Discovering Spain: An Uncommon Guide

by Penelope Casas

Revised and updated

Genres: Spain, Travel, Nonfiction

608 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 1992

About the author

PENELOPE CASAS is one of the best-known and respected experts on Spanish cuisine. She has written about food and travel in Spain for the New York Times, Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Conde Nast Traveler and has published six books on Spanish cuisine. The Spanish government has awarded her both the National Prize of Gastronomy and the Medal of Touristic Merit, and has named her Dame of the Order of Civil Merit. She and her Spanish husband have guided culinary tours throughout Spain.

Reviews

[Michael Boerm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Picked it up from a clearance section at a second-hand bookshop because my wife is from Spain and I wanted to read a bit more about the country. I never expected a guidebook to be so engrossing. The author has indeed written a guidebook, but in it she covers not just the logistics of travel, but has excellent insights into the cultural and sociological aspects of each region of Spain. It reads like a novel.

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Refers mainly to the book's section on Galicia) I would highly recommend reading through this book while planning a trip to Spain, as well as taking it with you for the trip, perhaps along with a more updated, fact-based guidebook such as the Eyewitness series for opening times, costs and maps. It is a well-written, opinionated guide to the best that Spain has to offer and sets each area in its historical and cultural context well.

[Tippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you go to spain, bring this book! if nothing else, forget your toothbrush your underwear, even your mascara, BRING THIS!!!!!!

a friend gave to me and i'm not really even big on guide books, love to find things, but this book takes you to places you may easily miss as you wander & makes your wandering a delight!!!!!!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book out there for planning a trip to Spain that I've read so far. Meticulously describing each of the unique and independent regions of Spain, the author guides you through the history, culture, foods, holidays, and best places to stay. Extremely helpful and interesting!