It’s true. Spain has something for every type of traveller. It may come as a surprise to those who associate Spain with golden beaches and flamenco (as it did to me before my nine months in La Rioja), but the Iberian Peninsula kingdom is made up of 17 autonomous regions, including Madrid and Andalusia, and encompasses a wide range of cultures. Throughout Spain you’ll encounter peoples like the Basques and Catalans, who speak their own languages, and a diverse range of landscapes, from centuries-old palaces to mountain tops and valleys filled with cherry blossoms in spring.
So, if you want to experience Spanish culture, be sure to enjoy some paella in Valencia, but consider visiting these other 10 places too, because while many of the best places to visit in Spain are popular, some offer a surprising side to the country.
1. Mallorca
Balearic Islands
Off the east coast of Spain lies the island of Mallorca, a perfect example of the country’s complicated history. Here you’ll find traces of the Roman, Moorish and Christian past, such as La Seu, an 800-year-old Gothic sandstone cathedral, and the Arab Baths in Palma de Mallorca’s historic center. But if you stay only in the island’s capital, you’ll miss out on some of Mallorca’s most beautiful scenery. Besides beaches with crystal-clear water, the 1,405-square-mile island has dozens of designated cycling routes, including an underground cave system where pirates and Moorish soldiers lived. Take in the island’s beauty with a hike up Puig Mayor, Mallorca’s tallest mountain at 4,711 feet, recognized by UNESCO.
The Prado Museum, the Royal Palace and the Reina Sofia Museum are just some of Madrid’s top attractions.
2. Madrid
Madrid
A flight of stairs from Madrid’s Sol metro station will transport travellers right into the heart of the Spanish capital. Boasting a prime location in the heart of the country, Madrid is home to some of the best museums, restaurants and nightlife. Built in the 16th century, Plaza Mayor has been the scene of everything from festivals to executions, and it’s a testament to the square’s continued connection to tradition and history. Grab a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich) at one of the establishments near the square, or take a break from the city’s relentless energy in the 350-acre Retiro Park, within walking distance of the Prado Museum and Puerta de Alcalá. Just be sure not to take too long to siesta and miss out on any tapas bar crawls you may have planned for the evening.
3. Barcelona
Catalonia
This coastal city has an unashamed approach when it comes to differentiating itself from the rest of Spain, from the Catalan language to the warped, brightly colored facades of Antoni Gaudi’s buildings. Whatever it is that gives Barcelona its indescribable charm, it certainly resonates. Barcelona attracts people from all over the world (more than 30% of Barcelona’s residents were born outside Spain) and draws travelers in search of its beaches, year-round festivals, and markets. First-time visitors should make a point of walking the three-quarter mile long La Rambla. The tree-lined path leads pedestrians past kiosks, neighborhoods, and historic buildings before reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Seville
Andalusia
Warm people, sunny days spent sipping sangria, orange trees: Seville is where you’ll find the relaxed, nap-loving vibe of Spain. The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region still retains many traces of its Moorish past, and one of the most beautiful places to explore that history is the Royal Palace of Seville, an 11th-century palace with walled gardens and geometric arches that has also appeared in Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Stop to smell the jasmine in Plaza de España and walk along the curving walls decorated with 52 colorful mosaics depicting all of Spain’s provinces.
The Picos de Europa is one of Spain’s 16 national parks.
Photo by Florian Augustin/Shutterstock
5. Picos de Europa National Park
Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon
While southern Spain is known for its laid-back beaches, Picos de Europa National Park exemplifies the lush, dramatic landscapes of the north. The 250-square-mile national park was first established by the Spanish government in 1918 and features alpine peaks, grasslands and lakes that resemble the scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Explore the rugged ridges of the Cantabrian Mountains along the 7.5-mile Cares River and look for local wildlife like roe deer and Egyptian vultures.
In spring, the Valle del Jerte celebrates the cherry blossom with festivals.
Photo credit: jessicahyde/Shutterstock
6. Valle del Jerte
Extremadura
Looking for an alternative to the throngs of cherry blossom lovers in Japan or Washington DC? Head to the Spanish region of Extremadura, which borders Portugal, in March and April (when the cherry blossoms bloom is a bit of a guess), where the Valle del Jerte turns white with 2 million cherry blossom trees. Flower lovers can explore an area of 144 square miles by driving Spain’s N-110, which cuts through the province of Cáceres and passes through 11 small villages known as pueblos. If you time it right, you might catch a flower festival, where the villages celebrate the season with markets and exhibitions.
On your trip to San Sebastián, enjoy a scenic stroll at La Concha Beach.
Photo credit: Bear Fotos/Shutterstock
7. San Sebastian
Basque
The origins of the Basque people are up for debate, but this ethnic group spread across southern France and Spain has developed a culture distinct from the rest of the country. San Sebastián is a city in the Basque region where Basque is spoken (greetings are made with caixo, not hola) and the steep cliffs resemble those in Ireland and Scotland. Everyone loves pintxos, small plates of cod and local produce, but be sure to make a reservation. The food here is top-notch, with 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in this city of 190,000 people.
In a survey carried out by the Spanish national newspaper El Pais in 2018, Spaniards chose Cudillero as the second most beautiful village in Spain.
Photo by Alfonso de Tomas/Shutterstock
8. Cudillero
Asturias
Many of Spain’s larger cities attract tourists from all over the world, but its beautiful little villages are often overlooked. Cudillero is one of about 20,000 pueblos across Spain and is a truly picturesque village. This fishing village on the Bay of Biscay, with a population of about 5,000, epitomizes slow seaside life. Colorful orange-roofed houses dot the hillside, and it also offers a great vantage point for panoramic views of both the city and the sea.
Haro was a historic wine-producing region in Spain’s Rioja region, as ancient and stately wine cellars like this one in Lopez de Heredia demonstrate.
9. Rioja Wine Region
La Rioja, Basque Country, Navarre
Spanning three autonomous communities, the Rioja wine region is known for the Tempranillo grape, which produces the tannic, full-bodied red wine of the same name. The region’s ideal viticultural conditions are thanks to the Ebro River, which meanders through the area’s rolling hills. Enjoy the views with a glass in hand and learn about winemaking at a winery, known locally as a bodega. Some of the most charming wineries, such as Lopez de Heredia, are located in pueblos like Laguardia and Haro, the latter of which hosts an annual wine festival in the summer.
Santiago de Compostela’s ornate cathedral is one of its landmarks.
Photo credit: artem evdokimov/Shutterstock
10. Santiago de Compostela
Galicia
In the Middle Ages, as a way of demonstrating their faith, people walked from southern France to the northeastern tip of Spain, establishing a 500-mile route known as the Way of Santiago. Galicia’s capital, Santiago de Compostela, is the final stop on the pilgrimage, with its Romanesque cathedral marking the end of the journey. Even if you’re not a pilgrim, the city is worth exploring for its religious history and Galician cuisine, from local cheeses to seaside delicacies like percebes (aka barnacles).
Valencia has been earmarked as one of the locations AFAR will visit in 2024.
Courtesy of Ali Spada/Unsplash
11. Valencia
Valencia
With more than 2,000 years of history, Valencia continues to innovate towards a sustainable future as the 2024 European Green Capital (and one of the places on AFAR’s list of places to go in 2024). If you’re stopping off in the city, skip the regular transport and bring your bike and walking shoes. There are more than 125 miles of bike lanes throughout the city, and dedicated green spaces like the Turia Gardens make it easy to digest your paella on foot. If you want to experience tradition, drop by in March when giant floats descend on the city for the Las Fallas festival.
