Spain

Whether you're heading for the Sierras or the costas, historic towns or cosmopolitan cities, this guide has a huge variety of places to choose from. There are simple Casas de Aldea (small traditional houses in remote rural settings), restored monasteries and palaces and modernist buildings with all the contemporary designer trimmings. Make the most of courses and activities organised by inspiring owners: wine tasting, walking, mushroom picking, pottery, yoga. Stride out on walking holidays in the National Parks, recharge your batteries by the pool and make the most of some terrific regional and international cooking. The entries in this guide are special in many different ways: we choose places for the warmth of their welcome, their style whether simple or sumptuous and look for good value for money and for environmental awareness. Every property in the book has been inspected. Symbols, maps, colour photos, clear directions and quick reference indices help guide our readers to the best choice for them, and our well-researched, fresh and lively write-ups paint an accurate picture.