He never gets tired of enjoying the local cuisine, admiring the beautiful views, and exploring the incredible architecture.
Chris D. Brown has managed to visit 140 countries around the world, and he has no intention of stopping his exploration of new cultures. In an article for Business Insider, he revealed that out of all the countries he has visited, there is one that he has been returning to at least once a year for the past 15 years, and he is still captivated by it. That country is Spain.
He also explained why this country has captured his heart and why he never gets tired of coming here.
The food quality is fantastic.
“From delicious street food to amazing restaurants, Spanish cuisine never disappoints,” says Chris.
Among the delicacies he loves are pinchos, small snacks traditional to the Basque Country in northern Spain, hildas, small skewers with green olives, anchovies and pickled guindilla peppers, and pimientos de padron (cooked padron peppers). His favorite beer, Alhambra 1925, is also Spanish.
Dive into history
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain is the Alhambra, a medieval palace and fortress in Granada, known for its intricate architecture and Islamic style. Chris is particularly fascinated by the “whispering gallery” in the Abencerrahs Hall, where the architecture allows for the sound of whispers to be heard from the other side of the hall.
Other places he recommends visiting are the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, which houses Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica,” and the Guernica Museum of Peace, which tells the story of the city’s bombing during the Spanish Civil War.
Local festivals are second to none
Almost every city, town, and village in Spain hosts an annual festival.
His favorite is La Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in Jerez de la Frontera, which is held every May at the González Ontoria Fairground and offers an abundance of food, drink, dancing, and a program of equestrian activities.
Another interesting festival is Las Fallas, which is held annually in March in Valencia. Hundreds of wooden and papier-mâché monuments, called fallas, are erected throughout the city, and then they are burned at the end of the festival.
Accessible public transport
In cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, public transportation covers a large area and has reasonable prices. Some one-way bus tickets cost as little as 1.50 euros.
“On my last visit to Valencia, I had no problem taking the metro and bus to the beach, and then taking the metro and bus again to the City of Arts and Sciences – a door-to-door trip without any problems,” he shares.
Favorite city in the world
In addition, Chris notes, his favorite city in Europe, and perhaps in the world, is Seville.
“From street art and flamenco in Plaza de España to the public gardens and unique architecture, Seville has a lot to offer. But what I love most about the city is its people. They are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. It only takes me half an hour to sit in a bar or restaurant, and I leave with new friends,” he shares.
