As travel specialists based in Spain, we receive lots of requests for Christmas packages. When responding, we always explain that the holiday season in Spain is a marathon-like event with no less than a whopping five days of full-on celebration over the two weeks of Christmas. The five key holiday dates are Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31, Jan 1 and Jan 6. Bars and restaurants are open on most of these days but shops, museums and other businesses and attractions could be shut on the afternoon of Dec 24, all day on Dec 25, the afternoon of Dec 31, all day Jan 1 and all day on Jan 6. If you are thinking about visiting Spain to see how the Spanish celebrate Christmas, here are some of the traditions we enjoy ourselves and think you should factor into your trip…
Category Archives: Festivals
The Vibrancy of Spain in September
September is a fantastic month to visit Spain. Not so hot, not so crowded and when much of the Northern hemisphere is switching on the heating and getting out the boots and sweaters, you are still able to enjoy a day out on the sea or a hike and picnic in the hills.
Amazing Theatre Festivals and Open Air Theatres in Spain
Inspired by the brand new open-air community theatre in Laroles (in the Alpujarras) developed by Anna Kemp and her team, we’ve decided to compile a list of Spain’s best open air theatres which, for obvious reasons, come into their own in the Summer months. Not only are they places for enjoying outdoor dramatics and music festivals, but many of these theatres are wonderful architectural spaces in their own right. Which one is your favourite?
La Rioja Winery Region: Award Winning Tips
Rather like its wine, the region of La Rioja in Northern Spain is an elegant and very traditional region – nothing too brash or overly showy here. It’s famous for its ruby red wine – it was the first region to achieve ‘Denominacion de Origin’ (DO) in Spain but it’s also well known here for its cuisine and charming countryside. At Totally Spain, we’ve been planning trips to La Rioja for over 16 years, and here’s our award-winning guide to the region!
A Trip to the Basque Country? Yes, please!
The Basque Country is a coastal region in Northern Spain made of up cities such as the triumphant Bilbao and elegant San Sebastian (plus dozens of small fishing villages) on the coast. Inland there are lots of treats also including the wonderfully un-touristy Vitoria – and the Rioja Alavesa wine region – which is an area that once visited, you’ll want to return to again and again.