Spain - Kathie Burton

Whether you're heading for the Sierras or the coast, the wide-open plains or the cosmopolitan and historic cities, this gorgeous guide is awash with authentic places to stay. There are simple Casas de Aldea (small traditional houses in remote rural settings), restored monasteries and palaces and modernist buildings with all the contemporary designer trimmings. You can immerse yourself in Spain's ever-changing landscape, from the majestic mountains of the Basque country to the surfing paradise of southern Spain. You can savour the wines of Rioja, the paellas of Valencia, the tapas of San Sebastian. We look for what we like, and we celebrate the beautiful and the unusual. It is the combination of fresh, honest write-ups, colour photographs, clear symbols and excellent maps, directions and quick reference indices that makes the Sawday's guides so popular with readers - and helps put the ninth edition of Spain at the top of the best-seller list.