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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! 

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As self-confessed ‘shoeaholics’, Laura and Nalini delight in exploring one of the fashion industry’s best-kept secrets: Spain’s “shoe triangle” — the Valencian towns of Elda, Crevillente, and Elche where master craftspeople continue to create luxury footwear for the world’s top brands –  a tradition that has evolved over generations and traces its roots back centuries. 

The ladies recount their recent visit to Elda’s remarkable Museo del Calzado (Footwear Museum), where they inspected celebrity shoes and rare historical collections, and gained insights into the historical significance of the industry. 

Meanwhile, in the Slice of Life segment, the pair enjoy handpicked wine and locally sourced dates. Plus, in tribute to  Elda’s excellent Italian restaurant (Ché Ragazzi), burrato cheese. As always, Laura keeps Nalini on her toes with an entertaining ‘Spanish Phrase of the Day’, which is also footwear-themed. 

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In this episode the charming Costa Blanca town of Altea takes center stage. Known for its whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and blue dome church, Laura and Nalini share highlights from their recent visit, where they embraced the town’s bohemian vibe and dined at an authentic Indian restaurant. They also dive into Altea's fascinating and tumultuous history.

The regular ‘Slice of Life’ segment continues the Altea theme, with the ladies savoring a selection of indulgent desserts from the town's Pasteleria de Sabors, paired with freshly prepared sangria. Alongside various aspects of Spanish life, they discuss Meghan Markle's controversial association with the sleepy town of Porreres in Mallorca.

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While exploring some of Spain’s best luxury beauty products, Laura and Nalini  reveal that you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay looking good. With superb creams and cosmetics available from pharmacies, supermarkets and even chai -store ALE-HOP, the pair provide a rundown of the best bargains in the country. 

Continuing the theme of self-care, this episode’s Slice of Life segment is devoted to healthy food and drink. The ladies sample Nalini’s homemade juice and cucumber gazpacho soup, as well as knocking back shots of natural juice from Spanish brand Holistic. Meanwhile, the pair discuss multiculturalism in Spain and the bizarre reason why supermarket staff have been forced to take pineapples off the shelves at certain times of the day. 

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Laura and Nalini relive their recent adventures in the very special Valencian town of Guadalest. Although home to only 300 or so residents, this mountainous municipality receives over 2 million visitors a year. And with ten museums, a medieval castle, a beautiful reservoir and a tempting array of bars and restaurants, there was much on offer for our duo to enjoy!  

The Guadalest theme continues into this episode’s Slice of Life segment, as the ladies sample locally produced liquor and sugar-coated almonds, as well as Nalini’s home-baked olive oil mandarin cake. Meanwhile, they discuss their recent visit to one of Guadalest’s top (and most gruesome) attractions: the Medieval Torture Museum. 

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Laura and Nalini take a deep dive into the topic of Spanish olives. As the world’s leading producer of the savoury fruit, olives and olive oil are an integral part of Spain’s culture. The duo discuss their recent visit to a renowned producer of extra-virgin olive oil, Masía el Altet, where they discovered more about the cultivation and harvesting of olives, which included downing ‘shots' of olive oil! 
 
 In the regular Slice of Life section, the ladies sample seven different types of olives paired with ‘dirty Martinis’ made from gin, vermouth and, unusually, olive brine. They also discuss their recent international travels: Nalini to Tetouan, Morocco and Laura to Cape Town, South Africa