So, you wish to go to Spain however are not sure of the place to remain and make a base, when to go to, or which points of interest to prioritize. By no means worry, you might have come to the fitting place. This information on the most effective issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our group members that will help you plan your Spain itinerary!
Historic cities, the nation’s greatest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling out of doors adventures are simply among the issues to do in Spain that you simply can’t miss. From Bilbao to Cadiz, I’ve left no stone unturned when creating this beneficial planner.
Whether or not you wish to discover the most effective seashores in Spain or marvel on the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, I’ve bought a great deal of concepts. So, let’s dive into all the most effective issues to do in Spain, from the wineries within the north to the Moorish structure within the south.
Better of Spain Fast Information
- Should See: Dali Museum, The Alhambra, Royal Palace of Madrid, El Retiro Park, Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Park Guell, Casa Batllo
- The place To Keep: Posada del Dragón (Madrid), Only You Hotel (Malaga), Mercer Hotel (Barcelona)
- Enjoyable To Do: Winery tours in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco shows, La Tomatina competition
- Day Journeys: Cordoba, Toledo, Seville, Cadiz, Segovia
- Should-Attempt Meals: Paella, Tapas, Churros, Jamon Iberico
Greatest Issues To Do In Spain
Spain is such a various nation that anybody can take pleasure in it. The nation’s prime points of interest embody historic landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountain climbing trails, and among the world’s greatest artwork museums. Simply decide one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in it in no less than 5 completely different Spanish cities!
1. Vineyard Excursions in La Rioja
La Rioja is a province in northern Spain recognized for wine manufacturing. The very best Spanish wines originate from this area and all the most effective wineries offer tours with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is without doubt one of the greatest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can be in style for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures among the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you may style most of them throughout a tour.
Sensible Info: It’s greatest to ebook a tour/tasting earlier than your arrival, particularly in peak season.
2. Hike the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago (Approach of Saint James) is without doubt one of the most well-known pilgrimages on the planet. The community of pilgrim paths stretches by Northern Spain, France, and Portugal, and all of the paths result in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
It’s believed that the apostle’s stays are buried in Galicia’s cathedral. The northern metropolis has been the vacation spot for pilgrims because the tenth century, and mountain climbing even a small part of this path is a really rewarding expertise. On the very least, go to the well-known church on a day journey to expertise a small a part of this Spanish custom.
Sensible Info: The oldest route of Camino de Santiago is from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It takes roughly two weeks to hike the 300 kilometers by the north of Spain.
3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, recognized for perpetually being below development. It’s estimated that the works on the church will lastly finish in 2026, greater than 140 years after the development started.
The (completed) towers of Sagrada Familia are open to the general public and provide sweeping views of Barcelona’s rooftops. And since the cathedral is without doubt one of the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s top-of-the-line panoramic views to be skilled in Barcelona.
Sensible Info: Sagrada Familia is open from 9 AM to six PM. The tickets that embody a go to to one of many towers are 36€.
Learn extra about Barcelona
4. Take Half in La Tomatina
There are two forms of folks on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and those that would conceal of their resort room till the whole occasion was over. Buñol’s competition has turn out to be iconic over time, attracting many vacationers and locals to town streets in late August.
La Tomatina is an occasion throughout which individuals throw tomatoes at one another and have interaction in tomato fights. Buñol’s major sq. will get lined with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the hearth vans hose it down. Learn extra: The Best and Biggest Festivals Around The World.
Sensible Info: La Tomatina takes place on the final Wednesday of August yearly.
5. Go to the Dali Museum in Figueres
Salvador Dali is without doubt one of the most well-known artists Spain has ever produced. The legendary artist was born in Figueres, a small city in Catalonia. It’s greatest to go to Figueres on day trips from Barcelona because the city is barely an hour and a half away by public transport.
The Dali Museum is about inside a Nineteenth-century theater, which was designed by the artist. Dali himself arrange this museum, and it homes the biggest assortment of his artworks. For any artwork lover in Spain, this museum is an absolute should and can seemingly be the spotlight of the whole journey.
Sensible Info: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM every single day besides Monday. Tickets are 17€.
6. See Gaudi’s Works in Barcelona
Barcelona will get nearly as many guests because the capital, and the general public who come to go to are there for Antoni Gaudi’s works. The architect is taken into account a pioneer of Catalan Modernism, and a few of his most well-known works adorn the streets of Barcelona. Book this highly rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The very best one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless below development. Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milla are additionally value visiting for his or her distinctive structure. See our information to the top works of Gaudi you cannot miss here.
Sensible Info: It’s greatest to buy particular person tickets for every of the points of interest. Bundles exist however are dearer than single tickets.
7. Stroll Across the Moorish Palace of Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of the essential landmarks in Spain. The Moorish palace stays one of many world’s most outstanding examples of Islamic structure, so it’s no surprise it’s one of the visited landmarks in southern Spain. Learn extra at 27 Best Things to Do at The Grand Canyon
The palace’s development started within the thirteenth century, as ordered by the founding father of the Nasrid dynasty. The palace served because the royal residence for the dynasty, who have been the final Muslim rulers of Spain. Book this tour in advance
Sensible Info: The Alhambra is open for excursions from 8:30 AM to eight PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.
8. Uncover Influences of Totally different Cultures at Toledo
Toledo is named the Metropolis of Three Cultures due to its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments from the Center Ages. It was additionally El Greco’s house for some time, and it honored the well-known artist with a museum devoted to his works.
The city has UNESCO World Heritage standing, and it’s a wonderful vacation spot in Spain for vacationers within the structure and historical past of Spain, due to mesmerizing medieval buildings and historic landmarks.
Toledo’s top landmarks are Puerta de Bisagra, Alcázar de Toledo, Sinagoga del Tránsito, San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, and extra.
Sensible Info: Toledo is roughly an hour exterior Madrid by bus and prepare.
9. Seashores of Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is the preferred vacation spot for holidays within the nation. With numerous cities on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, all of which supply huge sandy seashores and glorious resorts, limiting your self to only one vacation spot is out of the query. Particularly if you happen to’re in Spain for a restricted time.
Our advice for Costa del Sol excursions is to hire a automotive and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the way in which, providing mixture of vacationer points of interest and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is definitely completed throughout street journeys by Costa del Sol.
Sensible Info: Malaga is accessible by prepare from Madrid in three hours.
10. Attempt Paella (And Different Spanish Meals)
Meals is a vital a part of Spanish tradition and Siesta is proof sufficient. The place else on the planet is it anticipated of individuals to cease working and take naps after lunch? Paella, tapas, jamon iberico, churros, and tortillas are only a few of the various dishes you should try while traveling through Spain.
Valencia is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Spain for food tours. Valencian paella is known; the area’s local weather is ideal for rising rice, so paella has at all times been a staple meal in Valencian properties.
Sensible Info: Gastro tours are extensively out there in all city facilities in Spain.
11. Uncover the Nature of the Canary Islands
Located simply off the western coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago within the Atlantic Ocean. Tenerife is the biggest of the seven islands and the preferred vacation spot amongst vacationers within the Canaries. Gran Canaria Island is an in depth second. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the 2 capitals.
Tenerife is understood for Teide Nationwide Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the very best mountain in Spain, accessible by mountain climbing trails and cable automotive. Simply remember the fact that it’s an lively volcano. I like to recommend booking a guided tour of the area, simply to be on the secure aspect.
Sensible Info: Canary Islands are accessible by flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
12. Mingle With The College students in Salamanca
Salamanca is house to the oldest college in Spain. That is additionally one of many world’s oldest universities which can be nonetheless in steady operation. With greater than 30,000 college students enrolled within the College of Salamanca, it’s not shocking that the place is a correct scholar city.
A walking tour of the town lets you uncover Salamanca’s golden sandstone buildings with intricate particulars. Casa de las Conchas, components of that are lined with seashells, is without doubt one of the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a couple of different noteworthy landmarks on this picturesque Spanish metropolis.
Sensible Info: Salamanca is near Madrid, roughly an hour and 40 minutes by prepare.
13. Tapas and Flamenco in Seville
As the biggest metropolis of Andalusia, Seville is a bustling city middle in southern Spain. Come right here to see marvelous historic landmarks, but in addition to lose your self within the rhythm of Flamenco and overindulge in the most effective tapas.
The historic middle of Seville is house to a UNESCO World Heritage Web site comprising three buildings – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the Basic Archive of the Indies. However my favourite attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I beloved studying concerning the historical past of the Spanish people dance and completely loved the dwell efficiency. Learn our full information – The Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
Sensible Info: Seville is definitely accessible by prepare from Madrid (3 hours) and Malaga (2 hours).
14. Marvel at Castles in Cádiz
Cádiz is the oldest metropolis in Europe that has been constantly inhabited since its founding in 1100 BC. It was based by the Phoenicians as a small buying and selling publish and would later turn into crucial harbor in mainland Spain.
The historical past of this city is obvious in its structure. With historic castles, metropolis partitions, and numerous historic landmarks within the previous city, Cadiz is without doubt one of the greatest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
Among the metropolis’s greatest points of interest are the Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, Torre Tavira, Castillo de San Sebastian, Parque Genovés, and Castillo de Santa Catalina.
Sensible Info: Cádiz is within the south of Spain, most simply accessible from Seville and Malaga. It’s 4 and a half hours by prepare from Madrid.
15. Keep in Madrid
Spain’s capital is the preferred vacationer vacation spot within the nation and for all the most effective causes. Madrid is a spectacular city providing all kinds of issues to do, from spectacular historic landmarks to glorious purchasing alternatives.
Keep in Madrid for no less than three days to see as many points of interest as attainable. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are among the capital’s prime sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic middle. Book a hop on hop off bus tour for a wonderful introduction to the highlights of Madrid
Go to the Literary Quarter to hang around in quaint bookshops and stroll within the steps of Spain’s most well-known writers. Or go to El Retiro Park for the day, to wander across the expansive inexperienced area in the course of this city jungle. And head to La Latina within the night, to seek out all the most effective theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Learn our information: 18 Best Day Trips From Madrid
Sensible Info: Madrid is accessible by worldwide flights. It’s 20 minutes by prepare from the Madrid Airport to the principle prepare station.
16. Admire the Avant-Garde in Bilbao
Bilbao is the biggest metropolis on Spain’s northern coast and the capital of the Basque Nation. The Guggenheim Museum is probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bilbao and top-of-the-line in the whole city.
The great thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. As soon as a serious industrial middle and harbor, Bilbao is now present process revitalization and it’s all due to the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece sparked additional investments within the metropolis’s infrastructure, and immediately, it’s an essential vacationer middle in Basque nation.
Come to Bilbao to see the distinction between its industrial previous and avant-garde current. See Plaza Nueva, the neoclassical metropolis sq., and the Santiago Cathedral well-known for Gothic revival structure. Game of Thrones was Filmed close to Bilbao as nicely.
Sensible Info: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Prepare and bus journey is feasible, however it takes 5-6 hours and it’s dearer than flying.
17. Journey Again in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was one of the essential cities in Spain below Roman rule, and within the Center Ages, it turned a serious Islamic middle. The structure displays town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic points of interest are considered excellent examples of Moorish structure.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is town’s landmark constructing. The UNESCO World Heritage Web site was initially based as a Mosque again within the eighth century however transformed to a cathedral through the Reconquista interval. Additionally go to Palacio de la Merced for Baroque structure, Palacio de Viana for a splash of Renaissance components, and Templo Romano to see some magnificent Roman ruins.
Sensible Info: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by prepare and two hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Artwork Museums
Spain has produced among the most influential artists in historical past and the nation’s museums are stocked with their artwork. It’s by no means a foul thought to enter a Spanish artwork museum, particularly if you happen to take pleasure in viewing the works of the greats.
The Dali Museum in Figueres, the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums in Madrid, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and the Picasso Museum in Malaga are among the most well-known within the nation, however definitely not the one ones value your time. The museums are stocked with work by Dali, Goya, Picasso, Velázquez, El Greco, and different iconic artists.
Insider Tip: Decide up the Paseo del Arte Cross to economize on the most effective museums in Madrid and to skip the traces.
Sensible Info: The very best artwork museums in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga.
19. Celebration in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-standing status as a celebration city. Among the greatest nightclubs in Europe have summer season outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that seems like your type of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Along with among the greatest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has glorious historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and lots of museums. And let’s not neglect concerning the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the principle motive for its recognition.
Sensible Info: Ibiza is accessible by flights and ferries from the mainland. Ferries from Valencia are the quickest, taking 5-8 hours to succeed in the Balearic Island.
20. Hop to Mallorca
Mallorca Island is one other in style trip vacation spot in Spain. It’s accessible by ferries and flights, most of which take you to Palma, the island’s capital. With sprawling sandy seashores, glorious resort resorts, and Gothic structure, town is a should throughout any island hopping journey in Spain.
Mallorca Cathedral is town’s most well-known landmark, with its tall Gothic towers and a wrought-iron cover designed by none apart from Gaudí. Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Llotja de Palma, Bellver Fort, and Arab Baths are among the different historic points of interest in Palma.
Sensible Info: Palma is accessible by ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from mainland Spain take 7-9 hours to succeed in Mallorca.
21. Experience Valencia’s Allure
If you happen to can go to solely a few cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The charming metropolis is a superb mix of the previous and new, epitomizing all the things Spain is understood for. It’s bought the most effective meals (hi there Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, fashionable structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is certainly one of Valencia’s most well-known points of interest. The trendy science middle is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its reveals are totally fascinating. And on the opposite finish of the spectrum is Baños del Almirante, the one remaining Moorish constructing within the metropolis.
Sensible Info: Valencia is accessible by prepare from Madrid (2 hours) and Barcelona (3 hours).
22. Climb a Mountain at Picos de Europa Nationwide Park
Picos de Europa Nationwide Park is the oldest nationwide park in Spain. It’s located within the north, spanning 11 villages and three areas. With forests, lakes, caves, and tall mountains, the park is a spot of surreal surroundings.
The nationwide park is greatest recognized for its numerous mountain climbing trails. Ranging in problem from very simple to extraordinarily difficult, anybody can discover a appropriate mountain climbing path in Picos de Europa. The park is very in style amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the likelihood to beat one other summit.
Sensible Info: Entrance to Picos de Europa Nationwide Park is freed from cost.
Soccer is the nationwide sport of Spain, and the primary spectator sport within the nation. The Actual Madrid and FC Barcelona derby is a legendary occasion that has followers of the game glued to their TVs all through the world.
Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid) and Camp Nou (Barcelona) stadiums are as iconic because the Alhambra, and stadium excursions are a should for followers of the game. Witnessing a dwell match together with 1000’s of passionate locals is an unimaginable expertise, one that might convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Sensible Info: Tickets for La Liga matches have a median value of 125€.
24. See The Hanging Homes in Cuenca
The Hanging Homes are three homes constructed into the rock face in Cuenca. They’re often known as Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are one of the attention-grabbing landmarks in central Spain.
The balconies of the homes jut out over the gorge. It’s a dramatic picture, however I have to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s identify for setting excessive expectations.
Total, I used to be glad to go to Cuenca as a result of the city is vibrant, charming, and steeped in historical past. And it’s a little bit of a hidden gem, with out the hordes of vacationers you usually see within the greater cities.
Sensible Info: Cuenca is an hour from Madrid by prepare. It’s free to go to the Hanging Homes.
25. Paleolithic Work within the Cave of Altamira
A street journey in northern Spain just isn’t full with out a go to to Altamira Cave. The advanced is legendary world wide for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years previous.
Nicely, you possibly can’t go contained in the cave any longer however you possibly can see cave findings and replicas of the work at a neighborhood museum. I discovered it mind-bending to stare at work created by Neanderthals, and it altered my perspective on the historical past of our species.
Sensible Info: Altamira Cave is in Santillana del Mar. Entrance to the museum web site is 3€.
26. Scorching Air Balloon Rides in Segovia
Segovia is a small city near Madrid recognized for warm air balloon rides and a Roman aqueduct. It’s really one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the planet, and if you happen to’re into Roman ruins, this city is a should in Spain.
The city boasts attention-grabbing historic structure with Romanesque church buildings and a Gothic cathedral. Alcázar de Segovia, a medieval fort, gives panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Sensible Info: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by prepare.
Incessantly Requested Questions Me
What Is The Quantity One Attraction in Spain?
La Sagrada Familia is the primary attraction in Spain. Barcelona’s cathedral is world-famous, regardless of being unfinished greater than a century after development started.
How Many Days Ought to I Keep in Spain?
It is best to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to completely discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s greatest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys.
Learn how to Spend 7 Days in Spain?
Spend 7 days in Spain by visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You’ll be able to keep in Madrid the whole time and discover the capital in three days, and the remainder of the cities on day journeys.
What Is The Greatest A part of Spain To Go to For The First Time?
Barcelona is the most effective vacation spot for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan metropolis gives beautiful structure and lots of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
The place To Keep in Spain
Stay in Madrid for no less than 3-4 days as a result of the capital gives a lot to find. Barcelona can be an incredible metropolis to be in for some time, with glorious meals and energetic streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for the most effective expertise. Listed here are among the greatest inns in Spain for all budgets:
Suggestions and Info for Visiting Spain
Greatest Time To Go to
Except you’re touring to Spain for a selected competition or occasion, any time of yr is an efficient time to go to. I like to recommend spring or autumn for probably the most nice expertise.
Summer season is the height season for journey in Spain, particularly within the in style vacationer locations, and that usually means massive crowds and excessive resort costs. Go to within the low season to benefit from the good climate however with fewer crowds and extra reasonably priced costs.
Getting There
The most important airports in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. All three are among the many prime 25 busiest airports in Europe and all provide public transport entry to town middle by bus or prepare.
Attempt to fly to Madrid. It’s bought the most effective connections to different main city facilities and lots of smaller cities you possibly can simply go to on day trips from Madrid.
Getting Round
All the key cities in Spain are related by trains and buses. If you happen to’re in Madrid you will get just about anyplace within the nation by public transport with only one or two adjustments. However the trains aren’t very quick and are sometimes dearer than native flights.
Automobile rental is an efficient choice for street journeys in a selected area. Discover northern Spain in a automotive or drive down Costa del Sol for the last word freedom. However for fast journeys between main Spanish cities, prepare journey is the quickest choice.
How A lot Time Do You Want
You want no less than 10 days for a correct tour in Spain, and even that’s for a condensed itinerary. Ideally, you’d spend 15-20 days touring across the nation, staying for a couple of days in each main metropolis.
Madrid and Barcelona require no less than three days every, whereas most different locations could be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you might have it, your full information to the most effective issues to do in Spain. In case you are planning a visit to Spain, you possibly can select certainly one of these lovely cities to make a base and ebook day journeys to get out to discover extra of the nation. Have you ever been to Spain? What’s your favourite place to go to?