Exploring Spain Beyond Barcelona: A Journey Into Its Diverse Culture and Landscapes
Spain is often associated with iconic destinations like Barcelona, La Rambla, and Madrid, but travel expert Miki Margalit emphasizes that these represent only about five percent of the country. In a new episode of the travel series "Around the World" by Walla Tourism and Pegasus, travel blogger Erez Dagan explores Spain with Margalit and fellow blogger Liran Magen to uncover the country's lesser-known natural beauty, villages, turquoise beaches, cuisine, music, and unique lifestyle.
Margalit, who has visited Spain dozens of times, describes the country as layered with history, architecture, and culinary delights beyond the typical tourist spots. He highlights the sensory experience of Spain, from the sounds of flamenco clapping and footwork to the tastes of tapas, olive oil, and the sweet horchata drink from Valencia. Magen recalls the warm bakery aromas she enjoyed during her two-month summer stay, underscoring the importance of slowing down and savoring the moment, a concept Margalit calls "downshifting" or "lowering the gear," reflecting Spain’s relaxed pace of life.
The series also reveals Spain’s diverse geography, including the green, cooler north with its European feel, and the sunnier, Mediterranean south known for whitewashed villages and flamenco culture. The Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains offer alpine landscapes that contrast sharply with the stereotypical image of Spain as just beaches and cities. Travel is facilitated by comfortable buses, walking, shuttles, and cable cars, allowing visitors to experience both nature and urban life.
Magen highlights the youthful, vibrant coastal areas like Costa Brava and Lloret de Mar, known for turquoise waters, nightlife, and a clean, smoke-free club scene. The program encourages combining city, beach, nature, shopping, and food to fully appreciate Spain’s richness. Margalit stresses that a week is insufficient to see both north and south due to their distinct climates, cultures, and languages.
The cultural practice of "sobremesa," lingering at the table after meals to enjoy conversation and drinks, exemplifies Spain’s emphasis on connection and relaxation. Must-see spots include Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and the Sagrada Familia, but Margalit values the journey and group experience as much as the destinations. He advises travelers to embrace tapas, flamenco, and the local wine, and to appreciate the social and sensory layers that make Spain more than just a checklist of sights.
