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IN BRIEF
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Ready to test your globe-trotter flair? In just 10 questions, this quiz takes you from Madrid to Barcelona, from the Alhambra in Granada to the cathedral of Saint-James-of-Compostela, passing through the Guggenheim in Bilbao and the walls of Ávila. Will you be able to recognize Donostia, locate Palma de Majorca, or spot the discreet Murcia away from the waves? Breathe, click… and show that the most beautiful cities in Spain have no secrets left for you.
Want to play with geography while dreaming of tapas, Moorish palaces, and golden beaches? Here’s a fun quiz to test your knowledge of the most beautiful cities in Spain. On the agenda: museums in Madrid, treasures of Andalusia, fortified cities, regional languages, sunny islands, and mythical urban landmarks. Each question comes with a clever insight to take away anecdotes for your next trip.
Madrilenian or not: the intruder museum
Among the great names of Spanish museums, which one is not in Madrid? If you thought of the Guggenheim, bingo! This temple of modern art is located in Bilbao, in the Basque Country, while the Prado and the Reina Sofía are pride of the capital. Art lovers can spend entire days there without realizing how time flies.
Andalusia: find the intruder
Seville, Granada, Toledo… Among these three charming cities, which one does not belong to Andalusia? It’s Toledo that plays rebel: the “city of three cultures” is located in the heart of Castile-La Mancha. Seville remains the Andalusian capital, with its flower-filled patios and tiles sparkling under the sun.
An Alcázar overlooking the city
Perched on high, a fortress from the 16th century watches over its city and the river that surrounds it. Do you have it? The Alcázar of Toledo towers over the Tajo and tells a story of its own, having transitioned from a Roman camp to a Visigoth palace, then an Arab fortress before becoming a royal residence.
Medieval-style walls
Which Spanish city, surrounded by towers and well-preserved walls, resembles an Iberian cousin of Carcassonne? Head to Ávila, in Castile and León. With its impressive ramparts, bell towers, and mountain air, this little city perched nearly 1,200 meters above sea level has irresistible charm.
The end of a myth: Saint-James-of-Compostela
End of the road, beginning of emotions: where is Saint-James-of-Compostela, the terminus of the famous pilgrimage? In Galicia, in the far northwest of the country, where slate roofs and ancient alleys capture the soul of the traveler.
Guess the city: Ramblas, Sagrada Família, Camp Nou…
If we whisper the Ramblas, the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, the Gothic Quarter, Ciutadella, and El Born to you, you rush straight to Barcelona. Between Gaudí, urban beaches, and cultural excitement, the Catalan capital ticks all the boxes of a memorable urban getaway.
On the signs: Donostia = ?
In Spain, they speak Spanish but also well-lived regional languages: Basque, Catalan, Galician… So, if you see Donostia on the signs, you are in San Sebastián. Also note that Bilbao is written Bilbo in Basque, and Vitoria becomes Gasteiz. One country, several languages, one motto: curiosity.
Where does the Alhambra shine?
Citadel, palace, and gardens: the Alhambra is a poem of stone and water. It can be admired in Granada, a jewel of Andalusia, a masterful witness to the Muslim heritage from the 8th to the 15th century. At sunset, the fortress glows red, and the city holds its breath.
Palma, but on which island?
If you stroll in Palma, you are on Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Turquoise coves, Gothic cathedral, and Mediterranean atmosphere: the perfect selection for a seaside escape. Island fans? Extend your getaway with the wonders of the Canary Islands and this guide to discover Marbella and Tenerife.
Sea or no sea: the city that moves away from the coast
Among Cadiz, Valencia, and Murcia, which one does not have its feet in the water? It’s Murcia, the capital of a fertile region but located inland. Cadiz faces the Atlantic, Valencia basks in the Mediterranean… and Murcia keeps its calm, a bit in the background, between orchards and baroque.
Travel tip: play, then go!
How about we turn these correct answers into a travel journal? For a stress-free journey, why not travel by train on spectacular European routes and connect the major cities at a gentle pace. If you enjoy soothing panoramas, also add these magnificent lakes to discover in Europe to your list to alternate between city and nature.
Inspiration for all ages
Because the call of travel has no age, draw inspiration from this Seniors on an adventure guide and create a getaway that reflects you, whether it leads you to the ramparts of Ávila, the salons of the Prado, or under the orange trees of Seville.
