If you follow my blog you’ll already know that I really love Spain, I’ve visited various different regions and cities over the last couple of years and also have it high up on my list as a country to potentially live.
Spain has so much to offer a visitor that it’s impossible to cover the full diversity of the place in just my set of photos but I like to think I’ve covered a range of scenes including rugged windswept coastlines, bustling cities, pristine beaches and blue seas and a little bit of adventure.
Spanish Tourism tasked me with finding and sharing my favourite photos of Spain as part of the their #SpaininMYheart campaign, if you were expecting a similar looking bunch of photos you’d be well wide of the mark. Spain offers so much more than most people expect.
Spanish Tourism is looking for you to show of your favourite parts of the country with it’s #SpaininMYheart campaign and you could have the chance of winning the excellent new Canon G7 X digital camera. Details of the competition are below, but firstly let me give you some inspiration with my favourite Spain photos and experiences!
Road tripping the Galicia coastline
When most tourist think of Spain they don’t tend to have the image of the rugged cliffs, dramatic coastal views, unspoilt beaches and shoreline lighthouses that are scattered across the northern coastline of Galicia. This region has so much to explore, with landscapes carved out of the sea and itsdelicious fresh seafood cuisine with plenty of barnacles, clams and Polbo á feira (octopus) to devour. Not to mention my favourite green peppers (pimientos de Padrón), churros (of course!) and the brown, heavy, crusty brown from the region.
Carving up the snow in Catalonia?
When most people think of Spain they don’t think of snow and mountains, but the Catalonian Pyrenees offers both in abundance. It’s a great alternative place to ski with many family orientated resorts such as Port Ainé Ski Resort and quiet resorts like Boí Taüll Ski with some great red runs both. Both ski resorts are around one and half hour drive from Toulouse or Pau airports or three hours from Barcelona.
Seeking Adventure in Sleepy Menorca
I spent a lot of time in Menorca last year, the low season on this Balearic island is the perfect time to relax on one of many peaceful beaches or wander the cobbles of the colourful town of Ciutadella to the west of the island. The capital of the island, Mahon is a historic port with some delightful old buildings overlooking the water. It’s a great place for a spot of fresh seafood and a lazy afternoon exploring the Mercat des Peix – Fish Market.
It’s not all about taking it easy though, the Cami de Cavalls is a historic coastal path stretching 186km long around the island that offers great opportunities for hiking, walking, horse riding and generally exploring. One of the best ways to reach many of Menorca’s stunning beach coves is also by kayak.
Markets and Museums in Madrid & Barcelona
Madrid is the kind of city that you only really have to scratch just beneath the surface to find the amazing array of characterful neighbourhoods, buzzing nightlife, tapas and tavernas and that Spanish culture that never seems to sleep. From modern night markets like San Ildefonso to Platea and a cinema that’s now been converted into a food market complete with some swinging jazz, Madrid has plenty to keep you occupied. For an intriguing look into great architecture and engineering, take a tour of Madrid’s Teatro Real.
The capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is known for it’s architecture, Gothic quarter and its arty vibe. The city is blessed with a multitude of markets from fascinating flea and art markets to food markets, there’s no shortage of options. Its Cava bars (Can Paixano is worth a visit) are a great place to experience a traditional tapas bar whilst whiling away a few hours drinking Cava and sampling some local dishes. Do note that they’re usually packed out at peak hours and may find yourself surprised to find it’s still light outside when you stumble out onto the cobbled streets hours later.
So there you have it, my favourite photos and experiences in Spain. Now, we want to know your favourite areas in Spain? Here’s your chance to show the off!
You can submit your images via the competition below and also during our Twitter chat on Thursday 6th April at 3:30pm (UK). So join in, show off your Spanish travels and ask any questions you have about the country!
#SpaininMYheart competition
You could have the chance to win a amazing compact Canon G7 X digital camera that’s worth around £500 by sharing your favourite photos of Spain before April 30th 2017 on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #SpaininMYheart hashtag.
Each unique photo you share counts as an entry into the competition, so the more you share of your Spain experience the better your chance of winning is!
So get sharing!
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera: Terms & Conditions
The promoter of this competition is the Spanish Tourist Office whose registered office is at 64 North Row – 6th Floor London, W1K 7DE. Users will need to post their images of Spain and use the hashtag #SpaininMYheart to enter the competition. Entrants must be 18 or over and be based in the UK to be eligible to win. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. Closing date for entry is 23:59, 30 April 2017. After this date no further entries to the competition will be permitted. The winner will be chosen by a panel appointed by the Spanish Tourist Office. The winner will be informed via DM on Social Media by the Spanish Tourist Office by Friday 19th May 2017. If a winner does not accept the prize within 14 days of being notified of winning, then the winner’s prize will be forfeited and Spanish Tourist Office shall be entitled to select another winner. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent . No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
