Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Spain

Though geographically part of Europe, Spain occupies a distinctive position between various continents, showcasing a rich array of ethnicities that contribute to its identity.

Marked by historical and cultural associations with North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Spain’s heritage, culinary offerings, and architectural styles exhibit these remarkable influences, rendering it an exceptional destination.

While Madrid and Barcelona boast prominent tourist attractions, the rural and coastal regions also contain significant historical sites and stunning natural landscapes.

Presented below are 15 of the most noteworthy tours in Spain that merit attention.

1. Horse Dance at Jerez de la Frontera

Andalusia is renowned globally for its captivating landscapes and vibrant culture, as well as for the remarkable horses bred and trained in the region.

This 90-minute performance is accessible for individuals using wheelchairs and features an extraordinary exhibition of fluidity, elegance, and choreography that is impressive by both human and animal standards.

The ballet-like presentation is complemented by traditional Spanish music and costumes from the 17th and 18th centuries, adding an extra layer of splendor.

Each performance showcases a variety of displays by the horses and their riders, making it an experience not to be overlooked in Andalusia.

2. Sagrada Familia Entrance Fast-Track Ticket

During your visit to Spain, discussions around Antoni Gaudi are inevitable, a testament to his status as the nation’s most celebrated architect.

This expedited tour facilitates a visit to a residence considered among his greatest achievements, despite his inability to complete the project during his lifetime.

Explorations of this exceptional site in Barcelona are available in over ten languages and include prominent structures that blend art nouveau and gothic elements, with the basilica being one of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks of the city.

If feasible, ensure this historical gem is included in your itinerary.

3. Half-Day Excursion to the Caminito del Rey

If traversing wooden footbridges suspended hundreds of feet above a rocky gorge appeals to you, then a half-day journey to Caminito del Rey in Málaga should be an essential part of your Spanish itinerary.

Renowned for its safe, although potentially precarious mountain pathways, Caminito del Rey and the Gaitanes Gorge are areas that exemplify the natural beauty appealing to nature enthusiasts visiting the region.

This engaging tour is provided in both English and Spanish; since it requires a moderate level of fitness, it is best suited for those who are relatively active.

Participants will glean fascinating historical and geological insights from their knowledgeable guide.

4. Skip-the-Line Alhambra & Generalife Guided Tour

The Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens attract considerable attention from tourists; however, with this expedited guided tour, waiting in lines becomes an irrelevant concern.

Your insightful local guide will provide historical context on this nearly 600-year-old site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s.

Historically, Alhambra served as a residence for Sultans and housed the lavish palaces where they lived with their families.

In the 1500s, the area that is now the Generalife Gardens provided a serene retreat for Moorish royalty seeking respite from courtly pressures.

The gardens are adorned with vibrant plants, trees, and flowers that cultivate a serene atmosphere.

5. Oceanogràfic Entrance Ticket in Valencia

Valencia hosts one of Europe’s largest marine centers.

The Oceanogràfic within the City of Arts and Sciences is populated with marine habitats and aquatic species from across the globe. It features an impressive underwater restaurant that is likely to impress those traveling with children.

This tour lasts four hours and provides participants with an appreciation for the vastness and diversity of life within the world’s oceans and emphasizes the importance of their preservation.

The most significant tank contains nearly 25 million liters of water.

6. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba Tickets with Guided Tour

This concise 1.5-hour guided tour is ideal for those pressed for time or who prefer to maintain flexibility in their day’s itinerary.

The tour highlights the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It accommodates individuals using wheelchairs and is available in both English and Spanish.

Visitors will be awed by the elaborate structures, sheer scale, and stunning combinations of Moorish and Byzantine architecture prominent during its 8th-century construction.

The cathedral’s interior features numerous soaring arches and magnificent domed ceilings soaring hundreds of feet overhead.

Consequently, it remains one of Córdoba’s most frequented sites.

7. Casa Batlló Ticket and Video Guide

For those intrigued by the captivating narrative of Spain’s most esteemed architect and his acclaimed creations, this video-guide tour of Barcelona’s Casa Batlló is especially suitable.

Regarded as an iconic representation of modernist architecture, the residence designed by Gaudi in the early 20th century features a grand staircase and mezzanine, both notable characteristics of that era.

The house is situated on Barcelona’s prestigious Passeig de Gracia. The tours are available in various languages.

If you have yet to partake in a video-guide tour, consider giving it a try; you may find it enjoyable.

8. Guided Tour of Alhambra Surroundings

The Alhambra is filled with extraordinary history, natural attractions, and some of the most stunning architecture in the region.

This guided tour of Alhambra and its surrounding areas makes stops at significant landmarks, such as the Palace of Carlos V, the Puerto del Vino (Wine Port), and the Alhambra Forest.

Available in English, Spanish, or French, these tours are brief, lasting only a few hours, and feature a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who is well-versed in the rich history of the area.

This is an excellent option for individuals seeking a concise schedule, with tours meeting at the Puerta de la Justicia de la Alhambra.

9. Mount Teide Cable Car Fast-Track Ticket in Tenerife

Cable cars in Tenerife offer a breathtaking perspective of some of Spain’s highest peaks, along with awe-inspiring geological formations, including ancient lava flows and craters resulting from volcanic activity over time.

Although this is not a guided excursion, the stunning vistas allow for a serene experience without distractions from a tour guide.

At an altitude of nearly 3,600 meters, Mount Teide is magnificent at any time, but particularly stunning at dawn and dusk.

The highest cable car station has various trailheads, providing excellent opportunities for a leisurely walk.

10. Casa Milà-La Pedrera Fast-Track Ticket & Audio Guide

Casa Milà stands out as a distinguished piece of Barcelona’s architectural landscape and is regarded as one of Gaudi’s most ambitious creations from the early 20th century.

Situated on Passeig de Gracia, the apartments lie in proximity to the Gaudi exhibition, which celebrates the life and contributions of Antoni Gaudi, who was widely recognized in his time.

This audio-guide tour enriches the experience with a vivid combination of remarkable visuals and the compelling historical narrative accompanying each display.

Take your time and proceed at your own pace. If you need a break, consider enjoying a refreshing drink or coffee at one of the nearby cafés.

11. Medina Azahara 3-Hour Guided Tour Córdoba

This three-hour guided tour offers a remarkable journey back in time, allowing you to explore the rich history of the centuries-old palaces at Medina Azahara de Córdoba.

This tour is particularly advantageous for those seeking insights into the unique historical blend of European, African, and Middle-Eastern cultural influences that characterize the region.

Your local guide will possess extensive knowledge regarding the complex and its buildings, such as the House of Ja’far, the remnants of the Pórtico de Medina Azahara, and Salón Rico, where ancient royalty would gather and entertain distinguished guests.

12. Madrid City Tour

Your open-top bus provides an excellent way to absorb the sights, allowing you to marvel at locations such as Plaza de Colón and Puerta de Alcalá.

13. Park Güell Admission Ticket

This park, initially commissioned by a local businessman who tasked Gaudi with its design, has transformed into one of the most frequented public spaces enjoyed by both Barcelona residents and tourists.

The park is replete with picturesque green areas that are perfect for relaxation or picnicking and offer stunning views of the vibrant, modernist architecture scattered throughout the city.

It is also adorned with whimsically fantastical structures, imparting a fairy-tale ambiance.

The land became an official park in the 1920s, and due to its cultural and historical relevance, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s.

14. Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum in Madrid has been operational since 1819, during which time it has accumulated one of the nation’s most comprehensive and invaluable art collections, featuring paintings, sculptures, and prints, among other media.

Many pieces in the museum were formerly part of Spain’s Royal Museum, now recognized as the National Museum of Painting and Art.

Works from a multitude of Europe’s eminent masters are on display, alongside thousands of other artworks spanning various media, epochs, and regions.

With such a wealth of art to absorb, visitors may feel overwhelmed; however, the ticket permits entry for an entire day, eliminating the need to rush through.

15. Madrid: Bernabéu Stadium Tour with Direct Access Tickets

For devoted football enthusiasts, this stadium tour at one of Spain’s premier football venues is an ideal experience.

The tour grants access to numerous areas of the stadium generally restricted to the public, such as the Presidential Box, which is typically reserved for club owners and valued guests.

Additionally, the tour includes access to the room that houses the team’s trophies, celebrating their achievements, as well as a documentary detailing the team’s and league’s history, and a view of the pitch surrounded by a stunning array of seats.