As tourists zero-in on Spain, so does the world’s media

Segovia’s famous Roman aqueduct is listed as just one of the Telegraph‘s 19 reasons why Spain is proving so popular this summer.

For a country as perennially popular as Spain, it remains mildly bemusing just how often the mainstream media “stumbles upon” the country’s many treasures year after year.

Now, of course Spain is never described as a hidden holiday gem tucked away in some obscure but beautiful corner of the continent, but all too often the press will focus only on certain negative aspects of the country’s tourist sector, seemingly willful in their ignorance of its many other qualities…

But this summer, things feel a little different. With the upstart rival resorts of Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt all experiencing direct and very recent terror problems, and with even the South of France rocked by violence, Spain’s safe haven status has piqued the interests of even the most solidly middle class publications.

This week’s “19 reasons why we’re all returning to Spain this summer” piece in the Daily Telegraph being a case in point. Rarely does the Telegraph shine its spotlight on Spain with so much sympathy and generosity, preferring instead to reserve its praise for destinations like Florence, Provence and the Seychelles.

But credit where credit’s due, the newspaper has spotted the unavoidable summer trend that shows Spain is the place to be, and has duly published a lovely listicle on why the country is so popular.

There are few surprises in store for avowed fans of Spain, but for those yet to get acquainted with this wonderful country, here are a few highlights from the Telegraph’s piece…

Its enviable cities: From the beauty of Barcelona to the splendour of Seville, the Telegraph rightly recognises Spain’s true strength – its amazing cities, which are dripping with history, culture, atmosphere and superb food.

Its Moorish heritage: Andalucía in particular is singled out for praise here, not least the stunning Alhambra in Granada. Spain’s varied, often bloodied history has created a complex country, but the impact it has had on its architecture and outlook cannot be denied.

Its lesser-known treats: La Coruña in Galicia gets the once over, with particular gushing praise reserved for its glorious urban beaches and winding old town that is dotted with supreme tapas bars. Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque country is also rated highly, while Segovia’s famous Roman aqueduct gets its very own mini review.

Its natural beauty: Yes, the beaches; yes, the mountains; yes, the endless sunshine, and yes, well… all of it. Save for a few less-than-pretty edge-of-town industrial estates, there is barely a square metre in Spain that is not drop-dead gorgeous to look at – something recognised repeatedly in the Telegraph’s article.