Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is made up of 17 autonomous regions, each with their own unique sights, scenery, local food, drink, music and culture. From the beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands and the Antoni Gaudi architecture that defines Barcelona, to the rolling vineyards of Rioja and the impressive Royal Palace in Madrid, there is an abundance of historical sites, idyllic landscapes and delicious cuisine throughout the country.
Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Spain.
Best Places to Visit: Sagrada FamiliaUnderrated Hidden Gem: Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de ToledoBest for Families: Casa de CampoBest for Couples: Rioja AltaBest for Solo Travelers: San Sebastian
For a complete list of recommendations, read on.
Sagrada Familia
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Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is home to numerous landmarks designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the most famous of which is the Sagrada Familia, which holds the honor of being the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Its pointed windows, flying buttresses, twisting towers and religious sculptures make it one of the most beautiful sites in Europe.
Santa Iglesia Cathedral Primada de Toledo
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A must-see on any visit to Toledo, the Primada Santa Iglesia Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture, featuring stained-glass windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, flying buttresses, frescoes and a gallery filled with paintings by El Greco.
Casa de Campo
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Madrid’s Casa de Campo spans approximately 4,258 acres – if you do the math, that’s more than five times the size of New York City’s Central Park – and features lush fields, forests, multi-use walking and cycling trails, tennis courts, a boating lake, plus an amusement park, zoo and aquarium.
Rioja Alta
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The westernmost of Rioja’s three subregions, Rioja Alta is known for its vineyards that spread across the hillsides of the Sierra Cantabria. To soak up the colorful scenery, learn about production methods and taste world-class Tempranillo, plan a tour and tasting at several wineries near the town of Haro.
San Sebastian
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Foodies flock to San Sebastián, the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea. This legendary gourmet destination in northern Spain is known for its Basque cuisine and its many Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by some of the world’s most talented chefs. Refuel at some of the city’s best pintxo (snack) bars and fine dining restaurants, but make sure to leave some time while you’re in town to hit the golden beaches and explore the atmospheric old town.
Sierra Nevada National Park
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Sierra Nevada National Park is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Located in the Andalusian provinces of Almería and Granada, this protected area boasts the highest mountains in mainland Spain, as well as numerous rivers, lush meadows, pine forests and wildlife such as mountain goats and golden eagles.
Royal Palace of Madrid
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The Royal Palace of Madrid is known as the largest royal palace in Western Europe, and although the Spanish royal family no longer actually live here, the 3,418-room architectural marvel is still used for state ceremonies and draws throngs of tourists to admire its priceless artwork, armor, and gold-leaf decorations.
Playa de ses Yetes
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Playa de ses Yestes, on the tiny Balearic island of Formentera, is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Blessed with pure white sand and warm, shallow turquoise waters, this long, narrow stretch of paradise makes the perfect destination for a dream day trip.
Mallorca Cathedral
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Also known as La Seu, the Cathedral of Mallorca stands as the city’s symbol. Built by order of the Kingdom of Aragon on the site of a Moorish mosque, this striking landmark is a unique mix of Catalan Gothic architecture, Nordic influences and sea views.
Royal Palace of Seville
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The Royal Alcázar of Seville tells a fascinating story that reflects Spain’s past. Originally built by Castilian Christians for King Peter of Castile, it actually stands on the site of an Abbasid Islamic alcázar, or palace. Over the years, many generations and cultures have left their mark on the palace through exquisite tilework, decorative sculptures, tapestries and museum-quality art.
Valldemossa
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A pretty hilltop village on the northwest coast of Mallorca, Valldemossa is just 20 minutes from the capital Palma, but it feels far away. Narrow streets wind their way towards Cartuixa de Valldemossa (also known as the Real Cartuja or Royal Carthusian Monastery), once a royal palace and later given to monks. Discover more about the town’s cultural heritage on the Costa Nord.
Cape Formentor
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Formentor cape, on the northern tip of Mallorca, seems almost surreal with its dramatic, wind-swept natural beauty and lack of tourists. The remote headland exudes off-the-beaten-path charm with its nearly deserted beaches, pine forests, winding roads and azure Mediterranean waters as its backdrop.
Prado National Museum
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In Madrid, the Prado Museum (also known as the Museo Nacional del Prado) is the country’s main repository of national fine art. This popular tourist attraction boasts an incredible collection of paintings, prints, drawings, photography and sculpture by Spanish masters, as well as showcasing the talents of European artists throughout history.
City of Arts and Sciences
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Valencia’s most important and photo-worthy modern tourist attraction, the Center of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic-looking cultural complex designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, featuring a ship-shaped opera house, an IMAX dome theatre, an interactive science museum, an open-air art gallery and Europe’s largest aquarium.
Spain Square
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Seville is home to many photogenic sights, but one you shouldn’t miss is the Anibal Gonzalez-designed Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Built ahead of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this famous square is truly spectacular, with its grand buildings, large fountains, canals and tile-adorned bridges.
Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery
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About an hour’s drive from Barcelona, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places in Catalonia. The impressive mountain monastery is home to La Moreneta, a miraculous wooden statue of the Virgin Mary said to have been carved by St. Luke, and has been attracting pilgrims since its founding in 1025. Visit the open-air museum, attend a service in the cathedral, or watch a performance by one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take photos of the stunning surroundings.
Ibiza
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Famous for its legendary nightclubs and party scene, Ibiza has recently become known as a prime destination for luxury wellness resorts. It also offers more relaxing spots such as Playa d’en Bossa, the island’s longest beach, which is just a short car, bus or ferry ride from Ibiza Town. Relax on the beach by day and dance until dawn at night, then rejuvenate at one of the island’s best spas at Atzaro or Six Senses Ibiza.
Santiago de Compostela
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All roads lead to Santiago de Compostela. This impressive cathedral draws pilgrims from all over the world via the Camino de Santiago, a series of routes that stretch from Spain, France and Portugal. Since the 9th century, pilgrims have come to see the burial place of St. James, but today many come as part of their own spiritual journey, joining tour groups that make their way through the bustling historic city center, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the cathedral, stop off at other popular sites in the area, including the Galician Contemporary Art Center and the renowned Cidade de Cultura.
Ronda
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Ronda, in southern Spain, is an ancient Andalusian city that dates back to the Neolithic period. Many of the ruins you’ll find here date from the Roman and Moorish eras. The Plaza de Toros bullring is known as the “birthplace of bullfighting” and doubles as a museum if you want to learn more about that side of Spanish culture. All of Ronda’s other historical sites are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the compact city. Stop for photos at Puente Nuevo, the city’s most famous bridge, then head to Palacio Mondragon to experience the region’s Moorish influence and stroll through its beautiful water gardens.
As Catedrais Beach
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One of Spain’s most beautiful beaches, Galicia’s Playa de As Catedrais (also known as The Cathedrals) looks like something out of a movie scene, with huge rock formations rising from the sand and crystal blue waters sparkling under rugged arches. Accessible by bus, car, train or bike, the beach requires reservations during the busiest periods from 1 July to 30 September and over the Easter holidays, so book your free entrance ticket online in advance.
