Valencia and Eastern Spain

The real symbol of Valencia's renaissance though is the stunningly futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, designed by local-born architect Santiago Calatrava. This complex features some of the most brilliant modern buildings anywhere in the world, including Europe's largest aquarium.

Valencia is perhaps most famous for Las Fallas, Europe's wildest street party, where giant papier-mâché effigies of politicians and celebrities are paraded through the streets before being consumed by flames and fireworks - think bonfire night multiplied by 100. La Tomatina, the annual tomato-throwing festival is held in the nearby town of Buñol. Both festivals draw visitors from around the world.

On top of all this, Valencia basks in a wonderful climate, with mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine a year, and there are good beaches right on the city's doorstep. In terms of nightlife, Valencia is revered as a party town by the rest of Spain, which is saying something. Add to this the delicious local cuisine - Valencia is the home of paella - and you have the complete city break.

Away from the city, Aragon and Catalunya are ripe for exploration, and we particularly recommend a stay at Mas de la Serra in the wild and wooly Matarranya region.