Sights
Beaches
The beaches are sprawling and breathtaking: once you've seen the Costa's shores, you'll never want to leave. Their pristine soft sands combined with the numerous watersports available and the 'chiringuito' beach bars make it difficult to imagine a reason to leave. Whichever beach or cove you choose, you'll be greeted by gentle Mediterranean rollers perfect for paddling, swimming and exploring.

 

Shopping
Barcelona
There's only one place for fashionistas to head – Barcelona. This city's got its finger firmly on the pulse, and its streets bustle with the chic, elegant elite. Chanel, Prada and Gucci call the L'Eixample district home – especially the Avenida Diagonal. Stroll through the Rambla de Catalunya and the Passeig de Gracia for trendy boutiques.


Valencia
Valencia is the ultimate for leather goods, and food aficionados won't want to miss Mercado Central, Europe's largest indoor food market. The shops around Calle Colon are full of recognizable names, but for those looking for an all-inclusive shopping experience, both Alicante and Valencia are home to the notorious El Corte Ingles.


Bites
Tapas & Wine
For an authentic Spanish experience, sample the menu at the incredible tapas bars that freckle Barcelona's exquisite old town, or head to Alicante for their award-winning tapas district. Miles of column have been devoted to the wines of this region, so make sure to visit a few of the regiuon's sprawling vineyards. Try the dessert wine Fondillon, which comes from the Monovar region. It may take 20 years to mature but rest assured, it's worth the wait.


El Bulli
In Barcelona, you'll find one of the world's best restaurants, El Bulli. The mere mention of the name's enough to have Delia and Gordon hanging up their aprons and heading for the hills. Serving traditonal fare executed at the highest level, this is a gastronomic experience that will titillate and enthrall.


Paella
Tapas don’t carry the same culinary weight in Valencia as they do elsewhere in Spain, but this region is the home of a culinary gift infamous the world around. Paella was invented in Valencia, and it can be found on the menu of almost every restaurant in Spain, though the best is truly delectable and worth searching for.


Rabbit and snails are a mainstay of traditional Spanish cuisine, but freshly caught seafood often finds its way onto the menu as well. Other rice dishes and paella variants abound, including arroz negro (rice in squid ink) and fidéua (paella made with noodles). The drink of choice for this region is horchata, a sweet and creamy blended drink that is served extra-cold and is delicious.