The 15 Best Places to Visit in Spain
Spain is the perfect destination for travellers looking for a European trip and, while the best-known spots are popular for a reason, it’s also full of hidden gems. Culture Trip has rounded up the best of both, from buzzing cities to quaint mountain villages. Here are the top places that will get you dreaming of a Spanish adventure.
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1. Tenerife, for unique island landscapes
Natural Feature
2. Alicante, for superb coastline
Natural Feature
Sun, sea and a soaring rocky peak make Alicante a prime coastal destination. Many foreign tourists fly into the airport, then head straight out to resorts further along the coast – but they’re missing out, because Alicante is worth exploring in itself. The port city has a lively beach, with Mount Benacantil as a backdrop; Santa Bárbara Castle, dating back to the ninth century, sits at the top. Stroll by the marina in the evening before checking out the tapas bars in the old town.
4. Granada, for immersive Moorish history
Architectural Landmark
5. San Sebastian, for pintxos in the Basque Country
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
This elegant city, on the coast in the Basque Country, is a must for foodies. The pintxo – a Basque version of tapas that usually includes delicious morsels balanced on crusty bread – is the local gastronomic calling card, and the bars of the Old Town lay theirs out on the bar tops so you can see everything on offer. Concha Beach is a beautiful, shell-shaped cove popular with families, while the nearby Zurriola Beach is great for surfing. Interested in eating your way through Basque Country?
6. Seville, for flamenco in Andalucia
Historical Landmark
7. Cordoba, for a mixture of Islamic and Christian architecture
Architectural Landmark
8. Valencia, for the best paella
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Where better than the birthplace of paella to sample the most famous dish to come from Spain? Head to a beachside restaurant for lunch – Spaniards tend not to eat paella at dinner as it’s quite a heavy meal – and wash it down with agua de Valencia, a potent cava-based cocktail. Explore Valencia old town and don’t miss the incredible, spaceship-like Valencia City of Arts and Sciences. it’s a futuristic complex in what was a riverbed that holds an aquarium, Imax cinema, opera house and science museum.
9. Madrid, for the Royal Palace and art galleries
Architectural Landmark
Anytime is a good time to visit Madrid. The Spanish capital is a great destination for a weekend break. The golden triangle of art galleries holds some of the most famous works in Europe, from Picasso’s Guernica to Velázquez’s Las Meninas. The city is home to the Royal Palace, the largest in Europe in terms of floor area, and around every corner you can discover churches, shops and bars. La Latina is home to the best tapas bars around and is a great place for a tapas crawl.
10. Galicia, for mythical lush landscapes
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When you think of Spain, you likely think of dry landscapes and beaches on the Med, but the northwest region of Galicia looks more like Ireland – it’s green and wet. The Celtic feel doesn’t end with lush landscapes either, since Galicia is full of myths and legends. For example, the Romans considered the western Cape Finisterre cliffs to be the end of the world. Explore the wilder reaches by visiting the Cies Islands, an archipelago and nature reserve that is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
11. The Pyrenees, for outdoor enthusiasts
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
Whether you like hiking, skiing or quaint mountain villages, the Spanish Pyrenees are the ideal destination for you. Timbered houses and hearty local food are on offer, while Spanish ski resorts are a great alternative to the busier – and pricier – resorts in the Alps.
12. Almeria, for a taste of the desert
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13. Ronda, for its dramatic bridge
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
This breathtaking mountaintop village, near Malaga in southern Spain, is most famous for the Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge that spans El Tajo gorge, a dramatic steep drop that separates the new and old towns of Ronda. The town is also home to the Plaza de Toros de Ronda: a bullring dating back to 1785. It holds a special place in Spanish culture history – in the past, it’s attracted such famous guests as Ernest Hemingway.
14. Ibiza, for partying into the night
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The White Isle is best known for clubs and bars, to the point where the natural beauty there is oft-overlooked. Away from the megaclubs, Ibiza is home to tiny fishing villages and quiet beaches; in recent years it’s become a popular destination for yoga and relaxation retreats, too. So whether you want to party all night or chill and rejuvenate, the island has it all.
15. La Rioja, for wine lovers
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Spain is famous the world over for its fantastic wines – none more so than rioja. The region of the same name is home to hundreds of vineyards, many of which offer tours and wine tastings. Logroño, the capital of the region, is a good spot to base yourself, not just for the wine but also the must-try tapas bars.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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