Spent a few days in Madrid, getting a dose of much needed blue skies and sunshine. I was told by a friend who lives there that the sun shines for more than 300 days a year in Madrid, how lucky they are!

Took in my fill of Art and Culture with three museums. The Sorolla Museum which was originally the home and studio of the Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla. There are still some of the original furnishings, Sorolla’s paintings fill the house, with rooms for Special Exhibitions upstairs. There is a lovely courtyard which must look stunning when all the roses are in bloom in the summer.

The Prado Museum took two visits in order to see the permanent displays and the Special Exhibitions, one of them being Goya in Madrid. Also lovely to see Goya’s The Naked Maja and Las Meninas by Velazquez again after many years. The cafe provided a well needed rest and a contemplation spot to take in all that inspiration.

My first time in The Reina Sofia Museum, and to see Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, so mesmerizing and so powerful in its message. A must see for all visitors to Madrid.

The best churros and hot chocolate is of course in that Madrid institution Chocolateria San Gines, heart stoppingly good churros dipped in that thick rich hot chocolate they are famous for. If you have never been, the roof top at Circulo De Bellas Artes is a must for the fabulous views of Madrid. Sadly too early in the season for the rooftop bar to be opened!

We ended with our last evening spent at SOT, the tapas restaurant run by Sergi Arrola, the two Michelin Star chef. A tapas experience that did not disappoint, all tasty morsels served in creative ways. Very delicious and highly recommended.

So much more to do in Madrid, I will return when the weather is warmer!