Spain is recognized for its beaches, tapas, and warm weather, but it’s so much more than that. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Spain and rolling hills, with unknown wine regions, dramatic mountain ranges, and ravines that hide exciting hiking trails, and historical cities and towns that hold onto a melting pot of cultural heritage collected throughout centuries.
From Gaudí’s masterpieces coloring Barcelona to the whitewashed villages of Andalucia and the endless miles of sand-swept beaches covering the coastline, there is an ideal place for every type of traveler.
Read on to explore the top places to visit in Spain.
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Top Places to Visit in Spain
Seville
Seville is one of the best travel destinations in Spain with a vibrant tapas culture and lively atmosphere. It’s home to a series of UNESCO sites, including the Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, the Giralda Tower, and the Archive of the Indies. The Real Alcazar of Seville is one of the most impressive examples of Moorish heritage in the country and should be visited on a guided tour. The Cathedral of Seville is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, home to Christopher Colombus’ tomb. The basilica’s clock tower, La Giralda, is the city’s biggest pride and offers sweeping views of Seville’s skyline.
Next to these sights, you can stroll through the warren streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, the old Jewish Quarter. This is where to stay in Seville for first-time visitors, not only because it is central, but it is also full of restaurants, bars, and high-end Flamenco joints. From there, you can easily walk to Plaza de España, the magnificent tiled square, and stroll through the Maria Luisa Park to get to the Guadalquivir River, which takes you across to the neighborhood of Triana where there is a more local atmosphere with less touristy tapas eateries.
Valencia
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is the perfect example of old and modern architecture walking hand in hand. Most people only spend one day in Valencia, but trust me, the city deserves so much more. The City of Arts and Sciences alone deserves a day if you want to explore more than the recreational area with green spaces and waterscapes that link the futuristic buildings. The science museum explores the evolution of science and technology and the Hemisfèric shows different educational 3D documentaries a day.
Head into the old town and you will feel like you are in a completely different city. Among the most prominent attractions, you should not miss out on Valencia Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, and the Serranos Towers, all telling their tale about Valencia’s history. But you should also take your time soaking in all the impressive architecture and visit a few of the churches and palaces. A cycling tour of the city is a great way to see it all.
Valencia also happens to be a coastal city with splendid beaches and in the summer months, it can be tempting to stay near the beach. Even though it is a bit far away from the old town, you can use public transportation or rent a bike to get around the city.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second most touristy city in Spain after the capital city, mostly known for the Gaudí sites across the city. There is so much to see in Barcelona that you will need at least 4-5 days in the city alone. The Sagrada Familia is the main attraction, the magnificent church which is still not finished. In true Gaudí style, natural shapes and light are used in the building. You should also visit the Casa Milá and Casa Batlló which are just as impressive inside and out. For a stroll, head to Park Güell which feels like a fairytale park with gingerbread houses, colorfully tiled viewpoints, and not to mention the famous lizard on the main stairs. You might also enjoy the naturally shaped porticoes throughout the park which was originally planned as a residential area.
The most famous street in Barcelona is La Rambla where you find plenty of shops and restaurants, and the famous La Boqueria market where you can try different types of tapas. It leads down to the marina where you can take boat trips to explore the coast. Take the funicular to Mount Montjuïc where you can enjoy the views. Stroll around the Gothic Quarter, get lost in the narrow streets, and visit the cathedral. No need to say, Barcelona also has some spectacular beaches where you can relax.
Malaga
Malaga is the most popular coastal town in southern Spain with spectacular beaches, a fabulous art scene, and impressive historical sights. The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castles are musts when visiting Malaga, they are incredible examples of Moorish architecture and offer stunning views of the city and its glittering coastline. Malaga Old Town holds a charm like no other between old buildings and beautiful architecture. There, you find the Picasso Museum, Malaga Cathedral, and a myriad of tapas bars where you can enjoy traditional tapas and drinks. The Muelle Uno marina is lovely for a stroll, checking out the market stalls, and having a drink with a view of the water. In the summer, you can walk down to La Malagueta Beach, Malaga’s urban beach.
But the city is also wrapped in mountains making it a fabulous place for hiking. In the winter, head to Montes de Malaga or the Almijara and Tejada mountain ranges where you will encounter endless hiking trails. In the summer, hit the ravines and rivers like the mesmerizing Rio Chillar walk. Make sure you bring swimwear and good water hiking shoes or sneakers that let in and out water easily and have good soles to walk in as this is a long walk in the river on rocky terrain.
In the surrounding mountains, you also find some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia like Mijas Pueblo and Frigiliana, and exquisite wine regions like Serrania de Ronda.
Madrid
Spain’s capital city, Madrid is often overlooked as it lacks the historical charm and old-town vibe that most other Spanish cities have. But Madrid has an energetic atmosphere like no other with an immense shopping scene and foodie scene even for vegetarians and vegans. The lavish architecture in Gran Via is stunning even if you don’t step into the many shops. Madrid is also known for its magnificent squares like the 17th century Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol which once was a gate in the old city walls.
Make sure you visit the Royal Palace, which is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. Right in front of it, you will find the cathedral of Madrid which is a fantastic building. Inside, the stained-glass windows give wonderful light to the church and the crypt beneath it is worth a tour. Not far from there, you can also see the Temple of Debod, which was transported from Egypt as a gift to Spain for helping during the floods when the Aswan dam was constructed. Madrid also holds a great lot of green spaces and parks. But if you can only visit one, make sure it is Retiro Park.
Madrid is also home to several museums and art enthusiasts will have enough places to visit to stay busy for days. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum holds a valuable collection of paintings from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. You also find the main Spanish national art museum in Madrid, the Museo National del Prado. History buffs will enjoy the archaeological museum and the History Museum of Madrid. There are also some fun museums like the IKONO Museum where all your senses are taken into use through fun, colorful rooms.
Merida
Merida is one of the most underrated cities in Spain with the most and best preserved Roman remains in the country. The UNESCO-listed Roman Theater and Roman Amphitheater invite you to explore the Roman past while different Roman villas are still under excavation. You find Roman Baths, an impressive Roman Aqueduct, one of the longest remaining Roman bridges, and an array of smaller artifacts at the archaeological museum. Strolling around the historic center, you will stumble across majestic Roman ruins like the Temple of Diana and the Pórtico del Foro which are free to admire.
But there are also other attractions in Merida like the Alcazaba de Merida, a majestic Moorish fortress overlooking the Roman Bridge and the Guadiana River. Santa Eulalia Basilica and Crypt are also worth visiting as one of the most impressive churches in Merida. The city is walkable but even so, you need at least 2-3 days to see all the attractions in the city which makes it hard to believe it doesn’t receive anything near as many tourists as Seville or Malaga.
Granada
Granada is another must-visit place in Spain recognized for the magnificent Alhambra Palace. It is the number one most impressive example of Moorish architecture in Andalucia and a must-visit on your Spain trip. From the groomed Generalife gardens to the ancient Alcazaba this UNESCO site takes you through the layers of history that make up Andalucia. You must book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly!
Besides the Alhambra, Granada boasts a quaint old town with flower-draped whitewashed walls in narrow cobbled streets where you will find Flamenco joints and tapas bars to soak in the Andalusian culture. The best viewpoint of the Alhambra is the Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaycin neighborhood. Besides, Granada Cathedral is fantastic and you should not miss out on visiting the Cave House Museum in the Sacromonte neighborhood where you can see how the gypsies lived in cave houses in the hills of Granada from the 15th century.
Cartagena
One of the most underrated cities to visit in Spain is Cartagena, a quaint port city with a rich Roman heritage. The old town is full of beautiful architecture, cute boutique shops, restaurants and bars, all with a local vibe. The main attraction is the Roman Theater which is one of the best maintained in Spain. Take in the views from the castle overlooking the Roman Theater and the port.
A stroll along the marina is also a must. There are some nice restaurants and bars where you can take a break, or you can head out on a boat trip to explore the coast from the sea. You will also find the Archaeological Museum on the marina which is full of interesting artifacts from Punic and Roman times. Other sites not to miss are the Punic Wall and the Roman Forum.
Cordoba
With 4 UNESCO sites to its name, Cordoba is a marvelous city to spend a few days. The Mosque-Cathedral is unique of its kind, the only mosque that didn’t get destroyed after the reconquest, but the Christians rather built beautiful chapels inside it. You also find the only Synagogue in Andalucia there which is also the best preserved in Spain. It is located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter where you find charming cobbled streets, whitewashed walls, and beautiful squares. Cordoba’s Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is another impressive sight with magnificent gardens. You get great city views from the castle walls and towers and can admire old Roman mosaics in the museum.
Cordoba is also famous for its beautiful patios and hosts the UNESCO-listed Patio Festival every May when private people all across the city open their perfectly groomed courtyards to the public to enter the competition of the most beautiful patio. But there are courtyards open all year round in San Basilio and some hotels and palaces have splendid courtyards, like the Viana Palace which boasts 12 patios alone.
But Cordoba’s attractions don’t stop there. The Roman Bridge is one of the best examples in Spain and there are several palaces and house museums like Casa Andalusí worth visiting. Outside the city, you should not miss out on Medina Azahara, an ancient city that was the seat of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the 10th century.
Toledo
Toledo is one of the best cities to visit in Spain and an easy day trip from Madrid. But it deserves more than a day to explore all the sights in the old town. Famous for its marzipan, you can find first-class marzipan in sweets shops and bakeries throughout town. Or why not get hands-on and join a marzipan-making class?
But Toledo is so much more. There are stunning buildings and historical sights around every corner. Especially worth seeing are the cathedral, the Alcazar de Toledo, and the Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes with its beautiful courtyard. Art lovers will enjoy the El Griego Museum where you find beautiful art by the painter of the same name who based himself in Toledo. The city is also known for its old bridges connecting the old town to the rest of the city across the Tagus River. Particularly beautiful is the Roman Alcántara Bridge, but the adventurous might find it more fun to zip-line across Saint Martin’s Bridge.
Sitges
Located just south of Barcelona, Sitges is a fantastic coastal town with plenty of history and charm. The old town offers an array of places to eat and drink and boutiques and health stores are lined up in narrow alleys. Tucked inside the old town you also find the clock tower which stands out among the other buildings. Book tickets in advance to the seaside Palau de Marciel to not miss out and explore the colorful Museo de Marciel. The complex is stunning from the outside too and you’ll find Sitges’ narrowest street when walking outside the palace.
Step inside the Church of Sant Bartolomeu i Santa Tecla which overlooks the sea and the Sitges promenade.
Sitges has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and hosts two nude beaches. But there are also several other beaches to enjoy from urban beaches to more remote beaches. Stroll along the marina to take in all the beautiful boats and walk on the promenade above it for the best views of the marina and the beaches.
Tarragona
Tarragona is a small coastal city that is mostly known for its Roman Theater set in front of the Mediterranean. But the city is home to a whole lot of other Roman remains too which are all declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town takes you straight back to medieval times and if you time your visit with the Medieval Market which usually takes place in September or October, you might just enjoy it even more. The Romanesque and Gothic cathedral of Tarragona sits in the heart of the historic center and is stunning both on the outside and the inside. Altogether, Tarragona is a great day trip from Barcelona with plenty of archaeological sites.
Conclusion
Summing up the top places to visit in Spain, there is something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or prefer spending time in nature. Spain is home to so many epic places where some have made a big name for themselves, like Barcelona and Seville. But if you want to explore something different that isn’t on everyone’s Instagram feed, you can find destinations in this country that you won’t believe aren’t getting more attention.
With these amazing places, I’m sure you’ve found a favorite or more to add to your bucket list and start planning your next Spain adventure whether you’re off for a weekend break or a longer trip across the country.
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Linn Haglund is an avid traveler who has been based in Spain for over 10 years. Currently, she travels full-time in her van with her fiancee and dog while she works as a freelance writer and blogger in the travel and outdoor space.
