Marvelous Madrid | Travel Research Online

• There is no need for the traveler to seek out the heart of Madrid, simply walking the streets will show that it wears its heart upon the sleeve. The Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid), once the site of a 9^th-century Muslim-era fortress, was finished in 1755. This grand estate features wide open plazas surrounded by facades of detailed stonework. The interior is one of classical decadence with statues, artful frescoes on the ceiling, and a magnificent throne room full of imagery to reinforce the importance of the dual throne. For the art lover, the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado) is thought to have one of the finest collections of European art in the world. These date from the 12^th-century to the 20^th-century and include such famous works as Las Mininas by Diego Velaquez, along with the darker stylings of Francisco Goya. Its central location in Madrid make the museum quite easy to find. For more art, the Museo Reina Sofia showcases Picasso’s Guernica.

• When it comes to truly living in the moment, Madrid’s heartbeat knows best. For foodies, the culinary scene is a top-notch experience. Authentic Iberian ham, with its nutty aftertaste, is a delight to the senses and goes with most wines. Another must-eat is chorizo, a sausage-like meat made of pork with smoked paprika, garlic, and pimentón. This amazing dish is usually served one of two ways, picante (spicy) or dulce (sweet). These delicacies are often served as tapas, small dishes that can be eaten alone – but are often shared in an exciting social environment where the good times roll on. Add in some fantastic local wines to match the Spanish flavors, and the traveler is ready to revel well into the night. Then, full of fantastic foods, the traveler can hit up the nightlife. Clubs featuring dance music and even flamenco concerts will leave a lasting impression.

• Daytrips outside of Madrid can take the traveler to see a bit more variety when it comes to Spain. Andalusia, an autonomous region in southern Spain, features such cities as Seville. Seville’s sites include the Alcázar palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made of multiple sites, is notable for its castle walls and intricate plasterwork. Across the street is also the Seville cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See), one of the largest cathedrals in the world. For a completely different view of Spain, the Canary Islands to the southwest are the way to go. These islands, just off the coast of Africa, are home to volcanic black-sand beaches with water warm enough to take a dip all year long. Here, the sunny days never seem to end. Spas and food flesh out the relaxation opportunities on the Canary Islands.

Madrid is a traveler’s playground. A place to taste the unique flavors of Spanish life. A time that will not soon be forgotten in the mind of the traveler. Goway Travel knows the land well, which is why they’re offering up tours and travel to the sites mentioned in this article – and much more. From lively Madrid, to romantic Andalusia, to an island vacation on the Canary Islands – Spain is a bucket list destination that will be a pleasure to check off.

Specials with Goway