Discovering Spain: An Uncommon Guide (New, Updated Edition)

This is the definitive guide to Spain. When Carol and I travel in Spain, we're three--the two of us and Penelope. We've been living in Spain since 1992 (the date of the first edition) and we've never traveled in this wonderful country without her. Her asides on history are worth the price of admission, her recommendations on where to eat and stay are invaribly reliable (although she could use some up-dating here and there in the countryside) and her take on places to see and what to do are a genuine menu of Spanish delights. If it matters, this is the preferred guide book of the American Embassy staff.

Penelope Casas, the world's leading authority on Spanish cuisine, has written the best and most comprehensive guide to travel in Spain. Now she has a new website - discoveringspain.com. Check it out

We used this excellent book for a recent trip to Spain, and it made a notable difference, compared with a previous trip. We saw many things that we might have totally missed, and the book gives some very nice (but not tedious) background on just about everything of interest. Maps could be a little better (e.g., include all the places discussed in the text), but we used other maps, and it worked fine. Some restaurants/hotels may be a little pricier than others, but all were very good, and the recommendations usually at least led you to the right areas.

This book truly fulfills it's intent - to be an uncommon guide. The references to history, culture and food are valuable, and Ms. Casas' love for Spain shines throughout. We are a family of four planning to live in Spain for next year - our family millenium project. This book has really inspired us to appreciate the beauty of the culture, people and food of all the different areas of Spain. It is so much more than the usual maps and tourist "must-sees". The only problem will now be to decide where we want to live as Ms. Casas has given us so many new options! (if you read this Ms. Casas, please let us know your thoughts on this!)

Penelope Casas' love of Spain pours out from every page of this wonderful book. In addition to the invaluable travel information, Ms. Casas infuses the book with historical anecdotes, suggestions for ferreting out artisanal treasures and a wealth of information on Spanish gastronomy. One can almost feel the presence of a caring friend gently guiding us to discover a culture of which she is so proud. I would rather die than travel in Spain without this book!