So, you’re about to marry the partner of your dreams. The difficult part is over; the wedding has been planned to the last detail and you’ve somehow managed to keep everyone happy. So now comes the real fun, planning a much-needed getaway for you and your lover.

While the idea of rugging up by a fire somewhere snowy sounds romantic, you know you and your future hubby/wife are actually Summer kind of people. You want to go somewhere warm, a place where you can have as many adventures as you have cocktails and where the atmosphere is as vibrant as the sights. Spain ticks all those boxes.

Why Spain? Unlike some other places in Europe, Spain requires more than a few days to ‘see it all’. The culture in Spain varies from city to city- creating a gorgeous tapestry of tradition, architecture, language, food, music and people. So, an entire honeymoon in the one country isn’t so crazy. Trust me, as soon as you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

And if you have any doubts, I have three words for you- sun, sangria and siestas. So which cities should fill your itinerary? To experience a summer in Spain to its fullest, I recommend visiting the north, centre and south.

In the north, begin your ‘moon in Barcelona. Barcelona is popular for good reason. As part of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is a captivating mixture of different cultures. You’ll hear both Spanish and Catalonian being spoken and see the different influences in the food being served. However, the biggest reason to visit has to be the architecture. Buildings like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí are architectural masterpieces unlike anything you will have seen before.

My recommendation? Hit up ‘La Boqueria’ or ‘Mercat Santa Catarina’ (for a less crowded option) and create a cute picnic of cheese, fruit and charcuterie to take with you as you explore the city hand in hand, at your own pace. You will have only just arrived, and after the craziness of your wedding, you’ll need a moment just to chill and be together as a married couple. This city is the perfect place to do so.

As you travel down the country, I recommend visiting the capital, Madrid. Like all cities in Spain, you’ll find impressive architecture – my favourites being the Royal Palace and the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park. If you and your partner are lovers of art, Madrid is the city for you.

The three most notable art museums in Madrid – The Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Gallery – house incredible works form artists such as Goya and Salvador Dalí. The best way to finish a day spent wandering the museums, is by bar hopping your way through Madrid’s numerous rooftop bars.

On your way out of Madrid, stop by Toledo. Not only is this little town incredibly picturesque, is also famous for its unique damascene jewellery and antique swords. Perfect for any couple looking to spend some of their wedding money on gifts for themselves or loved ones back home.

And if you’re wondering where you should spend the most time as a newly married couple, the answer is the Andalucía, the southernmost region in Spain. With its rich Arabic and Jewish history, Andalucía is completely different to the other regions in Spain.

The first city to visit in Andalucía is Sevilla, which in my opinion, is one of the dreamiest cities in the world. Sevilla is a fantastic city for those newlyweds looking to learn more about the country they are visiting.

The rich history of this city can be discovered in visits to the Sevilla Cathedral, the third largest cathedral in the world and La Giralda Bell Tower, which if climbed, has the most extraordinary view of the city.

A visit to La Plaza de España is also not to be missed, as is the Real Alcazár, an enchanting garden filled with terraces, fountains and pavilions that may even seem familiar to any newlyweds obsessed with Game of Thrones.

Just under three hours to the east of Sevilla, you’ll find Granada. A charming little city huddled up next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Granada is abundant with both rich historical value and visual appeal. I recommend taking the romantic walk up to the Albaicín, the Muslim quarter and enjoying the sunset from Plaza San Nicholas.

This lookout is popular with tourists and locals alike and for good reason. You and your partner will certainly be in your own world as you watch the sun fall over the brilliant Alhambra Palace. But the best thing about the Granada? Tapas. In Granada and some other small cities in the south, such as Jaén and Almería, any drink ordered comes with a plate of incredibly tasty food, completely FREE!

Depending on what the chef is cooking, this can range from calamari, patatas bravas, freshly baked bread with Spanish ham and cheese, croquettes or even Spanish tortilla. And since the drinks are so affordable, you and your new husband/wife can enjoy a night out with dinner and drinks for less than 15 Euro each – the perfect way to finish an incredible summer honeymoon in Spain!

Ms Zebra Says: What an amazing itinerary to make the most of one extraordinary place, rather than hopping around the place! From architecture to food, there’s something for everyone. 

About Hannah Burden: Hannah is a writer and traveller based in New South Wales. She began as a poetry and prose writer, and has since expanded into travel writing to combine both passions. In her spare time, you’ll find her hiking and soaking up the sun on the south coast, or binging the latest award worthy television and film.