15+ BEST Places To Visit in Spain (inc. Map & Things To Do)

Best Places to Visit in Spain: Iconic Cities

Madrid

Located in Spain’s geographical center, the country’s capital Madrid is unmissable on a list of best places to visit in Spain. Home to some of Europe’s most prestigious museums and art galleries, Madrid is one of the best places in Spain for lovers of art and culture. Alongside this, its royal history and modern capital city status make is a hive of social activity, especially its booming nightlife scene.

Things to do in Madrid:

• Visit the Royal Palace – the largest palace in all of Europe.
• Visit the Prado Museum – home to a vast array of works of art from nearly every notable historical European artist.
• Sample the capital’s electric nightlife from a terrace bar around Plaza de Espana
  
• Eat one of the best tapas restaurants in the city’s La Latina area

Barcelona

Spain’s second city, Barcelona is one of the foreign visitor’s favorite places to visit in the entire country. Known for its stunning gothic and modern architecture, famous successful football team, and proud Catalan culture, Barcelona is a step away from a conventional Spanish identity. Set on one of Spain’s most easterly points, Barcelona looks out onto the stunning Mediterranean waters and basks in that coastal city glow and there are plenty of attractions in Barcelona to keep you occupied while you’re there.

Things to do in Barcelona

• Visit the famous Gothic Quarter, home to a plethora of medieval architecture
• Take a tour of the Camp Nou Stadium, home of FC Barcelona
• View the Basilica de la Sagrada Família – the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site gothic cathedral designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and is one of Spain’s most famous tourist attractions.
  
• Hike to the summit of Mount Tibidabo for stunning cityscape views of Barcelona
• Head north of the city to take in the best of the Costa Brava beaches in the Tossa de Mar region.
• Explore Park Güell

San Sebastian & Bilbao

Nestled on Spain’s northern Bay of Biscay coast, close to the French border is the Basque city of San Sebastian. Being the capital of this region, the Basque elements of the city culturally set it apart from the rest of Spain, offering a different insight into the country as a whole. Food and especially Basque cuisine are what really shines here, and as the Basque region of Northern Spain boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, they must be doing something right. Not to mention it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain.

Things to do in San Sebastian

• See the Peine del Viento sculptures, these steel sculptures were created by one of the most famous Basque artists, Eduardo Chillida
• Explore the old town of Parte Vieja whos quaint cobbled streets contain historically buildings, boutique shops and charming bars
• See the bullet holes that pepper the city hall – this macabre preservation of bullet holes shines a light onto Spain’s bloody civil war past
• Visit the Basílica de Santa María del Coro, a stunning 18th-century church and one of the most visited places in San Sebastian
• Enjoy Basque Country from the Beach at La Concha
• Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, or enjoy the best of the Basque Country wine country with a day trip to La Rioja

Cadiz

Located on Spain’s southern coast Cadiz is the perfect blend of European Spain and Moorish North African past. Historically Cadiz acted as a strong military outpost on Spain’s southern coast and this unassuming port city brims with history, coastal beauty and Spanish multiculturalism. Its maritime significance is seen intensely through its delicious seafood cuisine, being one of the best places in Spain to sample Spanish seafood cooking.   

Seville

Another of Spain’s most iconic cities, Seville takes the title of being of the largest city in Spain’s Andalusia. Seville is one of the country’s most visited cities and with its long cultural history, its numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and architectural beauty, it is easy to see why. Three of the most iconic Spanish institutions are also seen as Sevillian; Flamenco, tapas and toros – all of which you can enjoy in the city.

Cordoba

Not far from the city of Seville is the city of Cordoba. Also known for its strong Moorish and North African connections, Cordoba is one of the best places to view Spain’s previous Islamic ties. Capital of the Islamic Iberian Caliphate the city of Cordoba was once the largest city in the world at the time – this status runs like lifeblood through the city and its legacy is tangible.

Things to do in Cordoba

• Visit the Great Mosque/Cathedral – no better example of Cordoba’s Islamic powerhouse paste is better than the great mosque of Cordoba. Constructed in 800 AD it has slowly been modified into a Christina cathedral since its recapture by Christians in 1236
• Cross the Guadalquivir river along the Roman bridge – constructed during roman rimes and modified in during the medieval period, this iconic bridge gained further fame during its use in the popular TV show Game of Thrones 
• Walk the city’s Jewish Quarter – once home to Spain’s Jewish population, this area of Cordoba shows the upmarket side of the city and is the location of one of only three Synagogues remaining in Spain
  

Valencia

The third-largest city in Spain, Valencia is another of the country’s hotspots for visitors and tourism. Valencia is the perfect blend of beautiful Mediterranean beaches, idyllic old-quarter buildings and a vibrant nightlife. The city is also the birthplace of another internationally known Spanish culinary export – paella!

Best things to do in Valencia

• Relax on Malvarrosa Beach – minutes from the city’s old quarter, this Mediterranean stretch of sand and sea is a blue-flag rated beach. Its pristine quality will have you spending all your time here
• Sample traditional paella – get off the beaten track and seek out the restaurants frequented by the locals to find the best paella in Valencia
• Visit Parque Gulliver – this unusual park is designed with the tale of Gulliver’s Travels in mind. Surreal interactive slides, ramps and steps will have you feeling like one of the lilliput residents
• See the sea life at Oceanogràfic, a cutting edge aquarium home to 45,000 animals, covering 500 different species

The Pyrenees

The mountainous region of the Pyrenees stretches across Spain’s northern border with France and Andorra. A land of extreme natural beauty, the Pyrenees is frequented by those who love to indulge in mountain pastimes such as skiing and hiking but also those who simply love quaint mountain villages. A visit to the Pyrenees can combine the great outdoors with a taste of mountain culture.

Things to do in the Pyrenees

• A hiker’s paradise – the vast open spaces make for some of the most scenic and breathtaking hiking landscapes in all of Europe
• Canyoning in the Gorges de Galamus – make your way through the numerous gorges, whether this is by kayak in the flowing waters or by a pulse-racing session of abseiling.
• Take the cable car to the summit of Pic du Midi and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Pyrenees mountain chains
• Visit the Pyrenees town of Taüll and its ancient 12th-century church, a perfect example of a charming mountainous settlement

Galicia

Located on Spain’s northwestern-most edges, Galicia landscapes and history have more in kin with the likes of Ireland than the heady Spanish culture of the rest of Spain. The lush green meadows and rugged cliffs are a gentle escape from the stereotypical dry and hot Spanish picture. Its strong Gaelic links go as far back as the Roman empire – who’s people thought Galicia was the edge of the world.

Things to see in Galicia

• Sample Galicia’s wines – known famously all over Spain as the producer of white albariño wine and no Galicia visit would be complete without sampling a glass or two
• Visit the region’s capital city, Santiago de Compostela. As the end location of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, the city has somewhat of mythical status and this is only heightened by the many religious sites dotted around the city 
• Visit the Galician seaside town of Vigo and sample some of the finest seafood in all of Spain, caught fresh from the Vigo coast 
• Head out to the Cies Islands – with no cars, pristine beaches and rugged coastal views, the Cies Islands are some of Europe’s last untouched and lesser-known islands. A short seaward journey will take you to these magical islands.

Granada

Granada is one of the most famous cities in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. Home to the impressive Alhambra Palace (the beautiful Moorish Palace, part of which is pictured above) in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Alhambra alone makes it a premier destination in Spain, but there is plenty to do in the surrounding area too.

Things to do in Granada

• Spend a full day exploring the Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens and Nasrid Palaces
• Wander the streets of Albaycin and Sacromonte and see the old Arab houses in these historic districts
• Find your favorite miradores (lookout points), Eat Tapas, Watch a Flamenco dancing show & be merry!

Malaga

The Spanish City of Malaga has been a firm favorite with UK holidaymakers for years, and with a range of things to do, excellent day trip options and beautiful beaches, it’s not hard to see why. (Read our full guide to Malaga here for more)

Things to do in Malaga

• Wander the old town, tapas hopping from bar to hole in the wall.
• Relax on the beaches (and in the flashy beach clubs!) of Marbella.
• Be brave and walk on the edge of the cliff on the Caminito Del Rey
• Enjoy the amazing views of the 3 arch bridge in Ronda.
• Explore the famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Andalucia such as Antequera, Casares or Frigiliana.

Best Places to Visit in Spain: The Islands

Ibiza

Made famous by its clubland and party island reputation, this Balearic island in the Mediterranean sea has begun to show its versatility in modern times and has proven that has more to offer than hedonistic parties. Along with the party vibes, Ibiza is a landscape of overwhelming natural beauty, quaint fishing villages and more recently has become the epicentre for yoga classes and teachings.

Things to see in Ibiza

• Visit the renascence fort built in the reign of Charles V
• Head to San Antonio for a perfect combination of picturesque beaches and world-famous nightclubs.
• Enjoy the vast array of watersport lessons available, including surfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboards 
•  Visit Ibiza cathedral, a 14th century built building with scenic lookouts across the island 

Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands, located approximately 1300km South West of the Spanish mainland, and 108km off the coast of Africa, are made up of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and Ferro. It is the first 4 of these that are the most popular tourist islands, with each offering something slightly different.

Things to do in the Canary Islands

• Drive to the top of the highest point in Spain at the peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife (it’s just one of the most popular Tenerife excursions)
• Go dolphin spotting or whale watching
• Ride a camel through the dunes on Gran Canaria
• Love waterparks? You’re spoilt for choice in the Canary Islands.

Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Balaeric island of Mallorca (Majorca). The massive Santa María cathedral (pictured above) is one of the top tourist attractions on the Island and a Gothic landmark whose construction began in the 13th century. It majestically overlooks the Bay of Palma ad lies adjacent to the Almudaina, a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence. Take in this culturally rich capital as you wander the streets of the casco antiguo (old town) and enjoy the squares, medieval architecture before heading to the wide-open promenade which stretches 10 miles to Portixol (little port) with it’s super cute marina.

Things to do in Palma

• Relax at the Beach
• Take a walk through a pine forest to circular Bellver Castle
• Walk the Tapas Trail of the Ruta Martiana (Tapas Tuesday) – a clever marketing ploy cooked-up by the cities restaurants to encourage people to eat out on what is typically a very quiet night of the week.
• See the ancient Arab baths.

And that’s a wrap folks, we hope this guide to 15+ BEST Places to Visit in Spain has been a huge help planning your trip to Spain.

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