Altea is the kind of Costa Blanca destination that deserves more than a quick day trip. Spend time wandering its whitewashed old town, enjoying Mediterranean views, discovering local food and slowing down by the sea. With six nights split between two very different hotels, I discovered a more relaxed and authentic side of Altea.

Tarragona brings together some of Catalonia’s best travel experiences in one compact destination. Explore remarkable Roman ruins, wander through the historic old town, enjoy Mediterranean views and discover excellent local food. Add a relaxing stay beside the beach at Estival Park, and you have the perfect mix of history, culture and coastal escape.

Lloret de Mar has a reputation for nightlife, but there is much more to discover beyond the busy streets. From a peaceful boutique hotel and Mediterranean coastal paths to historic landmarks, hidden coves and authentic Catalan food, three days gave me a chance to experience a quieter and more interesting side of Lloret.

Calella was the coastal change of pace I needed after travelling through the Pyrenees. From staying at the stylish Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel to walking the Mediterranean coastline, exploring the historic centre and enjoying dinner at Restaurante El Drac, this relaxed Catalan seaside town proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable stop.

València d’Àneu may be small, but this Catalan Pyrenean village offers plenty of reasons to slow down. From staying in a traditional mountain hotel and enjoying authentic Pallars cuisine to exploring a medieval castle and the beautiful Àneu Valley, this was a short stop that gave me a memorable taste of mountain Catalonia.

Loudenvielle may be small, but its spectacular mountain setting makes it hard to forget. From the peaceful shores of Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle to traditional village streets, mountain activities and local food, this quiet corner of the French Pyrenees offers plenty to discover. Here’s why I’d happily return with more time.

Lourdes is famous for its Sanctuary, but there's much more to discover beyond the pilgrimage streets. During my one-night stay at Hôtel Le Rive Droite & Spa, I explored a medieval castle, followed the story of Bernadette, wandered beside the Gave de Pau and discovered a fascinating side of this Pyrenean town.

Argelès-Gazost may be small, but this Pyrenean spa town has plenty to offer. From its thermal baths and mountain scenery to the historic Le Miramont and a memorable dinner featuring local ingredients, discover how one night in this charming French town gave me a taste of the slower side of the Pyrenees.

Not every unforgettable hotel needs five stars. During my journey through San Sebastián, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, I discovered three hotels that perfectly matched their destinations. From boutique charm to coastal relaxation, these stays proved that comfort, location, and genuine hospitality often matter far more than luxury when you're travelling.

Biarritz completely won me over with its elegant coastline, vibrant food scene, charming markets, and laid-back surf culture. From spectacular Atlantic views to unforgettable seafood and Michelin-starred dining, this French Basque gem became one of the highlights of my road trip. Here's why it's well worth visiting.

San Sebastián exceeded every expectation. From the stunning curve of La Concha Beach to unforgettable Basque cuisine and the lively streets of Parte Vieja, this elegant coastal city quickly became a highlight of my northern Spain road trip. Here's why I think everyone should experience Donostia at least once.

Santander exceeded every expectation. With grand waterfront promenades, royal history, beautiful beaches, and some of the best seafood I enjoyed in northern Spain, this elegant coastal city quickly became a highlight of my road trip. Here's why Santander deserves more than just a quick stop on your itinerary.

From a peaceful countryside estate in Asturias to a boutique coastal retreat in Cantabria and a grand historic hotel overlooking Santander Bay, these three luxury stays each offered something completely different. If you're planning a road trip through northern Spain, these are the hotels I'd happily recommend and book again.

Think Galicia is only about tapas and seafood? A Coruña surprised me with three unforgettable fine dining experiences that rival some of Spain's best restaurants. From a Michelin-starred tasting menu overlooking the Atlantic to exceptional Galician beef and impeccably fresh seafood, these are the meals I'd happily book again.

Working remotely while travelling isn't always easy, but A Coruña made it surprisingly simple. After six days in the city, I found three cafés with reliable Wi-Fi, excellent coffee, great food and the kind of atmosphere that made me want to stay for hours. Here are the ones I'd happily return to.

Suances may not be as famous as Santander, but this charming seaside town quickly became one of my favourite stops in Cantabria. From stunning coastal viewpoints and golden beaches to fresh seafood and local cafés, here's how I spent three relaxing days discovering one of northern Spain's most underrated destinations.

Lugo was meant to be nothing more than a one-night stop on my Galicia road trip, but it quickly became one of the biggest surprises of the journey. Discover why staying at Mercure Lugo Centro made exploring this UNESCO-listed Roman city effortless, from ancient walls to outstanding local food and speciality coffee.

Six days in A Coruña completely changed my expectations of Galicia's coastal cities. From Roman history and Atlantic sunsets to exceptional cafés, unforgettable seafood and one of Spain's best waterfronts, here's exactly where I ate, explored and relaxed, plus the places I'd recommend to anyone planning their first visit to A Coruña.