For decades, tourists have flocked to Spain’s sunkissed coasts for their annual fly-and-flop holidays — and more adventurous travellers have rolled their eyes. But now, we’re here to tell you that there’s much more to Spain than just sun, sand and sangria. In fact, this intriguing country is packed with enough interesting sights to keep even the most discerning travellers happy. When you’re planning your next big trip, don’t overlook this southern European gem. Read on to discover a taste of what’s waiting for you.
Funnily enough, the country’s capital isn’t often high on people’s lists of famous destinations in Spain. That’s probably because landlocked Madrid is 360 kilometres from the nearest beach, but don’t worry! There are enough cool places in Madrid to visit that you won’t miss the sea. In particular, this city is heaven for art lovers. The Museo del Prado showcases works by many of Spain’s greatest masters, while Picasso’s breathtaking Guernica can be seen in the Museo de la Reina Sofía.
Madrid is also known for its nightlife — and we’re not talking Benidorm-style cheesy discos here. This is a seriously cool city for a night on the town. The native madrileños have the nickname of los gatos (or the cats) because they like to stay out all night, going from bar to bar and club to club until the sun rises. If you’re a party animal, then Madrid is definitely one of the best places to visit in Spain.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the Iberian Peninula’s second largest city, but the Catalan capital offers a completely different vibe to Madrid. Its wide boulevards, iconic Gaudí buildings and unique local traditions all make it well worth a visit. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, steer clear of La Rambla and head for neighbourhoods like El Born, Poble Sec and Sants instead. These are some of our favourite places to visit in Barcelona, Spain, thanks to their laid-back vibe and dozens of great bars.
Of course, Barcelona is also famous worldwide for its stunning monuments. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s still-unfinished basilica, with its incredibly intricate decorative stonework. Parc Güell is another of the great architect’s works. Set up on a hillside, it also has the bonus of offering sweeping views across the city and the Mediterranean beyond. For those who love Barcelona we have a wonderful trip to get to know this beautiful city and the Costa Brava: Barcelona & Costa Brava 360°.
Girona and the Costa Brava
While you’re in Barcelona, head north for a real treat. The city of Girona is smaller and more relaxed than Barcelona. Explore the narrow streets of its mediaeval Jewish Quarter and admire the impressive old university. It’s at its best in the spring, during the Temps de Flors festival, which is when much of the old city is covered with stunning floral displays.
From Girona, it’s a short hop to the beaches of the Costa Brava. Forget the broad, sandy beaches you’ll find elsewhere — the true highlights of this coast are its tiny coves. You’ll often need to walk down steep, rocky steps to reach a small patch of sand with perfectly clear water. Near picturesque towns like Palamós, Begur or Tossa de Mar, there are plenty of things to do in Costa Brava. To stay active, follow the local Camins de Ronda, a series of hiking trails that will take you from beach to beach. Some are fairly easy, while others are real leg-breakers! If that sounds like too much effort, then head to the quiet fishing village of Cadaqués, where you can visit the outrageous house of Salvador Dalí, the most famous local resident.
Valencia
Head further down the Mediterranean coast for another of the best places to visit in Spain. Valencia is the capital of the local rice-growing region, and it’s particularly famous as the birthplace of paella. It would be rude to visit the city without enjoying a plate of rice — but be careful because eating an authentic paella Valenciana can be a minefield. Locals will only ever eat it for lunch, never dinner, and they’re very picky about the correct ingredients. The most traditional paella features rabbit and chicken, with no seafood — and never, ever, any chorizo. Oh, and paella is just the start of Valencia’s rice dishes. Try arròs negre, which owes its striking black colour to squid ink, or arròs del senyoret, which comes with seafood already peeled for easier dining.
When you’ve eaten your fill, it’s time to explore — and there are lots of interesting things to do in Valencia, Spain. The Oceanogràfic is one of the world’s best aquariums, with over 500 different species on display. La Llotja de la Seda, the old silk exchange, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its amazing architecture.
Alicante
You might think of Alicante as one of those places to visit in Spain if you’re after a cheap sun holiday, but there’s actually a lot of hidden gems in and around this Mediterranean city. Take a walk up to the Castell de Santa Bàrbara. You’ll need your hiking boots to reach this hilltop fortress, but the views alone make it one of the best things to do in Alicante, Spain.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Elche, which boasts Europe’s largest palm grove. People have been growing palms here since the days of the Phoenicians, and today, the Palmeral is an ideal spot for a stroll, particularly if you want to get out of the Mediterranean sun. A walk here is one of our favourite things to do in Costa Blanca, a million miles away from the chaos of Benidorm.
Majorca and Ibiza
No, we’re not talking about Magaluf. There are so many great things to do in Majorca that will truly take your breath away. Head up to the north of the island to see the Serra de Tramuntana, a rugged, rocky mountain range that is a paradise for hikers. There are dozens of routes to try out, and many of them will lead you to picture-perfect villages where the traditional Mallorcan way of life prevails, and there’s not a bag of frozen paella in sight!
You can even find great things to do in Palma Majorca, Spain, the island’s capital. We absolutely love the Seu de Mallorca, a stunning Gothic cathedral perched right on the edge of the sea. It’s one of the most dramatic churches we’ve ever seen — and that’s even before going inside for a closer look.
Join us for an express trip to Majorca. We’ll spend five days exploring the island, whetting your appetite for all things Spanish. Are you up for it?
Go island-hopping to Ibiza, another of our favourite places to visit in Spain. Check out Dalt Vila, the historic centre of Ibiza town. It’s one of the most interesting Ibiza things to see, with its magnificent old fortress and narrow, cobbled streets. It’s easy to lose yourself in this maze of tiny alleys — but that’s part of the charm because wherever you look, you’ll find another unique boutique or fabulous restaurant.
Granada
Now, it’s time to go south. The Spanish region of Andalucía is known for its scorching weather and incredible history — and it’s the latter that brings us to Granada. Top of the list of things to see in Granada is, of course, the Alhambra, the Moorish palace that dates back to the days when the Iberian Peninsula was occupied territory. The geometric tile designs and gorgeously manicured gardens make this palace well worth exploring. You’ll have to hike up the side of a hill to get there. Some travellers go by taxi or on segway, but where’s the fun in that?
Granada is also known across Spain for its free tapas. Every bar that you visit will give you a tapa when you order a drink, although you may not be able to choose your snack; these are usually the house specials. For some of Granada’s best bars, head to El Albaicín, the historic neighbourhood known for its laid-back, hippie vibe. In fact, if you want a night out, this is a great place to go. Granada is a student city, and it has a much cooler, alternative atmosphere after dark than most other places in Andalucía. Plus, all those free tapas will provide plenty of fuel for a night on the town.
Seville
There’s a bit of a rivalry between Granada and Seville, the capital of Andalucía. As far as we’re concerned, they’re both great! Seville is certainly a bit more elegant and refined, and it’s a good choice if you want to explore the unique Andalucián culture. This is the cradle of flamenco music and, more controversially, bullfighting. Sights like the Giralda and the Torre de Oro will take your breath away. A visit to Seville is always one of the best things to do in Andalusia, Spain.
One of the best things to do in Seville is visit the Feria de Abril, the biggest city fair in Andalucía. Locals dress up in their finest gear — which means spectacular flamenco outfits — to drink rebujito, a mix of sherry and lemonade, and dance the night away.
Málaga and the Costa del Sol
There are some great places to visit in Málaga, and of course, you’ll never be bored when you want things to do in Costa del Sol. We particularly love the Caminito del Rey, renowned as Spain’s most daring hiking route. You’ll follow a narrow wooden walkway attached to the side of a cliff, with a sheer drop into a gorge below. Don’t look down!
If you’re looking for beaches, you’re in the right place. Burriana, la Malagueta and Bil-Bil are just a few of the great stretches of sand in this area, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
If the Costa del Sol is too crowded for you, then make your way here. There are lots of great things to do in Almería, including a visit to the wild natural park of Cabo de Gata, which has a gorgeous coast that looks more Atlantic than Mediterranean.
Almería is also known as the filming location for spaghetti westerns. Visit Tabernas, Europe’s only desert, to see where legendary movies like Once Upon a Time in the West, A Fistful of Dollars, and even Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were made.
Córdoba
Our last Andalucían entry is yet another of the best places to visit in Spain, thanks to its incredible architecture. The highlight of the things to see in Córdoba, Spain, is the Mezquita, a dazzling Moorish mosque turned into a cathedral. Take a guided tour to see it for yourself before heading to a restaurant and tucking into salmorejo, the local version of gazpacho that’s thicker and heartier.
The Canary Islands
They’re a long way from the peninsula, but they’re still worth a visit! From volcano treks in Tenerife to drag queen carnivals, there’s no shortage of things to do in Las Palmas Gran Canaria, as the islands have lots of charm of their own. Among the best things to do in Gran Canaria, we love the Maspalomas Dunes, an enormous expanse of sand that will transport you to another world.
Galicia, in Spain’s northwest corner, often feels like a different country. With its lush green landscapes and cold water, it’s a world away from the most famous places to visit in Spain — but it’s still well worth a trip. Head to Santiago de Compostela, which attracts thousands of pilgrims trekking along the route of the Camino de Santiago each year. Join them if you want a truly adventurous holiday — or just spend a bit of time following the narrow streets of Santiago’s old town.
Many pilgrims continue from Santiago to Fisterra, a historic fishing village that was once believed to be the end of the world. That’s one thing the ancient Romans got wrong — but as you sit on the wild beach here and watch the sunset, you can understand why they made that mistake.
While you’re in Galicia, head south to the Cies Islands. These little isles deserve to be on any list of famous locations in Spain. They’re a protected natural reserve, and you can camp out overnight if you want to get away from it all. The bright blue waters may look tempting, but only the very bravest will swim here — the Atlantic is pretty darn chilly! We’d rather take a boat trip and watch the dolphins splashing around nearby.
The Basque Country is one of the most interesting places to visit in Spain, thanks to its unique, distinctive culture and some of the best food in Europe. San Sebastián’s pintxos —the Basque version of tapas— are always a delight, with their full, hearty flavours. Spend a morning hiking up Mount Urgell for great views or exploring Playa de la Concha, the city’s beautiful beach. After that, join the locals for pintxos and cider — and, of course, a slice of that world-famous Basque cheesecake.
There are so many fabulous places to visit in Spain, so wherever you go, you’re in for a treat.
