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One of the most famous types of Spanish wine, Rioja, comes from grapes grown in the regions of La Rioja, Navarre and Alava in the north of the country. The Paradores hotel chain organizes three day wine tours around the region, where you can visit bodegas (wine cellars), taste exquisite wines, stay in luxury hotels and explore charming towns along the way.

The sparsely populated province of Cáceres in the region of Extremadura is an area of Spain less known to foreigners, but one that is worthy of much fame. Charming towns and historic Roman ruins are surrounded by stunning scenery, perfect for country walks and hiking while in Spain.

True wine connoisseurs know that there is a big world of Spanish wine beyond the borders of the well known La Rioja region. In fact, Navarre, a region to the northeast of La Rioja, produces rich rosés, reds and whites that are just as delicious as its neighbour's.

As the weather cools and summer gives way to autumn, mushrooms are beginning to sprout in Spain's Sierra de Gredos, a mountain range that stretches out over 110 kilometres of the centre of the country. The fleshy fungi will soon cover the ground, waiting to be plucked, cooked and eaten.

Autumn is the season for chestnuts in many parts of Spain. Particularly in the north, many regions host versions of the castañada festival to celebrate the harvest of these humble nuts.

Many of us like to enjoy a relaxing glass or two of Spanish wine after a long day at the office. Far from relaxing, however, is the process of making the wine in your glass. In fact, it's a lot of hard work!

As the temperatures fall and the days get shorter, we have to forget about relaxing seaside holidays in Spain until next year.

But do we really? Although the autumn and winter months are usually too cold for swimming and sunbathing, there are still many spectacular beaches in Spain full of natural beauty worthy of a visit, even if you must wear a hat and scarf to do so.

When the ancient Romans ruled the land that is now Spain, the Andalusian city of Carmona was an important stronghold and a busy urban centre of Roman Hispania. Sitting on a ridge rising above the River Carbones plain, the city was known as Carmo to the likes of Julius Caesar.

The regions of Spain are diverse, and each boasts its own unique curiosities. The autonomous community of Extremadura in western Spain is no different. The rolling hills and wild, open land in this region are rich in local culture.

To promote its distinct customs and cuisine, the regional government has created a network of museums called the Museos de Identidad, or Museums of Identity, dedicated to some of the foods, festivals and traditions found in Extremadura.

The northern Spanish city of Benavente may be small, but its history is long and rich. Luxury hotel Parador Benavente, which occupies the grounds of a fortress built on the orders of King Ferdinand II of Leon in the 12th century, has borne witness to much of the city's past.

Many foodies claim that cooking with fresh herbs and spices can make the difference between a good meal and a great meal. It's no wonder, then, why the food at Parador Teruel, Parador Granada and Parador La Palma is so delicious!

Spain is renowned for its rich culinary tradition. From fish and ham to stews and sweets, visitors travel great distances to enjoy the country's delicious gastronomy.

It's hard to go wrong when it comes to sampling Spanish cuisine, but the right food and drink pairing will enhance your meal.