The Finest Locations To Go to in Spain: A Concise Information

Deciding the place to journey in Spain is not any straightforward activity because the checklist of the very best locations to go to in Spain appears countless. It’s no overstatement to say that it might take a lifetime to see the whole lot that Spain has to supply.

However that’s what we’re right here for, to assist slender down a shortlist with our suggestions for the very best locations to go to in Spain for wealthy cultural heritage, good meals, and unbelievable landscapes. 

9 Finest Locations To Go to in Spain

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is the traditional start line for any Spanish odyssey. The capital of Catalonia is the very best metropolis to go to for a little bit of the whole lot Spain is famed for. Beguiling neighborhoods, excellent meals, magnificent structure, and delightful seashores.

Get the lay of the land with a wander down La Rambla. This pedestrian road bisects the labyrinthine Gothic Quarter with its church buildings and squares and the hip El Raval with its murals and up to date galleries. This central space is the pure base for a keep in Barcelona as it’s near sights and transport.

Within the iconic district of Eixample, Antoni Gaudi’s obra maestra is slated for completion in 2026 after a 144-year-long development course of. An insightful guided tour can make clear the importance of La Sagrada Familia earlier than you proceed to listen to the tales behind Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, two extra stunning buildings of modernist structure, born of the genius of Gaudi. Seeing Park Güell and Colonia Guell Church completes your necessary Gaudi path.

All that exploring makes for an urge for food and Barcelona doesn’t fall brief. The Boqueria Market is a cornucopia of seasonal produce and connoisseur pantry staples. Tapas taverns serve Barcelonian potato Bombas alongside Iberian ham, regional cheeses, and nationwide favorites. Search for Esqueixada on a sizzling day – a Catalonian dish of salt cod, tomatoes, and onions, just like ceviche. 

There’s little must enterprise past La Barceloneta for a seashore session. If time permits, although, add an outing to the alluring Costa Brava to your summer season itinerary, full with sea kayaking and snorkeling. 

A Facet Journey To Tarragona

Alternatively, head to Tarragona, both on a straightforward day journey or as an extension to your journey throughout Catalonia. Based as Tarraco within the third century BC, Tarragona was the primary settlement established by the Romans on the Iberian Peninsula.

Lots of its historical ruins are nonetheless standing, with the foundations of the Roman Discussion board claiming the guts of the up to date city. Remnants of town partitions and towers can be seen close to the historic Half Alta or Higher City. The fantastically preserved Roman amphitheater and circus stand a stone’s throw from the principle seashore. 

There’s lots in Tarragona to fulfill seashore lovers, too. Playa El Miracle is the simplest possibility. But, we’d urge you to take your towel additional up the coast to the prettier seashores of Savinosa and Llarga. 

2. Madrid

Some are deterred by the inland place of the Spanish capital, however we think about all of it a part of the magic. The flowing River Manzanares, lush Retiro Park, and huge Casa de Campo compete with any seashore. Moreover, the most important metropolis in Spain, Madrid is a bastion of the humanities with common festivals celebrating the whole lot from jazz to flamenco.

Stroll down the Paseo del Prado the place the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia museums type Madrid’s celebrated Golden Triangle of Artwork. These galleries are a who’s who of Spanish and European artists with works from Velazquez, Titian, and Rembrandt to Dali. 

Though it stays the official residence of Spanish royalty, the Royal Palace of Madrid is open to the general public. The palace stands subsequent to the Almudena Cathedral the place noble Spaniards are laid to relaxation. 

Madrid’s gastronomy orbits round La Latina’s full of life tapas bars, Ibiza’s stylish bistros, and fusion delicacies in Lavapies. Right here’s an icebreaker on your meals tour: why do Madrileños name themselves gatos (cats)? The origins are hazy, however asking yields every kind of tales. 

A day journey from the capital of Spain comes with the perk of getting misplaced within the jungle of vegetation and timber from 5 continents that lie hidden within the Atocha Station. Take a 30-minute practice to Toledo to find out how the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths co-existed on this Imperial Metropolis.

3. Seville

There’s magnificence at each flip in Seville, the good-looking capital of Andalusia. Pore over each tile at Plaza de España, marvel on the frescoes at Plaza del Cabildo, and take within the views from La Giralda, for starters.

Seville is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Spain for attending to grips with historical past. The Moors swept by way of the Iberian Peninsula from the eighth century onwards, laying down roots with fortified palaces and opulent mosques later repurposed after the Reconquista. The Royal Alcazar of Seville exemplifies Mudejar structure and joins the Cathedral – the most important Gothic cathedral on the earth – and the Archive of the Indies as Seville’s trio of UNESCO World Heritage Websites. 

The mighty Guadalquivir River noticed Seville play an integral function in Spain’s Golden Age. The nation’s sole inland seaport stays in use, and river cruises reveal snippets about its legacy. As commerce waned, Spanish flamenco was born in Seville. Performances of this passionate artwork type that blends dance, tune, and music happen nightly on the Flamenco Dance Museum and varied theaters across the middle.

As with Barcelona and Madrid, Seville enjoys a major location for day journeys. Go to the Doñana Nationwide Park with crossed fingers to identify migratory birds, eagles, flamingoes, and, probably, an Iberian lynx. However, historical past buffs shouldn’t miss an tour to the Nice Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – one other unmissable Moorish web site in southern Spain.

Seville’s Mediterranean local weather brings scorching summers and delicate winters with sunny skies even on chillier days. There’s by no means a foul time to go to Andalusia.

4. San Sebastián

Everybody is aware of about tapas however few are aware of the pintxos of northern Spain. Pintxos are served at bars in San Sebastian (Donostia within the Basque language) and the broader area. Often held collectively by a toothpick, pintxos usually have a bread base garnished with meats, seafood, and greens. These are served with a Txikito – a small glass of Txakoli white wine or La Rioja crimson wine. 

That stated, San Sebastian brags an incredibly excessive variety of Michelin stars. Subsequently, you would possibly need to save your starvation for the principle occasion. Your JayWay contact is all the time out there to supply private suggestions and help with reservations.

Apart from being among the finest locations to go to in Spain for gourmands, San Sebastian additionally boasts a captivating Outdated City. Parte Vieja followers out across the peninsula-like Mount Urgull the place Belle Epoque buildings and gorgeous Bay of Biscay views vie for equal consideration. That sweeping crescent, La Concha Seaside, is one in all The 12 Treasures of Spain.

Along with swimming, biking, and cruising the bay, you’ll be able to expertise the underwater world at San Sebastian’s aquarium. Children – and adults – love strolling by way of the 360-degree tunnel as tiger sharks and stingrays swoop overhead. 

This glamorous coastal metropolis is something however sleepy after sunset. Duck right into a sidreria (cider home) and pattern the tangy apple drinks crafted in Astigarraga. There’s all the time someplace to faucet your toes in San Sebastian with the dwell music scene encompassing underground jazz golf equipment by way of to acoustic jam nights.

5. Granada

Granada perpetually ranks as essentially the most stunning place to go to in Spain, and rightly so. This superb metropolis on the foot of the hovering Sierra Nevada Mountains is the proper marriage of architectural triumph and pure magnificence. 

Granada was the capital of the Moorish kingdom and harbors one of many nation’s most important World Heritage Websites. Tailored from the Arabic al-Hamra that means crimson tinted, the Alhambra consists of the fortified Alcazaba, the ornate Nasrid Palaces, and the majestic Generalife Gardens with their porticos and fountains. 

Experiencing golden hour on the Mirador de San Nicolas within the Albaicin is motive alone to spend an evening in Granada. As the sunshine softens, the advanced shifts from vermilion to terracotta and rose pink. Relaxation assured, there’s lots extra to see earlier than the solar drops.

Scrunch up your map and get joyfully misplaced meandering Albaicin’s cobblestone streets and hilly nooks. After your uphill strolls, a refreshing tonic of candy mint tea is available on the Teterias, the tea homes that have been left behind as an emblem of the Moors, or a pampering session at Granada’s functioning hammam to assuage sore muscular tissues. 

Sacromonte is the Roma quarter the place houses are chiseled into the caves of the Sierra Nevada. The barrio springs to life within the night when Granaina, a slower variation of flamenco distinctive to Granada, ripples by way of the slender streets. 

The younger Federico Garcia Lorca relocated to Granada along with his household and went on to pen his poetry and performs in what’s now the museum Huerta de San Vicente. If there’s a metropolis in Spain that’ll kindle the creativity, it’s positively Granada.

6. Ronda

Ronda is without doubt one of the most dramatic locations to go to in Spain. This white-washed city is perched atop a 100-meter-high ravine on the assembly level of the Sierra de Grazalema Pure Park and Sierra de Las Nieves Nationwide Park. 

It’s divided into two districts: the outdated Moorish medina and a youthful settlement north of the Guadalevin River. These settlements on both aspect of the El Tajo Gorge are linked by the Puente Viejo, Puente Nuevo, and Puente Romano bridges. 

Ronda is one in all Andalusia’s pueblos blancos – white villages – scattered throughout the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. Of their heyday, these white cities would have been wonderful vantage factors to watch threats. As of late, all you have to fear about is the place your subsequent bowl of gazpacho is coming from as you drink up the views below the Andalusian solar. 

As the most important and most simply accessible of all pueblos blancos, Ronda is right for an in a single day keep. It has essentially the most vacationer sights, together with the Thirteenth-century Arab Baths that show a system corresponding to these of Historical Rome. 

Twenty minutes north of Ronda, the houses and eating places of Setenil de las Bodegas are carved proper into the rocks of the gorge. Furthermore, Olvera strikes a unprecedented scene with its neoclassical church and Moorish fort rising above the small village. For those who don’t know the place to start out, relaxation assured that JayWay will tailor the proper Andalusia itinerary for you.

7. Bilbao

The opening of the Guggenheim Museum put Bilbao on the map as a vacationer vacation spot as just lately as 1997. Frank Gehry conceived the artwork museum’s head-turning design, greatest appreciated from the north financial institution of the Nervion River within the metropolis middle. From some angles, the swirling construction resembles a ship which can be in honor of town’s origins. 

Earlier than the Guggenheim shook issues up, Bilbao existed as a port metropolis. Its former shipyard is now a tribute to the area’s maritime and shipbuilding prowess by way of vessels and nautical relics exhibited on the Itsasmuseum. 

Bilbao is stuffed with quirky little spots such because the Arcos de la Ribera – a sequence of porticos with hidden frescoes depicting town’s wealthy historical past. The close by market occurs to be the most important indoor market in Europe with a dizzying assortment of stalls, eating places, and bars. 

As a part of the Basque Nation, Bilbao is commonly visited along with San Sebastian. The 2 cities couldn’t be extra completely different however you’ll be relieved to listen to each are swimming in pintxo taverns and wine excursions. 

Spain’s foremost wine area, Rioja, is simply an hour’s drive from Bilbao. The area is split into Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja with the previous two producing essentially the most superior reds utilizing Tempranillo grapes. Fall’s grape harvest might be the very best time to go to Bilbao for wine lovers. But, it’s by no means tough to supply a top-notch glass of wine. 

8. Malaga

If Barcelona captured your coronary heart, there’s a ninety-nine p.c likelihood you’ll fall for Malaga, too. Each cities have a Mediterranean shoreline, a vibrant port space, artsy enclaves, and effervescent nightlife. Thoughts you, the similarities finish there. Barcelona is the soul of Catalonia, whereas Malaga is the gateway to Andalusia’s Costa del Sol.

Layered atop Roman foundations and predating the Alhambra, Malaga’s Alcazaba looms over the Centro Historico. The addition of Gibralfaro Fort over a Phoenician stronghold solidified town and led to a four-month siege throughout the Reconquista.

Town has seen its fair proportion of ups and downs since 1487, as illustrated on the Malaga Museum. The attractive Renaissance Cathedral is named La Manquita, the One-Armed Woman, as work was ultimately signed off with out its south tower. 100 years later, essentially the most well-known Malagueño was born. Be taught concerning the artist who set Cubism in movement on the Picasso Birthplace Museum and see his prized items on the Picasso Museum.

Artwork additionally spills into the streets in Soho, Malaga’s harborside barrio the place murals fill the gaps between artwork galleries and boutiques. 

Malaga’s closest seashores are walkable from the historic middle. Look out for the Chiringuitos, seashore shacks serving thirst-quenching cocktails, and engaging Espetos – grilled sardine skewers.

Malaga is commonly visited in tandem with its glamorous western neighbor, Marbella. This luxury seaside resort has a captivating Outdated City comprising white-washed buildings and plazas canopied with orange timber. It’s a trendy vacation spot with seashore golf equipment to rival these of Ibiza and world-class golf programs.

A Facet Journey To Nerja

A brief automotive or practice journey away, Nerja is one other of the white cities of Andalusia and could be the perfect day journey from Malaga. It’s additionally the proper place to detox for a few nights on a southern Spain itinerary.

As soon as a sleepy fishing village, Nerja has discovered a brand new lease of life as a laid-back seaside resort with white-washed buildings atop cliffs, aquamarine waters glistening in secret coves, and the well-known Balcony of Europe.

Nerja is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Spain for a conventional ambiance. It’s a favourite amongst households and {couples} in search of tranquility and sunny days. The city is comparatively flat with strategic pedestrian paths to make getting round a doddle. 

On the outskirts of the city, the Nerja Caves advanced options stalactites, stalagmites, and rock work that inform us the grotto was inhabited 40,000 years in the past. A second cavity is used for concert events. 

9. Valencia

Valencia bridges the hole between north and south, outdated and new. It’s one of the vital fascinating locations to go to in Spain to be taught concerning the previous and get a sneak peek of the long run. 

However first, paella. The emblematic Spanish dish was born within the Valencian Group, by the hands of farmers. Agricultural employees would toss bomba rice and no matter greens and legumes have been at hand right into a flat-bottomed pan referred to as a Patella. Any protein would come from foraged hen, rabbit, or snail meat.

This laborers’ lunch was successful and have become the cornerstone of household eating in Valencia. These days, paella is obtainable all through the area, ready with saffron and seafood. Enrolling in a paella cooking class within the very birthplace of paella is a no brainer. There’s no higher memento on your summer season in Spain.

Stroll off the paella with a stroll across the Metropolis of Arts & Sciences. The avant-garde advanced designed by the Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava options an aquarium, science museum, live performance halls, IMAX movie show, and boating swimming pools.

Historical past nuts will gravitate towards the Ciutat Vella, now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site the place Romans, Visigoths, and Moors have left their mark. La Lonja de La Seda preserves Valencia’s affluent silk commerce, whereas the Cathedral incorporates a chalice that’s considered the Holy Grail.  

Turia Park appeals to all. A sweep of inexperienced constructed on a former riverbed, the park is common with cyclists, runners, and sunseekers. Valencia’s closest seashores are a brief tram or taxi journey from the Ciutat Vella. Farther south, you’ll enter Costa Blanca, Spain’s famed White Coast.

See Spain With Us

Spain is an insanely various nation that has one thing for everybody. The one downside is that planning a visit to Spain is usually a bit overwhelming. However, if you happen to’re right here, it means you’re prepared to go away it to the specialists to plan the proper Spain journey for you. All it’s important to do is dream of the very best locations to go to in Spain and our journey planners will put collectively a bespoke Spain itinerary only for you. At JayWay Journey, we all know Spain fairly effectively and our native workers in Spain can’t wait to welcome you to their beloved nation.

Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s keen about journey and storytelling, a mixture that makes her very best for her function as our content material supervisor.