Spain is one of the most charming countries, with many great places waiting for visitors. The Mediterranean climate and the Spanish lifestyle make it a popular destination for many.
One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its beaches, pleasant weather and charming towns. On the mainland, it borders Portugal, France, Andorra and Gibraltar.
Table of Contents
Best places in Spain
Barcelona
One of my favorites is the Catalan capital, which has an excellent atmosphere and lots of sights to see.
The architectural solutions of Gaudí dominate Barcelona, appearing in amazing futuristic creations. Just think of the Sagrada Família church or Park Güell.
Even for those who are not football fans, attending a Barca match is worthwhile. The world-famous football team is a symbol of Catalonia, and watching a match in their huge stadium is an experience.
Thanks to its climate, Barcelona is a great destination in both winter and summer. I have been there twice in January, and both times I enjoyed pleasant weather while exploring the city.
Tenerife
The most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a unique island. From beautiful beaches to mountainous areas, everything can be found here.
For those who love high mountain hiking, climbing to the peak of Mount Teide, which is 3718 meters high, is a must. However, those who do not want to tire themselves too much can take the cable car up near the summit.
The southern part of the island is the real tourist area, where you can find fine sandy beaches. The most beautiful, however, is in the north. Teresitas beach, at the foot of the mountains, has wonderful golden sandy shores.
Madrid
Of course, the capital cannot be left out of the list!
Madrid is known for its great museums and the football team, Real Madrid.
Even those who are not fond of art must visit one of the world’s most famous museums, the Prado. Masterpieces of Spanish painting can be seen live.
Seville
The center of Andalusia is also famous as the capital of Moorish architecture, making Seville one of the most interesting cities.
Among the architectural masterpieces, Plaza de Espana stands out with its art deco and neo-Mudéjar style. On the side of the building, small alcoves feature tile mosaics depicting significant historical events from each province of the country.
In addition, the Alcazar, a palace with a beautiful garden, showcases the wealth of the caliphs.
Seville – a place where every part is a true wonder
Toledo
Just 70 km from the capital lies the former capital, which is a popular tourist destination.
The city, built on a rocky hill, is surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, where several magnificent buildings can be admired. Among them is the former Moorish palace, the Alcazar, and the Gothic structure of the Toledo Cathedral, which is among the most beautiful in the world.
Toledo is also known as the city of three cultures, as Muslims, Christians, and Jews all lived freely here. This blend of three styles is felt throughout the city.
So, if you are in Madrid, don’t forget to plan a trip to Toledo! It’s very easy to reach from the capital by train.
Balearic Islands
Each of the three major islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) is worth a separate trip, so I can’t differentiate between them.
During the summer, each island is very popular. If you want to party, then Ibiza is the clear winner. If you prefer a quieter place, Menorca is more suitable for that purpose.
If you really want white sandy beaches, then while vacationing in Ibiza, you should visit the nearby island of Formentera.
Valencia
Many say about this city what I wrote about Barcelona: that it will become one of the favorite cities for those who visit.
Valencia has numerous museums, and a whole quarter has been built, named the City of Arts and Sciences. It consists of seven parts, covering an area of 350,000 square kilometers. The buildings are unique, designed by a famous architect inspired by Gaudí’s work.
Another well-known part of the city is a park developed from a former riverbed that cuts through the city. This 8 km long park is filled with flowers, palm trees, and orange trees. The creation of this park was an excellent idea!
San Sebastian
The Basque Country is an authentic part of Spain, and like the Catalans, they have a strong sense of identity.
One of its most famous towns is San Sebastian, which was the cultural capital of the year in 2016. Here you can find one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, La Concha beach. Just look at the picture below, and you will think so too!
From the Christ statue on the left hilltop, there’s a magnificent view. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro because of this.
Malaga and Costa del Sol
Malaga, Andalusia’s second-largest city, is the heart of the Costa del Sol, a popular tourist destination known for its excellent wines, mild climate, and abundant sunshine.
The Gibralfaro Castle, overlooking the city, offers stunning views of the bullring, the port, the sea, and, on the other side, the mountains. Another attraction is the Alcazaba, Spain’s best-preserved Moorish fortress.
The Sunny Coast stretches nearly 150 km along the Mediterranean Sea, with numerous sandy beaches, resort towns, and hotels welcoming vacationers. With temperatures near 20 degrees Celsius even in winter, it’s worth visiting during this season for some warmth.
Malaga, where we can escape in winter
Castellfollit de la Roca
Located in Catalonia, at the foot of the Pyrenees, this small village is built on a rock outcrop.
The village is built on a 50-meter high, approximately 1-kilometer long basalt rock. It’s essentially a long street, as this part of the rock is so narrow. The village has existed for hundreds of years, allowing tourists to stroll through a genuine medieval village.
Ronda
Called the most beautifully located town in Spain, Ronda sits at an elevation of 750 meters.
You must have seen that picture where a bridge connects two huge rock parts. That is the most characteristic image of Ronda.
Additionally, the town is notable for showcasing multiple architectural styles and for housing one of Spain’s oldest bullfighting arenas.
Fuerteventura
One of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is known for its wonderful beaches and almost lunar landscapes.
The latter is no surprise since it was formed by volcanic activity, which is perhaps most evident here. Due to this unique nature, UNESCO has declared the entire island a biosphere reserve.
The most beautiful beaches can be found in the southern and northern parts of the island. The famous Sotavento long beach and the Corralejo sand dunes are among the most beautiful sights in Fuerteventura.
Fuerteventura attractions, beaches
Bilbao
Bilbao is the center of one of Spain’s authentic regions, the Basque Country.
The Old Town, or Casco Viejo, hides narrow streets, old churches, and colorful buildings. Here, you’ll find the Santiago Cathedral and the Plaza Nueva, famous for its Sunday flea market and tapas bars.
Many may be familiar with the Guggenheim Museum, a renowned museum of modern and contemporary art showcasing works by Spanish and international artists. The building is designed to resemble a ship.
When in Bilbao, be sure to try the local version of tapas, pintxos.
Cuenca
To be honest, I didn’t know the name of this town. Yet, the city located between Madrid and Valencia is a gem within Spain.
Listed by UNESCO, the city is built on a rocky cliff, with houses perched on its „edges”, known as Casas Colgadas or Hanging Houses.
In the main square stands the country’s oldest Gothic cathedral, built in the 12th century. Legend has it that the Holy Grail was kept in this church.
Near the city, there is a natural curiosity. The Ciudad Encantada, or Enchanted City, hides unique geological formations, shaping various figures.
Santiago de Compostela
One of the prominent centers of Galicia, it is the western endpoint of the Way of St. James, better known as El Camino in Spain.
Its most famous attraction is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the largest Romanesque church built in Spain. It is said to be the burial place of Saint James the Elder, whose final resting place is now adorned with a life-sized statue of the saint.
However, Compostela is not only worth visiting for this reason. This is evidenced by the fact that in 1985, its old town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2000.
Segovia
Located 100 km from Madrid, the city is famous for its Roman aqueduct and medieval old town, both of which are also World Heritage Sites.
The aqueduct is actually a bridge, one of the most significant Roman monuments on the Iberian Peninsula. It has a total of 167 arches: from its arrival in the city to the Plaza del Día Sanz, it has 75 simple arches, followed by 44 double (or 88 in total), and then four more simple arches.
The Alcázar fortress is one of Spain’s most distinctive castle palaces due to its shape. It was built by the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century. Today, the fortress houses a museum and a military archive.
Granada
Granada is a prominent tourist center, thanks to its monuments and the proximity to the Sierra Nevada ski resort and the historical region known as the Alpujarras.
Among its historical buildings, the Alhambra fortress and palace is one of the country’s most important monuments, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 along with the Generalife gardens and the Albaicín district.
The Granada Cathedral is considered Spain’s first Renaissance church. The royal chapel attached to the cathedral houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.
Córdoba
The former Roman and Islamic city center of Córdoba boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage.
It is famous for the Mezquita, once the world’s largest mosque, now functioning as a Catholic cathedral. It is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture, expanded with Christian elements.
The most significant Roman remnant is the Puente Romano, or Roman Bridge, spanning the Guadalquivir River. Built in the 1st century, it played a vital role in the city’s history and remains a spectacular sight today.
Júzcar
Andalusia already offers many attractions, so the locals took a bold step to attract tourists.
Until 2011, the village houses were traditionally painted white, but then for promotional purposes of The Smurfs, they were all painted sky blue. The „plan” worked, as many tourists visited the village.
Girona
Girona is a city in the northeastern part of Catalonia, located at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers.
Its cathedral is a standout attraction, famous for having the world’s largest Gothic nave and a stunning Roman-style staircase leading to its entrance. Here, you can see the famous Tapestry of Creation, a medieval masterpiece.
Its ancient walls, narrow streets, and colorful houses rising along the riverbank offer a unique sight. The historic old town, Barri Vell, is home to the well-preserved Jewish quarter, El Call, where a thriving Jewish community lived in past centuries.
Cádiz
Often called Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, its history stretches back over 3000 years to when it was founded by the Phoenicians as Gadir.
Cádiz has a unique atmosphere, surrounded by the sea, known for its carnival, lively streets, and friendly ambiance.
In the old town, the El Pópulo district features narrow streets and historic buildings, including the baroque and neoclassical Cádiz Cathedral. Another significant monument is the Torre Tavira, an 18th-century watchtower that is the highest point of the old town, offering magnificent views of the city and surrounding sea.
Burgos
An important stop on the Camino de Santiago, it was the capital of Old Castile in the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Burgos Cathedral is the city’s symbol and one of the most important Gothic architectural masterpieces in Spain. Its elegance, harmony of lines, and the fact that it is the only Spanish cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its own, without its surroundings, make it particularly impressive.
When visiting, be sure to try the local morcilla (blood sausage), traditionally made with rice, onions, and spices.
Ávila
Close to Madrid, this city is known for its well-preserved city walls, which are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the 11th century, the walls stretch about 2.5 kilometers around the city, with more than 80 towers and nine gates, making Ávila one of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities in Europe.
It is also known as the birthplace of Teresa de Jesús, one of the most venerable saints of the Catholic Church, whose life and work significantly influenced the city’s history.
Salamanca
Located near the Portuguese border, Salamanca is one of Spain’s most important academic and cultural centers. Several of its buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Plaza Mayor, often considered Spain’s most beautiful main square, is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Additionally, its two cathedrals are wonderful examples of the blending of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Since 2003, the „Holy Week of Salamanca” preceding Easter has been the city’s most important event.
Jorquera
Located to the northeast of Albacete city, along the Júcar River, it sits on a prominence that makes it popular.
The river takes a bend here, and along this bend, on a rocky outcrop, lies the town. The castle and fortifications here were built by the Almohads.
