Whether you will have 10 days in Spain or wish to go sluggish and regular full immersion, there are a great deal of locations to go to. Diverse and dynamic, every metropolis has its personal tempo of life, its personal traditions, and fiestas.
We have been fortunate sufficient to spend so much of time in Spain and take into account ourselves considerably specialists on the subject of touring across the nation. There are so many causes to like Spain, however one of many issues we love most is its range. Whether you wish to discover the colourful neighborhoods of Madrid, dive into the structure of the cultural capital of Barcelona, or chill out on the unimaginable seashores of Mallorca, this nation has you coated.
In this text, we’re going to cowl the “popular” locations but in addition a few of our favourite cities that we’d like to return to many times.
1. Madrid
Madrid is one in every of Spain’s most fascinating cities, the place the previous and current coexist. As the Spanish capital, Madrid offers you a glimpse into Spain’s cultural evolution and Spanish historical past, with the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor maintaining town’s structure and heritage intact. La Latina and different neighborhoods help you see the completely different kinds which have formed town over the centuries, from baroque to up to date, alongside the Gran Vía.
Art lovers will discover Madrid’s cultural wealth in its museums, the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, the place you possibly can see works by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso. The metropolis’s love of artwork goes past these museums, with theaters, galleries, and avenue performances in all places for all tastes. This cultural range in artwork makes Madrid a singular vacation spot for individuals who love each traditional and trendy.
Madrid’s meals tradition is an enormous a part of its allure. Markets like Mercado de San Miguel are the right place to attempt the completely different regional cuisines of Spain, with stalls providing conventional tapas to trendy variations of traditional dishes. As the solar units, town comes alive, with cafes, bars, and golf equipment that preserve town going till the morning. Trust us, experiencing Madrid’s nightlife is to get nearer to the Spanish lifestyle, so you’ll take pleasure in it and received’t wish to depart.
2. Barcelona
Our first impression of Barcelona was magic. We fell in love with this metropolis at first sight. Barcelona is the capital of the province of Catalunya and is positioned on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
Everywhere we appeared on this metropolis was a feast for our eyes. Colors and structure surrounded us and begged to be explored. As we wandered by the hilly, winding streets, we discovered that Barcelona is house to FC Barcelona. Thousands of soccer followers go to the well-known Camp Nou stadium to look at Barça play, however we opted for a special tour of the stadium. The finest a part of the tour was operating round on the sector and having fun with the gorgeous views of town from the higher deck.
Barcelona can also be identified for its nightlife, with bars and golf equipment that play music till the wee hours of the morning. If you’re trying to occasion, that is town for you! But, amidst all of the nightlife, Gaudí’s structure is ready to be admired.
We visited La Sagrada Familia, essentially the most well-known landmark in Barcelona, and splurged on fast-track tickets so we might beat the warmth and revel in this wonderful basilica earlier than the solar acquired too excessive. We wandered by the detailed and delightful inside, gazing up on the gorgeous home windows and hovering ceilings. What an inspiration to see such magnificence in and out. If you’re quick on time, we suggest buying a Hop on Hop off bus tour ticket. This is a good way to see the principle sights in Barcelona at your personal tempo. We used our hop on hop off bus tickets to discover Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Beach. Each of those sights provided gorgeous views of town.
We liked each second of our time in Barcelona and loved exploring the hilly streets and wandering round this stunning metropolis.
3. Seville
Seville is the third largest metropolis in Spain and the capital of Andalusia. It’s often known as the birthplace of flamenco dancing, and we needed to expertise it ourselves. We headed to the Triana neighborhood, the place flamenco dance and music are woven into on a regular basis life.
We wandered the colourful streets and got here throughout a small tablao the place we stopped for lunch and a present. The older girl who sang had a strong voice, and the youthful girl’s footwork was unimaginable. We watched in awe because the dancers advised tales with their legs and arms.
After lunch, we walked to the Alcázar Castle advanced. It was constructed by the Moorish Almohad dynasty and is a masterpiece of mudéjar structure. The advanced is large and consists of the palace, gardens and a cathedral.
From there, we walked to Seville’s Gothic cathedral, the most important Gothic church on this planet. The tower, El Girnal, was constructed by Moorish architects and provides gorgeous views of town. The cathedral was constructed on the ruins of a Moorish mosque, and lots of the stones have been reused. It’s a formidable construction and a must-see when visiting Seville. Then it was on to the Plaza de España.
In the night, be certain that to hit up one of many many conventional tapas bars earlier than heading out for dinner. You received’t remorse visiting this metropolis in southern Spain.
4. Bilbao
Located within the north of Spain within the stunning Basque Country, Bilbao is a metropolis the place custom meets modernity. Famous for its structure, Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum, one of the spectacular landmarks on this planet, a contemporary masterpiece that’s the metropolis itself. The titanium and futuristic design is mesmerizing, attracting artwork lovers and structure followers from everywhere in the world.
But Bilbao’s structure doesn’t cease on the Guggenheim. The Bilbao Cathedral is a must-see, with its Gothic towers and complex element. The outdated city is a pleasure to get misplaced in, with slim streets giving approach to full of life squares and hidden treasures round each nook.
Bilbao can also be cultural. The metropolis has many museums, galleries, and landmarks, each revealing a special facet of town’s previous and current. Fine Arts Museum, Maritime Museum, and extra are to not be missed.
And then, after all, there’s the meals. Bilbao is legendary for its Basque delicacies, and pintxos (these little snacks) are a should. Enjoy them with a glass of native wine for an additional bonus. Seafood lovers are in for a deal with, with town’s coastal location, which implies the freshest seafood round.
5. Valencia
Located on the gorgeous Mediterranean coast, Valencia is an enthralling metropolis that is filled with Spanish tradition and artistry. With its worldwide airport, Valencia is an ideal gateway to different European locations in addition to the remainder of Spain.
Known because the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia options trendy structure that’s not like anyplace else in Spain. The oceanarium and planetarium are simply two of the futuristic buildings which might be positive to fascinate youngsters. The interactive museum is a good way to spend the day, with one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. Valencia additionally provides family-friendly sights, together with a theme park, making it an excellent vacation spot for households.
But, honestly, Valencia is all in regards to the seaside. The metropolis has a number of seashores which might be excellent for absorbing the solar. While summer season is the height vacationer season, the climate in autumn continues to be heat and ideal for the seaside. Valencia is a type of cities the place you possibly can simply wander the seaside or discover the cultural sights. With its stunning structure and scrumptious delicacies, Valencia is a metropolis that celebrates life.
6. Granada
Granada is a sleepy metropolis that charms the soul. It’s the right vacation spot for vacationers who need to decelerate and benefit from the easy issues in life. The views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains are second to none.
Granada is an ideal vacation spot for a day journey from the coast. Hiking on the mild slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains is certainly a must-do. We liked the views of the encompassing space, and the hikes weren’t too tough both.
After a day of exploring the mountains, returning to town for a siesta is critical. Waking up within the afternoon and strolling by the slim streets of the Albaicín neighborhood is the right approach to spend the afternoon, then it’s time for a chilly beer and tapas to kick off the night.
The Booga Club is the place the events are in Granada. Live music filters by the streets each evening. Or, you would come upon a cave restaurant that includes reside Flamenco. Because why not?
Visiting the Alhambra Complex is a must-do in Granada. The Generalife Gardens are pure magic. The Alcazaba, the final remaining fortress of the Islamic period, is spectacular. Don’t miss it.
7. Salamanca
Salamanca is a gem tucked away within the coronary heart of Spain. This charming metropolis is an ideal mix of historical past, gorgeous structure, and vibrant vitality. Salamanca is house to one in every of Europe’s oldest universities, the University of Salamanca, which has been illuminating minds since 1218. The golden sandstone buildings, particularly the gorgeous Plaza Mayor and the detailed college façades, are breathtaking. The complete metropolis is a ravishing murals, and wandering the streets is a should. Salamanca is an ideal instance of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque kinds all meshing collectively seamlessly.
But Salamanca will not be all about historical past. The metropolis has an excellent cultural vibe because of its younger college inhabitants. There are loads of cafes, bars, and festivals to maintain anybody younger at coronary heart completely happy. The foremost Plaza Mayor is crammed with tasty tapas, eating places, and bars and is a hub of exercise. We stumbled upon a conventional castanuelo (a Salamanca competition) whereas we have been there, and it was wonderful. The metropolis is filled with life and vitality, and the individuals are very conventional. It’s an excellent mix of outdated and new.
The metropolis can also be very walkable. The New and Old Cathedrals, the Roman Bridge, and the picturesque Casa de las Conchas are all shut to one another and to the principle plaza. We didn’t want a automobile in Salamanca, and it’s positively a metropolis that’s finest explored on foot. With its excellent location, wealthy tradition, and gorgeous views, Salamanca ought to be on the prime of your record of locations to go to in Spain.
8. Toledo
While massive cities like Barcelona and Madrid get all the eye, little cities like Toledo are the true treasures of Spain. Perched on a hill, Toledo overlooks the flat plains of Castilla-La Mancha, rural Spain.
This walled metropolis is filled with historical past and tradition, with Arab, Jewish, and Christian influences evident in its monuments and statues. Toledo is filled with surprises and positively deserves a go to.
Two of Toledo’s most well-known gates are the gorgeous Sol Gate and the Moorish Bisagra Gate. The Sol Gate is positioned within the outdated quarter and is near the bustling Plaza de Zocodover. If you’d moderately escape the massive metropolis then discover it then Toledo is a good begin.
9. Malaga
Málaga is one in every of Spain’s finest cities due to its coastal allure, historical past, and modernity. Situated on the Costa del Sol, it has gorgeous Mediterranean views and a few of the finest seashores within the nation. The delicate year-round local weather means you possibly can take pleasure in outside actions, from sunbathing to water sports activities.
The metropolis additionally has a wealthy historical past relationship again to its Phoenician settlement days. Landmarks just like the Alcazaba a nicely preserved Moorish fortress and the Roman Theatre exhibit its cultural range. Málaga can also be the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you may go to his life and work on the Picasso Museum.
Modern Málaga provides to its historic allure with a meals and artwork scene. Muelle Uno, the revamped port space, has stylish outlets and eating places, and the outdated city has conventional tapas, bars, and bustling markets. Plus, it’s a heat welcome and quick access to different Andalusian hotspots. Málaga has all of it.
Additionally, the Spanish islands, such because the Canary Islands, provide scenic shorelines and journey alternatives, making them one other prime coastal vacation spot.
10. Córdoba
Córdoba is one in every of Spain’s prime cities for its unimaginable historic and architectural heritage. At the guts of town is the Mezquita, a former mosque turned cathedral well-known for its forest of arches and columns. Wander by the outdated city, and also you’ll discover slim streets with whitewashed homes and flower-filled patios, a glimpse into the Moorish previous.
This Spanish metropolis can also be well-known for its cultural festivals. The Patio Festival in spring reveals off the patios of Córdoba, which the locals enhance with flowers. Flamenco and native meals add to the occasion environment; it’s a good time to go to.
You can stroll round Córdoba; it’s sufficiently small to get to know its allure. The Roman Bridge and the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs are inside strolling distance. It has historical past, tradition, and environment, a must-see in Southern Spain.
11. Girona
Tucked away in northern Spain, Girona is an enthralling metropolis steeped in historical past and tradition. Winding your approach by its slim streets is a should, because the medieval structure is a testomony to its wealthy previous. Girona Cathedral dominates the skyline, whereas the outdated metropolis partitions and Arab wards whisper secrets and techniques from years passed by.
The Jewish Quarter is one in every of Europe’s finest preserved and is certainly price a stroll. The historical past on this metropolis is palpable and provides to Girona’s allure.
The city of Girona will not be solely fairly, however it’s additionally cultural. The metropolis comes alive throughout festivals, and its meals scene is to not be missed. The flower competition, Temps de Flors, is a spotlight, and it’s stunning to walk by the streets and admire the decorations. And then there may be the meals. Girona is house to one of many world’s finest eating places, El Celler de Can Roca. This three-Michelin-starred gem is a should for meals lovers. The sister’s wine cellar is unimaginable, and the chef’s expertise is clear in each scrumptious dish. If you’re searching for a extra laid-back meal, attempt 2 Michelin-starred La Trencada, a ravishing trendy restaurant with a give attention to native produce, or Els Moats, a comfy restaurant well-known for its pancakes. Girona is a gem and positively price a go to.
Girona is a good base from which to discover the native space. The gorgeous Costa Brava is only a quick drive away, and its stunning seashores and coastal cities are excellent for enjoyable within the solar. The transportation community can also be actually good, making it straightforward to make day journeys to close by cities and websites like Barcelona and Figueres.
12. Cuenca
Perched within the war-torn area of Castile, Cuenca is a metropolis of dramatic magnificence and wealthy historical past. Perhaps its most well-known landmark, the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses, seem like hanging off the facet of the cliff as they stretch out over the Huécar River gorge. The rustic, picket balconies creak within the wind, and it’s straightforward to think about the women of the home, shawls wrapped tightly round their heads, peering out on the breathtaking view under.
The homes are medieval and spectacular, and it’s not arduous to think about the lives of the individuals who lived in them. Women washing dishes within the slim home windows, youngsters enjoying within the steep, creaky staircases, and {couples} dancing within the small, stone rooms.
But it’s not the buildings that make Cuenca particular; it’s the dramatic location. The metropolis is located between the winding Júcar and Huécar rivers, and the surroundings is dramatic and delightful. For a panoramic view of town, cross the San Pablo Bridge, an iron lattice bridge that was inbuilt 1969 to exchange the unique, a rickety suspension bridge.
13. Alicante
During that very same highway journey by central Spain the place we noticed the Colgadas, we stopped on the seaside metropolis of Alicante.
Filled with strolling streets and markets, scrumptious eating places and nightlife, it was an incredible Spanish trip. Castillo de Santa Bárbara is essentially the most distinguished website to see when visiting this energetic metropolis.
14. Pamplona
Home to the San Fermin Festival, Pamplona is legendary for operating the bulls, however there are many issues to do in addition to participating within the controversial competition.
There are magnificent metropolis partitions relationship again to Roman occasions, in addition to the beautiful strolling streets and meals scenes; it’s an unimaginable metropolis park, and the Plaza del Castillo makes it a worthwhile cease in your route into Basque nation.
It can also be a serious cease on the Camino de Santiago. That pilgrimage is excessive on our record of must-do issues! Did that Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate cease on the Camino?
15. San Sebastian
Located only a quick drive from Pamplona is the beautiful coastal metropolis of San Sebastian. After the San Fermin Festival, we took a break at San Sebastián to eat lots of Pinchos.
Located on the ocean, this metropolis within the Basque Country is understood for its meals. It additionally has an unimaginable seaside.
16. Marbella
Located on Spain’s sun-drenched coast, Marbella is a treasure of a vacation spot that seamlessly blends historical past and trendy luxurious. Wandering by the white-washed homes and cobblestone streets of the charming Old Town is like stepping again in time. The slim alleys and conventional Andalusian structure are quintessential Marbella, and quaint outlets and alluring cafes are ready to be found round each nook.
But Marbella will not be a city caught up to now; it’s a vibrant coastal vacation spot. The Golden Mile, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banús, is house to luxurious resorts, world-class eating places, and unique seaside golf equipment. This full of life space is ideal for these in search of a mixture of rest and pleasure, with glowing seashores and full of life nightlife.
The seashores alongside the Golden Mile are a few of the prettiest within the space, with vibrant blue waters and golden sand. And when the solar goes down, the occasion actually will get began, with bars and golf equipment staying open till the early hours of the morning.
17. Tossa De Mar
Tossa De Mar is a ravishing metropolis in Costa Brava with a medieval fort overlooking the ocean and metropolis. There is a medieval village that’s stunning, and you may stroll by the cobblestone streets. There can also be a implausible seaside.
Costa Brava is without doubt one of the most stunning areas in Spain, and a good way to see it’s on the water. If you wish to style Costa Brava however don’t have time to go to Girona, ebook a kayak and snorkeling tour.
Getting Around Spain
Travel in Spain may be very straightforward. All the foremost cities and cities are linked by rail, and even lots of the smaller villages are too. You can journey cheaply and simply all through Spain by practice alone.
What’s extra, it’s potential to ebook your practice tickets on-line earlier than you even depart house.
Car leases in Spain
- Travelers who want to discover as a lot of Spain as they presumably can could wish to rent a automobile at some point of their keep. We have an entire video devoted to How To Rent a Car in Spain.
- If you’re over the age of 21 and have a driver’s license, then hiring a automobile is hassle-free and might work out cheaper than practice journey in the long term.
- If you select to rent a automobile, it will possibly simply be organized for the hiring firm to deliver your automobile to the airport to satisfy you so you possibly can hit the bottom operating…or, moderately, drive!
- Remember to verify whether or not your automobile wants diesel or petrol, or else you’ll have a nightmare in your palms!
- Click right here to go looking all of the automobile rental businesses and get the very best worth to your trip in Spain.
Bus Travel in Spain
Bus journey can also be an excellent possibility in Spain. For instance, a bus from Madrid to Granada takes simply 4 quick hours and runs two or thrice every day, extra incessantly within the excessive season.
Buses are low-cost and cheerful, and they’re a pleasant approach to see the Spanish countryside sprawling away from outdoors your window. Rest assured, buses in Spain do take breaks for meals and bathroom stops. No have to strategically dehydrate to your lengthy journey right here!
Spain is a vivid and welcoming place crammed with passionate and caring people who find themselves solely too completely happy to accommodate vacationers and vacationers.
Learning a bit of of the language can take you a very long time, and even should you make errors, Spanish individuals at all times admire the hassle.