Spagna Smart Going

About the destination: Barcelona is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It's the capital and biggest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona and is home to around 4.8 million people, making it the fifth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid, and Milan. It's one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the tallest peak of which is 512 metres (1,680 feet) high.

About the destination: The province of Madrid is a historical provincial division of Spain, which currently corresponds to the uniprovincial autonomous community of Madrid. Essentially, its boundaries were established with the territorial reorganisation of 1833 by Javier de Burgos, and it also incorporated the municipality of Valdeavero, of 19 km², which was previously part of the province of Guadalajara, in 1850. Its governing institution, the Provincial Deputation of Madrid, was, along with COPLACO (Planning and Coordination Commission), one of the two entities upon which the regional self-government institutions of the Community of Madrid were built, disappearing after the formation of the autonomous community in 1983. The province of Madrid was one of the five included in the now-defunct region of Castilla la Nueva.

About the destination: Seville has a unique hue, this vibrant city is brimming with enchanting traditional architecture in shades of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir flows roughly north-south through Seville. The majority of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana is on the west bank. At midnight, spontaneous singing, clapping and guitar playing fill pubs and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes evident. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, throngs of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to ignite the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unremarkable; you must go inside to grasp its scale. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the spiked spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air capable of hypnotising and if you know how to experience it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, radiates art from every brick. Considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe, this cosmopolitan port is vibrantly modern yet it clings to its vast historic past. The palm-lined Paseo el Parque will lead you beneath Alcazaba, a Moorish palace whose fortified walls enclose fragrant gardens and an archaeological museum. The towering Gibralfaro Castle crowns a nearby hill, with outstanding views of the sprawling city below. Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum that, aside from an impressive artistic heritage, offers educational activities and cultural events. Málaga deserves a good night visit: don't miss a good stroll along the harbour where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars) and enjoy the illuminated Alcazaba, which watches over the city from Mount Gibralfaro.

About the destination: The Muslim rulers of Granada adored and adorned this provincial capital. Ignore the low apartments of Granada and look up: the majestic clay-red Alhambra palace looms against the Sierra Nevada, Europe’s sunniest ski slopes. And the refreshing coastline is also nearby. The Alhambra, the red one in Arabic, is an Islamic monument of universal fame and unfaded grandeur, built on a hill covered with splendid woods and gardens. The numerous courtyards and rooms inside the palaces of the Casa Real are among the finest examples of Mudejar art and architecture. Constructed after the Reconquista of Granada to replace the mosque on the site, the Cathedral of Granada is the first purely Renaissance cathedral in Spain. The Royal Chapel, reached by a separate entrance, contains the elaborate tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella, along with Isabella’s splendid private art collection. South of the Cathedral is the Albayzin, the old Arab quarter, a set of winding alleyways with Moorish-style archways decorating the walls. Granada is famous for its holy week celebrations, which include festivities and processions. For less cultural diversion, stick to the student pubs around the university.

About the destination: With an almost Northern European feel, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. The capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - influential in industries from finance to fashion and, of course, football. But what gives Milan its unique charm is its status as the epicentre of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels and paparazzi flock to the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in Italy to shop, or simply window shop. Milan is the primary industrial, commercial and financial hub of Italy and as such, it unsurprisingly has a business-like appearance. At first glance, it may lack the wow factor, but if you take the time and are determined to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – and they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle and bustle, and you will stumble upon impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the stylish Brera district and vibrant university quarter, and it goes without saying that the city is home to landmarks such as the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper. Milan cannot be criticised when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife tends to kick off at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo in which locals unwind with post-work drinks and snacks before heading home is more the norm than the exception. So whether you’re looking for affordable fashion, an alternative city break or a chance to paint the town red, Milan has undoubtedly got it covered.