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Are you planning a visit to Spain? If so, you’re in for a treat! Spain is an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer its visitors. It is a beautiful country with a tremendous amount to do, see, eat, and experience. and you definitely want to break free from the stereotypes.
From the Pyrenees Mountains to the steamy hot desert, this country has every sort of climate you could imagine. Choose from weekends lounging on the Mediterranean Sea or eating paella and drinking wine in one of its big, historical cities. Just know, wherever you choose to go, you’re going to love your time in Spain.
Regardless of whether you want to explore Andalusia, located in the South, or the Catalan culture, located in Barcelona, there is something for everyone. Among the delicious food, rich history, and gorgeous scenery, what should you visit when you go to Spain?
Here are our 25 favorite places to visit in Spain that you should add to your list!
1. Madrid
If you are planning a visit to Spain, you should start with the capital of Madrid. It is known for its amazing nightlife, its exceptional universities, and its cosmopolitan population. There are lots of neighborhoods that come together to make up Madrid, and each one has its own feel to it.
You should definitely check out the Royal Palace, which is the home of the Spanish monarchs. You may also want to check out the Puerta del Sol, which is a large plaza where a lot of street performers put on shows. Do not forget to check out the San Miguel Market if you are looking for something to eat.
2. Valencia
Valencia is one of the most important cities in Spain, and it is situated in the eastern part of the country. For many years, it was undergoing renovations, but they have since been completed. Now, it is an architectural masterpiece, and it is the home of the Fallas Festival. Despite the renovations, the city has retained a lot of its history.
There are lots of old monasteries to explore, and there is a beautiful silk exchange to check out. The most impressive attraction is the City of Arts and Science. There are several buildings put together, including a planetarium, a science museum, an aquarium, and even an Omnimax Theater. There are plenty of beautiful gardens, artificial lakes, and athletic parks to explore. You may want to check out some of the parks in the Barri del Carme as well.
3. Ibiza
If you want to visit the Balearic Islands, you should check out Ibiza. It is located just off the eastern coast of Spain, and it is surrounded by the Mediterranean. It is famous for its clubs and nightlife, but there are plenty of other areas to explore.
It is known for its gorgeous bays, delicious food, welcoming people, and sandy beaches. There are also some tall buildings where you can get a beautiful view of the area. This is a fun place to not only party but also to relax.
4. Bilbao
Do you plan on exploring the Basque Country? If so, you will definitely want to check out Bilbao, which is a giant estuary near the Bay of Biscay. It is a very important seaport and industrial city. It is also an architectural Marvel. It is the home of the Guggenheim Museum, and it has become a tremendous tourist attraction.
It has a lot of hidden gems, so you will definitely want to take in the artwork during your visit to this area. Don’t forget about the fish scales, the gothic Cathedral of Santiago, and the Basilica de Begona. You may want to check out the Alhondiga as well. You can even go for a swim in a rooftop swimming pool with a glass floor.
5. Segovia
During your visit to Spain, you will definitely want to swing by Segovia. It is known for its ancient Aqueduct, which is definitely a photo opportunity. It was constructed in 100 AD, and it is a marvel of engineering. There are rumors that the Alcazar of Segovia served as the inspiration to the Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disney, and it was one of the most popular residences of the Kings of Castille.
6. Salamanca
Don’t forget to visit Salamanca during your visit. You can find this beautiful city situated on the Tormes River on the Northern Plateau of Spain. It is synonymous with the Renaissance movement in Europe, and the historical centre has a lot of architectural treasures and beautiful monuments.
You should swing by the Plaza Mayor during your visit, which has a lot of restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is also lit up at night, creating an absolutely beautiful scene. There are lots of cathedrals to explore, and it has been nicknamed La Dorada, which is the Golden City. It has a very youthful feel, and it is known for its strong education system.
7. Seville
You should not visit southern Spain without going to Seville, which is the capital of Andalucia. There are lots of important historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Seville. Many people believe Christopher Columbus was buried there.
You should also check out the Real Alcazar, which is a gorgeous palace. You should spend some time checking out the Metropol Parasol, which is home to a large market. It is the cultural capital of the area, so there are lots of art galleries and museums to explore as well.
8. Merida
If you want to learn more about Roman history, you may want to swing by Merida. This is an area that dates back to 25 AD. You can find it near the Guadiana and Albarregas rivers along the Iberian Peninsula, and it is nearly two thousand years old.
You should definitely swing by the Roman theater, and don’t forget to check out a flamenco show as well. You should also check out the Hippodrome, the aqueduct, and the Moorish fortress. Don’t overlook the Baroque and Gothic architecture as well.
9. Toledo
If you find yourself in central Spain, you may want to visit Toledo. It served as the Spanish Capital until the 16th century. It was inhabited by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, so it has a tremendous amount of culture. It has lots of art and architecture to explore, and it dates back to the Roman Empire.
You may want to wander the medieval streets and explore the mosques, synagogues, and Cathedrals. You can also check out the ancient Roman Fortress as well as the Zordocover Plaza. You can take a break at one of the charming cafes, bite into some Mazapan, and enjoy some tapas.
10. San Sebastian
During your visit to Spain, do not overlook San Sebastian, which is the capital of the Gipuzkoa province. You can find it in the Basque country near the Bay of Biscay, and it is a gorgeous seaside town that is known for its delicious food.
There are several districts to explore, and much of the city was rebuilt after the Napoleonic Wars. This is a great opportunity to go on a funicular ride, check out an amusement park, and explore Monte Urgell and Mount Igueldo. There is plenty of fresh food to eat, and you can check out some of the bars at night.
11. Cuenca
When you take a look at the city, you might be worried that it will fall off the cliff. On the other hand, it has been around for a long time. It has been ruled by both Muslims and Christians alike, with Napoleon even taking a turn during the 1800s.
It is one of the most popular cities in the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain, and you can even tour a medieval castle during your visit. Don’t forget to check out a few of the art galleries! Bring your camera to take a few pictures of the remarkable engineering feats that keep this city from falling off the cliff.
12. Barcelona
Do not forget to check out Barcelona during your visit to Spain. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, and it is one of the biggest travel destinations in the world. This European city is known for its shopping opportunities, its vibrant culture, and its historic architecture. The main attraction is the Ciutat Vella, where a lot of the Roman ruins are located.
There are plenty of cobblestone streets, you should explore the statues in fountains, and don’t forget to go shopping on La Rambla. You may also want to explore the work of Antoni Gaudi in Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. There is a tremendous amount to explore in Barcelona, so you might want to spend a few days in this amazing city.
13. Mallorca
Mallorca (Majorca) is the largest of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. It is surrounded by the gorgeous waters of the Mediterranean, and it is a popular tourist destination. There are lots of people who dock their yachts here, but it is also a great place to try some water sports, go swimming, and enjoy sunbathing.
It is also the home of Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players ever. The capital is Palma de Mallorca, which is an Old Town known for its Gothic Cathedral. You may also want to swing by Soller for some food and the village of Valldemossa for some hiking. It might not be the largest city, but it is one of the most beautiful.
14. Santiago de Compostela
This is the capital city of Galicia, located in Northwestern Spain. Also called the Way of St. James, it is a pilgrimage that dates back to Medieval Times. There are rumors that St. James was buried here.
There are thousands of people who visit the area every year both for religious reasons and for its rich history. There are lots of important landmarks in the area, including the Santiago Cathedral, Catholic Kings Hostal, and the Rajoy Palace. Don’t forget to visit the Gelmirez Palace as well.
15. Granada
You should also take some time to explore Granada, which is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a reasonably large city, and there are lots of spectacular attractions to explore. It is the home of the Alhambra, a symbol of Moorish art. It is representative of Andalusian history, and it is one of the most popular architectural sites in Europe.
You may also want to check out the Granada cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century. It has a beautiful dome ceiling, and there are plenty of Arabian baths to explore as well. There are plenty of smaller neighborhoods to check out, such as Sacromonte and Albaicin. This is the Arabic order, and it is one of the best places to try some amazing spices. Do not forget to check out Granada during your visit to Spain.
16. The Canary Islands
During your visit to Spain, you may also want to check out the Canary Islands. They are located off the northwestern coast of Africa, and they are one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. They have plenty of gorgeous shorelines to take in, and they have lots of outdoor tourist attractions.
There are three separate national parks to explore, so you should get your fill of hiking and relaxing on the beach. You may also want to visit some of the neighborhoods in the area, such as Las Palmas and Santa Cruz. They provide you with great opportunities to explore what life is like for the locals.
17. Cordoba
Cordoba is located in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. There are lots of historic and cultural attractions in this Metropolis to explore. The Mezquita was originally built as a mosque, but now it is a cathedral that has a lot of its original architecture. This means that it is a great place to explore.
There are lots of columns with Islamic-style red, and there are plenty of white-striped arches as well. There is also a beautiful orange grove nearby where you can relax. You may want to swing by the Jewish quarter, check out the Fortress of the Christian monarchs, and take a stroll down the Street of Flowers.
18. Alicante
If you want to relax on the beach, then you may want to visit Alicante. It is home to more than one million people, and there are plenty of city streets to explore as well as sandy beaches on which to relax. You may want to visit the Playa del Postiguet, which is located in the middle of the city. You may also want to visit the popular beach of Playa de San Juan.
The neighborhood of Santa Cruz is home to a lot of museums with some famous art galleries you can explore as well. While you are visiting this area, don’t forget to check out some of the delicious restaurants that line the streets. It is difficult to find a bad meal in this area.
19. Ronda
If you are looking for some of the best scenery in the area, you should check out Ronda. It is a city that is located in southern Spain, and it straddles the El Tajo Gorge. Puente Nuevo is the main landmark of the city, and it was constructed in the eighteenth century.
This is a large bridge that connects El Ciudad, which is the Moorish quarter, with El Marcadillo. The city is known for bullfighting, elegant palaces, and beautiful churches. It has also served as the inspiration for some of the best novels ever written, including those penned by Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. It is one of the most popular locations in Andalucia.
20. Rioja
If you are in the mood to try some wine, then you should visit Rioja. It is very similar to The Champagne region of France, but the wine has a completely different taste to it. You cannot label a wine with the word “Rioja” unless it comes from this area, so you will want to try a few samples during your visit.
There are more than 500 wineries in the area, and there are plenty of delicious restaurants that serve Rioja wine as well. There are plenty of restaurants in this part of the country that have Michelin stars, so you will have a difficult time finding a bad meal here. This is also a great opportunity to go hiking, try some skiing, and even go mountain biking.
21. Costa Del Sol
Another popular beach destination you may want to explore is called Costa Del Sol. There are lots of people who love visiting this area because of its natural beauty. You may want to visit Playa de Burriana or Playa de la Bajadilla.
It is also very close to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and the Guadalmina River. This is a popular location for families with children because there is also a marine animal park, a water park, a zoo, and a theme park in the area. Therefore, this is a destination that has something for everyone. You may want to consider visiting this area when you travel to Spain.
22. Santander
If you are looking for a bit of fresh air, then you may want to visit Santander, which is located in Cantabria. It is known for a slightly slower pace. You can go for a long walk along the waterfront, or you may want to go sunbathing along El Sardinero.
You can also go for a quick swim near Playa de Matalenas. This is an area that is known for its beautiful views, so you will definitely want to bring a camera with you. When you have had your fill of the sea, you can go back into the city for a delicious bite to eat or an afternoon drink. This is a great place to rest and recharge.
23. Marbella
Marbella is home to a wide variety of resorts, so it is the perfect place to kick back and relax. There are plenty of whitewashed buildings that juxtapose beautifully with the iron balconies. There is a tremendous amount of history in this town, and you can take in as much of it as you would like.
You might feel like you have taken a trip back in time when you visit this town. There are lots of beautiful flowers and gardens to explore in Alameda Park as well. It is easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Spain.
24. Menorca
Menorca is the third of the Balearic Islands, and it is no less beautiful. A lot of people love to visit this island because it isn’t quite as busy as Ibiza or Mallorca. It is also home to some amazing scenery, including turquoise water and beautiful beaches.
There are lots of architectural marvels to explore as well. You may want to swing by Cala Pregonda or Cala Macarelleta during your visit. You might feel like you are walking along a postcard as you explore this area.
25. Benidorm
Even though Benidorm is often overlooked by people coming to visit Spain, it is definitely worth exploring. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions to explore. This is a great place to relax in the sun or go for a quick swim.
There are also plenty of resorts where you can get a massage, a facial, and other spa treatments. You may want to explore the local natural park for some truly amazing views.
Get Ready for Your Trip To Spain
Clearly, there is a lot to explore if you plan on visiting Spain. You can learn more about Pablo Picasso, check out a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even enjoy some flamenco dancing. There are also some great opportunities to take a day trip to a few coves in the area.
Regardless of whether you are going to Northern Spain or southern Spain, there is a lot this country has to offer. Don’t forget to explore Catalonia, the Spanish City of Cadiz, and the capital of Madrid. This part of Spain has something for everyone, so start planning your next trip now!
