The art-filled museums, Renaissance cathedrals, lush rolling hills and pristine beaches (with sand in colors from white to gold to black), prove that Spain is much more than running with the bulls and tomato fights. Meals are big here and a time to socialize, drink and dance. They usually start after 9 p.m. and carry on well into the night filled with countless plates of tapas, steaming pans of paella and pitchers of sangria. But don't worry, the siestas ensure you get your rest.
Wedding Requirements From private country estates to palaces, fortresses, gardens and chapels, Spain is not lacking on romantic places to wed. During the ceremony, exchange a pouch holding 13 coins -- a traditional Spanish symbol for sharing. As for the celebration afterwards, receptions here are much like the meals, filled with multiple courses that last well into the night. Because wedding requirements are different based on what region you decide to wed, expect the Spanish authorities to take up to 45 days to approve your marriage application. The U.S. Embassy suggests having an American consult work with your particular region prior to travel. For more info, visit travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_763.html.
What to Do
Ibiza Known as the party mecca of the world, Ibiza guarantees whatever nightlife you're in the mood for, with everything from club and house music to underground trance and live jazz. For a romantic dinner, La Paloma located in San Lorenzo, is a favorite for its candlelit ambience and fresh cuisine. But even if you're not night owls, the pristine beaches and coves are reason enough to visit. For an added perk, keep your eyes open for the likes of Princes Harry and William ... this is a haven for the rich and famous, royalty included.
Madrid A visit to this cosmopolitan capital of Spain isn't complete without perusing the museums along Madrid's Avenue of Art. Purchase a multiple voucher so you can tour all three museums -- the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen -- for glimpses of works by famous artists like Velazquez and Goya. In Puerta del Sol, stop by La Mallorquina pastry shop for the palmera de chocolate (a heart-shaped flat pastry covered in chocolate). Or, pick a spot at the Plaza de Oriente where you can sit and enjoy the views of the Royal Palace (a public monument) and the Alumdena Cathedral. Save some energy for nightlife: Madrid's music scene is one of the best in Europe, from garage rock to classic flamenco.
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and Spanish Culture Madrid's Museo del Prado has one of the world's best collections of European art, and showcases many native masters like El Greco, Diego Velasquez and Francisco Goya. Barcelona is a must for the incredible modernist architecture of Antonin Gaudi and the Museu Picasso then take the train to neighboring Bilbao, where Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao is as much a visual spectacle on the outside as it is inside, showcasing works from twentieth-century masters including Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg and Jeff Koons.
Off the Beaten Path
Costa del Sol The Costa del Sol region, just east of Gibraltar, is a favorite sunning spot for Europeans, with good reason: white sand beaches and balmy, calm Mediterranean waters. Unfortunately, that means you won't have it to yourself, as this stretch has the highest concentration of beach resorts in the country. If its quiet you seek, consider the less-traveled Atlantic region, where the tree-covered Costa Verde recalls northern California or western Ireland, with options for hiking, biking along with sunbathing and swimming in warmer months. — Tara Bradley
