The Must See Spain Blog
 A Traveler's Guide
by Kristin Espinar

Walking into the lobby of a Parador in Spain is like walking into history that’s alive—an ancient castle, a quiet monastery, a fortress equipped for modern comfort without losing its bones. The stone walls know centuries; the corridors echo generations. Staying in a Parador feels less like lodging and more like lodging within a story.

If you already love Spain for its layered history, its combination of coast and hill, its slow light and late dinners—you’ll want a stay in a Parador somewhere along your journey. This post is your guide to what Paradores are, how to choose one, which standouts to aim for, and what being there feels like.

Almería basks in Mediterranean light that turns every stone wall and seaside cliff into a natural stage. Centuries of history—from Moorish rulers to spaghetti-western filmmakers—have left their mark, creating a city that is both dramatic and disarmingly relaxed. Whether you’re here for ancient fortresses or volcanic beaches, this guide gives you the savvy-friend insight you need.

ou’ve got seven days, a Spain-shaped itch, and maybe a sense that a well-timed glass of sherry could change your life. You’re not looking to “do Europe.” You’re here for something slower. Truer. Southern Spain has a way of folding you into its rhythm—if you let it. And this itinerary? It doesn’t rush.

This southern Spain itinerary for 7 days is built like a good playlist. Big hits, deep cuts, and plenty of space between tracks. You’ll cover Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga—each with its own vibe, tempo, and unexpected edge. No bus tours. No burnout. Just cities with soul, and a plan that makes sense on the ground.

Madrid doesn’t exactly have a reputation for slowing down. This is a city that hums with flamenco steps, late-night tapas, and a calendar that never seems to sleep. Yet tucked away among its lively boulevards, I recently discovered a quieter rhythm—one that involved a basin of smooth stones, a cloud of chosen scent, and a pair of remarkably skilled hands.

Yes, I’m talking about a head spa in Madrid—a concept born in Japan, brought gently westward, and perfectly suited to counterbalance Madrid’s relentless pace. What began as a simple curiosity turned into one of the most restorative treatments I’ve experienced in Spain. And here’s the thing: it wasn’t just about my scalp or hair. It was about touch, scent, silence, and time, woven into a ritual that felt far removed from the usual massage-meets-facial formula.

You land in Barcelona with a suitcase full of excitement and, well, an actual suitcase. But lugging it through the Gothic Quarter? Not exactly the dream. So, the big question: where to store luggage in Barcelona without breaking your stride?