Lugarex is a Spain-based travel agency specializing in curating personalized itineraries and luxury custom trips to the Iberian Peninsula. We are your one-stop shop for all your travel needs in Spain – let us design a memorable and exclusive holiday for you and your loved ones.
We want you to experience Spain to the fullest. Take in the magnitude of the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granada and enjoy an evening of tapas and flamenco in Andalusia. Admire exceptional art masterpieces in Madrid and treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner in the Basque Country. Hike through the dazzling green Northern Coast or the lunar-like landscape of the Canary Islands. Enjoy a morning skiing on the Sierra Nevada and relax that same afternoon on the Costa Tropical or Costa del Sol. Simply let us know what inspires your trips and travel curiosity. We will use our local connections to grant you insider access to the most unique and authentic travel experience.
Spain is history; it is culture, exceptional art and unique architecture, superb gastronomy and world-class wine, lush green mountains, endless sandy beaches and breathtaking coastline, folklore and traditions, warm and welcoming people, and so much more. We want to lead you on a journey to the heart and soul of the country. With our carefully-crafted trips and exclusive holidays, our personalized service and our privately escorted tours, we want to take you under the skin of Spain.
We look forward to welcoming you to Spain, our home, where you don’t go on vacation – you go to experience life.
Spain is known for its unique and folklore-infused fiestas, from las Fallas de Valencia to the San Fermines and the famous bull run in Pamplona. Feel the warmth, colour and charm of the Andalusian fairs in Seville, Malaga or Jerez to the spectacular Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Experience the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival to the quieter a
and lesser-known Fiesta del Orujo in Cantabria. Live up to the spirit of the Holy Week celebrations. Since times immemorial, Spain’s culture has been shaped by its past filled with influences from other cultures. Top that with our own rich culture, and you’ll know that a meaningful cultural travel experience is waiting for you in Spain. Lugarex has carefully crafted authentic culture-focused tours and luxury trips that will allow you to discover real Spain.
Flamenco dancer
Spanish culture is, without doubt, some of the most diverse and influential in European history. We can help you really understand some of the most well-known traditions that have shaped Spain’s culture and people for centuries. We will recommend and organize trips where we believe the folklore and regional events showcase what it is that makes Spain so unique. For many people, Spain encapsulates the definition of multicultural Europe – from the Holy Week to the Flamenco, we’ll make sure that you can travel wherever you choose to and immerse yourself in the events and experiences that have intrigued you. There is no better way to understand the Spanish culture than becoming part of it. At Lugarex, we aim to help you do just that by offering the opportunity to be part of authentic and unique cultural experiences.
During summer, visitors and locals typically like to enjoy the country’s sun-kissed beaches, the chiringuitos (Spanish for a small food & drinks stall or bar) and the small town and villages dotted along the coastline where you can relax and watch the sun go down. With so many miles of exquisite coastline, you can have your choice of excitement, relaxation, liveliness or tranquillity next to the sea. However, the country’s widespread reputation as a summer destination means it is always good to rely on insider access and knowledge if you seek quieter holidays and exclusive and personalised beach holidays in Spain. Things such as: getting a table at that sought-after restaurant, charting a yacht/sailboat, finding a beautiful beach with some space to yourself, or merely avoiding the hassle of standing in long queues are a few things that a travel agency like Lugarex will handle for you.
Puerto de Soller, Balearic Coast of Mallorca
If you are after a luxury beach holiday in Spain, we have access to beachfront villas, boutique hotels and luxury resorts around the country; whatever your accommodations needs are, we will be able to find the right fit for you. In addition, there are more than enough options to keep everyone entertained: music festivals, gastronomy fairs, water/theme parks, golf courses, and more if you are planning a summer holiday in Spain.
Get ready, start dreaming of your summer and beach holiday in Spain and contact us; together, we will make your dream trip a reality. Spain is one of the best countries to visit during the summer; we guarantee that there is something to entice visitors of all ages – families, couples or friends; Lugarex will craft the ideal beach holiday for you.
Spain is the number one ranked country globally in the area covered by vineyards, with 15.5% of the world’s vineyards. Food and wine are part of our culture; regardless of where you decide to visit, a superb gastronomic experience is pretty much guaranteed.
Group of friends making a toast
Through our carefully crafted luxury wine tours and tasting experiences, you could meet the grape growers and experience the behind-the-scenes of winemaking in the region. You can indulge in everything, from the lingering Reservas and Gran Reservas to the ‘unusual suspects’, a tour to taste top-notch wines with reduced market exposure. Moreover, our 92+ points wine experience is perfect to taste wines usually tagged as collectors’ items if you prefer high-end. Alternatively, if you are a photography lover who also values exploring non-touristy spots that retain the essence of the best wine regions in Spain, we have a tour for you. Explore off-the-beaten-track villages perched up in hills, beautifully-preserved medieval towns and fantastic landscapes.
In any case, and even when it is arguably the most renowned identity claim, wine is not the only brand that identifies us at a gastronomic level. Every day more craft brewers have devoted their efforts to creating authentic liquid jewels, internationally recognized. So on your next trip to Spain with Lugarex, you can enjoy a craft beer tasting.
If this seems enough to you, we are still starting; tapas and traditional Spanish cuisine are one of the essential values of the country, making its Mediterranean diet help make us one of the longest-lived countries in the world. The renowned Jamón, Los Pintxos del Norte (northern pintxos), el cocido madrileño (Madrid’s famous stew) or the authentic Paella are part of the must-try dishes on your visit to Spain.
Do you want in on one of Spain’s best-kept secrets? During your next gastronomic getaway in Spain, don’t forget to try the berenjenas Andaluzas (Andalusian fried aubergines). You’ll thank us later!
The daunting landscape and the countless possibilities to practice activities such as mountain biking, climbing, hiking, birdwatching, trekking make rural tourism in Spain a tempting enough reason to contact us and discover the country’s beauty yourself.
Children playing in the forest
Want to spend some time engrossed in the beautiful Spanish outdoors? Then you can come to us for expertise in making it happen. This option is the perfect choice for casual nature lovers, seasoned hikers, and those who want to find the best of what Spain offers in terms of geography. We can take the hard work out of researching this and guide you to the best regions and locations, allowing you to see what the wilds of Spain have to offer. From a trip to the Camino de Santiago to a visit to the Caminito del Rey. From discovering the Doñana Natural Park, one of the most important natural protected areas in Europe, to experiencing the Lagunas de Ruidera with a good balance of wildlife protection and human enjoyment in the countryside. From the Picos de Europa in Cantabria to the snow-draped Pico del Teide (Spain’s highest mountain) in Tenerife. Discover rural Spain through our relaxing holidays, nature photo tours or Spain’s countryside travel experiences.
If you like the idea of a luxury family holiday to Spain with something for everyone, you can rely on us; we will carefully handle your request and craft a seamless and delightful personalized travel experience.
Family sitting on the sand while spending time together on the beach
We understand the dilemma of balancing a holiday to meet the entertainment expectations of the kids while ensuring the adults enjoy themselves. Here at Lugarex, we can assist you in finding the best kids’ activities and events in the area. From educational and exciting visits to major locations to helping families settle in and enjoy themselves in the lesser-visited regions, we can ensure that you have all the means necessary to make Spain an enjoyable experience regardless of your location.
Whether this is your first trip with the little ones, you’re travelling with lively kids or more independent teenagers; Spain is the ideal country to visit to find something to suit everyone. We can help you organize the perfect family trip to Spain, regardless of the ages within the group.
Visit the most incredible artwork created by the finest creative minds all within a few meters of each other in the Golden Triangle of Art in Spain’s capital city – Madrid. The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza highlight this unique and unforgettable route.
Fan workshop
Outside of this, Spain is the guardian of further examples of some of the most impressive and detailed artwork on the planet. From north to south, you can admire the rich artistic heritage of Spain in places such as the Museum Guggenheim in Bilbao, view the presence of Gaudí and Dalí in Barcelona and enjoy the visual delights of the Museum Picasso in Malaga.
Our tailored travel experiences will give you a new perspective on the artwork and indeed the artists, making sure you have the chance to appreciate what it is that makes Spain the home of so many creative talents. With such a rich history of art to take in – let us guide you. We will take you on the most refined art tours through Spain’s most famous art galleries and museums. Art historians and experts lead our art tours, true professionals in their field that take each privately guided visit to a museum or art gallery to the next level.
Get ready to join us in a rich and engaging journey of discovery through Spain’s incredible history. From the Roman Hispania – the name used for the Iberian Peninsula under Roman rule in the 2nd century BC, to today’s modern España, there is much to take in and many captivating stories that we look forward to sharing with you. Our tour guides are leading experts with specialized knowledge in the regions and cities you will visit. This allows you to get more than just the basic off-the-page history; you will discover and explore the city and its culture with those who truly know it.
Bishop’s Bridge, Barcelona
Although the Jewish and Arab civilizations no longer exist in Spain in the same way they did in the past, their culture still lives deeply today. Our history is undeniably and forever influenced by the more than eight hundred years under Moor ruling and the Jewish history that dates back to the second century.
Lugarex invites you to discover with us the footprints and legacy left by those who contributed to the foundations and construction of Spain as it is known today.
Spain ranks fourth in being home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide, with 49 sites (as of August 2021). Find the finest examples of truly unique and imposing architectural creations and natural and historical heritage places that make Spain a visual delight.
Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Barcelona
Known for its incredibly detailed buildings and designs, Spain has some of the most impressive examples of architecture in Europe. A guided tour of some of its legendary architecture can be all you need to truly “get” Spain and understand one of the many reasons it is so renowned. From incredible castles and medieval fortresses to unique pieces of design that showcase the intelligence of modern detail, you will find that Spain is the perfect blend of architecture and artwork.
Planning a trip through the architecture of Spain is undoubtedly a great reason to discover our country. Lugarex, with your input, can design tailor-made tours throughout the country. From the Alhambra in Granada, Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral or Seville’s Alcázar and the Giralda to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia or Park Güell in Barcelona. From a trip (or a day trip from Madrid) to Toledo to see old, incredible castles or Segovia’s well-preserved Roman Aqueduct to the Historic Walled Town of Cuenca, Spain’s architecture destinations are plenty and spread across the geography. So, regardless of where you are planning your next trip, we will assist you every step of the way.
Numerous legends surround the arrival of the Jews in Spain. Some say they arrived in the time of King Solomon, following in the wake of the Phoenician sailors; others that the event was a consequence of their exile from Judaea. But, on the other hand, historians conclude the first Jews arrived on the Iberian Peninsula after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E and did so in an organized manner. Settling first on the Mediterranean coast and later spreading throughout most of the peninsula.
Old typical Jewish Quarter with plants and flowers, Cordoba, Andalusia
Despite the origins, what is true today as it was centuries ago, is that Jews significantly contributed to the shaping of Spain as it is known today. As a result, Jewish heritage is present in cities, towns and villages across Spain. From the El Call, the Jewish quarter in Barcelona, where you’ll find Spain’s oldest synagogue and one of the oldest ones in Europe, to Cordoba’s charming and well-preserved Jewish quarter, part of the area designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.
Our bespoke Jewish heritage tours and trips can help you discover the centuries-old and often complex history, traditions, architectural and cultural Jewish legacy. With our knowledgeable tour guides, you can trace back your ancestral history or learn how the Sephardi community lived until their expulsion from Spain at the end of the 15th century.
Spain is diverse and unique, and Lugarex travel curators can tailor your travel experience to match your preferences and needs.
Whether you are looking for a cultural, family, beach, gastronomic trip, or experiencing the different traditions, Spain is the destination for a dream vacation. Throughout the country, you will be able to find authentic experiences resulting from ancient traditions, so anywhere you go, you will always find exciting stories during each visit.
In Spain, you find worldwide renowned destinations, such as the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Here, you can enjoy the unique architecture, such as that of Gaudí and the Sagrada Familia, and art like that of the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, gastronomy, such as the olive oil and Ibérico ham of Southern Spain. Each place and each experience you come across are blended into an unforgettable trip.
In addition, close to these big cities, we find other destinations incorporating centuries of history and different cultures: Ronda, Granada, Cordoba, Toledo, Girona, Montserrat, and many others. Not missing these extraordinary places when you visit Spain would be best. These are all destinations you can explore during a day trip from other larger cities, or, if you prefer towns over cities, you can stay overnight and discover them further.
If you are after a relaxing journey, you must experience the Spanish coast—Malaga, Marbella, Valencia, Costa Brava, the Balearic Islands, or the Canary Islands, all worth exploring beyond the usual tourist route. There are also more secluded and less developed regions where gastronomy, wilderness, and water sports combine perfectly, namely the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia.
Something interesting about Spanish gastronomy is that you will find typical dishes and cooking styles in each region. For example, although Spanish paella or the Ibérico ham might be the most known, Spain has a great variety of local and authentic products. So, a fun and delicious way to experience Spain is through our gastronomy and tapas tours that will help you discover the culinary peculiarities of each region, town, or city you visit during your trip.
We cannot leave aside the wines and cava of Spain: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Penedès, and Jerez are some of the most famous Denominations of Origin in Spain. The advantage of such vast diversity and quality makes it feasible to combine a winery visit during any of the regions you travel to and experience the production process to learn why Spanish wines are so famous worldwide. But, of course, beyond learning, you cannot miss the best part - the enjoyable wine-tasting sessions at the end of tours.
Finally, before traveling to Spain, we recommend you check your dates or consult with your travel agent about the events taking place during that period. For example, you may combine your visit with a fair such as the one in April in Seville, the Fallas in the Valencian Community, Holy Week with its processions, or many other festivals that take place throughout the year.
For all the variety Spain can offer, we recommend chatting to our travel curators and explaining your interests, preferences, and likings so we can help you design a unique and personalized itinerary that leads to a fantastic and tailor-made journey through Spain.
Spain has gastronomic varieties for all tastes. From spoon dishes perfect for the winter, authentic tapas that you will only find here, to delicious delicacies prepared by the minds and hands of geniuses, with many Michelin stars harvested throughout the years.
Beyond the most typical dishes of the world-renowned Spanish gastronomy, Spain enjoys a fascinating diversity. They say that the Mediterranean diet makes us one of the longest-lived countries in the world, and it is a great deal thanks to our diet.
If it is a question of summarizing a few recommendations about some of the most typical dishes and their place of origin (making a list a tad more special), here you'll find some of our favorites.
The paellas and rice dishes from the Spanish Levante are perhaps the most internationally recognized of Spanish cuisine. The Madrilenian stew, the pintxos from the Basque Country, the polbo á feira (meaning fair-style octopus), the Cordoban aubergines, the sardine skewers from the Costa del Sol, the calçots or the pan amb tomaquet from Catalonia, the Segovian suckling pig, camón from Guijuelo, Jabugo or Los Pedroches and many others that stand out in each region.
It is impossible to list them all here, and we have left many dishes unnamed. But, surely, you get the idea of the diversity of tastes that Spanish gastronomy has and the culinary peculiarities of each of the regions. Without a doubt, there are many more dishes and areas where you can enjoy yourself, which are still authentic in terms of cooking, even if they are not as famous.
For this reason, we always recommend that travelers, as long as they have the time, try visiting at least three different Spanish regions during their journeys with us. Then, try the peculiarities of each of those places you visit and take home some delights of Spanish cuisine.
For general conditions and requirements to enter Spain, please refer to Spain's Tourism official website - https://www.spain.info/en/travel-tips/visa-passport/
Moreover, since reopening the borders almost a year ago (early June 2021), Spain has welcomed vaccinated travelers uninterruptedly. If your doubts are specifically about covid-related entry requirements, please refer to this link for detailed information - https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Link to the ministry of foreign affairs - https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/Paginas/index.aspx
For general conditions and requirements to enter Spain, please refer to Spain's Tourism official website - https://www.spain.info/en/travel-tips/visa-passport/
Moreover, since reopening the borders almost a year ago (early June 2021), Spain has welcomed vaccinated travelers uninterruptedly. If your doubts are specifically about covid-related entry requirements, please refer to this link for detailed information - https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/faqs/ Link to the ministry of foreign affairs - https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/Paginas/index.aspx
Spain is somewhere you don't simply go on a holiday; you go to experience life!. We often think (and hear from our customers) that every sense is stimulated when traveling through our country. So, expectedly, during your visit to Spain, you'll feel (more than once) tempted to take away part of what you are living, seeing, tasting, smelling, or experiencing. So whether you want a small souvenir of your trip as a treat to yourself or a gift to your loved ones, here are some ideas of authentic and valuable Spanish-favoured souvenirs.
Iberian cured ham: our gastronomy is so rich that unless you plan to purchase additional suitcases to carry all you might want to bring back home, the Ibérico Ham might be the best, tastier and lightest option. Vacuum-packed and comfortable to carry makes this the perfect present. You'll thank yourself later when treating yourself to lovely tomato and Ibérico ham toast on a given day, just as you did during that unforgettable breakfast in Spain.
Wines: with over 90 protected Designation of Origin wines in Spain, a bottle of good wine is a souvenir you won't want to miss out on. What can be a more delicious way to take a nibble of the land home than an enological souvenir? Moreover, remember that we have our Spanish version of champagne, so if you are shopping for a nice red or white wine, make sure to throw in a bottle of cava, especially if you are into sparkling wines. Finally, don't forget to pop in a bottle of sherry, our worldwide famous fortified wine. You'll be taking home sherry right from where it was invented. What can be more original?
Turrón: although it is mainly popular during Christmas time, you'll find this nougat-like sweet year-round if you know where to look for it (and for that, you have us). This tasty treat, mostly made with almonds, honey, and egg whites, is one sweet way to remember Spain.
Flamenco outfits: while Jerez and Seville both claim to be the place where flamenco was born, what is clear is that this dramatic and passionate music and dance expression started in Southern Spain. You can find flamenco dresses, shawls, shoes, and accessories throughout the country, and these make for a thoughtful and colorful souvenir of Spain.
Olive oil: often referred to as liquid gold thanks to its nutritional properties, a bottle of Spanish olive oil at home can quickly bring the essence of Mediterranean gastronomy to your table. Did you know that Spain is the world's top olive oil producer? Some of the world's best olive oil is produced here, and trust us when we say this is the type of gift appreciated by pretty much everyone.
Spanish fan (abanico): especially if you visit Spain during the warmer months, you can't help but notice many local ladies (and plenty of tourists) using the traditional abanico to freshen themselves. In addition to being practical, these ultralight souvenirs are also colorful and can brighten up a corner at home and add to the décor. So, even though they might seem like a bit of a stereotype, this is one of the most beautiful gifts you can take back home.
Bota (wineskin): have you ever tried wine from a traditional wineskin? The traditional bota is a tear-shaped wineskin, formerly made from goatskin with a waterproof lining known as pez (a type of vegetable resin) and closed with bull horn stoppers. Today, these are made from a variety of synthetic materials. And, despite its humble origins when men used them to refresh themselves during a hard day's work in the fields, the bota is now synonymous with fiestas and get together among friends and family. So, if you are thinking of a useful, original, and typical Spanish present, think no more.
Spanish guitar: with a hefty price tag (some can reach up to 15 thousand euros), this is not the type of souvenir you pick in the airport before boarding your flight. But, if you feel you have the next rock star in your family, this is, undoubtedly, a way to let them know how much you believe in their talent.
We like to say that any time of the year is good for visiting Spain, and we genuinely believe that to be the case. So whether you are looking for culture-history focused journeys, a gastronomic experience, a romantic or beach holiday, fun and adventure or a carefully crafted mix of all, Spain is exciting year-round.
Spain is among the sunniest European countries, and many of its cities top the list of the most hours of sunshine per year. So, thanks to the typically lovely weather and long sunny days, together with the welcoming people, you are bound to enjoy Spain regardless of when you choose to visit.
Visiting in the winter has an upside that many travellers feel offsets the low temperatures: since significantly fewer people visit Spain in the winter, touring is much more comfortable and personal. Without experiencing it, Spain might not seem like the place to spend a traditional Christmas; however, a Spanish Christmas holds many of the same traditions as other Western countries and many customs of its own. Spanish people look forward to the season; with its traditional Christmas markets and the magical atmosphere surrounding them, you will find a country transformed for the occasion.
Traveling in the spring is a lovely experience; you get to enjoy pleasant temperatures, and the country has an incredibly natural beauty during this time of the year. May and June, in particular, between the end of the spring and the start of the summer, offer lovely weather, natural beauty, and so many options throughout the entire geography.
The summer is when sun-kissed Spain is at its best for beach lovers and people who enjoy time on or near the ocean. In Spain, you find some of the best beaches in Europe and miles of coastline. But, beyond the renowned coastline, prepare yourself to discover a land of incredible natural beauty, millenary history, awe-inspiring architecture, world-class art exhibitions and museums, superb gastronomy and a thriving leisure and nightlife scene.
As the warmest days are left behind, and the pleasant temperatures begin to set in again, the country with its lovely shade of colours typical of the autumn season is possibly at its best. At the end of September and all through October, travellers have the luxury of enjoying sunny and still long days with lovely temperatures. You can still make the most of the beaches in Southern Spain and the islands and explore the rest of the country and its many highlights.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your interests. Of course, specific tours, experiences, or places are best done during a particular time of the year. Still, tailor-made travel to Spain with Lugarex will inspire enduring memories, no matter when you choose to visit.
So, we don't lie when we say that Spain is the ideal choice for European travelling year-round. Our travel specialists will help you design the custom-made trip to Spain that is right for you.
With card/phone payments widely available throughout the country, you'll be surprised how little you'll need to check your pockets or pull a wallet out to pay with cash. Today, paying with bank cards or your mobile phone is one of the most common payment methods.
Still, we think that carrying some cash with you can come in handy, especially for tipping at tapas bars, small restaurants, or cafes, where cash tips are usually appreciated and sometimes the only way to recognize the staff for a job well done. Moreover, if you are traveling with us and taking part in privately guided tours and experiences, the tour guides and the drivers will be grateful to receive a token of appreciation for their job.
Please know that you don't need to exchange money back home and bring euros unless it is beneficial for you; a much simpler way is to withdraw cash from an ATM once you have arrived in the country. All main airports have ATMs conveniently available before you even exit the airport. You will also find a wide range of bank machines available in the cities throughout Spain.
Privately guided tours, in general, are an excellent way to get to know new countries, and ours are the best way to discover the Iberian Peninsula. During them, you can uncover the history, culture, art, or gastronomy at the hands of knowledgeable and passionate locals.
Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your trip, we recommend combining Spain and Portugal. You can discover the essence of each country and get to know the different cultures and their cities during the same trip. But, of course, if you prefer a more focalized trip, visiting each country at a time will undoubtedly keep you busy and astonished.
An eight or nine-night journey is enough to explore three of the most emblematic cities on the Peninsula. Imagine a combination between Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona, or Seville and Porto if you prefer journeys to smaller, more authentic places. If your travel expectations are higher or different, let us know how long you have, and we can design your trip to include more regions and memorable tours and experiences.
One of the advantages of combining Spain and Portugal, in addition to visiting two countries, is that it can be done simply, in a single trip with our integrated, personalized services, whether in transport, tours, experiences, or hotels. As a result, you will enjoy an equally consistent and worry-free top travel experience, ensuring top-quality and a personalized trip throughout both countries.
Discover the different cities of Spain and Portugal and reach medieval and magical corners such as private tours through Toledo, Sintra, or Montserrat. Tapas or petiscos gastronomy tours. Or allow yourself to be amazed by a flamenco or fado performance. Regardless of your interests, you are bound to find what you look for during our customized holidays to Spain and Portugal.