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Step into Madrid, a city that confidently wears contrasts like a second skin. From our first moments exploring the Spanish capital, we were struck by its ability to simultaneously embrace luxury and grit, tradition and rebellion, elegance and edge.

The city's personality reveals itself in layers. You might start your evening sipping expertly crafted cocktails beneath the chandeliers of the Four Seasons, only to end the night in a historic dive bar where the floor sticks to your shoes and the bartender rings a school bell when patrons get too rowdy. This is Madrid – unapologetically authentic and full of surprises.

Our whirlwind day began with exquisite Asian cuisine at Li Long, where we discovered that even upscale restaurants offer affordable weekday lunch menus. The sommelier's passionate knowledge enhanced our meal, particularly when accompanying what might have been the best lobster we've ever tasted. From there, we ventured to the Golden Mile of shopping along Calle Serrano, where luxury boutiques like Purificación García and Carolina Herrera showcase Spanish design at its finest. Pro tip: if you're visiting in early July, even these high-end stores offer significant discounts during Spain's major sales period.

The heart of our Madrid experience came in Malasaña, once the epicenter of Madrid's counterculture "Movida" movement. At Casa Camacho, a bar unchanged since the 1800s, we sampled the authentic Yayo cocktail in its birthplace. The contrast between the morning's luxury shopping bags and this neighborhood dive couldn't have been more striking – yet somehow, perfectly Madrid. We also discovered the Temple of Debod, a 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple gifted to Spain and reconstructed in Parque del Oeste, offering magical sunset views that shouldn't be missed.

A word of caution: Madrid's summer heat is intense. Without coastal breezes, the city can feel like an oven, with even the wind bringing no relief. Many locals escape to the coast in August, but with proper planning (indoor activities during peak afternoon heat), summer visits can still be rewarding.

Have you experienced Madrid's fascinating contrasts? We'd love to hear which side of this multifaceted city captured your heart – the elegant luxury or the authentic local haunts. Either way, Madrid awaits, ready to show you all its fascinating faces.

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Venture beyond Spain's famous Rioja as we uncork the hidden wine treasures of Costa Blanca! What began as a two-hour content creation session turned into a delightful deep dive into the region's surprising viticulture scene.

Nestled near the medieval town of Guadalest, we discovered Masos de Guadalest, a winery reviving century-old traditions after a 100-year hiatus. For a mere €20, their tastings offer premium wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie, all served with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like their most important guest. They're even opening a boutique wine-themed hotel later this summer – perfect for oenophiles seeking immersion in Spanish wine culture.

Our most fascinating find was Mar de Vins, a micro-winery where a husband-wife team ages bottles 30 meters underwater in the Mediterranean Sea for six months! Using local Maravilla and Hero grape varieties, they create uniquely "clean" wines with distinctive character. Their submarine-aged bottles (around €80) are limited production treasures worth seeking out.

We also explored La Nucía's annual "Night of Wine" festival, a celebration featuring 150 wine and food experiences from local producers. Unlike many wine events dominated by commercial brands, this festival spotlights small, passionate winemakers sharing their stories and craft. The eco-friendly approach – reusable wine glasses and cleaning stations instead of disposable cups – perfectly complemented the authentic experience.

Whether you're planning a visit to Costa Blanca or simply looking to expand your wine knowledge beyond familiar Spanish regions, these hidden gems offer a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and Mediterranean charm. As the Spanish saying goes, "Donde no hay vino, no hay amor" – Where there is no wine, there is no love!

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Ever wondered where the locals go when tourists aren't watching? Those secret spots that never make it to the guidebooks but hold the true essence of a place? This episode peels back the curtain on Costa Blanca's best-kept secrets—places that even long-term residents might miss without the right insider knowledge.

We journey to Elche, where generations of artisanal shoemakers create masterpieces one stitch at a time. At Brian Stepwise, we discover handcrafted cowboy boots that would cost five times as much anywhere else, made with techniques passed down through generations. These aren't just shoes; they're wearable Spanish heritage at surprisingly accessible prices.

The gastronomic adventures take us to El Crank, a chiringuito perched directly on Altea's golden sands, where the fideuà (noodle paella) has locals booking weeks in advance. Nearby, we explore Calangels in mountainous Polop—a family home turned restaurant where there's no menu, just whatever exceptional ingredients the owner sourced that morning from his network of local producers and fishermen.

Perhaps most surprising is our visit to Gata de Gorgos, an unassuming one-street town that houses Zahati—hat makers whose creations have graced Netflix productions and high-end boutiques across Europe. In their workshop, older generations of craftswomen spend ten hours handmaking each distinctive piece, creating statement accessories that combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs.

We wrap up our hidden gems tour with the delightful discovery of Valencia's coffee parties—afternoon dance events that bring nightlife energy to daylight hours, creating inclusive spaces for people to connect without staying out until dawn.

These treasures represent the authentic Spain we've fallen in love with—where craftsmanship matters, relationships with producers are valued, and traditions evolve while maintaining their soul. Listen now to add these special places to your Costa Blanca adventure, and remember to subscribe for our upcoming episode on Spanish wines and a very unique wine festival we recently attended!

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Beyond the gleaming curves of Bilbao's Guggenheim lie two extraordinary destinations that showcase the true magic of Spain's Basque Country. Our adventure begins in Ghecho – the "Hamptons of Spain" – just 20 minutes from Bilbao yet worlds apart in atmosphere.

Strolling through Ghecho feels like stepping into another era. French-style châteaux line tree-shaded streets, remnants of a time when Spain's industrial elite built summer palaces along this privileged coastline. The town presents two distinct faces: one of aristocratic grandeur with boutiques and refined dining, another more authentic and connected to its seafaring past. What truly distinguishes Ghecho is the UNESCO-protected Puente de Vizcaya – a hanging bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel's student. This remarkable structure isn't just a tourist attraction but a functioning transport system locals use daily, with a suspended gondola carrying pedestrians and vehicles across the river.

But nothing prepares you for San Juan de Gatelugache – better known to millions as Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. Unlike many filming locations that quickly commercialize, this ancient hermitage remains untouched by branding, honoring its centuries-old history as a spiritual pilgrimage site. The dramatic stone pathway leading to the church, with 241 steps carved into rugged cliffs, creates an almost mystical experience as Atlantic waves crash against volcanic rock formations.

What makes this location particularly special is how it's managed. Free timed-entry tickets must be reserved in advance, creating a measured flow of visitors that preserves the site's magic. While queuing, we witnessed dozens refreshing their phones hoping for last-minute cancellations – testament to its popularity even years after Game of Thrones concluded.

Between adventures, we sampled local specialties including Calimocho (the surprisingly drinkable combination of cheap red wine and Coca-Cola) and burnt Basque cheesecake that The New York Times once crowned "flavor of the year." These culinary innovations, born from necessity and creativity, perfectly mirror the resourceful spirit of the Basque people themselves.

Whether you're planning a romantic date (we've included three budget options!) or seeking to escape Bilbao's urban energy, these day trips offer unforgettable glimpses into the region's aristocratic past and dramatic natural beauty. Subscribe to hear more as we continue exploring Spain's hidden treasures in upcoming episodes!

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Venture with us to Bilbao, where culinary contrasts create an unforgettable food experience unlike anywhere else in Spain. The city that gave us the gleaming Guggenheim has quietly revolutionized Spanish dining by excelling at both ends of the gastronomic spectrum.

What makes Bilbao truly special? It's where a €2 pincho might deliver more satisfaction than a fancy tasting menu, yet its 34 Michelin-starred restaurants offer some of Spain's most innovative cuisine at surprisingly accessible prices. We take you inside Kimchoo, where Asian fusion meets Spanish produce, and explore why Bilbao's fine dining scene offers exceptional value compared to other European destinations.

Discover the fascinating history behind pinchos culture, including the origin story of the "Gilda" – the original pincho named after Rita Hayworth because it was "spicy and salty" like her famous character. Learn how to distinguish between authentic pinchos and tapas, and why those little toothpicks are essential to both the eating experience and your final bill.

The Basque Country's proximity to the Atlantic means exceptional seafood, September through December offers the best shellfish experience, but Bilbao's food scene delights year-round with international offerings and local specialties like the irresistible chocolate-dipped palmeras from Arese bakeries.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more deeply, this episode provides an insider's guide to eating your way through a city where food isn't just sustenance – it's the beating heart of Basque culture. Join us as we navigate Bilbao's culinary landscape, from rooftop bars to riverside restaurants, discovering why this former industrial city has become an essential destination for food lovers worldwide.

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The moment our plane touched down in Bilbao, we knew we'd entered a different Spain. Gone was the Mediterranean sunshine, replaced by a lush, green landscape that immediately signaled we had arrived somewhere special. This unique corner of the country—the Basque Country—holds centuries of distinct cultural identity, and we couldn't wait to discover what makes it so fiercely independent.

Walking through Bilbao's streets, you're immediately struck by the signs written in Euskera, Europe's oldest language with no relation to any other tongue in the world. This linguistic anomaly reflects the Basque people's determination to preserve their heritage despite centuries of pressure to assimilate. From street conversations to menu descriptions, the language surrounds you as a constant reminder that this autonomous community operates with its own cultural heartbeat.

The jewel in Bilbao's crown is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel that transformed this once-declining industrial port into a world-class cultural destination. The Frank Gehry-designed titanium structure shimmers differently depending on the light, creating an ever-changing exterior that matches the dynamic art housed within. Inside, we found ourselves literally dizzy from Richard Serra's towering steel installations and mesmerized by Rafiq Anadol's AI-generated landscapes that blur the line between technology and art. At just €15 for adults and free for children under 12, this world-class museum offers an accessible art experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao itself has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Once shadowed by economic decline and the activities of the ETA terrorist group (which only officially disbanded in 2018), the city has reinvented itself through strategic cultural investments. Modern trams glide past beautifully maintained public spaces where families gather, while pintxos bars serve the region's famous small plates alongside txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine grown on distinctive trellised vines.

We were particularly struck by the warmth of the Basque people—from taxi drivers who continued offering recommendations long after we'd reached our destination, to locals who greeted us with genuine hospitality. This welcoming atmosphere stands in sharp contrast to historical tensions, suggesting a region proud of its unique identity yet ready to share its treasures with curious visitors.

Ready to experience this cultural enigma for yourself? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on Basque culinary adventures, art discoveries, and perfect day trips from Bilbao in our upcoming episodes. Have you visited the Basque Country? We'd love to hear your experiences—share them with us on social media!

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Join us for a spellbinding journey through Granada, where we accidentally scheduled our visit during Holy Week, discovering layers of Spain few travelers ever experience. What began as a simple desire to see the Alhambra transformed into an immersion into Spain's most significant religious celebration and an exploration of its rich Moorish heritage.

Our adventure takes us through Easter processions where 1,200kg gold structures are carried through silent streets for hours, a tradition dating back centuries. We navigate the cultural complexity of Holy Week traditions, including the capirotes (pointed hoods) whose ancient religious significance predates the founding of America by hundreds of years.

The crown jewel of our trip is the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once an entire functioning city. Within its red walls lie stories of 23 rulers who murdered each other for control, intricate Arabic poetry carved into walls, and architectural marvels like ceilings featuring over 8,000 individual wooden pieces. We share how American writer Washington Irving (of "Sleepy Hollow" fame) helped save this historical treasure from ruin through his writings.

Granada delights the senses beyond architecture – we discover its unique tapas culture where every drink comes with substantial free food, making it one of Spain's best value culinary destinations. Our accommodations in a converted convent complete with nun tombs in the courtyard adds a touch of the supernatural to our cultural immersion.

From Sierra Nevada's surprising ski opportunities to traditional Easter treats like torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) and the Arabic-influenced tea and shisha culture, Granada emerges as a microcosm of Spain's multifaceted identity. As Hemingway said, "If we had to visit one city alone in Spain, that would have to be Granada." After our whirlwind visit, we wholeheartedly agree.

Subscribe to Made in Spain and join us as we unlock the cultural treasures of this extraordinary country, one destination at a time.

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When British chef Jamie Oliver dared to add chorizo to paella in 2016, he unleashed what Spanish Twitter users called "terrorism" – and learned the hard way that Spain's beloved rice dish isn't something you casually reinvent. Welcome to a deep dive into the dish that's much more than food; it's a cornerstone of Spanish cultural identity.

Originating in Valencia's agricultural heartland, traditional paella was born from necessity – farmers cooking together over open fires using ingredients readily available in the fields: rice, chicken, rabbit, beans, and sometimes snails. The dish takes its name from the distinctive wide pan it's cooked in, and follows strict protocols that locals defend passionately. True Valencian paella must be cooked over fire, never stirred once the broth is added, and always served at lunch – never dinner.

We journey to rural Valencia to experience authentic paella at Tony's Barraca, where the rules are non-negotiable: no modifications allowed, and you don't leave until dessert is finished! This quintessential Spanish experience reveals why paella transcends mere sustenance – it's about family, tradition, and shared moments around a table. We compare regional variations from seafood paella along the coast to black rice colored with squid ink, while exploring why bomba rice (which expands width-wise rather than lengthwise) creates the perfect texture.

From the prized socarrat (crispy bottom layer) to heated debates about proper ingredients, discover why this humble dish provokes such passionate defense. Join us next time as we trade rice fields for royal palaces with our tour of Granada's magnificent Alhambra.

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Laura and Nalini relive the excitement of a recent visit to Valencia’s spectacular Las Fallas festival – a week-long, fire-fueled celebration of towering sculptures, non-stop fireworks, marching bands, and round-the-clock street parties, all culminating in a dramatic tribute to creativity and chaos.

As well as unpacking the rich history and quirky traditions behind the fiesta, the pair share practical tips for anyone looking to witness the madness in person.

In the Slice of Life segment, sweet treats take center stage. Nalini samples horchata for the first time – a Spanish drink made from soaked, ground tiger nuts – and the duo tuck into fartons, the delicate, spongy sweets typical of the Valencian town of Alboraia.

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Laura and Nalini take a deep dive into Spain’s sophisticated drinking culture in this episode of Made in Spain. They begin with the country’s ‘gin tonic’ revolution of the late 1990s, when Michelin-starred chefs started experimenting with balloon glasses, industrial ice and botanical garnishes, creating a much-loved Spanish interpretation of the classic cocktail. They also explore Spain’s indigenous drinks, including the Carajillo—traditionally a 50/50 mix of espresso and Spanish liqueur—and the Madrid-born Yayo, a refreshing blend of vermouth, gaseosa and gin.

In the Slice of Life segment, the pair attempt to recreate the 'Made in Spain' cocktail, mixed for them at Nova Bar in Benidorm. Meanwhile, they reflect on the country’s relaxed approach to alcohol, from the normality of daytime drinks to the famously generous pours served without the use of measures. 

Salud!