Spain

An exhibition of the life and work of Empire of the Sun author JG Ballard is in Barcelona until November.Ballard was born in Shanghai and drew on his experiences in a prison camp for his famous novel.However, it's the scenes conjured up by Crash, a book about the sexual exploitation of car crashes that make this expo.Ballard suffered a car crash soon after finishing the novel, which was later made into a film by David Cronenberg.This exhibition at the Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona explores Ballard's penchant for abandonment.Empty swimming pools and deserted motels make up some of the images of JG Ballard the Autopsy of the new Millennium, alongside some of his written work, which is accompanied by postings from fans.Tourists can stay in affordable accommodation near the Centre to explore other sights Barcelona has to offer.The work of Antoni Gaudi makes this city an architectural hot spot and helped Barcelona win designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.His best known work, the Sagrada Familia church in the city's gothic quarter, was started in 1882 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.Barcelona has seven beaches for visitors to explore making for a happy mix of city and sea to become abandoned in.

Stay in one of the coolest little hotels in Spain, the Casa Camper. Its hip, it's happening, and it has nice rooms. You'll enjoy all the little comforts and facilities, which include complimentary food and some of the best views in the city at the roof terrace.

The rooms are a little unique, as the bedroom and living area are distinctly separate. The living area features a comfortable sofa, and a "state if the art" television. But, the beds are incredible and each bathroom is exquisite. Need some slippers and a bathrobe? No problem, they can accommodate you. There's also a very welcoming hammock for relaxation. The buffet breakfast and lunches are very good.

Casa Camper is very close to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB), the Ramblas and El Raval's trendiest bars and restaurants. They even have a free 24-hour serve-yourself cafeteria in the lobby and the private 'mini-lounge' across a corridor from each room. The bedrooms are great - every amenity has been accounted for. Be sure to get a standard room. They are better than the suites, offering two separate spaces for the price of one.

Looking for a good time to go? June for the annual Sónar International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art.

Casa Camper Barcelona, Carrer Elisabets 11, Barcelona, Spain (00 34 93 342 62 80; fax: 342 75 63; or visit the web Casa Camper web site.

The restaurant Arzak in San Sebastian can offer one of the best culinary experiences in its region. Currently run by Juan Mari and his daughter Elena, the family has been operating from the restaurant's current site since 1897. Originally opened as a wine tavern, the site now offers the finest delights, such as pommes roties a la graisse de foie and sole a la braise d’agrumes, the relais chateaux.com website reports. Those who want to peer into a chef's inner circle may also be able to take advantage of the chef's table, which is located in the kitchen itself. The restaurant states that "on special occasions, you can admire the work of this qualified team having lunch or dinner at the table in their kitchen. That will allow you to share and get involved in the soul of the restaurant".In addition to the cuisine, Arzak also provides some of the "finest wines in the world". Kept in the restaurant's 'wine cave', visitors can taste some of the best vintages from as far a field as the Golan Heights, Mexico and Australia. For those who also may be overwhelmed by the choice available, Arzak's website also points out that its staff "will be pleased to help you in your choice".

An event celebrated throughout Spain, the Moors and Christians Festival is especially significant in Alicante.Five times a year the city remembers the 17th-century clashes, when groups of Moors and Christians drove through the country, accompanied by noisy bands and resulting in a battle between the two groups.Residents march through the streets dressed in period costume and re-enact the battles between the troops.Festivities end when the armies 'retreat', and copious amounts of food and drink are consumed, while dancing takes place.The celebration occurs in different parts of the city depending on the time of year. It is in Villafranqueza from April 30th to May 4th, San Blas from June 6th to 9th, July 3rd - 6th in Rebolledo, August 12th -16th in Altozano and August 29th - September 1st in Jose Antoniao.Alicante is the second largest Valencian city and is also the capital of the popular beach resort Costa Blanca