Hotels in Spain: curated selection

España stretches across the Iberian Peninsula like a tapestry of contrasting landscapes and cultures, each region fiercely protective of its distinct identity. From the Moorish palaces of Andalucía's Granada to the avant-garde architecture of Bilbao's Guggenheim, the country defies easy categorization. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter winds through medieval streets before opening onto Gaudí's whimsical Sagrada Família, while Madrid's golden triangle of museums houses world-class art collections that span centuries.

The Spanish approach to life reveals itself in the late dinners that stretch past midnight, the afternoon siesta that still governs many small towns, and the passionate debates that erupt in neighborhood tapas bars. Galicia's rugged coastline bears little resemblance to the sun-baked beaches of the Costa del Sol, just as the Basque Country's pintxos culture differs entirely from Andalucía's flamenco traditions. The Camino de Santiago draws pilgrims across northern Spain's ancient routes, while the Picos de Europa offer alpine hiking just hours from the Atlantic coast.