When someone asked me, how’s Spain? It can’t be a short answer. I have been exploring some areas of Spain, and every place has a different story and vibe. I guess that’s what makes Spain special. Always offer something new on every trip without leaving the country. So in this very special article, I will tell you how I feel about every place I have visited in Spain.

Madrid

Madrid is never-ending, and it is always beautiful. I found that every building is really fascinating to see. And just like any other city, it’s a really welcoming place for anyone, especially those who have just moved in. Madrid always has something to do, and you can meet everyone from all over the world here. There are many communities for making new friends and doing your hobbies. And don’t let me start with the foodies’ activities. In Madrid, you will find all different restaurants from all over the world. So, exploring Madrid is never enough.

Alcalá de Henares

Then there’s Alcalá. My place. My home. It’s just a quick train ride from Madrid’s beautiful chaos, but it feels like a different universe. The pace slows. People stroll. I love walking down the Calle Mayor, feeling like I’m in a place that has seen centuries of this same simple, beautiful life. It’s a university town, and you can feel that smart, quiet energy everywhere. Sometimes, I just go to the university library to study or work. It’s not a sleepy village, and it’s not a metropolis. It’s just… right.

Toledo

Toledo is a city that demands you pay attention. It sits on its hill like a crown. I like getting lost in its streets around the old town. One minute you’re in front of a soaring cathedral, the next a tiny, hidden synagogue, then a mosque. You can feel the ghosts of the three cultures that lived here, their stories layered on top of each other. I once just stood at the Mirador del Valle for an hour, watching the sun set, and it felt like I was watching the city float outside of time.

Ávila

I know that in Spain, many villages or old towns are located inside a wall. But Avila was the first one that I visited. My feeling with Avila is not only for their old town. It’s where the Sierra de Gredos sit. The mountains are all granite and green, and hiking there feels like a kind of meditation. A perfect day is to hike and then come back tired and happy. Later on, finishing the day by eating a chuletón that tastes of the land itself.

Guadalajara & Atienza

I haven’t spent much time in Guadalajara city, but the countryside is a good place to seek a relaxing day in nature. I remember a summer day, hiking for hours, and then finding this natural pool in a river. The water was so cold it was a shock, but that was exactly what everyone was looking for in a hot summer. I feel a pure, untamed nature there. There are many beautiful villages in Guadalajara, but the one that gives me memories is Atienza. It’s a tiny village with a huge history. It has a beautiful castle, and you can just feel the medieval past there. But Alie, if it’s just a medieval vibe, doesn’t Spain have a lot of that? My personal story with Atienza is actually their chorizo and other animal products. Every time I go around the area, I always make sure that I will grab at least a chorizo back home.

The Green North

Going north is like stepping into another country. Everything turns green and tied to the Atlantic.

Pontevedra

Pontevedra is my husband’s home, the place where I spend my summers. The feeling here is just… happy. It’s the green of Galicia, the soft rain, the stone buildings. The old town is my favorite place on earth to just wander, because there are no cars. It’s a maze of beautiful old squares filled with people talking, laughing, and drinking Albariño. Every summer, we go, and I eat my weight in octopus and clams. It’s the taste of summer, the taste of family, the taste of being perfectly, blissfully happy.

Burgos

When I think of Burgos, I think of villages, hikes, and morcilla. I know the city is famous, but for me, the real Burgos is in the countryside and its food. I’m talking about morcilla. That blood sausage. It’s so rich and flavorful. And that taste is the perfect thing after a long hike in the mountains nearby. Just sharing a little bit of foodie knowledge about morcilla, apparently, there are 2 kinds of morcilla. Plain or with rice. I am a big fan of morcilla filled with rice. Once you are in Burgos, you can’t miss it.

The Mediterranean Sun

Now get ready for the Mediterranean coast. It’s always brighter, warmer

Valencia

Valencia always feels so optimistic and bright. It’s got this perfect mix of city energy and beach calm. I also feel that they have beautiful green parks. Of course, we can start at Turia Park. Just worth the walk there. Another beautiful garden in Valencia where I like to be for a climate refugee is Jardins de Monforte. They are all free, but if you want, I think it’s also worth paying an entrance fee for the Botanical Garden. Talking about Valencia, of course, I can’t miss horchata and their rice. You can always find horchata in Valencia. It’s a type of drink that is really common to drink there, especially during hot weather. It’s like fresh vegan milk. They usually sell it together with ice cream or gelato. Then, don’t forget about Valencian rice. Sharing a huge pan of it with friends on a Sunday is the most Valencian thing you can do. In this section, I think I am going to share a hidden gem of arroceria (read: rice restaurant) where I always visit every time I am in Valencia. It’s traditional Valencian rice that has a lot of awards, but surprisingly, the owner is Chinese! It’s BinHui Arroceria, you should visit them when you are in Valencia.

Alcossebre

If Valencia is a party, Alcossebre is the quiet, happy gathering afterward. It’s my little secret on the coast. It has that same beautiful Valencian light and sea, but so much quieter. It’s calm. You can spend the morning on a little hidden beach and the afternoon hiking in the hills of the Sierra de Irta right behind the town, where you can catch a sunset on the top of the hill.

Barcelona

I think of Barcelona as a place where cool people are. You’ve got these ancient Gothic streets right next to Gaudí’s wild, surreal buildings. You can be a history buff in the morning, an art critic in the afternoon, and a beach bum by evening. The city is also so artsy. It’s a mix of everything. You will always find anything in Barcelona.

The Deep South

Sevilla

Sevilla feels unreal to me. It’s one of those cities where beauty is everywhere, all the time. Every tiny street, every balcony with flowers, every orange tree, every hidden courtyard. I swear you can just randomly stop, take out your camera, and the picture will always turn out beautiful.

And then there’s the feeling of life in the streets. People talking loudly at night, tapas bars full of energy, music suddenly appearing from somewhere. Sevilla doesn’t feel rushed. It feels alive in a very confident way, like it already knows how beautiful it is.

I still have homework with Sevilla, though. I know that it has some famous cultural events like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. But I have never been to those events. It’s gonna be my next goal, and I promise I will share it here once I’m there.

Cádiz

I have just been once to Cadiz, and it was a short visit, but I still remember all the beauty of the city. The city is almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic, and the sea is the main character here. It was not a swimming time when I visited Cadiz, so I use the time wholly for food. For me, Cádiz is the taste of tortillitas de camarones. I could eat them forever.

All These Spains

So that’s it. My Spain. A collection of feelings, tastes, and moments. From the quiet stones of Ávila to the non-stop party of Madrid, from the green hills of Galicia to the sun-drenched beaches of Valencia. Talking about Spain means telling thousands of stories. And I think that’s why I love it so much.