Summary
What is the best of Spain? That’s obviously an impossible question to answer, so let’s break it down into a few categories.
Spain’s Best Cities
Madrid
Spain’s best museums, excellent day trips, shopping, great nightlife, and so much more can be found in Madrid. It may not have the wow factor that Barcelona has; however, you’ll never get bored in this vibrant capital.
Barcelona
Because, Barcelona! Spain’s most famous city needs no introduction. With Gaudi architecture, the Gothic Quarter, and a burgeoning craft beer scene, this city is undeniably a must-visit.
Seville
The jewel of Andalusia, the sounds of flamenco float out from balconies while you savor tapas in the charming Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s a city that enchants visitors with its rich cultural heritage.
Granada
Two highlights include the Alhambra and Spain’s best tapas culture, where you receive a tapas dish with every drink, often at no extra cost!
San Sebastian
Known as Spain’s best beach town, San Sebastian has transformed pintxos (Basque tapas) into a culinary art form, attracting food lovers worldwide.
Best Regions
Cities are great; however, if you’re not after a city break, you can choose your destination based on what the region offers.
Andalusia
With cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, this region also features sherry from Jerez, the beautiful city of Cadiz, and the pueblos blancos (white villages) like Ronda, making it a fantastic area to explore.
Madrid
Stretching into Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y Leon, you have beautiful cities like Segovia, Toledo, Consuegra, and Avila all just a day trip away. Explore some of Spain’s best small towns while enjoying the delicious local tapas.
The Basque Country
San Sebastian and Bilbao serve as its major cities. Moreover, this region offers exceptional surfing, outstanding wines (both in the Basque Country and La Rioja), creating a spectacular experience for visitors.
Catalonia
Home to Barcelona, Catalonia deserves recognition. Plus, with highlights like Figueres’ Dali Museum, the Montserrat mountain range, and the Pyrenees, it’s a region packed with exploration opportunities.
Galicia
Known for its lush landscapes, Galicia is the home of Santiago de Compostela, a significant pilgrimage site where thousands walk 800 miles annually on the Camino de Santiago.
The Best Things to Do
How to fill your trip to Spain? If it’s your first visit, you can’t say you’ve truly experienced Spain until you’ve done these things:
Eat Tapas
Tapas is not merely a type of food; instead, it’s a way of enjoying it—small portions, usually accompanied by a drink. Interestingly, in some cities, these delightful bites are offered free with each drink, while in others, you may find gourmet presentations.
Where? Seville, Granada, or San Sebastian.
See a Flamenco Show
Flamenco is not just dance; it’s a complete art form that includes singing, guitar playing, hand claps, and, at times, dancing. To experience flamenco is to feel its power and emotion, reminiscent of opera and the rawness of punk.
Where? Ideal locations include Seville or Granada, though great shows can also be found in Madrid or Barcelona.
Visit the Sagrada Familia and Other Modernist Architecture
Catalan modernism represents Spain’s Art Nouveau movement, best experienced through the stunning architecture found in Barcelona.
Where? Barcelona
Go to the Golden Triangle of Art Museums
The Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are renowned as three of the best art museums, not just in Spain, but globally, and they are all conveniently located within walking distance of each other.
Where? Madrid
Visit One of Spain’s Crazy Festivals
Tomatina, the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, and Las Fallas showcase the vibrant festival culture of Spain, with countless smaller fiestas occurring in various villages throughout the year.
Where? All over the country
The Best Festivals
The optimal time to visit a city is often during a festival—there’s nothing worse than arriving in town just as they are cleaning up from a fiesta. Here are some of the top festivals to consider:
Las Fallas in Valencia
Las Fallas has it all—from street food and music to fireworks and religious events that keep the festivities alive at all hours.
Tomatina Tomato Fight
A food fight at its most hilarious, La Tomatina is a festival you won’t want to miss!
Pamplona Running of the Bulls
Some find it exhilarating to run ahead of a herd of bulls, while others prefer to watch from a safe distance.
Semana Santa
This week-long celebration of Easter varies greatly across cities—from the somber observance in Toledo to the passionate displays in Seville.
Feria de Sevilla
Following Semana Santa, the sevillanos celebrate their biggest fiesta of the year, known as Feria de Abril, although it may not always take place in April.
The Best Food and Drink
Paella, of course—but what else? And what exactly is ‘tapas’?
Paella
Spain’s most famous dish is often misunderstood; for instance, the most traditional version often contains no seafood—surprising, isn’t it?
Tapas and Pinchos
Not precisely a food type, tapas represents a style of eating characterized by small portions, preferably enjoyed while standing with a drink, forming an integral part of an evening of bar hopping.
Wine
Spanish wine, particularly red, is recognized as some of the best in the world and is often more affordable than in neighboring France.
Sherry
Different enough from standard Spanish wine, sherry deserves its own mention. Often misunderstood, it’s not always the sweet variation that some might think. Explore the various types in Jerez.
Octopus
Though the texture may deter some, that’s usually due to improper cooking. For the best experience, try this delicacy in Santiago de Compostela.
More of the Best of Spain
Additional places to explore in Spain include:
Beaches
Spain boasts extensive coastlines, many featuring beautiful beaches. Moreover, if traditional swimwear feels too restrictive, there are plenty of nudist options available!
Art and Architecture
Visitors will be astounded by the remarkable structures across Spain, ranging from nearly thousand-year-old cathedrals to stunning modernist designs that push the boundaries of architectural creativity.
