Mérida — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerSep 29, 2026

The 7 Wonders of Spain for Roman Theaters, Medieval Cathedrals, and Volcanic National Parks

The definitive places to add to your Spain bucket list this year

7 things in this story

Roman TheatreSight
Elsewhere
AlhambraSightGranada, SpainFortress of the Nasrid Sultans, more a small city than palace.
Ribeira SacraHotelGalicia, SpainDramatic scenery with rolling vineyards and walking trails.
Mezquita de CórdobaPlace of worshipCórdoba, SpainUnique monument, blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.
Teide National ParkSightTenerife, SpainVolcanic landscape with Spain's tallest peak, El Teide.
Bardenas RealesSightNavarra, SpainEurope's most spectacular desert landscapes, a nature reserve.
Cabo de GataSightAlmería, SpainSun-soaked coastline with beaches, caves, and volcanic rocks.

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Lonely PlanetSep 19

Spain's Classic One Dish Wonders

From ham, cheese and soup to tortilla, paella and fresh seafood, these classic Spanish flavors are unforgettable. Here are the best places to try them.

25 things in this story

La CarboneríaRestaurantSmart Mérida restaurant for local jamón ibérico.
Elsewhere
Galician-style octopusRestaurantGalicia, SpainServed on wooden plates as a tapa or ración.
Festa do Pulpo de O CarballiñoFestivalOurense, SpainHeld each August near Ourense, prepares 30,000kg of octopus.
O Gato NegroPubSantiago de Compostela, SpainCentury-old tavern serving Rías Baixas octopus.
Pulpeira de MelideRestaurantA Coruña, SpainTaberna en clave de siglo XXI en la que se combina la tradicional pulpeira familiar con una cocina gallega actualizada…
PercebesRestaurantCosta da Morte, SpainPrized crustaceans harvested by hand among cliffs.
Potato omeletRestaurantMadrid, SpainDeliciously gooey tortilla de patatas, often with onion.
Bodega de la ArdosaBarMadrid, SpainClassic 1892-opened Madrid tavern known for prize-winning tortilla.
Pez TortillaPubMadrid, SpainSeveral branches wow diners with traditional and creative tortilla.
Tortilla de BetanzosRestaurantBetanzos, SpainOnion-free variation known for being extra-runny.
Jamón ibéricoRestaurantExtremadura, SpainProduced from ibérico-breed pigs in the southwest.
AtrioHotelCáceres, SpainTriple-Michelin-star restaurant with ibérico-pork tasting menus.
Langostinos de SanlúcarRestaurantSanlúcar de Barrameda, SpainSpecialty of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, pairs with manzanilla sherry.
Gamba blanca de HuelvaRestaurantHuelva, SpainA favorite in Cádiz and neighboring Huelva.
Gambas rojas de la Costa BravaRestaurantCosta Brava, SpainPrized type from Palamós has its own certification label.
Gambas al ajilloRestaurantAndalucía, SpainTraditional dish of coastal Andalucía in sizzling olive oil.
Casa BigoteRestaurantSanlúcar de Barrameda, SpainRenowned for fresh langostinos and gambas blancas.
Bar MutRestaurantBarcelona, SpainBistro-vibe bar for gambas de Palamós.
Paella ValencianaFast foodValencia, SpainTraditional dish from Valencia, made in a large flat pan.
Bon AireRestaurantLa Albufera, SpainPrize-winning paella valenciana made with own-produced rice.
Casa CarmelaRestaurantValencia, SpainTop spot for paella valenciana near the beach.
Anchoas de SantoñaRestaurantSantoña, SpainSalt-cured delicacies from the Bay of Biscay.
Bodega del RiojanoRestaurantSantander, SpainServes anchoas de Santoña or matrimonio topped with peppers.
El PolloBarBarcelona, Spain
Mantequerias PirenaicasRestaurantBarcelona, Spain

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Lonely PlanetAug 25

13 of the Best Places in Europe to Escape the Crowds

Get away from the crowds in Europe at these wonderful escapes – recommended by our team of expert travel writers.

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ExtremaduraNeighborhoodregion with low population density and abundant wildlife
Parque Nacional MonfragüeSightbest place in Western Europe to observe raptors
Ruta de Carlos VTrailhiking and biking route tracing part of Holy Roman Emperor's journey
Monasterio de San Jerónimo de YusteSightmonastery where the king devoted his life to contemplation
Elsewhere
Praia da ArrifanaSightAljezur, Portugalappealing base on the coast for outdoor activities
Gran SassoSightL'Aquila, ItalyItaly’s second-highest mountain outside the Alps
Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga national parkSightL'Aquila, Italymountain park with beautiful stretches around Campo Imperatore
Campo ImperatoreSightL'Aquila, Italyhighlands above L'Aquila, accessible by train from Rome
Santo Stefano di SessanioNeighborhoodL'Aquila, Italyhistorical village of shepherds, now thriving
SextantioHotelL'Aquila, Italyan albergo diffuso and anthropological project
Rocca CalascioSightL'Aquila, Italyruined medieval castle on a high bluff
Costa dei TrabocchiSightRocca San Giovanni, Italy50km stretch of Adriatic coast with ancient fishing platforms
Sasso della CajanaRestaurantRocca San Giovanni, Italyrestaurant on the coast north of Rocca San Giovanni
RogilNeighborhoodAljezur, PortugalIt lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
OdeceixeNeighborhoodAljezur, PortugalThe village lies on the south bank of the Ribeira de Seixe, which here forms the border between the…
AgrafaNeighborhoodKarytsa, Greecerugged, out-of-the-way region with unreliable internet
MontanemaHotelKarytsa, Greeceself-sustaining retreat of stone-built lodgings
Anthohori waterfallsSightKarytsa, Greecewaterfalls to hike to from Montanema
Lake PlastiraSightKarytsa, Greecelake where you can ride a waterbike or paddle a canoe
Panagia Pelekiti MonasterySightKarytsa, Greece16th-century monastery carved into a cliff
Lake Plastira ObservatorySightKarytsa, Greeceobservatory for sweeping lake views
CarrapateiraNeighborhoodAljezur, Portugal

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Atlas ObscuraJan 13

Puente Romano in Mérida, Spain

A bridge built across the Guadiana River by the Romans in the 1st Century AD now serves as a pedestrian connection across the river. It's seen everything from the Romans to the Visigoths to the Moors. Restoration work was done in the 7th century and the 17th century. These days it's a quiet, though over 700m long, connection between the Alcazaba and the far side of the river.

2 things in this story

Puente RomanoSightRoman bridge across the Guadiana River, built in 1st Century AD
AlcazabaRestaurant

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