-732-px.jpg" alt="Top California Wines" width="732" height="487" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vineyard-barn-732-px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/vineyard-barn-732-px-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>


Top 11 California Wines<Br> You Must Try

<h4><strong>The Real Sardinia: Rural Life</strong></h4>
<p>Speaking of the countryside, it’s here where Sardinia’s rustic charms are showcased to high effect. Sardinia is the only region in Italy that produces cork, thanks to its ancient oak cork groves; sustainably produced by shaving off the outer layer of bark, allowing the rest of the tree to grow. A cork oak must be at least three decades old before it can be harvested. The cork industry has suffered a bit due to more aluminum and plastic corks being used, but there is a movement to market corks as a sustainable, green alternative. You will also find cork incorporated as a material in traditional artwork or everyday household items like trays.</p>
<p>Look around and you’ll also see a lot of sheep, nearly 4 million of them—one of the highest densities in the world. The indigenous Sarda sheep is a domestic breed which produces the best milk for pecorino sardo cheese. This firm cheese is not as well known outside of Italy as similar cheeses such as pecorino romano, although Sardinians also produce it. A form of pecorino sardo can also be transformed into <em>casu</em> <em>marzu</em>, a decomposed cheese (created by introducing the cheese fly maggot to its interior) that is considered an aphrodisiac.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38486 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="486" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Cheese-Sardinia-732px-452x300.jpg 452w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><strong>Sublime Biking</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38489 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biker-350px.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="222" />As you might expect from a B&amp;R trip planner, Sardinia wouldn’t be one of my most beloved destinations without the addition of exceptional biking—and we’re not the only ones. The famous Giro d’Italia has taken place in Sardinia three times, most recently in 2017 as the start of the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the race. Whether you’re riding along the rugged coast or taking a detour to the sparkling Maddalena Islands and her curious granite formations, through the glamorous resorts and yacht-studded seas of Costa Smeralda or along the massif of Mount Limbara, the challenge of the routes and the sheer beauty of the rides will have you coming back for more.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-38488 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-400x300.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/biking-inland-960px-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


Need to Know

Reading for the Road

Travel Tips

B&amp;R Picks

Reading for the Road: <br>Our Favourite Books About Rioja

Catalonia

Reading for the Road: Our Favourite Books About Catalonia

<h2>Andalucia</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.hotel-alfonsoxiii-seville.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville</a></h3>
<p>Constructed by command of King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1928, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains the place to stay for royalty, heads of state and those keen to share in its aura of history and glamour. Today its distinctive Mudéjar-style architecture of sweeping arches, decorative brickwork, wrought-iron, ornamental towers and ceramic finials continues to charm guests and locals alike.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37516 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/AlfonsoXIII-Andalucia-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="449" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/AlfonsoXIII-Andalucia-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/AlfonsoXIII-Andalucia-732px-compressed-480x294.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.fincacortesin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finca Cortesin, Marbella</a></h3>
<p>A stunner of a resort, this whitewashed hotel sits upon 215 hectares of land, showcasing aspects of Castilian and Moorish architecture. On the sprawling grounds, jump into three pools, make the most of the 2,200 square-foot spa (including a unique &#8216;snow cave&#8217; feature), head to the beach club just a short walk away, or partake in a bit of sport with tennis courts, a golf academy or one of Spain&#8217;s best golf courses.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37563 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Finca-Cortesin-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="439" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Finca-Cortesin-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Finca-Cortesin-732px-compressed-480x288.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.hotellafuente.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fuente de la Higuera, Ronda</a></h3>
<p>In a renovated rural olive mill, with beautiful Ronda within sight, where traditional Spanish architecture meets post-modern design and eclectic furnishing. A ten-minute drive from cosmopolitan Ronda but with all the country house comforts to tempt you to just siesta by the pool or on the lawn.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37519 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Fuente-Higuera-Andalucia-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="423" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Fuente-Higuera-Andalucia-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Fuente-Higuera-Andalucia-732px-compressed-480x277.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.palaciodesantapaula.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AC Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada</a></h3>
<p>The Santa Paula is ranked among Granada’s top hotels, providing topnotch service and amenities within the walls of a renovated convent—a perfect mix of modernity and history. Its 75 rooms are spacious and comfortable, while facilities include a fitness centre and sauna for exercise and relaxation. The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city, allowing easy foot access to the Alhambra and other areas of interest.</p>
<h2>Camino de Santiago</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/parador-de-santiago-de-compostela" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37549 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Parador-De-Santiago-Camino-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="344" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Parador-De-Santiago-Camino-732px-compressed.jpg 350w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Parador-De-Santiago-Camino-732px-compressed-305x300.jpg 305w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />Parador Dos Reis, Santiago de Compostela</a></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Situated at the centre of the universe for millions of pilgrims, this spectacular hotel, initially built in the 15thC as a royal hospice, is right next door to the cathedral-shrine of St. James, and sits right on the main plaza of Santiago de Compostela. Dripping with gargoyles and four stunning courtyards in the Gothic/Renaissance style, you’ll also find religious art, rich tapestries and gorgeous sitting rooms and quiet corridors to wander within. </span></p>
<h2>Catalonia</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.masfalgarona.com/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mas Falgarona, Avinyonet de Puigventós</a></h3>
<p>This quiet and serene hotel is located just outside of charming Figueres. Built in the 15thC, it is now a stylish, contemporary hotel with all modern amenities, yet it still retains its country charm thanks to the surrounding farmland. Mas Falgarona has been a labour of love for centuries with walls dating from the 15th, 17th and 21st century, the latter which transformed it to the hotel it is today. It is owned currently by a local family from Dali’s hometown of Figueres.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37521 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-Falgarona-Catalonia-732px.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="412" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-Falgarona-Catalonia-732px.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-Falgarona-Catalonia-732px-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.andilanahotels.com/en/hotels/hotel-malcontenta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Malcontenta, Palamos</a></h3>
<p align="left">Translated to ‘The Unsatisfied One,’ this beautiful property was named after the mother of the owner whose perfectionism was a relentless force during the creation of the hotel. Its spacious environment extends outdoors to a great garden and pool, complementing a classic Mediterranean décor. The sea is a mere 15-minute walk away ending up at one of the most tranquil beaches along the Costa Brava.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.hotelmastorrent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mas de Torrent, Baix Empordà</a></h3>
<p align="left">A former 18thC Catalan farmhouse, this Relaix &amp; Chateaux property is set amongst the medieval villages of the Lower Emporda, as well as the wine-growing region of the area. An outdoor pool, spa, tennis court, lush gardens and gorgeous farmland surroundings invite you to while away the time. The beaches of the Costa Brava and several golf courses are just a short drive away.</p>
<p align="left"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37535 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-de-Torrent-Catalonia-Costa-Brava-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="476" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-de-Torrent-Catalonia-Costa-Brava-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Mas-de-Torrent-Catalonia-Costa-Brava-732px-compressed-461x300.jpg 461w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2>Mallorca</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.belmond.com/la-residencia-mallorca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca</a></h3>
<p>La Residencia, a 17thC manor house turned divine hotel, has everybody talking, including the folks at Condé Nast Traveler. Rumour has it the King of Spain has been known to drop in, as well as British royalty and several pop stars. Do they come for the spa treatments, the secluded gardens, the restaurant renowned as one of the best in all of Spain or to hear the 1887 Steinway piano? We suspect all of the above.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37158 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/La-Residencia-EXT-SCE-08-960px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="642" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/La-Residencia-EXT-SCE-08-960px-compressed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/La-Residencia-EXT-SCE-08-960px-compressed-449x300.jpg 449w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/La-Residencia-EXT-SCE-08-960px-compressed-768x514.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/La-Residencia-EXT-SCE-08-960px-compressed-897x600.jpg 897w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.fontsantahotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Font Santa, Mallorca</a></h3>
<p>This minimal, modern hotel highlights the tranquility and beauty of Mallorca&#8217;s natural elements: sea and sky. The biggest draw here is its on-site thermal spa, the only place in the Balearic Islands with natural hot springs, first discovered by the Romans. Soak in peace in the therapeutic waters, take to nearby beaches, or swim in the outdoor pool for the ultimate hydrotherapy circuit.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37565 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Font-Santa-Mallorca-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="356" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Font-Santa-Mallorca-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Font-Santa-Mallorca-732px-compressed-480x233.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.hotelcort.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Cort, Palma de Mallorca</a></h3>
<p>Located in the city’s famed square, Placa de Cort, and heart of Palma de Mallorca, Hotel Cort offers guests 14 suites and 2 guest rooms, each designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violan. Once a 19thC bank, the hotel has been redesigned with Moorish tiled floors, maritime-chic designs, island-inspired details and features a stunning rooftop swimming pool and bar.</p>
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37154 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hotel-cort-living-room-plaza-suite-blue-960px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hotel-cort-living-room-plaza-suite-blue-960px-compressed.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hotel-cort-living-room-plaza-suite-blue-960px-compressed-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hotel-cort-living-room-plaza-suite-blue-960px-compressed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hotel-cort-living-room-plaza-suite-blue-960px-compressed-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></h3>
<h2>Rioja</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.granhotellaperla.com/en/hotel.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gran Hotel La Perla, Pamplona</a></h3>
<p>Family-run for over 130 years, this 4-star property is set in the pedestrian heart of Pamplona. Its exceedingly warm Spanish welcome and large, comfortable rooms make for a relaxing stay, while the adventuresome are steps away from the cider and tapas bars that make this city lively year-round.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.ledomaine.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Le Domaine, Valladolid</a></h3>
<p>There&#8217;s room to roam at Le Domaine, a former 12thC abbey, which sits pretty amongst a whopping 1,730 acres of land (including 500 acres of vineyards and an on-site winery). From its magnificent vaulted ceilings, sandstone exterior and reverent atmosphere, this luxe retreat also features a 10,000-square-foot spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37547 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Le-Domaine-Valladolid-732px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="458" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Le-Domaine-Valladolid-732px-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Le-Domaine-Valladolid-732px-compressed-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Le-Domaine-Valladolid-732px-compressed-480x300.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37525 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Rioja-Hotel-Viura-Alava-350px-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="224" /><a href="http://www.hotelviura.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Viura, Alava</a></h3>
<p>Nestled in the magical Rioja wine region, the Hotel Viura offers avant-garde architecture and impressive luxury, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the 33 guest rooms, a superb restaurant that doubles as an art installation and the most modern of technological amenities throughout. It also rests in the shadow of the magnificent San Andres Church.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&amp;propertyID=1539" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marques de Riscal, Elciego</a></h3>
<p>Designed by Frank Gehry—responsible for the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum—the Marques de Riscal Hotel is a masterpiece of modernity. Inside, you’ll find 43 spacious, minimal rooms fitted with full amenities, marble baths, and high-speed Internet access. A Vinothérapie spa and amazing, unforgettable gastronomy round out this top-shelf property.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37526 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Marques-de-Riscal-Elciego-732px-Rioja-compressed.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="412" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Marques-de-Riscal-Elciego-732px-Rioja-compressed.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Marques-de-Riscal-Elciego-732px-Rioja-compressed-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>


The 16 Best <br> Luxury Hotels in Spain

Andalucia

Reading for the Road: <br>Our Favourite Books About Andalucia

France

Bordeaux

Working Title: Rioja Bike Trip / Published Title: A Spin Through

Accolades

Travel + Leisure

B&amp;R In the News

Here’s How to Take the Ultimate Biking Trip Through Rioja

<h4><b>Médoc </b><b>Marathon</b><b></b></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37040 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MArathon-OYSTER-350px-comprsesed.png" alt="" width="350" height="220" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MArathon-OYSTER-350px-comprsesed.png 350w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MArathon-OYSTER-350px-comprsesed-250x156.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />Held every September, this marathon is touted as the world’s longest (and booziest) race. Open to only 8,300 runners who often dress in colourful costumes, it takes you on a two-footed adventure through the finest vineyards of the region, with plenty of sanctioned ‘rest stops’ along the way for you to indulge in wine, cheese, snacks, and all manner of gastronomic and oenological delights.</p>
<p>To wit: oysters at the 38th kilometre (23rd mile) and steak at the 39th kilometre (24th mile), not to mention no less than two dozen orchestras playing music to set the mood. While there is, of course, water available, your hydration station may very well ask you, “Red or white?”. There’s a six-and-a-half hour time limit to complete the course, but the only ‘personal best’ you may achieve is the amount of food and wine you’ll be consuming. ‘Pacing yourself’ takes on a whole new level.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37029 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Marathon_Medoc_YvesMainguy-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="567" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Marathon_Medoc_YvesMainguy-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Marathon_Medoc_YvesMainguy-960px-compressed-480x284.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Marathon_Medoc_YvesMainguy-960px-compressed-768x454.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h4><strong>Go Gourmet in the Dordogne</strong></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37030 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/breeding-geese-1062224_640-350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="263" />It goes without saying that in this fertile land of truffles, foie gras, walnuts and overall good eats, you’re not wrong to expect some equally over-the-top gourmet festivals, featuring two of the most iconic French foods and flavours out there.</p>
<h4><strong>Foie Gras Festival</strong></h4>
<p>Geese and ducks and foie gras, oh my! Incredibly, the cultivation of geese and ducks for consumption has been taking place for twenty thousand years. Interestingly, it was the Egyptians who first cultivated the first form of <i>gavage</i> (force-feeding) over 4,000 years ago, which spread throughout the Mediterranean, as Romans, Greeks, and other cultures adopted the practice of fattening geese. Fast forward to <a href="https://www.sarlat-tourisme.com/en/festoie-goose-fair"><strong>Fest’Oie</strong></a>, held every March, it’s a celebration of all things goose and gander.</p>
<h4><strong><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37037 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/winter-truffle-203032_640-350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="263" />Follow Your Nose to the Truffle Festival </strong></h4>
<p>Similarly, the black truffle, or more specifically, the <b>Périgord truffle, </b>is one of the most expensive (and sumptuous-tasting) items to be found in the Dordogne. Gastronomy has never been the same; the <a href="https://www.sarlat-tourisme.com/en/sarlat-truffle-festival-fete-de-la-truffe"><b>Fête de la Truffe</b></a> (truffle festival) happens in mid-January, with workshops, a truffle market, and truffle-hunting demonstrations. <em>Bon</em> <em>appétit</em>!</p>


<h2>4) Mallorca</h2>
<h4>Balearic Biking</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mallorca’s legendary biking makes for a wonderful long ride along the coast, passing up and down the hills. From gorgeous lakes, you’ll sweep through wine country and the olive region of Caimari and Campanuet, the varied scenery a feast for the eyes. </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36632 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CTLBB_20151004_SVI_PF_170-couple-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CTLBB_20151004_SVI_PF_170-couple-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CTLBB_20151004_SVI_PF_170-couple-960px-compressed-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CTLBB_20151004_SVI_PF_170-couple-960px-compressed-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CTLBB_20151004_SVI_PF_170-couple-960px-compressed-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/embed?mid=18Y1-lTmpyWAwVK7Pfky--m0c3sbbPCkq" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Route:</strong>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Deia to Pollenca</span><br />
<strong>Distance: </strong>68 km<br />
<strong>Recommended Activity Level: </strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Avid (4/5 Difficulty)</span><br />
<strong>Best time of year: <span style="font-weight: 400;">May-June; September-October</span></strong></p>
<h2>5) La Rioja</h2>
<h4>Century Ride through the Sierra Cantabria</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pedal past all of <a href="https://www.winerist.com/blog/entry/best-wineries-to-visit-in-rioja" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Rioja’s famous wineries</a> and architectural jewels. With the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Cantabria mountains on one side, the fertile vineyards stretching out to the south, and the sparkling roof of the Marques de Riscal twinkling colourfully to greet you at the end of the ride.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36647 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_063-LA-RIOJA-BIKING-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_063-LA-RIOJA-BIKING-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_063-LA-RIOJA-BIKING-960px-compressed-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_063-LA-RIOJA-BIKING-960px-compressed-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_063-LA-RIOJA-BIKING-960px-compressed-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/embed?mid=1FOmYH1cJyCnVaErQDi1hEB8bLVqpEvg_" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Route: </strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Torremontalbo &#8211; Briones &#8211; Haro &#8211; Brinas &#8211; Bastida &#8211; Rivas de Tereso &#8211; San Vicente de la Sonsierra &#8211; Abalos &#8211; Samaniego &#8211; Paganos &#8211; Guardia &#8211; El Campillar &#8211; Logrono &#8211; Fuenmayor &#8211; end at Marques de Riscal (hotel)</span><br />
<strong>Distance: <span style="font-weight: 400;">102 km (63 miles)</span></strong><br />
<strong>Recommended Rider Level:</strong> Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)<br />
<strong>Best times to ride: <span style="font-weight: 400;">May; September-October</span></strong></p>
<h2>6) Madrid</h2>
<h4><strong>Pedal in the paths of the pros</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re up to the challenge, follow along with Spain’s top bike race, <a href="http://www.lavuelta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Vuelta</a>, and pedal like you&#8217;re a pro-possessed. This stage from the 2015 race will take you from the outskirts right into the city of Madrid. </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36649 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_010-SpainGeneric-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_010-SpainGeneric-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_010-SpainGeneric-960px-compressed-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_010-SpainGeneric-960px-compressed-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_010-SpainGeneric-960px-compressed-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/embed?mid=1atnzluaE1SxvR39whpN2wsoTYgmB39e2" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Route:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Alcala de Henares-Torreon de Ardoz-San Fernando de Henares-Coslada, Vicalvaro-Madrid</span><br />
<strong>Distance: <span style="font-weight: 400;">98.8 km</span></strong><br />
<strong>Recommended Rider Level:</strong> Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)<br />
<strong>Best times to ride: <span style="font-weight: 400;">May, September-October</span></strong></p>
<h2>7) Andalucia</h2>
<h4><strong>Southern Spain Mountain Climb</strong></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the most stunning rides are in the south of Spain. Ride through the mountains of Grazalema through a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_de_Grazalema_Natural_Park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protected natural park</a>, rich in wildlife. Home to many colonies of vultures, you may even see the endangered Egyptian vulture if your eyes are up to the task! </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36646 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_041-FAUXSIERRA-cantabria-960px-cmopressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_041-FAUXSIERRA-cantabria-960px-cmopressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_041-FAUXSIERRA-cantabria-960px-cmopressed-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_041-FAUXSIERRA-cantabria-960px-cmopressed-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RJABS_10072012_PHA_PF_041-FAUXSIERRA-cantabria-960px-cmopressed-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/embed?mid=1d1SQzzelrYc5ecvwX583R3SLrmG1KCAM" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Route:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Ronda to Grazalema via Benaojan and Montejaque</span><br />
<strong>Distance: </strong>40 km<br />
<strong>Recommended Rider Level:</strong> Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)<br />
<strong>Best times to ride: <span style="font-weight: 400;">May-June, September-October</span></strong></p>
<h2>Ready to Ride?</h2>
<p>Browse our full portfolio of <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?fr=Spain&amp;fa=Biking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bike trips in Spain</a> or feel free to reach out to our <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/private-travel/#5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bespoke travel team</a> to plan a custom bike trip of your own!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


The 7 Best Cycling Routes in Spain

<h2><strong><a href="http://www.elsbrancs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Els Brancs</a></strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36702 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Els-Brancs-Food-Dish-350px-cmopressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="288" />At Els Brancs (&#8220;the branches&#8221;), named for the islands sitting just off the coast of this scenic seaside restaurant, it might be hard to tear your eyes away from the view to fully appreciate the edible art in front of you.</p>
<p>But the stupendous setting combined with visually arresting plates, one might argue, is, in fact, the perfect sensory overload for uniquely plated Catalonian food. (As you can see, the sunsets are spectacular, too.)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36701 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-Brancs-Sunset-960p-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="518" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-Brancs-Sunset-960p-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-Brancs-Sunset-960p-compressed-480x259.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-Brancs-Sunset-960p-compressed-768x414.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.lesmagnolies.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Les Magnòlies</a></strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36709 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Les-Magnolies-Dining-Room-350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="236" />Three-hundred-year-old magnolia trees lend their perfume and their name to Les Magnòlies, now in its 20th year of service. Go all out and choose the gastronomic menu, with twenty(!) courses featuring the best from the sea and the land, eat a la carte, or go for a more ‘restrained’ tasting menu. Dishes are plated with a modern sensibility while not going completely over the top (i.e. you can still recognize the food you are about to eat!)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36708 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Les-Magnolies-Tuna-732px-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="335" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Les-Magnolies-Tuna-732px-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Les-Magnolies-Tuna-732px-compressed-480x220.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.elstinars.com/ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Els Tinars</a> </strong></h2>
<p>A family-run restaurant, now owned and operated by the third generation of the Gascons-Lloveres family, Els Tinars is set in a renovated Catalan farmhouse, where there’s an option to dine outside amongst fragrant hanging wisteria vines. Partake in classic cuisine, including charcoal-grilled Galician beef, and enjoy the old-school table service, which includes waiters cooking, grilling, or carving meat, poultry, and fish in front of your very eyes. You will also find more than 500 wines on their list from Spain and around the world.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36710 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-tinars-960px-comrpessed2.png" alt="" width="960" height="697" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-tinars-960px-comrpessed2.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-tinars-960px-comrpessed2-413x300.png 413w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-tinars-960px-comrpessed2-768x558.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/els-tinars-960px-comrpessed2-826x600.png 826w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><a href="http://www.restaurantmassana.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Massana</strong></a></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36698 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Massana-Food-rice-350px-compressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="284" />Massana has been around for over thirty years, but just earned its first Michelin star in 2007. Run by a husband-wife duo, Pere Massana and Ana Roger, there’s no need to ask—put trust in their taste, and enjoy the simplicity of excellent ingredients married with impeccable presentation. Case in point: original cocktails, varied textures (think tomato-infused jellies or crisp anchovy toasts), a smattering of seafood and a hint of Japanese and other Asian flavours on your plate.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36697 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Massana-peashell-732px-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="467" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Massana-peashell-732px-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Massana-peashell-732px-compressed-470x300.png 470w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><strong>Also Worth Checking Out</strong></h2>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.vicusrestaurant.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36714 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Vicus-Plate-250px-compressed.png" alt="" width="250" height="327" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Vicus-Plate-250px-compressed.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Vicus-Plate-250px-compressed-229x300.png 229w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />Vicus</a></strong></h2>
<p>Dive into the flavours of contemporary Catalonia as the husband-wife restauranteurs, Elisabet Figuerola and Gerard Geli, along with head chef Damià Rafecas, sing the simple praises of the seasons.</p>
<p>Of particular note are the rice dishes, made with locally cultivated grains grown right in Pals. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, offering good value and quality.</p>
<h2><strong>Calçotada Festival</strong></h2>
<p>This one is a little odd, but I had to mention this truly local happening: one of the more charming folk festivals in the region is the <a href="https://www.festacatalunya.cat/articles-mostra-1542-cat-festa_de_la_calyotada_de_valls.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">calçotada festival</a>, held in Valls around late January. Through the winter season, the delicious <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal%C3%A7ot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">calçot</a> (akin to a scallion or green onion) comes into season; it is celebrated all throughout Catalonia by locals who eagerly anticipate its return.</p>
<p>Be prepared to get messy when you eat them: the vegetable is blackened over a fire; eaters then peel away the charred outer skins to feast on the tender white portions, dipping them in romesco sauce as an accompaniment. (Bibs are a necessity, although they may not help entirely). The rest of this traditional feast is comprised of roasted lamb, sausage, and white beans. If you’re in town during the calçot season, it goes without saying that you must try this specialty.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36716 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/calcotada-732px-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="549" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/calcotada-732px-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/calcotada-732px-compressed-400x300.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>


Where to Eat: <br>Favourite Costa Brava Restaurants

Normandy

<h4><b>A Fortress, Made Impenetrable By Tides</b></h4>
<p>These dangerous tides made Mont Saint-Michel readily defensible, warding off would-be assailants. By capitalising on this natural defence, Mont Saint-Michel remained unconquered during the Hundred Years’ War, with only a small garrison defending it against a full attack by the English in 1433.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36618 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MSMramparts-neiljs-flickr-960px-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="622" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MSMramparts-neiljs-flickr-960px-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MSMramparts-neiljs-flickr-960px-compressed-463x300.png 463w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MSMramparts-neiljs-flickr-960px-compressed-768x498.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MSMramparts-neiljs-flickr-960px-compressed-926x600.png 926w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p>This resistance was said to have greatly inspired Joan of Arc, and it is Mont Saint-Michel that even appears in the famed <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/08/09/history-lesson-bayeux-tapestry/">Tapestry of Bayeux</a>, where the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold Godwinson, is depicted saving two Norman knights from the perils of the bay’s quicksand. The monastery above the green hill is shown in sections 16 and 17 of the embroidered masterpiece below.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-36613 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BayeuxTapestryScene16_17-MontStMichel-960px-comprsesed.png" alt="" width="960" height="211" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BayeuxTapestryScene16_17-MontStMichel-960px-comprsesed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BayeuxTapestryScene16_17-MontStMichel-960px-comprsesed-480x106.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BayeuxTapestryScene16_17-MontStMichel-960px-comprsesed-768x169.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p>When Mont Saint-Michel’s popularity as a centre of pilgrimage waned, the reverse benefits of its natural defence were not lost on Louis XI, who converted the island into a prison. Thereafter the abbey began to be used more regularly as a jail during the Ancien Régime, until Victor Hugo and other luminaries called for its restoration as a national monument. The prison was closed in 1863, and the mount became a historic monument in 1874; in 1979, the island was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.</p>


Normandy’s Showstopper:<Br> Mont Saint-Michel

<h3><strong>Txakoli </strong></h3>
<p>Let’s talk about the txakoli, shall we? If you are looking for the perfect accompaniment to your pintxos then this is it! Crisp, dry and slightly sparkling, txakoli is mainly produced in the Basque Country, with around 900,000 litres produced in Getaria each year alone. Many locals from the Basque community are extremely proud of their connection to txakoli, so it would be rude not to drink it with them&#8230;at least that’s what I like to say.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35923 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/txakoli-pedro_juan-732-compressed.png" alt="" width="732" height="485" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/txakoli-pedro_juan-732-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/txakoli-pedro_juan-732-compressed-453x300.png 453w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h3><strong>Tolosa</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35933 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BASR5_20160421_TCA_128-cheese-350px-comopressed.png" alt="" width="350" height="263" />Best known for its Saturday market, Tolosa is home to the largest market in the Basque country. Farmers from the region gather to sell their fresh local produce, which is of some of the highest quality in the world. At the market one can pick up delights such as alubia de Tolosa, dark beans used in many Basque dishes, T-bone ox steaks and plenty of sweet treats.</p>
<p>Those with a sweet tooth will be pleased to know there is even a museum in Tolosa dedicated to the house of Gorrotxategi, a confectionary shop selling artisanal sweets since 1680. You haven’t lived until you have tried their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turr%C3%B3n">turrón</a>.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35922 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa_flickr-732c.png" alt="" width="732" height="433" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa_flickr-732c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa_flickr-732c-480x284.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<p>Like many beautiful Basque towns, it is both the food and the sights that make the place magical. Not only is Tolosa a foodie’s daydream, it is also picture-perfect. Narrow, cobbled streets lined with balconied buildings give way to spacious piazzas or glistening river side walks. Then, of course, there is the Santa María Church. Located in the historic quarter, the 17thC façade with ribbed vaults is breathtaking.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35925 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa-flickr-960-compressed.png" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa-flickr-960-compressed.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa-flickr-960-compressed-400x300.png 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa-flickr-960-compressed-768x576.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tolosa-flickr-960-compressed-800x600.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


<h2><b>Avis</b></h2>
<p>Avis is a picturesque Alentejo town comprised of whitewashed houses along character-filled narrow streets. The town holds the memory of the medieval Military Order of Avis, a group of knights who were tasked to build a castle and protect the land by King Alfonso II. The Castelo de Avis still partially stands today, with three of the original six towers remaining.</p>
<p>Beside the fields of olives and vineyards lies a lake which offers the potential for miles of uninterrupted rowing. Many national rowing teams take advantage of the spectacular lake surrounding the traditional Portuguese town of Avis, enjoying the lake in the day and the comfort of Portuguese fare and hospitality by night.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35388 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AVIS-732c.png" alt="" width="732" height="462" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AVIS-732c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AVIS-732c-475x300.png 475w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><b>Évora</b></h2>
<p>The capital of the Alentejo region, Évora is a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. A colourful canvas of history, Évora is surrounded by 14thC walls and hosts a cinematic Roman Temple with a history dating back to 1 AD. Due to its long-standing history, spanning from Roman times to the modern day, the city is filled to the brim with numerous breathtaking monuments.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35371 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/unescosite-732c.png" alt="" width="732" height="549" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/unescosite-732c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/unescosite-732c-400x300.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<p><b>Chapel of Bones</b></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-35364 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/capeladosossos-350c.png" alt="" width="350" height="350" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/capeladosossos-350c.png 350w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/capeladosossos-350c-300x300.png 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/capeladosossos-350c-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />The Capela dos Ossos, or the “Chapel of Bones”, is one of the best-known monuments in Évora. As fascinating as it is macabre, the chapel walls are decorated with human bones and skulls. The chapel was built in the 16thC by a Franciscan monk who wanted his fellow brothers to reflect on life and its transitory state. Alongside the walls of skulls and bones hang two skeletons: one of an adult and one of a child. Coupled with the visual reminders of death is a poem that includes the verse: “Recall how many of passed from this world, reflect on your similar end. There is reason to reflect, if only all did the same.”</p>
<p><b>Redondo</b></p>
<p>The charming town of Redondo is part of the Évora District and is best known as a DOC wine region. With wineries a-plenty and even a museum dedicated to wine, it is safe to say that this is the perfect place to enjoy a glass or two at the source.</p>
<p>Redondo is also home to another of Portugal’s popular exports: pottery. In town, you will find plenty of vendors selling pots, which range from simple clay receptacles for everyday use to <span style="font-weight: 400;">decorated pots with floral or countryside motifs. Redondo is also known for its Ruas Floridas festival, which adorns colourful paper decorations centred around a single theme; each street and neighbourhood is in a friendly competition to out-decorate each other!</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-35384 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ruaflorida-732.png" alt="" width="732" height="549" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ruaflorida-732.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ruaflorida-732-400x300.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<h3><strong><a href="https://www.guggenheim.org/about-us">Guggenheim</a> </strong></h3>
<p>Resembling a ship covered in silver fish scales, the museum nods to Bilbao’s port status and the importance of the sea in the lives of the Basque people. Its collections (both permanent and temporary) focus on the 20th century and veer away from the more traditional mediums in an attempt to engage the visitor on a more physical level.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35071 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="494" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-960c-480x247.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-960c-768x395.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h3><a href="https://www.museobilbao.com/in/"><strong>Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao (Fine Arts Museum)</strong></a></h3>
<p>Generally regarded as Spain’s finest art museum, housing more than six thousand works of art that date from the 12th century to the present day, including masterpieces from El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon and more. The museum is conveniently located close to the Guggenheim for museum-hopping and days filled with art.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35069 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/museumbilbaoartes-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="498" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/museumbilbaoartes-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/museumbilbaoartes-960c-480x249.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/museumbilbaoartes-960c-768x398.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h3><strong>The Casco Viejo</strong></h3>
<p>The city’s historic centre is a web of main streets on either side of the Nervión River. Bustling with shops, cafés, restaurants and pedestrians, the area is a pleasure to explore. Whether sitting in a sea of Basque berets and listening to the incomprehensible sounds of the Basque language, window shopping for shoes (there are more shoes in Spain than Spaniards) or enjoying a plate of bacalao (Spanish salt cod), getting lost in the Casco Viejo is a great idea rain or shine. It is always open!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35081 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-oldtown-732-dalberac.png" alt="" width="732" height="458" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-oldtown-732-dalberac.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-oldtown-732-dalberac-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bilbao-oldtown-732-dalberac-480x300.png 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>


Things to Do in San Sebastián and Bilbao

<p><b>Caves of Granada</b></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34872 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/granadacave-350c.png" alt="" width="350" height="263" />Granada is the most geographically diverse province in the Iberian Peninsula, with distinct concentrations of cave settlement. Most notable among these are the historic Albaycin and Sacromonte neighbourhoods of Granada City on the other side of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Albaycin and Sacromonte are adjacent hillside neighbourhoods, both of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Alhambra Palace. These ancient settlements date back to well before the 15th century.</p>
<p><b>Albaycin District</b></p>
<p>Another place to wander amongst medieval Moorish architecture and take in a lovely view of the Alhambra from a cafe, this district has buildings that date back to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, which ruled from 1230 until 1492. A mazelike street system with narrow pathways characterizes the area. The main street of Carrera del Darro is where you will find shops, cafes, and all the scenic views you can handle.</p>
<p>Visit the 16thC church of San Salvador, which marries Moorish architecture to more classical structures. The remains of the Arab baths dating from the 11thC are also worth exploring.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling adventurous, check out<a href="http://bar-aliatar.es/"><b> Bar Aliatar</b></a>, also known as ‘the snail bar’, which offers typical Spanish bites like savoury jamón and tapas in a no-frills, old-school setting. Don’t miss out on their namesake and the house specialty, <em>caracoles—</em>snail.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34857 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c.png" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c.png 1600w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/alhambra-albaycin1600c-960x600.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></p>


<h2><b>Teatre-Museu Dalí</b></h2>
<p>In 1974, in a reconstruction of the town’s old municipal theatre where he gave his first exhibition, Dalí inaugurated the Teatre-Museu Dalí, now the second most-visited museum in Spain after the Prado. Dalí exercised considerable control over the museum, filling it with a variety of works, including many from his early years. The building itself is as surreal as the exhibits it contains. (Always the attention-seeker, Dali would sometimes wander down the streets of Figueres with a loaf of round bread fitted over his head like a helmet.)</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34108 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dalimuseo_reyperezoso_960_c.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dalimuseo_reyperezoso_960_c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dalimuseo_reyperezoso_960_c-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dalimuseo_reyperezoso_960_c-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dalimuseo_reyperezoso_960_c-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol</b></h2>
<p>The Gala Dalí Castle Museum-House in the town of Púbol, where Dalí’s wife Gala lived during the 1970s, was opened to the public in 1996. It was a gift given to Gala from Dalí, fulfilling a promise he made early on in their relationship. She accepted this gift on the condition that it was her realm and Dali could only visit her there upon receiving a written invitation.</p>
<p>On display are paintings and drawings Dalí gave Gala to decorate the castle, a collection of Gala’s haute couture dresses, and various pieces of furniture. The museum, and—most of all—the story behind it, gives a fascinating glimpse into both Gala and Dalí’s personal world and intimate relationship.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34111 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castlepubol_elefante_960_c.png" alt="" width="960" height="669" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castlepubol_elefante_960_c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castlepubol_elefante_960_c-430x300.png 430w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castlepubol_elefante_960_c-768x535.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/castlepubol_elefante_960_c-861x600.png 861w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


Camino de Santiago

<h2>The Plight of St. James</h2>
<figure id="attachment_30615" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30615" style="width: 216px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-30615" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Santiago_Matamoros_18th_century-216x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Santiago_Matamoros_18th_century-216x300.jpg 216w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Santiago_Matamoros_18th_century.jpg 414w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30615" class="wp-caption-text">St. James, depicted fighting Moors in an 18th century painting</figcaption></figure>
<p>Lest you think this sounds like a hardship, take a moment to consider what St. James himself had to endure. (The following has been compiled from the infallible twin sources of legend and centuries-old hearsay.)</p>
<p>In 44 AD, James was beheaded by King Herod, governor of the Roman Province of Judea, for speaking his mind.</p>
<p>Then his headless body was put in an unmanned stone boat that navigated from the Holy Land to a tiny creek in northern Spain. Here, St James’ headless corpse, likely quite ripe by this stage, was promptly enveloped by a magical boulder.</p>
<p>He would stay in this stone sarcophagus for the next 800 years, until he was yanked from his stupor for marketing purposes. The Moors had invaded the Iberian Peninsula and Catholics needed a rallying cry.</p>
<p>Henceforth, and until the fall of the last Moorish stronghold in 1492, the cry of St. James and “Strike for Spain” could be heard at every skirmish between Christians and Moors.</p>
<p>Suddenly that saddle sore doesn’t feel so bad, does it?</p>
<h2>For the Resolute, Rich Rewards</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-32977" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Camino-Rewards-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" />The Camino, however, is not only hardship.</p>
<p>The rewards en route far outnumber the tribulations. The landscape in what until recently was the backwater of Spain is touchingly untouched.</p>
<p>Roman and Medieval architecture are the backbone of cities and villages. History and lore are thick underfoot.</p>
<p>The local population, accustomed to pilgrims, will welcome you with a wry smile, a café con leche or a caña (small but cold beer) accompanied by a tapas (small but delicious snack).</p>
<p>Hamlets are frequent and fellow pilgrims seldom slip over the horizon before coming back into view.</p>
<p>Any pilgrim wanting to eat more than a sandwich will find that the pilgrimage is also culinary, from the sturdy reds and Cocido Maragato of Leon to the refined seafood and crisp white wines of Galicia.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why Walk the Way?</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-32952" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Camino-Rewards-intro.png" alt="" width="400" height="300" />More difficult to quantify, but no less satisfying, is the sense of purpose.</p>
<p>The way is the goal, no doubt, but so is the goal. It lies just over the horizon. No, not this horizon, the next. Progress is recorded by the stamps in your pilgrim passport.</p>
<p>Each hostel and waypoint, but also bar (wink, wink) will have its own unique stamp, just as every pilgrim has their own reason to make the pilgrimage.</p>
<p>What’s yours?</p>


<p>You may see (or at least hear) some nearby goats and you will certainly smell oregano, thyme and wild fennel. We recommend that you end your walk at the village of Nocelle (about 2 – 2 ½ hours), as you will have experienced the best of the trail and you get to avoid about 1,500 downhill steps to get to the sea! You can take either a bus or taxi and in 15 minutes you are in another world, where you exchange the rustic beauty of the Milky Mountains for the luxurious Amalfi Coast.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1j8Li7SUNGKbHrrze8M_FYP_SxFc" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<h2>5. Austria &#8211; Wachau World Heritage Trail on the Danube</h2>
<p>This gorgeous hike, one of Austria’s most beautiful both landscape-wise and culturally, does not &#8211; surprisingly &#8211; take place in the Alps but rather in the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/970" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley</a> wine district along the banks of the Danube.</p>
<p>It starts riverside in picturesque Dürnstein, &#8220;Pearl of the Wachau&#8221; with its landmark blue monastery tower. It then climbs up along the old mule path to Dürnstein&#8217;s other landmark, Austria’s most famous castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom in the 11th century. The Wachau, the 25 km (15 mi.) section upstream from here to Melk Monastery, is generally considered the most beautiful on the whole Danube. Towering over the village, the vineyards and the mighty Danube, the views down to the river as it curves upstream through the steep river valley with 1000 year-old terraced vineyards and medieval wine-making villages is one of Europe’s classic images.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32550 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/austria-752x500.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="500" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/austria-752x500.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/austria-752x500-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>After the ruins, the path passes through tranquil oak and pine forest to the Schlossberg peak, then follows the ridge through forest and meadow, parallel to the river, in the direction of Weissenkirchen, the next charming wine-making village upstream. Views periodically open up onto new perspectives over the river but also in the other direction over the thickly forested hills of the Waldviertel district. In the last third of the hike, the path passes down through the many-layered ancient wine terraces that are characteristic of the region and were a main reason for its UNESCO status. Passing through the narrow historic streets of the village, it ends at the Renaissance palace, Tesienhoferhof.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1tWenSFfxma71mbO830sOcwRRI1U" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<h2>6. Iceland &#8211; Thorsmork</h2>
<p>Walk in the wilderness area known as Thorsmork (Thor&#8217;s Forest) on the north side of Eyjafjallajokull volcano. It is here that the effects of the massive eruption of 2010 are most clearly visible: hills covered with ash, flood debris scattered across the valley floor, steam rising from tunnels in Gigjokull glacier. Take a hike across the otherworldly landscape leading to the site where floodwaters gushed out from under the glacier during the eruption of April and May, 2010. Hike up to view-points or explore one of the countless gullies and ravines that dissect the north face of the volcano.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1Tk7wkUn0tGFotzmzZY-xeUQPIgY" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p>This area, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, rivers and volcanoes is so beautiful, sometimes it&#8217;s hard to believe it&#8217;s real. There are beautiful walks for all activity levels, connect with one of B&amp;R&#8217;s experience Trip Designers to create an<a href="http://www.butterfield.com/custom/iceland-bespoke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Iceland Bespoke</a> adventure perfect for your group.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32555 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iceland-2-1600x800.jpg" alt="" width="1600" height="800" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iceland-2-1600x800.jpg 1600w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iceland-2-1600x800-480x240.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iceland-2-1600x800-768x384.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iceland-2-1600x800-960x480.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></p>
<h2>7. Corsica &#8211; Into Bonifacio via Pertusato</h2>
<p>As you walk past dry stone walls and thread on narrow stony paths through the maquis, catching the scent of lavender, wild arba barona thyme, everlasting and juniper, the wind brushes your cheek and the stunning white chalk of Capo Pertusato, Corsica’s southernmost tip, stands out against the impossibly turquoise waters beneath.  Once passing the lighthouses, and some half-standing walls of ancient barracks, you make your way above the cliffs towards Bonifacio.</p>
<p>As Paul Valéry wrote, “as far as sheer beauty is concerned, Bonifacio is the unrivalled capital of Corsica” – and catching sight of it in the distance, it looks like a dream city! Each step brings you closer to this Italianate mirage atop sheer white cliffs.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1PZFurdL2ZyXAWnkumPpA7cE_UoE" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<h2>8. Burgundy &#8211; The Rhoin Valley</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-32546 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/burgundy-752x500.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/burgundy-752x500.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/burgundy-752x500-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/burgundy-752x500-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />The Rhoin Valley, otherwise known as &#8220;Burgundy&#8217;s little Switzerland&#8221;, offers incredible trails with wide-open vistas perfect for uncovering the rich heritage and history of Burgundy. Walking in the heart of le Pays Beaunois, through the valley of Rhoin, is spectacularly beautiful! Journey through lush woods before reaching impressive cliffs at les Roches du Chatelet which offers plunging views of the valley below and the village of Bouilland far in the distance. If you’re lucky, you might even see a peregrine falcon, which often choose this area for their nests.</p>
<p>Witness history as you pass in front of the Abbaye Sainte Marguerite, which was built at the end of the 11th century by monks of the order of Saint Augustine. Finally, you&#8217;ll reach the ancient village of Bouilland which took its name from the French word, <em>bouillonnante</em>, which describes the bubbling waters of the river.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1_CnsuIcBUW7FUobrnaBwzJP37ag" width="640" height="480" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></p>
<h2>9. The Italian Lakes &#8211; Bellano to Varenna via Vezio</h2>
<p>This stunning walk has it all from cozy <em>caffès</em> dotting the lake-shore to soaring Alps that beautifully rim the northern horizon. Following an ancient trading path, you&#8217;ll pass quaint villages, quiet forest paths and peaceful asphalt stretches. Your steps will eventually lead you to the perched town of Vezio. Stop here for a taste of mountain-fare that locals have been savouring for generations. After drinking in the gorgeous south-facing views of the Bellagio&#8217;s proud peninsula splitting the Como into two legs, stroll down to Varenno for a taste of authentic gelato.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32541 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/italian-lakes-752x500.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="500" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/italian-lakes-752x500.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/italian-lakes-752x500-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>This walk, featured on the <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/italian-lakes-walking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Italian Lakes Walking trip</a>, is a favourite of ours because of its sheer contrasts; visit chic shops and snack on divine gelato by the lake, then, visit rustic houses and indulge in hearty mountain food, typical of the mountain valleys.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=158yjpgLM58jMBNNe_SftxWomjFI" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


The 9 Best Walking Routes in Europe

In Deep

<p>Its charmingly narrow streets are oddly straight (perhaps another remnant of its Roman heritage), and the late-Gothic Santa Maria church is worth a visit.</p>
<p>Home to the Costa Brava’s largest fishing fleet, Palamòs is famous for its pink shrimp beach, among the coast’s most undeveloped and loveliest.</p>
<h4>Pals</h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-31286 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals-300x300.jpg" alt="In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals-600x600.jpg 600w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Pals.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />The name of “Pals” comes from the Latin word “Palus,” which means marshland. The historic centre is on a small hill that used to be surrounded by ponds and marshlands that were subsequently dried out for rice cultivation.</p>
<p>The medieval town is unique for its great beauty and excellent preservation; the walled precinct remains, and the steep streets and old houses give the village a real medieval look.</p>
<h4>Begur</h4>
<p>Situated in the heart of the Costa Brava, in the centre of the coastal fringe of the Baix Empordà, this town stands 200 metres (656 feet) above sea level, with views of the bays of the Mediterranean coast. It offers easy access to the beaches and coves of crystal-clear water surrounded by luxurious pine woods.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31288 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur.jpg" alt="In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur.jpg 1200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/In-Deep-Costa-Brava-Begur-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<p>Begur is very proud of its history, which dates back as far as the prehistoric era. However, the medieval era is much more generous in terms of material evidence. The 13thC Church of Sant Esteve d’Esclanyà and the castle of Esclanyà are the most emblematic symbols of the medieval era, and make Begur different from any other resort town.</p>
<p>One can taste the Mediterranean cuisine in any of the town’s traditional restaurants, after which an exploration of the surrounding beaches is a must.</p>


<span>In Deep:</span> <br>An Introduction <br>to the Costa Brava

<span>Experts + Insiders:<br></span> Amanda Gary

<h3>The First Pilgrims</h3>
<p>The first French pilgrim was Godescalc, who in 950 was the bishop of Le Puy. Later, kings, knights and soldiers would lead the way from all corners of Europe, with the French generally choosing to start their pilgrimages from four main spots: Le Puy, Arles, Vézelay or Paris.</p>
<p>The routes converge at the foot of the Pyrénées. Once in Spain, the pilgrims’ itinerary would retrace the steps of St. James heading to the land’s end—<em>Finis Terrae</em>.</p>
<p>Following the kings and knights were ordinary men and women of some means who would risk their lives during the six-month journey in search of pardons, forgiveness, the dawn of a new and better life and a guaranteed afterlife.</p>
<h3>Modern-Day Pilgrims</h3>
<p>Apart from the quality of walking boots, improved personal comfort and modern facilities, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela hasn’t changed a great deal since the 12th century.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30616 size-large" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-camino-de-santiago-modern-pilgrim-960x560.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="560" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-camino-de-santiago-modern-pilgrim-960x560.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-camino-de-santiago-modern-pilgrim-480x280.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-camino-de-santiago-modern-pilgrim-768x448.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-camino-de-santiago-modern-pilgrim.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<p>The traditional attire still worn by many is the wide-brimmed hat, the double pouch used by mendicant monks and the sturdy staff with a gourd attached. Pilgrims are given the modern-day equivalent of letters of recommendation or of safe passage in the shape of the pilgrim’s passport.</p>
<h3>The Pilgrim&#8217;s Passport</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30618" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30618" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30618 size-thumbnail" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-pilgrims-passport-250x156.jpg" alt="An example of a Pilgrim's Passport" width="250" height="156" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30618" class="wp-caption-text">An example of a Pilgrim&#8217;s Passport</figcaption></figure>
<p>This document identifies the bearer as an officially recognized pilgrim, and is supposed to grant them hospitality at inns, hostels and hospices along the way; only those who do an entire segment of the route continuously on foot, horseback or bicycle are eligible.</p>
<p>Pilgrims are required to ask for a stamp at each of the overnight stops and to respect all rules of good conduct during their journey. In exchange, upon their arrival in Santiago de Compostela, they’ll be given an official document recognizing their accomplishment.</p>
<h3>The Route</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30623" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30623" style="width: 223px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30623 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-roncesvalles-church-223x300.jpg" alt="What is the camino de santiago roncesvalles church" width="223" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-roncesvalles-church-223x300.jpg 223w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-roncesvalles-church.jpg 445w" sizes="(max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30623" class="wp-caption-text">The church in Roncesvalles, Spain, where some believe the Camino begins.</figcaption></figure>
<p>While debates rage over where the Camino route begins, the answer is actually quite simple: it has no set beginning.</p>
<p>Some will argue that the beginning of the trail is in Roncesvalles and that the Camino entails 31 stages. However, in reality, pilgrims from all over what is now Europe have always made their own “way” towards the inspiring sight of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela (more on that below).</p>
<p>Although originally a hiker’s trail, the Association of the Friends of the Camino has now opened its arms to include bikers and horseback riders, allowing all to travel through medieval villages where time, it seems, has stood still since the era of the Knights of Templar and the Moors.</p>
<p>The marriage of <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2016/06/10/deep-leon-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Castilla and Léon</a> encompasses a rich and colourful history (and not always an amicable one, it must be said), while Galicia has always managed to retain its proud Celtic heritage. The landscape changes dramatically from the plains of Léon to the lush mountains populated with pine and eucalyptus trees in the Galician countryside.</p>
<p>To catch a glimpse of the route for yourself, check out <a href="http://multimedia.xunta.es/turgalicia/experiencias/CAMINO-DE-SANTIAGO-2013.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this great video from Galicia Tourism</a>.</p>
<h3>The Route Markers</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-30624 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-route-marker-451x300.jpg" alt="What is the camino de santiago route marker" width="451" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-route-marker-451x300.jpg 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-route-marker.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px" />Along the route, pilgrims will frequently encounter a shell symbol painted on various walls, bridges and other landmarks to indicate that they&#8217;re on the right path.</p>
<p>The shell symbol derives from the shape of the scallop shells often found on the shores of Galicia and its origins as the symbol of the Camino de Santiago remain mysterious, as two separate myths exist to explain it.</p>
<p>In the first, St. James&#8217; body was en route to the Iberian Peninsula so it could be buried in the city that is now Santiago. When a heavy storm hit the ship, its body was tossed overboard, but miraculously turned up on shore, covered in the scallop shells.</p>
<p>In the second version, the ship transporting James&#8217; body was piloted by an angel, and the journey was more successful than in the first version. However, there happened to be a wedding taking place when the ship reached land, with the groom mounted on horseback. The ship&#8217;s arrival spooked the horse, spilling the groom into the sea. When he emerged, it was he who was covered in scallop shells.</p>
<h2>Santiago</h2>
<h3>Where Pilgrims Flock</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30626" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30626" style="width: 409px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30626 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-streets-409x300.jpg" alt="What is the camino de santiago streets" width="409" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-streets-409x300.jpg 409w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-streets.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30626" class="wp-caption-text">The streets of Santiago</figcaption></figure>
<p>With a current population of approximately 90,000, Santiago has always benefited from the pilgrimage to its cathedral, though it does not rely on tourism as its main source of income.</p>
<p>The University of Santiago provides the city with thousands of students requiring year-round accommodation, entertainment (mostly in the myriad bars in the old part of town), and gastronomic options (which are satisfied by the city’s many restaurants).</p>
<p>Santiago has also been named a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/347" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>, and in the year 2000, it was selected as the European City of Culture.</p>
<h3>What’s in a Name?</h3>
<p>It is said that in the year 813, a bright star led Pelayo, a hermit shepherd of Iria Flavia, to the forgotten tomb of St. James the Greater, the legendary apostle of Spain. The place was named Compostela, from the Latin campus stellae – field of the star.</p>
<p>Others argue that the origin of the city’s name comes from the Latin compstum, meaning a Roman cemetery. This theory was compounded by the discovery of Roman graves during the excavation of the cathedral’s foundation.</p>
<h3>The Cathedral of Santiago</h3>
<p>The Cathedral of Santiago, whose construction began in 1075, is one of the great European monuments from both an artistic and symbolic standpoint. From its Romanesque origin, it evolved through the most varied of styles, with the baroque being the most outstanding. It reached its culmination in the façade that opens onto the Praza do Obradoiro.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-30631 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral.jpg" alt="What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral.jpg 1200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/What-is-the-camino-de-santiago-cathedral-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h3>The Pilgrim’s Ritual in the Cathedral</h3>
<p>Promised 50% off their time in purgatory, Pilgrims who arrived at the cathedral after completing at least 200 km of the Camino usually followed a particular ritual, which included passing by the chapel of the main altar to embrace the Apostle St. James, and then visiting the crypt where his remains are buried.</p>
<p>This was followed by a visit to the Portico de la Gloria, and attendance of mass at noon the following day.</p>


All About the <br> Camino de Santiago

<h3>The Camino de Santiago</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30500" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30500" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30500 size-full" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Camino-marker.jpg" alt="Camino-marker" width="300" height="200" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30500" class="wp-caption-text">A route marker on the Camino de Santiago</figcaption></figure>
<p>The difficulty in repopulating the immense expanses of empty land was greatly helped by the development of the Camino de Santiago. Settlers moved in, and churches, hostels, hospitals and villages sprung up throughout the kingdom.</p>
<p>One of the main sources of income at this time was from the pilgrims’ road. The Camino not only boosted the local economy, but also facilitated an exchange of ideas and the trading of various goods.</p>
<p>With the invention of the railway, the area’s mining industry boomed and Léon temporarily flourished once again. Today, Léon is the capital of the province, with over 140,000 inhabitants.</p>
<figure id="attachment_30498" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30498" style="width: 230px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-30498" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Leon-Coat-of-Arms-230x300.jpg" alt="The Léon Coat of Arms" width="230" height="300" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30498" class="wp-caption-text">The Léon Coat of Arms</figcaption></figure>
<h3>The Lion of Léon</h3>
<p>Though Léon literally translates to “lion”—and the city carries the symbol of a lion—the name in fact comes from Legio Septima Gemina, the Roman Seventh Legion, established in 68AD.</p>
<p>An ancient saying goes, &#8220;<em>Léon tuvo veintecuatro reyes antes que Castilla leyes</em>,&#8221; or &#8220;Léon had 24 Kings before Castilla even had laws.&#8221;</p>
<h3>The Cathedral of Léon</h3>
<p>Known as <em>La Pulchra Léonina</em>, the Belle of Léon, the Cathedral of Léon is not only the most important historical building in Léon, but also one of Spain’s greatest architectural achievements.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-30460" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000.jpg" alt="Cathedral-1000" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000.jpg 1000w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000-768x768.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000-600x600.jpg 600w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cathedral-1000-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>With the highest ratio of stained glass to stone in any church in history, it has managed to avoid the fate of its rival sibling in Beauvais, outside of Paris (which collapsed). The erection of support walls and support buttresses no doubt spared it a similar fate.</p>
<h3>The Barrio Humedo</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-30602" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/barrio-humedo.jpg" alt="barrio-humedo" width="400" height="300" />Known as “the humid quarter” because of the proliferation of drinking holes, the Barrio Humedo is surrounded by the old town walls that were erected in 1324 by Alfonso XI, and which remain remarkably intact to this day. (Nearly half of the original 80 bastions are intact).</p>
<p>With its many bars, this neighbourhood is famous throughout Spain as a great place to go for tapas; most of the restaurants offer free tapas when you order a drink, making it a great place for a pub crawl.</p>
<p>There are numerous other places of interest in this part of town, including the market square of the Plaza Mayor, the Palace of the Condes de Luna, the Palacio de los Guzmanes and, of course, Los Botines, Antoni Gaudi’s most controversial work.</p>
<h3></h3>


<span><br>In Deep: </br></span> Castilla and León, Spain

<h2>Rioja and Navarra:</h2>
<h5>A (Brief!) Early History</h5>
<p>La Rioja and Navarra lie at the crossroads of two important pilgrimage routes: the Route of St. James (or the Camino de Santiago), which brought Celts, Goths, Franks, Saxons and Jews to Spain—and the river Ebro, which brought Iberians, Romans and Arabs from the Mediterranean.</p>
<p>When the Romans arrived in 200 BC, La Rioja and Navarra were occupied by Celtic tribes. In the 8th century the region was invaded by the Arabs, precipitating centuries of warfare between Arabs and Christians on the Iberian Peninsula.</p>
<figure id="attachment_29089" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29089" style="width: 231px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-29089" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/800px-King_Henry_I-231x300.jpg" alt="Henry I of England" width="231" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/800px-King_Henry_I-231x300.jpg 231w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/800px-King_Henry_I-768x999.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/800px-King_Henry_I-461x600.jpg 461w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/800px-King_Henry_I.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29089" class="wp-caption-text">Henry I of England</figcaption></figure>
<p>Throughout the 12th century, Castile and Navarra warred over the area that is now La Rioja, until Henry I of England arbitrated in the favour of Castile in 1177. The name “La Rioja” appeared in a document for the first time in the Charter of 1099.</p>
<p>In 1369, Aragon and Navarra signed a treaty whereby La Rioja became the property of Aragon. It flip-flopped between Aragon and Navarra several times before Henry IV recovered the region for Castile. During the War of Independence (the Peninsular War), La Rioja and Navarra (as well as the Pais Vasco) were taken by the French, and not recovered until 1813.</p>
<p>In 1812, the Constitutional Cortes declared La Rioja an independent province. In 1822, the province of Logroño was created, which encompassed historical La Rioja. Finally, in 1833, a royal decree outlined a smaller version of La Rioja, which has remained unchanged until modern times.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40816 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-960-landscape-mesas.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="516" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-960-landscape-mesas.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-960-landscape-mesas-480x258.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-960-landscape-mesas-768x413.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h4>Camino de Santiago</h4>
<figure id="attachment_29091" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29091" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-29091" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/camino-santiago-174136_960_720-225x300.jpg" alt="A route marker on the Camino de Santiago" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/camino-santiago-174136_960_720-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/camino-santiago-174136_960_720-450x600.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/camino-santiago-174136_960_720.jpg 540w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29091" class="wp-caption-text">A route marker on the Camino de Santiago</figcaption></figure>
<p>The ancient Romans considered the pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago to a be a journey, literally, to the “end of the Earth.” Thus, the end of the pilgrimage, in Galicia, was named Cape Finisterre, the westernmost point in Europe, and at that time, the westernmost point of the world.</p>
<p>The Camino de Santiago gained prominence and popularity during the Crusades, after the corpse of Apostle Saint James was said to have miraculously appeared in the Galician settlement of Santiago de Compostela. Originally, the pilgrimage was considered to be a spiritual search for this saint.</p>
<p>Today, many hikers walk the route simply for pleasure, although some religious pilgrims still make the trek. There are in fact a variety of routes, beginning everywhere from Brussels to Geneva, Arles to Tours and Vézelay. Many pass over the Pyrenees before reaching Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40818 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/rioja-poppies-trip-732.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="532" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/rioja-poppies-trip-732.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/rioja-poppies-trip-732-413x300.jpg 413w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h4><b>Santo Domingo de la Calzada</b></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A stop along the hallowed pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago, this wonderful small town, complete with a maze of medieval streets, is part of the Camino Francés , the most popular route, also known as the ‘French Way’. Named after its founder, Dominic de la Calzada, the town’s bridge, hospital, and cathedral were built to look after the many pilgrims traversing this stretch of the Camino de Santiago.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40807 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Camino-Santiago-Signs-732.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="549" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Camino-Santiago-Signs-732.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Camino-Santiago-Signs-732-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h4>The Ebro River</h4>
<p>Spanning a length of 910 kilometres (565 miles), The Ebro is one of Spain’s longest rivers and one of the most important rivers on the Iberian Peninsula. The river is also the biggest river by discharge volume in the country.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-29092" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ebro-River.jpg" alt="Ebro-River" width="752" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ebro-River.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ebro-River-480x191.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>The Ebro’s headwaters are at Fontibre in the province of Cantabria. It passes through Miranda de Ebro, Logroño, Zaragoza, Flix, Torosa and Amposta before spilling into the Mediterranean in the province of Tarragona.</p>
<h3><b>San Vicente de la Sonsierra</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40810 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PICAOS-sonsierra-400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="366" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PICAOS-sonsierra-400.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PICAOS-sonsierra-400-328x300.jpg 328w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Located on the left bank of the Ebro River, the city was established in the 10thC as a fortress to protect the people of the Kingdom of Navarre. An important site is its 11thC Romanesque church, the Basilica of Santa Maria de la Piscina, containing an icon of the Virgin Mary. One of the most fascinating cultural rituals still observed here is the medieval tradition of picaos—that of traditional penitence and ritual flagellations on Easter—usually observed only by men. The penitents (who are all hooded to preserve anonymity) will begin by removing their grey capes, and begin to flog their own bare backs using a cotton whip. First observed in the late 15thC or early 16thC, this is the last and only example of this type of religious behaviour in all of Europe.</span></p>
<h3><b>Ribera del Duero </b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can’t go wrong with thousands of years of winemaking expertise, and the Ribera del Duero is one of those legendary denominations that oenophiles flock to.  Based on flat and rocky terrain, the most famous vineyards are around </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peñafiel, named from the Latin term pinna fidelis, ‘loyal rock/mountain’, referring to the fortified castle set atop its hill. Another notable town here is Ezcaray, of Basque origin, a small town known for its woodworking craft (furniture, chairs, and more), as well as its handcrafted textiles, particularly </span><a href="http://www.mantasezcaray.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">blankets of mohair, merino and cashmere</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere—a fantastic souvenir.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40811 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ribera-del-Duero-960.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ribera-del-Duero-960.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ribera-del-Duero-960-480x270.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ribera-del-Duero-960-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h3><b>La Guardia</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The capital of Rioja, this ancient town is all about the ancient craft of winemaking. First founded in 1164, there is a settlement that predates even the Romans. Surrounded on all sides by vineyards, this fortified town is dramatically set atop a hill in the middle of a valley, with the Cantabrian Mountains looming in the background. A series of tunnels underneath the city (with exits at the bottom of the hill) was built so that townspeople could escape in case of invasion; as it so happens, the locals found them perfect to store wine during peacetime—to this day, they serve as private cellars!  You’ll also find a rich musical heritage in Laguardia, known for its talented musicians (particularly on the bagpipe), a town band that has been active for over 130 years, and a festival highlighting “the Day of the Piper”.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-40813 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/La-Guardia-Town-Wall-732.jpg" alt="" width="732" height="441" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/La-Guardia-Town-Wall-732.jpg 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/La-Guardia-Town-Wall-732-480x289.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2>The Wine</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-29094" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-Wine.jpg" alt="Rioja-Wine" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-Wine.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-Wine-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rioja-Wine-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />No discussion of La Rioja could be complete without mention of the region’s famous wine. La Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. The soil of Rioja Alta comprises alluvial soil, calcareous clay and ferruginous clay. (Take a look at some of our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2018/04/12/10-best-rioja-ribera-del-douro-wines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">favourite Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines to try</a>).</p>
<p>As the name suggests, much of this area is at higher altitudes. The Rioja Alavesa is mainly “terraced,” with limestone and clay-rich soils. The Riojan Baja comprises alluvial clay with large areas of ferruginous and calcareous clay. Generally, wines from the Baja have a higher alcohol content.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2015/10/01/vines-101-a-introduction-to-rioja-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">For much more on the wines of Rioja, check out the post in our Vines 101 series. </a></p>


In Deep: <br>La Rioja

Profiles

<span>Experts + Insiders:</span><br> Veronika Macas

<h2><strong>Pollensa</strong></h2>
<figure id="attachment_28128" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28128" style="width: 443px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-28128" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calvary-Steps-Pollensa2-443x300.jpg" alt="The view from the top of the Calvary Steps." width="443" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calvary-Steps-Pollensa2-443x300.jpg 443w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calvary-Steps-Pollensa2-768x520.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calvary-Steps-Pollensa2-886x600.jpg 886w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Calvary-Steps-Pollensa2.jpg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28128" class="wp-caption-text">The view from the top of the Calvary Steps.</figcaption></figure>
<p>This is one of Mallorca’s quintessential towns. The main landmark is El Calvario, the Calvary Steps, a stairway lined with cypress trees that dates back to the Templar Knights and leads through the Stations of the Cross up to a hilltop oratory from the 13th century.</p>
<p>With a large population of locals (read: less tourists), Pollensa has kept much of the island’s history alive. Celebrated events include the legendary fight between the Turkish invaders and the Christians in 1550, when the Christians saved the town from the Turkish invasion; and the Easter celebration when Jesus is taken down from the cross after being crucified in El Calvario. The main church, Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, has a beautiful barrel vault and a Baroque altarpiece, and there&#8217;s a food and crafts market every Sunday.</p>
<h2><strong>Deiá</strong></h2>
<p>The village Deiá is probably one of the most photographed spots on the island. Thanks to its location just underneath the Puig des Teix (one of the most jagged mountains on the Tramuntana range), it has a rugged beauty. Deiá has a reputation as the preferred place for many artists; this may be due in part to British writer Robert Graves who found inspiration here and composed his famous <em>I Claudius</em> in the village.</p>


<p>Since then this coastal town has found itself host to many artists. Perched atop a small hill, the church of Saint Joan protects the cemetery and the modest museum of religious objects; It is also a great spot to take in the views. The archaeological museum, founded by American William Waldren in 1962, contains a thorough chronology of Balearic prehistory, including information on the settlements around Deiá—Valldemosa and Sóller. Our favourite time to stroll the town is after 7 p.m. when the light is best and most day visitors have left.</p>
<figure id="attachment_28129" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28129" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-28129" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Cala-Deia2-400x300.jpg" alt="Cala Deia" width="400" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Cala-Deia2-400x300.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Cala-Deia2.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28129" class="wp-caption-text">Cala Deia</figcaption></figure>
<h2><strong>Cala Deiá</strong></h2>
<p>The clear waters of Cala Deia are incredibly inviting, making it a popular tourist spot on the island. Take notice of the small dry docks used to launch boats into the sea, as well as the pretty summerhouses and fishing huts.</p>
<h2><strong>Mallorcan Pearls</strong></h2>
<p>Mallorca is the home of the most famous man-made pearls. Created using a combination of natural and synthetic methods, the pearls are cultivated artificially by introducing a small particle in a farm-grown oyster. The longer the particle is left inside, the bigger the pearl. People from all over the world buy Mallorcan jewelry, awaiting the arrival of the new collections every year.</p>
<h2><b>Lluc Sanctuary</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lluc is the religious centre of the island. The Mallorcan patron, The Moreneta Virgin of Mare de Deu, who resides in the church, has been venerated since the 13th century when an Arab shepherd boy discovered a dark wooden statue of the virgin in the cleft of a rock. As you might imagine, this discovery led to numerous pilgrimages to Lluc from many parts of the island. The sanctuary of the virgin was turned into a parish in the 15th century.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35816 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/santuari-de-lluc-960.png" alt="" width="960" height="673" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/santuari-de-lluc-960.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/santuari-de-lluc-960-428x300.png 428w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/santuari-de-lluc-960-768x538.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/santuari-de-lluc-960-856x600.png 856w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>Cap Formentor</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With winding roads that lead to a dramatic promontory with sea-sculpted cliffs nearly 400 feet high, this cape is one of the most spectacular places on the island. Declared a Special Area of Natural Interest (ANEI) by the Spanish government for its rugged and wild beauty, the most impressive of its secluded coves and beaches are Cala Murta, Cala Gossalba and Cala Figuera. The Mallorcan poet Miguel Costa i Llobera dedicated one of his well-known poems to the cape. Not to be outdone by the natural scenery, the classic Hotel Formentor, built in 1929, has hosted legends such as Winston Churchill, John Wayne and Peter Ustinov.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35811 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lighthouse-cap-formentor-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="698" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lighthouse-cap-formentor-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lighthouse-cap-formentor-960c-413x300.png 413w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lighthouse-cap-formentor-960c-768x558.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lighthouse-cap-formentor-960c-825x600.png 825w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>Puig de Maria</b><b></b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35814 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mallorca-puigdemaria-350c.png" alt="" width="350" height="622" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mallorca-puigdemaria-350c.png 350w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mallorca-puigdemaria-350c-169x300.png 169w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mallorca-puigdemaria-350c-338x600.png 338w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />An emblematic mountain that shelters the town of Pollensa, this is another designated ANEI area. The Sanctuary of the Mare de Deu des Puig (as it is known more formally) dates back to the 14th century and today it exists as a converted B&amp;B with great views of the valley and Pollensa Bay.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Alcúdia</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Romans settled the town of Alcúdia in 123 B.C., calling it Pollentia. Today, you can still see Roman remains such as the solariums, old walls, and a smattering of houses (and a theatre!) that dot the town. Enclosing the old town are the medieval walls that existed in the Middle Ages, accessed through the San Sebastiá and Xara entrances.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35813 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/alcudia-esglesia-de-sant-jaume-1117351_1280c.png" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/alcudia-esglesia-de-sant-jaume-1117351_1280c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/alcudia-esglesia-de-sant-jaume-1117351_1280c-400x300.png 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/alcudia-esglesia-de-sant-jaume-1117351_1280c-768x576.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/alcudia-esglesia-de-sant-jaume-1117351_1280c-800x600.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>Platja del Coll Baix</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This beach is one of the hidden gems on the island. Imagine a cove where just behind the sand there is a wall of stone that makes the beach totally private and incredibly beautiful. This little beach is only reachable by foot or by boat. A dip in the blue Med is more than recommended here—it’s mandatory.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35823 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/playa_del_coll-baix-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/playa_del_coll-baix-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/playa_del_coll-baix-960c-480x270.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/playa_del_coll-baix-960c-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>
<h2><b>Barranc de Biniaraix</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most memorable walking routes in Mallorca, this olive and almond-tree-lined canyon features a stone-cut stairway, through which the Biniaraix stream winds. A former pilgrimage trail that leads from Sóller to Lluc, now masterfully restored, this path hugs steep hillsides, also tracing stalactites and stalagmites further down the valley. Aside from the breathtaking views of the canyon, it is worth admiring the beautiful rocks scattered in the bed of the brook, smoothed by years of cascading water.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35817 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/biniaraix-helenzhang-735c.png" alt="" width="732" height="495" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/biniaraix-helenzhang-735c.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/biniaraix-helenzhang-735c-444x300.png 444w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" /></p>
<h2><b>Sóller</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sóller and its valley of the same name comprise another important and beautiful rural town. With an amphitheatre of mountains surrounding the town, the valley is mainly used for growing oranges, lemons and the occasional olive grove. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Holding dominion in the centre of the town in the Plaza de la Constitution is the Church of Saint Bartomeu, built between 1688 and 1811. The baroque outline of the church is complemented by a modernist façade made by a disciple of Antoni Gaudí, Joan Rubió, in the early 20th century. The two towers of the façade are familiar reminders of the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Next to the church is the equally impressive bank built in 1911 with the same modernist touches in order to blend with the façade of the church; the same architect’s hand is clearly at play.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-35819 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/soller-church-960c.png" alt="" width="960" height="638" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/soller-church-960c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/soller-church-960c-451x300.png 451w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/soller-church-960c-768x510.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/soller-church-960c-903x600.png 903w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></p>


In Deep: An Introduction to Mallorca

101 Places That Will Change Your Child's Life

Vines 101

<p>Paradoxically, the phylloxera vine pest outbreak elsewhere in Europe put Rioja on the wine map. Starting in the 1860s, the phylloxera aphid devastated European vineyards and the Bordelais came south to Rioja seeking vines that had not been infected. The supply vacuum in France presented Rioja producers with a golden opportunity. Famous bodegas date back to this time, when winemaking was a lucrative business. (Examples include <a href="http://www.marquesderiscal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marqués de Riscal</a> and <a href="http://www.marquesdemurrieta.com/web/en/?age-verified=21d66f550c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Murrieta</a>.)</p>
<p>The climate of Rioja is perfectly adapted to winemaking. Sheltered by the Cantabrian Mountains to the north, and the Sierra de la Demanda to the south, it enjoys a beautiful microclimate, irrigated by the Ebro River and its tributaries.</p>
<h3>The Wines</h3>
<p>La Rioja is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. The soil of Rioja Alta comprises alluvial soil, calcareous clay and ferruginous clay. As the name suggests, much of this area is at higher altitudes. The Rioja Alavesa is mainly “terraced,” with limestone and clay-rich soils. The Riojan Baja comprises alluvial clay with large areas of ferruginous and calcareous clay. Generally, wines from the Baja have a higher alcohol content.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27319" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rioja-wines.jpg" alt="Rioja-wines" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rioja-wines.jpg 1200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rioja-wines-450x300.jpg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Rioja-wines-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5>Reds</h5>
<p><b>(58,400 hectares/144,000 acres)</b><br />
<b>Tempranillo:</b> the heart and soul of all red Rioja wines, this grape offers both elegance and intense aromas, as well as longevity.<br />
<b>Mazuelo:</b> also known as Carignan or Carineña, this grape is added to some Riojas for its spiciness, fruit, acidity, tannin and colour.<br />
<b>Garnacha:</b> known as Grenache, it contributes body and alcohol to some Rioja blends.<br />
<b>Graciano:</b> rounds out some blends with its fine, intense aromas of spice and licorice.</p>
<h5>Whites</h5>
<p><b>(3,800 hectares/9,400 acres)</b><br />
<b>Viura:</b> AKA Macabeo, this is the region’s primary white and showcases good acidity, gentle fruit and floral aromas and a resistance to oxidation (a plus given Rioja’s traditionally long barrel-aging).<br />
<b>Garnacha blanca:</b> contributes body to some white blends.<br />
<b>Malvasia:</b> this pan-Mediterranean favourite contributes peach, plum and floral notes to some blends.</p>


<span>Vines 101:</span><br> An Introduction to Rioja Wine

Global Traveler

Take The Slow Road Through Spain’s Big Sky Country

Biking

<figure id="attachment_23888" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23888" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-23888 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Diego_Ventura_en_Arles_-_Feria_du_Riz_2009-320x215.jpg" alt="Lusitano " width="320" height="215" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Diego_Ventura_en_Arles_-_Feria_du_Riz_2009-320x215.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/800px-Diego_Ventura_en_Arles_-_Feria_du_Riz_2009.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23888" class="wp-caption-text">The world-famous Lusitano horse.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Olive groves, vineyards, cork trees and oak trees make up the bulk of the local vegetation in the region. As a region mainly dedicated to agriculture, it’s easy to see how the slow pace of the work shaped the laid-back nature of the natives. A cork tree, for instance, will take five years to give its first cork, and after that, the (always manual) process of cork collection takes place every nine years. Alentejanos thus respect the all-natural process of growing and collecting what the earth gives to them. The world-famous Lusitano horse.</p>
<p>The landscapes, meanwhile, will introduce you to the autochthonous Mertolenga cattle and the world-famous Lusitano horse. The latter definitely deserves a close look at their elegant posture and robust build.</p>
<p>After re-acquainting myself with the region’s landscapes and routes, I knew I had to dig just a little deeper to come up with events that would truly reveal the region. I wanted to share something more with our travellers—after all, it was my country, and I knew what I wanted to show. The question was how to find it. And the answer, it turned out, was all in the rhythm of the research.</p>
<p>After a couple of days, I started parking my car in the centre of villages and making inquiries of the locals, who normally spend their afternoons sitting in the shade of the main church in the village centre. After introducing myself and asking my first question, the answer was always the same: “Why don’t you sit down and tell us a bit about yourself?” On many occasions, I forgot I had a notebook in my hand as I found myself sharing childhood stories with strangers, who quickly came to feel like old friends I had known forever.</p>
<p>Their readiness to help and answer questions took me to the homes of many new friends, and saw my share in many (seemingly never-ending) meals. These meals always took place in a dining room full of family photos—accompanied by stories and memories that the hosts were happy to share. I wasn’t a stranger anymore. I didn’t feel like a researcher for B&amp;R either. I was in my own country, having a true experience of a region that meant so much to me.</p>
<p>And this was how the trip came together. From lunches at the family table of award-winning wine producers and olive oil tastings in convents to visits to family-owned private eco-systems that preserve all types of local animals, at its core, this trip is a series of authentic, true experiences—which the Alentejo people are all too happy to share.</p>


<span>Notes From the Road:</span><br> Portugal Biking

<p>In addition to the views of the mountain and the sea, the fascinating Mediterranean flora and fauna and the manors that one can visit along the way, what makes the hikes of Mallorca special is the possibility to move from a world-famous glamorous hotel like<a href="http://www.belmond.com/la-residencia-mallorca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> La Residencia</a> (pictured below), immediately into areas that were basically isolated from the rest of the world until just a few years ago.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-24663 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Hotel-new-blog-.jpg" alt="Hotel-new-blog-" width="752" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Hotel-new-blog-.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Hotel-new-blog--480x191.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<p>When it comes to winemaking, the only reason that I can find to explain why Mallorca is not world-famous for its wines is that hardly any bottles leave the island. Mallorcan reds are full-bodied, rounded wines. The best whites remind one of California, without being too &#8220;oaky.&#8221; The best place to taste them is the area between Benisalem and Biniali.</p>
<p>As for cuisine, in today&#8217;s Mallorca seafood is the way to go, but – somewhat surprisingly for an island – this hasn’t always been so. As a matter of fact, the islanders only developed a true fishing industry within the last 50 years. In addition to seafood, they are particularly proud of the way they cook lamb, which is considered the dish that represents the region, together with <em>sobrassada</em> and <em>ensaimada</em>.</p>
<p>I am a huge fan of both the simple, traditional Mallorcan food that one can taste at noon in one of the many menu del dia restaurants along the way, and the new, innovative, glamorous gourmet restaurants that have mushroomed in Mallorca, especially in Palma and in the region of the Tramuntana mountains.</p>
<p>If I sum up all the weeks that I’ve spent in Mallorca working as a guide, connecting the dots, preparing routes, sampling gourmet meals and wine tasting, the total time easily amounts to one year of my life. And trust me, it was one hell of a year.</p>


<span>Notes From the Road:</span><br> Mallorca Walking

<span>Notes From the Road:</span><br> Southwest France Biking

Animals

Trip Tales

Ecuador And Galapagos Islands

<p>As I was whisked away from the airport and onto the ferry to the mainland of <a href="http://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/santa-cruz/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz</a>, I could not believe my eyes. Simply staring off into the sea offered a plethora of magnificent hues of blues and aquamarines, the colours so vivid I felt as if there were an assault on my senses, as though it couldn’t possibly be real. Multicoloured crabs could be seen holding onto black lava rocks basking in the sun. The water was so clear, you could see small schools of fish flittering through the current in unison.</p>
<p>By the time I reached Santa Cruz, I was in awe of the seemingly endless and untouched vegetation, so lush and green as far as the eye could see. And just as I was taking all of this in with splendor, my driver suddenly pulled over our car and exclaimed “galápago!” To my astonishment, there snacking on the flourishing landscape without a care in the world, were the first giant tortoises I had ever seen. The size and magnitude of these reptiles in person is unbelievable. With some weighing up to 600 lb, four feet in length and living for 100 years on average, the giant tortoise truly is an evolutionary feast for the eyes.</p>
<figure id="attachment_23122" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-23122" style="width: 605px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-23122" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Pikaia.jpg" alt="Pikaia" width="605" height="200" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Pikaia.jpg 625w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Pikaia-320x105.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23122" class="wp-caption-text">When I first approached the Pikaia Lodge, I felt like a Bond girl in a 007 movie.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Following the tortoise pit stop, we carried on driving around the island, through Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos Islands, and onto my place of residence for the next few days, <a title="Pikaia Lodge" href="http://www.pikaialodgegalapagos.com/" target="_blank">Pikaia Lodge</a>. I had seen the photos and researched the property I would be staying at, however, as we pulled up towards the hotel, I felt like I was entering a James Bond film in the role of a Bond Girl &#8211; damsel in distress on her way to the villain’s headquarters. An architectural masterpiece, this ecofriendly accommodation astounds all those who enter its gates. Boasting arguably the best views in Santa Cruz, its own private yacht for excursions, contemporary but environmental designs and fabulous food, Pikaia Lodge impresses.</p>
<h4>Read More</h4>
<p>After being blown away by Pikaia, I set off for a boat tour of the islands. <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2015/04/28/a-boat-cruise-around-the-galapagos-islands/" target="_blank"><strong>Read all about it here!</strong></a></p>


<span>An Escape to Eden:</span><br> My Week in the <br>Galápagos Islands

Columnists

<span>Experts + Insiders:</span><br> Lewis Evans

TQ Magazine

10 Cool Places to Drink and Cycle

Must Sees

Cities

Seville

<h3>El Barrio del Arenal</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-20225 size-medium alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/del-Arenal-320x211.jpg" alt="Things to do in Seville" width="320" height="211" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/del-Arenal-320x211.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/del-Arenal.jpg 625w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /> El Barrio del Arenal used to be Seville’s busiest area, back when the port was established and the Guadalquivir River was the main mode of communication and transport between Seville and the world. Here you’ll find the Torre del Oro, a Moorish tower from the 13th century that now holds a maritime museum. You’ll also find the Teatro de la Maestranza, where you can enjoy international opera and classic dance. Further north, the Museo de Bellas Artes (The Museum of Fine Arts) hosts works from Zurbarán, Murillo and others; for many, the museum is reason enough to visit Seville.</p>
<h3>Barrio Santa Cruz</h3>
<p>With their whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs, the houses of the medieval Jewish quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz are among the most romantic images of Seville. The tiny squares and narrow alleyways are wonderful for strolling and catching a glimpse of beautiful patios. The compact structure of the buildings serves to keep out the intense summer sun, while ornate wrought-iron bars over windows help to keep intruders out—and hold innumerable potted plants as an attractive bonus. Admittedly, this district is one of the more touristy things to do in Seville, but it also holds hidden gems, including gorgeous patios and small, quiet squares. It’s the perfect place to get lost and breathe in the town’s life, especially around 7 p.m. when the whole town goes out on the traditional <em>paseo</em>, or stroll.</p>
<h3>Triana</h3>
<figure id="attachment_20220" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20220" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-20220 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Triana-320x204.jpg" alt="Things to do in Siena " width="320" height="204" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Triana-320x204.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Triana.jpg 625w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20220" class="wp-caption-text">The cobbled streets of Triana.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Strolling through the Triana neighbourhood, on  the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, is one of my favourite things to do in Seville. The birthplace of Andalusian pottery since Roman times, its name is derived from the Roman Emperor Trajan. Triana has always been a working-class neighbourhood, and is known for its cobbled, lively streets. In the north part of the neighbourhood, a Carthusan monastery was built in the 15th century, giving the area its name: Isla de la Cartuja. Christopher Columbus lived here, and this is where he planned his first trip that led to America. In 1992, on the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s exploration, the area hosted the Universal Expo, and many pavilions are still in use. Along the river on Calle Betis, you can enjoy magnificent views of Seville from any of the many bars and restaurants.</p>
<h3>Plaza de Espana</h3>
<p>Originally built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Expo, Plaza de Espana epitomizes the Renaissance Revival style of Spanish architecture. Designed by Aníbal González, the building (pictured in the banner at the top of the post) combines Art Deco with &#8216;mock Mudejar&#8217; and Neo-Mudéjar styles. Among the plazas highlights are the Alcoves of the Provinces, intricately designed sections that represent each province in Spain.</p>


<span>Insider's Guide:</span><br>Things to do in Seville

<p><strong>What&#8217;s the best trip you&#8217;ve ever taken?</strong><br />
Either a kayak trip in the Sea of Cortez or a Baja surf trip. Both featured days of being footloose and fancy-free. With the kids, it was no doubt our recent trip to Kenya! We walked the Laikipai Plateau with camels, camped in the bush, and then headed to the laid back town of Watamu for idyllic Indian Ocean blues and greens accented by the perfect white sand. Spoiled in a private home with views to die for and finger licking cuisine it was truly a magical, balanced trip.</p>
<p> <strong>What&#8217;s one destination you haven&#8217;t been to, but would love to visit?</strong><br />
Mongolia. No idea why, I just like saying it! Plus I love wide open spaces and sparsely populated places. I’ve been to Paris more than 10 times but I’ve never even come <em>close</em> to the Eiffel Tower.</p>
<p><strong>What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? (And where was it?)</strong><br />
I’ve had so many that it&#8217;s hard to recall, but it feels like the jar of peanut butter after weeks of being high in Andes with only rice and <em>quesillo</em> to eat.</p>
<p><strong>Favourite bottle of wine? </strong><br />
I don’t like wine&#8230; kidding! Probably what comes from our little vineyard here in Switzerland—home grown, nothing special but you know you cultivated it yourself, so it tastes divine.</p>
<p><strong>Favourite hotel in the world?</strong><br />
<a title="Faru Faru" href="http://singita.com/faru-faru-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singita Faru Faru Lodge</a>, in Tanzania or camping anywhere in the African bush.</p>
<p><strong>Favourite restaurant in the world?</strong><br />
Really? Any restaurant serving a good steak and salad. Oh and the fish taco vendor in Mulege, Baja Mexico&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?</strong><br />
The Peanut Barrel Bloomington, Indiana.</p>
<p><strong>What’s the best thing that ever happened to you while travelling? </strong><br />
Superficially, I have to mention that first-class upgrades on long-haul flights definitely make the journey easier! But in truth, it’s all the unique human encounters in far-off lands, which, wound up together, made for lots of small great moments. Some ten years ago while traveling in Guatemala I was relaxing on a park bench and an earring vendor sat down next to me and we started chatting, of course initially she wanted to sell her stock but once it became clear I was not in the buying mood our conversation drifted and danced around kids, work, family etc. When I made the move to continue my stroll she handed me a pair of lovely silver earrings. I still wear them to this day and they are a special treasure from that moment. The time a baby gorilla hugged my leg ranks high up as well.</p>


<span>Experts + Insiders:</span> <br>Christine Tucker 

The Wall Street Journal

Fall's Best New Bike Tours 

Asia-Pacific

New Zealand

<p><strong>Are there any destinations you haven&#8217;t been to, but want to visit?</strong><br />
South America somewhere – anywhere. I’ve heard such incredible things about everything there. I also want to take that completely unoriginal photo of the really small people in the palm of your hand on the salt flats. Really.</p>
<p><strong>What are your three most underrated destinations?</strong><br />
Australia, Bhutan and my favourite book shop, Unity.</p>
<p><strong>You guided for B&amp;R for yeas before becoming a Trip Designer. Can you pinpoint one moment that really leaps out at you?</strong><br />
There have been great moments, and there have been scary moments… I think one that stands out was being caught with my co-guide in the middle of Christhchurch, New Zealand when the huge earthquake hit in February 2011, levelling many parts of the city. The streets and buildings all around us crumbled, people were killed and luckily we were unscathed.</p>
<p>We were getting ready to pick up a biking trip and a few of our travellers had already arrived and went through the ordeal too, so dealing with the emotions of that, coupled with what the travellers were all expecting, was a tough situation. Loads of travellers were delayed and re-routed to other cities as you can imagine and there was talk of cancelling the trip, however we all assessed the situation and as guides, decided to carry on. We all had the most amazing trip – the small things were completely irrelevant and everyone just focused on the positives of being alive, in a stunning place, experiencing an amazing trip and loving it. That was pretty cool.</p>
<p><strong>Our co-founder George Butterfield tends to make a lasting impression on people. Do you have a favourite George moment?</strong><br />
Standing on the top of Chelela Pass in Bhutan at a height of 13,000 feet, having just wandered up the ridge line with our prayer flags in tow, on the second-to-last day of our Bhutanese adventure. It was a magnificent Himalayan moment to share with a very contented George and crew.</p>
<p><strong>What’s your most embarrassing travel story?</strong><br />
For some reason on one trip, I thought it would be a good idea to attempt to take my camelback bag off my back while riding along at speed. Needless to say, things didn’t go according to plan; my pack swung into my spokes and I proceeded to ‘self-quake’ off my road bike (it was the Christchurch earthquake trip – hence the name) to the amusement of my travelers (after they made sure nothing was broken, of course). What a clever guide, leading by example as always.</p>
<p><strong>What items are absolute musts on your packing list?</strong><br />
A fantastic book, my noise-cancelling headphones for the plane and an open mind (but that doesn’t take up any space which is a bonus).</p>
<p><strong>And finally, what&#8217;s your favourite trip you’ve ever taken? </strong><br />
A superb birthday trip for a fantastic group of Canadian ladies around Australia. But then there was the Bhutan trip with George and company. Oh, but then there was…</p>


<span>Experts + Insiders:</span> <br>Rob Grieve

Resto

Insider's Guide to Barcelona

<h1>Classic</h1>
<h3><a title="La Venta" href="http://restaurantelaventa.com/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>La Venta</strong></a></h3>
<p>A true classic for Barcelona locals, this relaxed spot offers a great view of the city from Tibidabo.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32206 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Barcelona-Restaurants-La-Venta.jpg" alt="barcelona-restaurants-la-venta" width="752" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Barcelona-Restaurants-La-Venta.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Barcelona-Restaurants-La-Venta-480x255.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" /></p>
<h3><a title="Ca'l Isidre" href="http://www.calisidre.com/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ca l&#8217;Isidre</strong></a></h3>
<p>Enjoy the best truffles in town at this true Barcelona classic.</p>
<hr />
<h1><strong>Japanese Fusion</strong></h1>
<h3><a href="http://en.pakta.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakta</strong></a><a href="http://en.pakta.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-32302 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Barcelona-Restaurants-Pakta.jpg" alt="barcelona-restaurants-pakta" width="400" height="222" /></a></h3>
<p>Pakta means &#8220;together&#8221; or &#8220;union&#8221; in Quechua, the language of native Peruvians, and this Nikkei restaurant blends together the best of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.</p>
<h3><strong><a href="http://www.dospalillos.com/home.php?rest=1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dos Palillos</a></strong></h3>
<p>Dos Palillos describes itself not as a Japanese restaurant, but as a fusion of flavours from the far east, including Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam. This is a great spot for families to enjoy a light and local atmosphere.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Just Outside of Town</h1>
<figure id="attachment_18764" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-18764" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-18764 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ruscalleda.jpg" alt="Barcelna restaurants" width="320" height="212" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-18764" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Carme Ruscalleda</em></figcaption></figure>
<h3><a title="Carme Ruscalleda " href="http://www.ruscalleda.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carme Ruscalleda</strong></a></h3>
<p>About a 40-minute drive north of the city in Sant Pau lies this three-Michelin starred gem that&#8217;s worth the trek.</p>
<h3><a title="El Cellar de Can Roca " href="http://www.cellercanroca.com/menu/menu_a.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>El Celler de Can Roca</strong></a></h3>
<p>Located in Girona, about an hour outside of Barcelona proper, and considered <a title="World's Best Restaurants" href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/el-celler-de-can-roca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the world&#8217;s best restaurants</a>, this one could easily be included in the &#8220;musts&#8221; list above. You&#8217;ll usually need reservations about a year in advance in most cases, but trust me—it&#8217;s worth it!</p>


<span>Insider's Guide:</span><br> Our Favourite Barcelona Restaurants

<p><strong>Favourite hotel in the world?</strong><br />
<a title="Six Sense Ninh Van Bay " href="http://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-van-bay/destination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Six Sense Ninh Van Bay</a> in Vietnam is a fun one. I love the isolation, using a bike to get around on the property, the personal pools for each bungalow, the personal butlers and the beautiful scenery.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-18692 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Christina_1.jpg" alt="Christina Cain" width="320" height="212" /></p>
<p><strong>Favourite restaurant in the world?</strong><br />
I’m a big fan of the simple, local food spots. One that comes to mind is in Nha Trang, Vietnam. They literally pull up plastic seats and a grill on the sidewalk and cook up the freshest catch right in front of you. It’s the simplest thing sitting on the sidewalk watching the world go by like the locals do, but it’s meals like this that stay in my memory.</p>
<p><strong>Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?</strong><br />
I love little old <em>enotecas</em> (wine bars). One of my favourites is in Le Marche and is run by the local Sommelier association. It’s like stepping into a library of wine from the region. I also love the small old-style ones you find in the south of Italy where you can sit outside on the piazza and enjoy a glass of wine and people-watch.</p>
<p><strong>Favourite bottle of wine?</strong><br />
Depends on the season. When it’s cold outside, I love a good <a title="Vines 101: Piemonte Wine " href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/03/25/vines-101-piemonte-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbaresco from Piemonte </a>. In the summer, I love a crisp white from the Südtirol and Alto Adige region in northern Italy, or a Rosato from the Salento in Puglia.</p>
<p><strong>Do you have a favourite travel quote, mantra or words to live by?</strong><br />
&#8220;Go with the flow&#8221; is the first. Be open, invite conversation, notice things.</p>
<p><strong>Someone has just landed in a country they’ve never been to, where they don’t speak the language. What’s your number one piece of advice for them?</strong><br />
Enjoy, turn off your cell phone, live in the moment.</p>
<p><strong>And finally, what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen or done while on a trip?</strong><br />
Ah man, you can’t ask that! You know the golden rule: what happens on a trip stays on trip. (<em>Ed. Note: <a title="Tom Abraham" href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/09/26/experts-insiders-tom-abraham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I get that a lot</a>, but I keep asking. Tough crowd, these guides turned Trip Designers.</em>)</p>


<span>Experts + Insiders:</span> <br>Christina Cain 

Explorer's Index

<span>Explorer's Index:</span> Four Ways to Meander in the Mediterranean 

Insider's Guide to Madrid

Madrid

<figure id="attachment_17429" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17429" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17429 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/OnlyYou_sized-320x218.jpg" alt="Madrid Hotels" width="320" height="218" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/OnlyYou_sized-320x218.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/OnlyYou_sized.jpg 620w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17429" class="wp-caption-text">Hotel Only You</figcaption></figure>
<h3><a title="Hotel Only You " href="http://www.onlyyouhotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hotel Only You</strong></a></h3>
<p>For those looking for something chic and hip, this great new hotel boasts 35 rooms in Madrid’s city centre, just steps from the Paseo de Recoletos.</p>
<h3><a title="Hotel Urban " href="http://www.hotelurban.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hotel Urban</strong></a></h3>
<p>This five-star deluxe hotel has a great, central location. It’s design is for the super-modern and unconventional at heart. B&amp;R guide and resident Madrilenian Oscar Biedma claims their bar makes a gin and tonic to die for.</p>
<h3><a title="Hotel Orfila" href="https://www.hotelorfila.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hotel Orfila</strong></a></h3>
<p>This hotel boasts all the magic and comfort you would expect from a Relais &amp; Châteaux property. This beautiful 19th c. house is in the best area of Madrid, and is decorated in period furniture. Insider&#8217;s Tip: the best rooms are in the attic.</p>


<span>Insider's Guide:</span><br> 6 Madrid Hotels As Eclectic <br>as the City Itself

Burgundy

<span>Experts + Insiders:</span><br> Geoff Sandquist 

<span>Experts + Insiders: </span><br/>Jérôme Boré

Guides

Snapshots

A Season to Celebrate: <br>The 2013 B&R Guide Gathering 

Wine Regions

Cuisine

Cuisine 101

Regional Delicacies

<h2>A Tradition of Tapas</h2>
<p>The skewer maybe a hallmark of pintxos, but the concept of lighter fare served casually certainly isn&#8217;t limited to Basque country. Across Spain, where dinner is generally served some time between 9 p.m. and midnight, tapas offers an opportunity for people to socialize after work and quiet rumbling stomachs, which will have to wait a few more hours before a larger meal is served.</p>
<p>Derived from the Spanish word <em>tapar</em>, meaning &#8220;to cover,&#8221; tapas originally did just that. The word referred to slices of meat, often ham or chorizo, which Spanish sherry drinkers used to cover their glasses between sips. (The salty meat dissuaded the fruit flies looking for a sip of the sweet sherry.) Noticing the trend, <em>posaderos</em> (bar or restaurant owners) began catering to the crowd, serving relatively small portions of bread and meat to accompany the sherry. A tradition was born.</p>


<span>Pintxos:</span><br> the Tapas of the Basque Country

Testimonials

Rave Reviews

<span>Rave Reviews:</span><br>Catalonia

History

<h5>Army of the Andes</h5>
<p>However, this did not mark the end of conflict with Spain, nor of San Martín’s military efforts on behalf of independence. He organized the <em>Ejército de los Andes</em> (“Army of the Andes”) in Mendoza. Through a clever strategy involving Mapuche natives, he confused the enemy and, in only 21 days, crossed the Andes mountain range with five columns of soldiers, who defeated the Spanish outside of today’s Santiago (1817-18). This operation is considered one of the master moves in the war of the Argentine independence.</p>
<h5>Protector of Peru</h5>
<p>Continuing with his liberating plan, San Martín and his army sailed north to Peru in 1821. The Spanish troops fled Lima without fighting and San Martín declared Peru’s independence on July 28. The following year, San Martín met Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, Ecuador, who had just freed Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. After this encounter, San Martín stopped fighting and two years later, frustrated with the civil conflicts that dominated the country,  later left for Europe, never to return. Though he died in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France in 1850, his remains were transferred to the Cathedral of Buenos Aires in Plaza de Mayo.</p>


José de San Martín, <br>Saint of the Sword

Ronda

<h5>The Roman Bridge</h5>
<p>Despite its name, this bridge actually only dates back to the period of Arab occupation, and its low elevation has made it the victim of several floods. The bridge is also known as the Tannery Bridge, probably because of its former proximity to the Arab tanneries that, naturally, would have been located outside the town.</p>
<h5>The Old Bridge</h5>
<p>This bridge also dates back to the time of the Arabs (some say it was built during the reign of Mohammed III of Granada). After the Christian reconquest, it had to be almost completely restored. In the beginning of the 17th century, the bridge was damaged once again (this time in a flood), but was restored by 1616.</p>
<figure id="attachment_12352" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12352" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/07/10/in-deep-ronda/ronda-puente_nuevo-20110912/" rel="attachment wp-att-12352"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-12352" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Ronda-Puente_Nuevo-20110912-320x320.jpg" alt="Puente Nuevo, also called Tajo de Ronda " width="320" height="320" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Ronda-Puente_Nuevo-20110912-320x320.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Ronda-Puente_Nuevo-20110912.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12352" class="wp-caption-text">El Tajo de Ronda</figcaption></figure>
<h5>El Tajo de Ronda</h5>
<p>El Tajo de Ronda is the name that the Rondeños give to the bridge, also called the New Bridge, which links the old town with the new high above the river Guadalevin. The first attempt at building the bridge in 1735 was a failure. While it took only eight months to complete the one-arch bridge, it collapsed just six years later, taking fifty people with it. In 1751, another attempt was made. This time the construction lasted 42 years. The river has carved a canyon over the centuries that is 100 metres deep, and half a kilometre long. More recently, the main part of the bridge served as a jail for the region’s most dangerous criminals. (No B&amp;R guide has spent a night here—yet.)</p>
<h5>The Arab Baths</h5>
<p>Built towards the end of the 13th century, these were the principal baths of the town during the Arab domination. The building consists of three main chambers of varying temperatures.</p>
<h5>Las Minas de la Casa del Rey Moro</h5>
<p>Also dating to the Arab occupation of the city, this was a secret mine whose security depended on how secure the town was. It has 365 steps down to a source of water, and, in the middle, many rooms for storing weapons, animals and tools to resist any Christian siege. Legend says that Christians arrested by the Moors ended up carrying water upstairs to the end of their days.</p>


spain

Blog posts for 'spain'