From bustling cities with cutting-edge architecture and sun-drenched islands to snow-capped mountains and coastal towns, Spain is every traveller’s dream vacation. Situated at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain boasts dramatic and picturesque landscapes and a delicious food and drink scene. From cities like Barcelona and Madrid to Seville and Ibiza, set off on your perfect Spanish adventure with our selection of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain.
From peppy flamenco to delectable tapas, plan your ultimate European adventure with our essential Spain itinerary.
The best time to visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain is during the spring months of March to May or in autumn, between September and November. But it can be visited throughout the year for its delicious food, some of the world’s best museums like the Prado, and a rich culture of music and dance like flamenco.
Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in Spain
Barcelona
Sagrada Familia | Image credit: f11photo/Shutterstock
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain and its cultural capital. Visit all of Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, including Basilica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Don’t forget to see Casa Batilo, the most imaginative building with a façade inspired by nature and dragons, and Casa Mila. Walk through the Old Gothic quarter, including the historical site where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella greeted Christopher Columbus after he arrived from his first voyage to the New World. Stroll on Las Ramblas – the wide, tree-lined thoroughfare that’s long been the hub of the city. Explore more with our selection of the most beautiful places in Barcelona.
Take day trips to other Catalonian gems like Tarragona, boasting a 2nd-century amphitheatre and Sitges, featuring a lovely seafront promenade and grand mansions. You can also explore the Costa Brava with towns like Cadaques and Begur. Try the local dishes like jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, tortilla española (potato omelette), gazpacho (cold soup), and patatas bravas (sautéed potatoes served with a spicy aioli). Alternatively, take inspiration from our selection of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Pro-tip: Stay safe from pickpockets in crowded areas like the Ramblas.
Best time to explore: The best times for tourists are Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (late September to early November).
How to reach: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is approximately 13 km from the Barcelona city centre.
Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental and Barcelona Edition
Best restaurants: Try tapas at Bar Canete, head to Batea for Galician oysters, seafood and upmarket fine dining, and try Can Fisher for the legendary seafood paella.
What to buy: Barcelona FC souvenirs, Marzipan biscuits, Picasso prints, local wine and artisanal chocolates.
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Madrid
Parque del Buen Retiro | Image credit: Gilles Gaonach/Shutterstock
The Spanish capital with its art museums, classic architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods and leafy parks like Parque Retiro, is one of Spain’s most beautiful places to visit. Spend some time browsing the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza featuring works by artists like Goya, Ruben, El Greco and Raphael. Do a tapas crawl in the La Latina neighbourhood with little bars and taverns. Feast on platters of seafood, oysters and ham, and sip a drink at the cava and wine-tasting bars at the elegant wrought iron and wooden Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant foodie heaven. No trip to Madrid is complete without lunch at Botin’s, the oldest working restaurant in the world, famed for its suckling pig dishes (baby pigs that drink mother’s milk for 21 days and then end up being roasted in special centuries-old ovens. A compulsory rite of passage for this city is to have your fix of churros (crispy dough deep-fried fritters dunked with a cup of semi-sweet hot chocolate).
Explore more with our guide to the best things to do in Madrid.
How to reach: You can reach Madrid by high-speed train from Barcelona. Madrid-Cuatro Vientos Airport is approximately 15 km from the city centre.
Where to stay: Consider Only You Boutique Hotel, housed inside a small 19th-century palace, or Hotel Europa.
Restaurants: Bodegas El Mano is a popular tapas bar while Corral de la Moreria is a favourite flamenco bar with modern Spanish food. Also, find out what makes Madrid one of the best food cities in Europe.
What to buy: Colourful Spanish ceramics, hand fans, Espadrille shoes, olive oil and local wine.
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Valencia
Valencia | Image credit: Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock
Valencia in eastern Spain is its third largest city and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. It is the birthplace of paella and most famous for its Fallas Festival when giant-sized effigies and models are burnt, and the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural masterpiece. Plan the perfect trip to the city of joy with our Valencia travel guide, including things to do, where to stay, and more.
Valencia is lined with restored historic buildings that include stunning churches, old monasteries like San Miguel de los Reyes and the site of an ancient silk trade centre known today as the Silk Exchange Market. Navigating the city by bike is easy with cycle paths and bike sharing. Spend a morning at its huge central market called Mercado Centrale, stocked with fresh produce. Check out its Moorish architecture in the El Carmen neighbourhood and relax on Malvarossa beach.
When to visit: Visit during ‘Las Fallas’ in March, a unique month-long festival. Valencia has a sunny Mediterranean climate and can be visited throughout the year. Avoid the summer months of July and August when temperatures can go up.
Best Restaurants: Eat at the stalls of the Mercado Centrale market. Try Paella, the rice and seafood dish at Casa Carmela. For fine dining, head to El Poblet for Valencian food, from duck to eels.
How to reach: Valencia is accessible by high-speed train from Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia Airport is approximately 9 km from the city centre.
Where to stay: Art Nouveau Palacio Santa Clara and the Westin Valencia, a former textile factory converted into a luxurious hotel.
What to buy: Tourron-Spanish nougat, silk shawls, hand-painted ceramics, leather goods and spices like saffron.
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Granada
Granada | Image credit: SCStock/Shutterstock
There are few sites as majestic as Granada’s Alhambra Moorish fortress spanning 140,000 square metres against the backdrop of the lofty Sierra Nevada mountains, built by the Moorish kings in the 13th century. Granada is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain – walk through its Albaicin Arab neighbourhood with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Stop by the Miradors, enjoy the views over the city and explore the Sacromonte neighbourhood, famous for its troglodyte houses. Another must-see is the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Considered the birthplace of flamenco, Granada is probably the best place to attend a performance. Enjoy churros at Bib Rambla Square and shop at Alcaiceria market for souvenirs.
Explore more with our guide to the best beaches in Spain.
How to reach: Granada can be reached by high-speed train or flights from Madrid and Barcelona. Granada International Airport is approximately 19 km from the city centre.
Where to stay: Parador de Granada, lodged in a 14th-century Moorish palace, and Hotel Casa 1800 Granada, a 16th-century palace converted into a boutique hotel.
Best restaurants: Café Fotbol for the best chocolate and churros, Venta El Gallo for a flamenco performance and dinner and Teteria Palacio Nazari for a Moorish tea experience.
What to buy: Fajalauza Ceramics, woven rugs, Serrano ham and straw baskets
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Seville
Plaza de Espana | Image credit: magic26/Shutterstock
The most charming city of Andalusia, Seville is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. Home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, the Alcazar, majestic squares like the Plaza de Espana and the Santa Cruz quarter with narrow, cobblestone streets, Seville is where you can learn about flamenco music and spend the evening in tapas bars. On the left bank of the Guadalquivir opposite the old city is the Triana neighbourhood boasting Moorish revival and baroque architecture, and tile and ceramic shops. A tablao is a good way to watch a flamenco show, with live musicians and a bar or restaurant service.
Do a tapas crawl in the bars around the Cathedrals’ twisting streets tasting typical food like patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), chipirones (deep-fried baby squid), queso manchego, cured ham, and prawns with garlic.
How to reach: Seville is connected by high-speed trains from all the major Spanish cities. Seville Airport is approximately 11 km from the city centre.
Best Restaurants: El Rincolcilo is said to be Seville’s oldest bar with ceramic tiles, old marble tables, platters of cheese and ham and Andalusian sherry. Casa Robles in the Santa Cruz quarter is a family-run restaurant known for its Andalusian cuisine, from sea bass to creamy rice with bull’s tail.
Where to stay: Nobu Seville and Hotel Boutique Casa de Colon.
What to buy: Ceramic tiles, folding fans, and feria aprons.
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Ibiza
Ibiza | Image credit: Daniel Tescut/Shutterstock
Ibiza is another beautiful place to visit in Spain. Most people head to Ibiza for its rocking nightlife and legendary clubs, but Ibiza also boasts a tranquil side with pristine beaches, small villages with whitewashed churches, salt pans and seagrass meadows. Explore Dalt Vila, or the Old Town of Ibiza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with a fortress and cathedral. Visit the Puget Museum to see paintings by Ibizan father-son artists Puget Vinas and Puget Riquer. Visit Sa Caleta to see the ruins of the Phoenician village and spend a day in Ibiza’s villages like Santa Gertrudis with white-washed churches, art galleries and bars. Visit the colourful Hippie Market at La Dalias. Have a sundowner at the picturesque Benirras Beach with its grainy-pebbly sand, and bohemian vibe.
Discover the mystical legends and folklore of the Spanish island of Ibiza, from goblins and elves to pirates and UFO sightings.
How to reach: You can fly to Ibiza from Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia. Ibiza Airport is approximately 7 km from the town.
Where to stay: W Ibiza and 7 Pines Resort Ibiza
Best restaurants: El Chiringuito Es Cavallet is one of the best beachside dining options. For rustic Spanish fare, head to Camí de Balàfia.
What to buy: Local sausages, wine and sea salt.
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Bilbao
Mercado de la Ribera | Image credit: trabantos/Shutterstock
Bilbao is one of the most beautiful cities of Spain in the Basque region, tucked in the lush mountains and the site of the iconic Guggenheim Museum designed by famous American architect Frank Gehry. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes Museum for works by great painters like Goya and Gaugin. Visit Mercado de la Ribera, a covered gargantuan market with a stained glass roof. Enjoy the riverside docks with cafes, and take a cable car ride to Monte Artxanda for a bird’s eye view of the city.
How to reach: You can fly into the Bilbao Airport or take the high-speed train from cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Where to stay: Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Best Restaurants: Pintxos are snacks from the Basque country typically eaten as appetizers before dinner. Go to a bar like El Globo to try these pintxos.
What to buy: Basque berets, handcrafted wine glasses and local wine.
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(Feature Image Credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock)
Related: This Lesser-known Island In Spain Has Become A Go-To For Stylish European Travellers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What are some must-visit natural attractions in Spain?
The Picos de Europa, dramatic limestone cliffs and the Pyrenees are some must-visit natural attractions of Spain.
-Are there any beautiful coastal places to visit in Spain?
Malaga, Marbella and San Sebastian are some of the picturesque coastal towns worth visiting.
-Which are the most scenic drives in Spain?
The Costa Brava from Barcelona to Cadaques is one of the most scenic drives in Spain. Costa Verde from Santander is another beautiful road trip.
-What are some iconic landmarks in Spain?
The Alhambra in Granada, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Roman Aqueduct in Segovia are some of Spain’s iconic landmarks.
-Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known beautiful places in Spain?
Carmonia and Tarragona are some hidden gems in Spain.
-What are the best locations for experiencing Spain’s rich cultural heritage?
The best locations for experiencing Spain’s rich cultural heritage are Cordoba, Seville and Granada.
-Are there any picturesque islands worth visiting in Spain?
Mallorca, Tenerife and Ibiza are some picturesque islands worth visiting in Spain.
-Are there any activities besides sightseeing in these beautiful locations?
You can swim, snorkel or cliff jump in Mallorca, hike in Tenerife and you can hike, take part in healing retreats or swim in Ibiza.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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