Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations in Spain
Discover the best places to visit in Spain, from stunning cities to breathtaking scenery.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Discover the best places to visit in Spain, from stunning cities to breathtaking scenery.
Located on the Costa Blanca of southern Spain, Alicante is an excellent destination for a short urban break or day trip when traveling to the region. In addition to a wealth of activities within the city, numerous attractions are available throughout the broader Costa Blanca area, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Gijón is an operational city located along the Atlantic coast in the northern Spanish region of Asturias.
Almería is Spain’s sunniest city, situated along the Mediterranean at the eastern edge of Andalusia. The surrounding rural landscapes are characterized by an arid, dusty terrain, contributing to the uniqueness of the region: Europe’s only true desert is located here, and it served as a filming location for multiple spaghetti westerns during the 1960s and 1970s.
Valladolid is an academic city located in Castile and León in western Spain. It is notably associated with the influential author José Zorrilla, who was born here in 1817, commemorated by a significant monument situated in front of Campo Grande, the city’s park.
In the 1700s and 1800s, this city in eastern Spain experienced an economic surge that endowed it with stunning examples of Baroque art and architecture.
Spain boasts an unparalleled diversity of coastlines, ranging from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and from the temperate north to the subtropical south. Coupled with warm summers, this creates an ideal environment for some of the finest beaches globally. Each beach highlighted here offers unique reasons for their acclaim: some feature idyllic bays with pristine, crystalline waters suitable for swimming, while others comprise rugged Atlantic shorelines that serve different purposes. Regardless, all of these locations are undeniably breathtaking in their distinct ways.
In nearly every Spanish city, town, and village, local cultural traditions thrive. The diversity across the regions brings an impressive array of festivals, often observed in honor of the local patron saint. These celebrations, frequently grounded in ancient customs and legends, can be quite exuberant, featuring food contests, extensive drumming sessions, and grand bonfires.
Over a millennium ago, Córdoba (Spain) stood as the most populous city globally, with a populace threefold greater than today’s 320,000. It served as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, which dominated much of the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. While the Umayyad Caliphate has vanished, its legacy remains evident throughout the historic center, notably exemplified by the captivating Mosque-Cathedral.
Spain has experienced considerable conflict throughout its history, prompting various cultures, from the Phoenicians to the Visigoths, to establish robust defensive structures atop hills.
As the capital of its own province in northeast Catalonia, Girona is a stunning medieval city that boasts one of Spain’s last remaining Jewish quarters. Historically sought after by various rulers, from Napoleon to the Moors over the past 800 years, Girona has withstood 25 sieges, leading to its complete encirclement by elevated fortifications that remain intact today. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize Girona’s dignified grey stone streets featured in Season Six, where it stood in for Braavos. Let us explore thebest activities in Girona:
The capital of Cantabria in Atlantic northern Spain, Santander is a coastal city that sustains its economy with fishing, complemented by an exquisite fin de siècle elegance and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Ronda is an enchanting town poised on the edge of an escarpment in the Málaga province.
The World Heritage city of Ávila is renowned for its impressive medieval walls, which encircle the ancient city with a remarkable fortified ring.
Though geographically part of Europe, Spain occupies a distinctive position between various continents, showcasing a rich array of ethnicities that contribute to its identity.
For Mediterranean elegance, Marbella stands shoulder to shoulder with the French Riviera, providing all the elements desired from a premier beach destination. The area boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, marinas populated with luxury yachts, lavish golf courses, high-end boutiques, and an extensive expanse of sandy beaches.
Andalusia’s capital boasts a city abundant in Moorish heritage. This is evident in various elements, including the vibrantly painted tiles found on numerous buildings, the lobed arches of historic palaces, and the iconic Giralda tower, which formerly served as a minaret.
Recognized by many as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga extends beyond a mere seaside destination. Visitors can explore Spain’s Islamic heritage through the impressive Alcazaba fortress, while also appreciating the legacy of Pablo Picasso, who was born here, through various museums dedicated to his formative years.
Spain is one of the most sought-after travel destinations globally, and for valid reasons. This enchanting Mediterranean nation perched on the Iberian Peninsula offers a spectrum of experiences, from relaxing on sun-drenched beaches to leisurely strolling through picturesque countrysides and admiring historical and modern landmarks crafted by illustrious Spanish architects and artists.
Spain is a breathtaking destination featuring everything from magnificent beaches to charming northern towns and the most vibrant cities. Among these, Madrid stands out as a prime city break destination. The variety of exceptional activities in Madrid can be overwhelming when planning your itinerary!