Spain with Michael Portillo — Season 1

The presenter explores little-known parts of Spain, beginning with Barcelona. He begins at Casa Vicens in Gràcia, Gaudí's colourful first commission, now peacefully open to visitors. Nearby, he samples the city's vermouth culture in a beloved neighbourhood bar. As evening falls, Michael joins locals in Sants and learns a Catalan dance. The next day in the Gothic Quarter, he discovers an 80-year-old espadrille workshop before revealing his tip for viewing the Sagrada Família without queues.

Michael explores the rugged green region of Asturias on Spain's northern coast. His journey begins with an exhilarating drive in a vintage car, ascending the windy roads of the Cantabrian Mountains in search of a fiesta, where locals celebrate shepherds, whole barbecued lamb, bagpipes, and crown the Grandad and Granny of the year.

Michael travels to the northern Basque region, home to two of Spain's most exciting cities, Bilbao and San Sebastian. Starting in Bilbao, Michael celebrates the Guggenheim Museum, before joining locals Irene and Olaia in search of pintxos, the local finger food. He then heads along the coast towards San Sebastián, stopping at a regional sporting contest, the Basque rural games, where feats of sporting skill and endurance based on past times like farming and fishing are tested.

Michael explores Valencia, beginning in the Old Town. There he soaks up the sights of two historic squares adjacent to the Cathedral, before climbing the bell tower. He then heads to El Cabanyal to try a traditional esmorzar brunch, and explores the Turia Gardens, and the City of Arts & Sciences.

Michael travels to Mallorca, starting in the capital Palma, where he heads to the top of its cathedral. Later he goes to the north, once almost cut off from the rest of Mallorca by the towering Tramontana mountains. With the help of a new road tunnel, Michael reveals how the beautiful town of Soller made its fortune from selling citrus fruit to the French during the 19th and 20th centuries.

In Andalucia, Michael uncovers Almeria's hidden history - from its vast Alcazaba and desert film sets to crystal caves, coastal sunsets, and a final burst of fandango in the city.

The presenter avoids the crowds along the Costa Blanca and heads to the neighbouring region of Murcia, where 175 miles of Mediterranean coastline remain largely undiscovered. First stop is the region's second city and ancient port, Cartagena. Later he heads to Europe's biggest saltwater lagoon, the Mar Menor, where locals swear by therapeutic mud baths.

Michael explores Ibiza, heading beyond the nightclubs and superyachts to reveal an island with secrets dating back thousands of years. First, he visits a well party, celebrating Ibiza's ancient water wells, where locals perform the Ball de Pagès, a 13th-century folk dance. Later, in Ibiza Town's Dalt Vila, Michael navigates streets so narrow, his hotel buggy barely squeezes through them.