Especially for tourists, Spain has many attractions, making it the second most visited country in the world by international tourists.
No matter your tastes or preferences, Spain offers a wide variety of options for tourists, whether it’s trips to the beach, cultural trips where you can discover the country’s rich heritage, or nature trips.
It should also be noted that Spain has one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
Photo Via: guias-viajar.com
Best places to see and visit in Spain
The best of Barcelona and surrounding areas
Located in the northwest of Spain, on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is famous for its modernist buildings such as Casa Battló.
The architectural works of Gaudí, whose genius is recognised across the world, with the Sagrada Familia his masterpiece, is also the most visited monument in Spain.
There are also many other tourist attractions in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter. In surrounding areas, there’s also many interesting places such as the Monastery of Montserrat or coastal towns such as Sitges.
The best of Madrid and surrounding areas
Madrid is appreciated and loved by all those who visit, especially for the friendliness and free spiritedness of its people.
Madrid is home to both the Spanish government and Monarchy, so you can visit the Royal Palace as well as large historic buildings and old state palaces. Madrid boasts emblematic and historic sites such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía alongside areas full of museums, known as the art triangle.
Travelling to Madrid also gives you access to several cities and places that have been named World Heritage Sites. For example, El Escorial Monastery in the region of Madrid, which was the largest building in Europe when it was built. There’s also the old university town of Alcalá de Henares or the royal site of Aranjuez with its Royal Palace.
Another option is to visit neighbouring cities which boast historical and cultural attractions such as Toledo or Segovia.
The best of Andalucia
Southern Spain has almost 800 years of Moorish conquest history, and is where the Al-Andalus empire started.
There are three cities in southern Spain that are a must-see.
Granada and its impressive Alhambra is a must-see for tourists, as is Cordoba and its Mosque, the two most impressive examples of culture that for centuries shaped the character and daily life of the country. Both cities have very interesting neighbourhoods to visit, such as the Albaicín in Granada or the historic centre of Cordoba.
Seville is another amazing city to visit, an area that had an enormous boom alongside Cadiz during the years when Columbus travelled to the Americas, which is why Seville is home to the historic Archive of the Indies. There’s traces of the Muslim presence throughout Seville, such as the Torre de Oro or the Giralda, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the cathedral or the Real Alcázar.
There’s many places full of charm in Andalucia, such as Malaga and the Costa del Sol, with towns like Marbella and Nerja. Cadiz, one of the oldest places in Europe, has stunning beaches and is one of the best places in the world for surfing. It hosts charming places such as Jerez and Puerto de Santa María. Cabo de Gata in Almeria is also worth a visit. In these cities you can find some very special places, for example, the white villages of Cadiz, Carmona, Priego de Córdoba, and the historic villages in Jaén, Úbeda, Baeza and Baños de la Encina, as well as the natural hotspot of Sierra de Cazorla.
The best of Catalonia
Catalonia has it all; from historic cities to beautiful coasts, stunning landscapes and charming villages, not to mention the delicious cuisine.
To the North you’ll find Girona, which is home to a beautiful historic centre with medieval streets that have been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
It also has beautiful coastal spots on the Costa Brava, such as Calella de Palafrugell, Tossa de Mar and Cadaqués. And if you head inland you’ll find some stunning historic villages such as Peratallada or Besalú.
Tarragona is another city worth a visit, full of culture as it’s an area of the historical Roman Tarraco. In the province there’s other amazing places, such as Priorat, or Ebro Delta for nature lovers. Other great places to visit in Tarragona are the walled village of Montblanc and the Cistercian monastery of Poblet, pantheon of Kings.
Lleida is a region that’s often not known to tourists, that sits beyond the valleys of the Pyrenees.
Nonetheless, it’s home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain, the Aran Valley, with its stunning mountain villages, the Boí Valley, Romanesque churches and the Sant Climent de Taull.
The best of the Balearic Islands
Spain is home to some of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in the world, located in the Balearic Islands, in the heart of the Mediterranean.
The islands of Ibiza, Formentera, Menorca and Mallorca host thousands of tourists every year who visit to enjoy the crystal clear waters between coves that can only be accessed by boat.
There are two sides to these islands, one with exclusive parties and large yachts, and the other with little corners of tranquility and relaxation.
Nature lovers especially love the island of Formentera, and for those looking for more culture, the city of Palma in Majorca is beautiful with its Gothic cathedral and historic sites. There’s also the historic centre of Ibiza, with the Dalt Vila, which has been declared a World Heritage Site.
The best of Valencia
The Region of Valencia is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Spain, with its population multiplying in summer due to its internationally famous macro tourist cities such as Bendidorm. It’s also the closest coastal area to the Spanish capital, so many locals from Madrid, Castilla La Mancha and Aragon flock here during the summer months.
The best time to visit is out of the summer season, as the weather is always good, even in winter the temperatures are warm.
Valencia is the main city in the region and is full of attractions, with the City of Arts and Sciences being a tourist hotspot. It’s also a city with a lot of history and interesting locations such as Lonja de la Seda, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, the cathedral and the central market.
Valencia is also internationally famous for its popular Las Fallas festival, where satirical sculptures of current affairs are displayed, and then burnt in the Cremá.
Nearby is the city of Alicante, where you can climb the castle of Santa Bárbara and enjoy the spectacular coastal views. There’s also the palm grove of Elche, which has been named a World Heritage Site, and where you can also find smaller coastal towns such as Javea, Denia and Altea. Inland, there’s the beautiful towns of Villena and Alcoy, which is famous for its Moors and Christians festival and for the Three Wise Men Parade, the oldest in Spain.
Castellón is home to popular tourist coastal towns, which are worth visiting in off-peak season, these include Peñíscola, Vinaroz and Benicasim. Inland you’ll find Maestrazgo with some of the most beautiful villages in Spain, such as Morella, Villafamés and Culla.
The best of Murcia
The region of Murcia is Spain’s secret gem, full of attractions.
Murcia, the capital, has a great atmosphere in its hotspots such as Plaza de las Flores and Santa Catalina. The main attractions are the cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles, the Real Casino and the Convent of Santa Clara museum. The city is incredible during Holy Week, with its procession of Coloraos or Salzillos, where artistic floats fill the streets.
The most popular tourist destination in Murcia is the Mar Menor, particularly La Manga.
Cartagena is also a beautiful place where you can see the legacy of the Roman era, such as the old theatre.
The best of Galicia
Galicia es conocida por sus frecuentes lluvias, los vientos y la fuerza del mar. Y a consecuencia es conocida como Costa da Morte que toma su nombre por lo peligrosas que son sus aguas.
Galicia is known for its frequent rain showers, winds and strong seas. Therefore, it’s known as Costa da Morte, taking its name from the dangerous waters. It’s also one of the regions with the greatest natural beauty, with a strong fishing and seafood tradition and is known for being one of the best and cheapest places to eat in Spain.
It has some of the most impressive landscapes such as the Playa de las Catedrales, the Costa da Morte and the Cíes Islands.
Galicia also has beautiful cities such as A Coruña, with the Tower of Hercules, the oldest lighthouse in the world that dates back to Roman times.
Pontevedra boasts an attractive historic centre, Lugo, with impressive city walls. There’s also the coastal city of Vigo, from where you can reach the Cíes Islands.
At the end of the extremely popular pilgrims route, you’ll find Santiago de Compostela, with its spectacular Obradoiro square and the cathedral where the remains of the apostle rest.
Other great places to visit are Combarro, one of the most beautiful villages, or the cliffs of Faro Vilán on the Costa da Morte. Ferrol is also a wonderful destination, with historic shipyards, an 18th century military arsenal and its district of modernist houses.
The best of Asturias
Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, where you can find everything from impressive mountain landscapes, such as the Picos de Europa, to beautiful beaches as coves such as Llanes.
Each of its cities, Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés has their own attractions.
Like the Pre-Roman jewels in Oviedo, specifically Santa María del Naranco, or the Cimavilla neighbourhood, La Laboral in Gijón or the historic centre and Niemeyer centre in Avilés.
A true highlight of Asturias however, are the pre-roman churches, such as Santa Cristina de Lena or San Salvador de Valedios.
The best of Cantabria
Cantabria is where you can experience the natural world at its best, with spectacular landscapes such as Fuente Dé in the Liébana Valley, or the Cabárceno nature park, the most visited place in Cantabria.
It’s also known for its caves, such as Altamira, El Soplao and El Castillo.
There’s also picturesque fishing villages, such as San Vincente de la Barquera, Laredo, or Castro Urdiales, as well as beautiful inland villages such as Santillana de Mar or Bárcena Mayor. It’s also home to incredible architectural sites such as Gaudí’s Capricho in Comillas.
Cantabria is also the perfect place for water activities and sports such as surfing, as well for enjoying its great beaches such as Laredo or Liencres, and the secluded coves.
Santander is also a must-visit, with its historic centre, Sardinero beach and Magdalena Palace, which was the summer residence of the King and Queen of Spain.
The best of the Basque Country
The first highlight is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, San Sebastian, with its stunning La Concha beach, the viewpoint of Monte Igueldo and the pintxo area of the Old Town.
The city of Bilbao is also a hotspot, with the Guggenheim Museum designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gejry. The museum’s inauguration in 1997 marked a significant urban change for the city, which had a historically industrial past.
Further into the Basque Country, you’ll also find the city of Vitoria, which has an impressive medieval quarter and the Gothic cathedral of Santa María.
The Basque Country is also home to numerous picturesque villages, such as Hondarribia, Getaria, Mundaka, Lekeitio, Laguardia and Elciego. .
The best of Navarra
Navarra has a vast and varied landscape, from the green mountainous Pyrenees, where you’ll find natural hotspots such as the Irati Forest and charming villages such as Ochagavía, to desert landscapes such as the Bardenas Reales National Park.
There’s also monumental sites such as the Royal Palace Castle of Olite, or the Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles.
Of course, one of the greatest attractions is its gastronomy, with its famous vegetables.
The best of La Rioja
La Rioja is the perfect place for an enotourism trip, where you can learn about the culture of this region’s world-famous wine and even have a taste.
If you go on a wine tourism trip, you want to visit some of the best wineries in Rioja, a natural territory that also extends into the province of Álava, in the Rioja Alavesa.
You can also visit charming historic towns, such as Laguardia, Haro and Ezcaray, and see impressive monuments such as the cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada on the Pilgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostela.
The best of Aragon
Aragon is a region of varying landscapes, you can ski in the Pyrenees, in Formigal or Cerler, and also explore one of the largest deserts in Europe, Los Monegros.
Other highlights include the Monasterio de Piedra or the beautiful Mallos de Riglos in the province of Huesca.
The capital is Zaragoza, home to one of the most impressive basilicas in the country, the Basílica del Pilar, and Teruel is home to numerous Mudejar style monuments.
Albarracín, a town in the province of Teruel is also worth visiting, as is Tarazona, where you’ll find the old Jewish quarter and Mudejar cathedral.
The best of Castilla y León
Here you’ll find impressive historical sites such as Segovia, a World Heritage Site, with its Roman aqueduct, Gothic cathedral and magnificent Alcazar.
Avila, also a World Heritage Site, is surrounded by city walls. This is the land of Saint Teresa, which is evident in the numerous churches and convents found here.
Salamanca boasts a large plaza and historic university, Burgos and León are also worth visiting with their majestic Gothic cathedrals.
You can also find numerous charming medieval villages such as Pedraza or Sepúlveda, and villages with half-timbered houses such as La Alberca, Candelario or San Martín del Castañar. Lerma, Covarrubias and Santo Domingo de Silos are also a must-see.
In Valladolid you’ll find yourself in the land of castles, such as Peñafiel, La Mota Castle and Tiedra Castle. You can also visit historic towns such as Medina de Rioseco, Olmedo or Urueña, declared Villa del Libro. Valladolid is also the land of wine, so you can take wine tours in Ribera del Duero, Cugales and Rueda.
The region is also home to some beautiful landscapes, such as Las Médulas in the Bierzo region of León, the karstic rocks of Orbaneja del Castillo in Burgos, the Sierra de Gredos mountains in Ávila and scenic spots such as the Hoces del río Duratón in Segovia.
Finally, in the province of Soria, there’s the picturesque village of Catalañazor and the natural area Laguna Negra de Urbión.
The best of Castilla La Mancha
The best known city in this region is Toledo, one of the most beautiful in Spain, here you can find monuments that represent the Three Cultures, Jewish, Muslim and Christian. These include the ancient mosque of Cristo de la Luz, the Jewish synagogues, the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Cathedral Primada de Toledo.
Talavera de la Reina is incredibly impressive, with its artistic ceramics and tiles, and its Basilica del Prado. The charming Plaza Mayor de Tembleque is also worth a visit.
The next city is Cuenca, which sits above a gorge. The city’s most famous feature is its famous hanging houses, where the balconies open over a deep cliff. Another place worth visiting is the castle of Belmonte, as well as the natural reserve known as the Enchanted City.
Ciudad Real has beautiful historic towns such as Almagro and Villanueva de los Infantes, as well as places you can go on wine tours such as Valdepeñas and Socuéllamos. There are also stunning natural spots such as the Tablas de Daimiel, the Lagunas de Ruidera or the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Nature Reserve. There’s also heritage sites such as the Palace of Viso de Marqués, the castle of Calatrava la Nueva and the Almadén mining park.
The province of Guadalajara is full of varied landscapes, you can take a route through the black villages in the mountains, where the houses are made from black stone and slate, or you can take a trip through historic towns such as Sigüenza or Atienza. There’s also lesser known areas where you can find hidden gems, such as Molina de Aragón and its castle, the castle of Zafra and the Molina Alto Tajo Geo-park.
In Albacete there’s beautiful villages such as Alcalá del Júcar and Jorquera, and the castles of Almansa and Chinchilla.
Lo Mejor de Extremadura
In the province of Cáceres there’s the Jerte Valley, which is especially beautiful in the cherry blossom season. In the north is the Monfragüe National Park, an internationally renowned bird-watching destination.
For heritage sites, the historic city of Plasencia is a must-see, as is the monastery of Guadalupe, where Isabel the Catholic and Christopher Columbus stayed.
The city of Mérida is the capital of this autonomous region, and one of the places in Spain with the most remains from Roman times. On the border with Portugal is the historic town of Alcántara, with the famous Roman bridge and Classical theatre festival.
Badajoz is the land of Iberian ham of Extremadura, and is notable for locations such as Zafra, Fregenal de la Sierra, with an old Templar castle that’s stood since the send of the 18th century, Jerez de los Caballeros and Olivenza.
The best of the Canary Islands
The island of Tenerife offers green and lush landscapes in the Anaga area that’s north of the island, and you can experience tropical climates in the Orotava Valley. There are volcanic areas in the Cañadas del Teide, and beaches in the south of the island, with impressive spots such as the Barranco de Masca ravine. A cable car ride to the top of Mount Teide is also a must, as is a visit to the historic city of La Laguna, a World Heritage Site.
The island of Gran Canaria offers stunning beaches that stretch along the Maspalomas Dunes in the south of the island. The island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, boasts both historical and heritage sites as well as a great variety of cultural and leisure activities that take place throughout the year. In the centre of the island, the Caldera de Tejeda is a must-see, as it’s the place where some of the most beautiful spots on Gran Canaria can be found, particularly the Nublo and Bentayga rocks, as well as the village of cave houses in Artenara and the town of Tejeda.
Fuerteventura is unique for its charming beaches with dunes, as well as the town of Betancuria, which was the first capital of the Canary Islands.
In Lanzarote you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular volcanic landscapes, with the outstandings Timanfaya National Park.
To the west are some of the lushest and greenest islands, such as La Palma, known as the beautiful island with the Caldera de Taburiente national park, El Hierro and Gomera, with the Garajonay national park.
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