Destination
Spain
We've shared 7 stories from Spain, exploring Zorita del Canes, Madrid, Avila, and Segovia.
Zorita de los Canes: Where History Tastes Like Honey
Imagine this: You’re fifty minutes east of Madrid, the kind of distance that feels like a world away, and suddenly, you’re in Zorita de los Canes. Population: 68. And a castle. This isn't your average 'escape the city' jaunt. This is a deep dive into what happens when history, local ingredients, and two passionate guides (one a Manchester transplant) share their passion for Spain. We went looking for a quiet Spanish village; we found a full-blown culinary and historical expedition. Paul and Juan, our intrepid hosts, promised a journey, not just a meal. They delivered. We walked the very path where stones for that ancient castle were hauled, feeling the weight of centuries underfoot. We picked up wine from a producer who clearly understood the assignment. And then, the vermouth. Yes, I said it. Vermouth. The drink that has historically made me question all my life choices. This, however, was different. This was Vermouth that turns you into someone who says, "I get it now."
Madrid: Lesser Known Below the Surface Tour
Madrid hits different. It’s not just the late-night dinners or the sun that feels like a warm embrace even in December. It’s the way the city hums, a low thrum of ancient history and relentless modernity. You walk these streets, and every turn offers a new flavor, a new sound, a new reason to question everything you thought you knew about a capital city. We’d hit the usual destinations; Bar La Campana, Museum Sophia, and The Palacio. Now it was time to look for lesser known gems. This trip was about digging deeper, literally. About finding the Madrid that doesn’t always make it onto the glossy postcards. Because sometimes, the real magic happens when you step off the well-trodden path and let curiosity be your guide. And sometimes, that guide leads you straight into the belly of the city, a place where time stands still and stories echo in the quiet. We luckily found something special, a history lesson and an answer to why moving people in Madrid from one place to another is easier than most big cities.
Avila - The Walled City
The 2000 year old walled-city of Ávila was great to see. We had a good lunch in the little town. Clearly being there in December was off season. For us that meant less crowded, some closed shops, and the more pleasing cool weather that we enjoy. We found the Cathedral here to be more beautiful but smaller than in Segovia’s Cathedral.
Segovia - A Castle, Cathedral and Aqueduct
The end of our day in the Avila and Segovia which is North of Madrid in Spain provided a great view of the remnants of a Roman Aqueduct . In Segovia, we kept saying. We could stay here for a couple of days. The Castle was amazing and the Cathedral was beautiful as well. This little community had a nice ambience with shops restaurants and cobbled streets we very walkable.
Madrid: A 10 day Whirlwind of Castles, Churros, and Caverns
The smell hit first. Not the expected exhaust fumes of a major city, but something deeper, richer. A warm, yeasty scent mingling with roasted spices, a hint of something sweet, deeply fried. Madrid doesn’t just greet you; it embraces you with its aroma, then shoves a plate of churros and chocolate into your hands. This wasn't just a trip; it was a ten-day dive into the heart of Spain, a family Christmas spent not just unwrapping presents, but unwrapping layers of history, flavor, and unexpected friendships. We came for the classics, sure. The Royal Palace of Madrid, the art that demands quiet contemplation. But we stayed for the surprises. The underground metro stations turned museums, the secret tunnels whispered with tales of escape, and the sheer joy of sharing a plate of patatas bravas with new friends from across the globe. It was fast, it was furious, and occasionally fueled by questionable amounts of espresso. A masterclass in maximizing every moment, even if it meant a slight re-evaluation of personal sleep requirements.
Madrid XMAS 2025 Real Madrid v Seville
Goooooooaaaaaaaalllll!!!!!!! - Real Madrid won 2-0. If you are in Madrid, then you have to support the Real Madrid Futbol Team. The family treated me to an early Xmas gift to head to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Magnificent Madrid
We chose a December visit to escape the city's unbearable heat, a strategy we happily share with the locals. It's a perfect big-city destination, boasting everything we love: inspiring museums, incredible food, walkable streets, convenient public transit, and a culture that's both fast-paced and fun.