The rain falls mainly on the plain in Spain..

When I was a kid, I used to sing ‘the rain falls mainly on the plain in Spain’. It does rain, yet surprisingly parts of Spain are very typically Mediterranean in terms of climatic condition. This makes Spain a thumbs-up for even an out of season visit when the rest of Europe is experiencing frigidity. At all times of the year, Spain is glorious, but it’s summer when it’s liveliest.

Stretching sun-drenched and untamed to the south of the wild and majestic Pyrenees that act as sort of a border between Spain and France with Andorra dotted in the midst, this passionate nation works a mysterious magic on the visitor. Spain is littered with dozens of towns and hundreds of glittering beaches, just ripe for exploration and relaxation. The country is a treasure chest of daring artistic and architectural marvels. Roman relics and Muslim palaces beckon, whilst stoic solitary castles and medieval towns are strewn across the Iberian interior that is itself dotted with mountain ranges.

Spain’s cities bubble with effervescence and a hedonistic vibe.

Madrid’s calling card screams ‘the good life’. Madrilenos have mastered the art. Visit amazing art galleries such as Museo Del Prado and Reina Sofia and parks, dine fine restaurants and tapas bars and shop for fine clobber in elegant shops and boutiques.

Due east of here is Barcelona, a zany city stuffed to the gunnels with Gothic architecture and bizarre buildings, the surrealistically spectacular Sagrada Familia being a case in point. From Picasso, to Miro and Dali, the city has an on-fire arts-scene, fabulous restaurants dishing up Catalan cuisine (try Catalan custard – bodacious stuff) and the famous Ramblas.  Just a heartbeat away is the coast and mountains. Laze away in Sitges or head north to Montserrat. Don’t leave the north without visiting Figueras. Here’s lovers of Surrealism will discover the splendiferous Dali Theatre-Museum. Words can’t actively describe what you’ll witness here. Just go.

Seville is probably the most popular city in Andalusia. Noted for its oranges, splendid architecture and famous festivities (especially the Eastern parades and April fair) attract many tourists. Visit the beautiful Cathedral, with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda tower. Across the cathedral square, you’ll find the Alcazar, an awesome medieval Islamic palace. Last but not least, take a look at the astonishing Plaza de España where all the provinces of Spain are represented.

Also in Andalucia is Granada. Here, you can’t miss a visit to the Alhambra Palace set at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

And in Cordoba, the city’s famous Mezquita (mosque) is considered one of the greatest treasures of Moorish-Andalucian art with spectacular red and white arches. Some football aficionados confuse this Liverpool Football Club Headquarters, natch. It’s not.