Whether or not you may have 10 days in Spain or wish to go sluggish and regular full immersion, there are a great deal of locations to go to. Various and dynamic, every metropolis has its personal tempo of life, its personal traditions, and fiestas.
We’ve got been fortunate sufficient to spend so much of time in Spain and contemplate ourselves considerably specialists with regards to touring across the nation. There are such a lot of causes to like Spain, however one of many issues we love most is its range. Whether or not 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 lined.
On this article, we’re going to cowl the “standard” locations but in addition a few of our favourite cities that we might like to return to many times.
1. Madrid
Madrid is one in every of Spain’s most attention-grabbing cities, the place the previous and current coexist. Because the Spanish capital, Madrid offers you a glimpse into Spain’s cultural evolution and Spanish historical past, with the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor preserving town’s structure and heritage intact. La Latina and different neighborhoods help you see the completely different types which have formed town over the centuries, from baroque to modern, alongside the Gran Vía.
Artwork lovers will discover Madrid’s cultural wealth in its museums, the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, the place you’ll be able to see works by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso. The town’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 appeal. Markets like Mercado de San Miguel are the proper place to attempt the completely different regional cuisines of Spain, with stalls providing conventional tapas to trendy variations of traditional dishes. Because the solar units, town comes alive, with cafes, bars, and golf equipment that hold town going till the morning. Belief 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 go away.
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 situated on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
In all places we regarded on this metropolis was a feast for our eyes. Colours and structure surrounded us and begged to be explored. As we wandered by means of the hilly, winding streets, we realized that Barcelona is dwelling to FC Barcelona. 1000’s of soccer followers go to the well-known Camp Nou stadium to observe Barça play, however we opted for a distinct tour of the stadium. The most effective a part of the tour was operating round on the sphere and having fun with the beautiful views of town from the higher deck.
Barcelona can also be recognized for its nightlife, with bars and golf equipment that play music till the wee hours of the morning. In the event you’re trying to celebration, that is town for you! However, 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 may beat the warmth and revel in this wonderful basilica earlier than the solar bought too excessive. We wandered by means of the detailed and exquisite inside, gazing up on the beautiful home windows and hovering ceilings. What an inspiration to see such magnificence in and out. In the event you’re quick on time, we advocate buying a Hop on Hop off bus tour ticket. It is a nice strategy to see the principle sights in Barcelona at your individual tempo. We used our hop on hop off bus tickets to discover Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Seashore. Every of those sights supplied beautiful views of town.
We liked each second of our time in Barcelona and loved exploring the hilly streets and wandering round this lovely metropolis.
3. Seville
Seville is the third largest metropolis in Spain and the capital of Andalusia. It’s generally 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 informed tales with their legs and arms.
After lunch, we walked to the Alcázar Fortress complicated. It was constructed by the Moorish Almohad dynasty and is a masterpiece of mudéjar structure. The complicated is big and contains the palace, gardens and a cathedral.
From there, we walked to Seville’s Gothic cathedral, the biggest Gothic church on the earth. The tower, El Girnal, was constructed by Moorish architects and affords beautiful 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 powerful construction and a must-see when visiting Seville. Then it was on to the Plaza de España.
Within 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
Situated within the north of Spain within the lovely Basque Nation, Bilbao is a metropolis the place custom meets modernity. Well-known for its structure, Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum, one of the spectacular landmarks on the earth, 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.
However Bilbao’s structure doesn’t cease on the Guggenheim. The Bilbao Cathedral is a must-see, with its Gothic towers and complex element. The previous city is a pleasure to get misplaced in, with slender streets giving strategy to vigorous squares and hidden treasures round each nook.
Bilbao can also be cultural. The town has many museums, galleries, and landmarks, each revealing a distinct aspect of town’s previous and current. Superb Arts Museum, Maritime Museum, and extra are to not be missed.
After which, after all, there’s the meals. Bilbao is known for its Basque delicacies, and pintxos (these little snacks) are a should. Get pleasure from 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
Situated on the attractive Mediterranean coast, Valencia is an enthralling metropolis that is stuffed 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.
Often known as the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences, Valencia options trendy structure that’s in contrast to wherever else in Spain. The oceanarium and planetarium are simply two of the futuristic buildings which can be positive to fascinate children. The interactive museum is a good way to spend the day, with one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. Valencia additionally affords family-friendly sights, together with a theme park, making it an excellent vacation spot for households.
However, honestly, Valencia is all concerning the seashore. The town has a number of seashores which can be excellent for absorbing the solar. Whereas summer season is the height vacationer season, the climate in autumn remains to be heat and excellent for the seashore. Valencia is a type of cities the place you’ll be able to simply wander the seashore or discover the cultural sights. With its lovely 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 proper vacation spot for vacationers who want 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. Mountain climbing on the light slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains is unquestionably a must-do. We liked the views of the encompassing space, and the hikes weren’t too troublesome both.
After a day of exploring the mountains, returning to town for a siesta is important. Waking up within the afternoon and strolling by means of the slender streets of the Albaicín neighborhood is the proper strategy to spend the afternoon, then it’s time for a chilly beer and tapas to kick off the night.
The Booga Membership is the place the events are in Granada. Reside music filters by means of the streets each night time. Or, you can come across a cave restaurant that includes dwell Flamenco. As a result of why not?
Visiting the Alhambra Complicated 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, beautiful structure, and vibrant power. Salamanca is dwelling to one in every of Europe’s oldest universities, the College of Salamanca, which has been illuminating minds since 1218. The golden sandstone buildings, particularly the beautiful Plaza Mayor and the detailed college façades, are breathtaking. All the metropolis is a phenomenal murals, and wandering the streets is a should. Salamanca is an ideal instance of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque types all meshing collectively seamlessly.
However Salamanca isn’t all about historical past. The town has an excellent cultural vibe because of its younger college inhabitants. There are many cafes, bars, and festivals to maintain anybody younger at coronary heart pleased. The principle Plaza Mayor is full of tasty tapas, eating places, and bars and is a hub of exercise. We stumbled upon a standard castanuelo (a Salamanca pageant) whereas we have been there, and it was wonderful. The town is stuffed with life and power, and the persons are very conventional. It’s an excellent mix of previous and new.
The town can also be very walkable. The New and Previous 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 automotive in Salamanca, and it’s undoubtedly a metropolis that’s finest explored on foot. With its excellent location, wealthy tradition, and beautiful views, Salamanca must be on the high of your listing of locations to go to in Spain.
8. Toledo
Whereas large 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 stuffed with historical past and tradition, with Arab, Jewish, and Christian influences evident in its monuments and statues. Toledo is stuffed with surprises and undoubtedly deserves a go to.
Two of Toledo’s most well-known gates are the attractive Sol Gate and the Moorish Bisagra Gate. The Sol Gate is situated within the previous quarter and is near the bustling Plaza de Zocodover. In the event you would moderately escape the large metropolis then discover it then Toledo is a superb begin.
9. Malaga
Málaga is one in every of Spain’s finest cities due to its coastal appeal, historical past, and modernity. Located on the Costa del Sol, it has beautiful Mediterranean views and a few of the finest seashores within the nation. The gentle year-round local weather means you’ll be able to take pleasure in outside actions, from sunbathing to water sports activities.
The town additionally has a wealthy historical past courting 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’ll go to his life and work on the Picasso Museum.
Trendy Málaga provides to its historic appeal with a meals and artwork scene. Muelle Uno, the revamped port space, has fashionable outlets and eating places, and the previous city has conventional tapas, bars, and bustling markets. Plus, it’s a heat welcome and easy accessibility to different Andalusian hotspots. Málaga has all of it.
Moreover, 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 high cities for its unimaginable historic and architectural heritage. On the coronary heart of town is the Mezquita, a former mosque turned cathedral well-known for its forest of arches and columns. Wander by means of the previous city, and also you’ll discover slender 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 Competition in spring exhibits off the patios of Córdoba, which the locals beautify with flowers. Flamenco and native meals add to the celebration ambiance; it’s a good time to go to.
You’ll be able to stroll round Córdoba; it’s sufficiently small to get to know its appeal. The Roman Bridge and the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs are inside strolling distance. It has historical past, tradition, and ambiance, 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 method by means of its slender streets is a should, because the medieval structure is a testomony to its wealthy previous. Girona Cathedral dominates the skyline, whereas the previous 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 unquestionably value a stroll. The historical past on this metropolis is palpable and provides to Girona’s appeal.
The city of Girona isn’t solely fairly, nevertheless it’s additionally cultural. The town comes alive throughout festivals, and its meals scene is to not be missed. The flower pageant, Temps de Flors, is a spotlight, and it’s lovely to walk by means of the streets and admire the decorations. After which there may be the meals. Girona is dwelling 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 obvious in each scrumptious dish. In the event you’re searching for a extra laid-back meal, attempt 2 Michelin-starred La Trencada, a phenomenal 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 undoubtedly value a go to.
Girona is a superb base from which to discover the native space. The beautiful Costa Brava is only a quick drive away, and its lovely seashores and coastal cities are excellent for stress-free 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. Maybe its most well-known landmark, the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Homes, look like hanging off the aspect of the cliff as they stretch out over the Huécar River gorge. The country, wood 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 beneath.
The homes are medieval and spectacular, and it’s not exhausting to think about the lives of the individuals who lived in them. Girls washing dishes within the slender home windows, youngsters enjoying within the steep, creaky staircases, and {couples} dancing within the small, stone rooms.
But it surely’s not the buildings that make Cuenca particular; it’s the dramatic location. The town is located between the winding Júcar and Huécar rivers, and the surroundings is dramatic and exquisite. For a panoramic view of town, cross the San Pablo Bridge, an iron lattice bridge that was in-built 1969 to switch the unique, a rickety suspension bridge.
13. Alicante
Throughout that very same street journey by means of central Spain the place we noticed the Colgadas, we stopped on the seashore metropolis of Alicante.
Full of strolling streets and markets, scrumptious eating places and nightlife, it was a tremendous Spanish trip. Castillo de Santa Bárbara is essentially the most distinguished website to see when visiting this energetic metropolis.
14. Pamplona
Dwelling to the San Fermin Competition, Pamplona is known for operating the bulls, however there are many issues to do moreover collaborating within the controversial pageant.
There are magnificent metropolis partitions courting again to Roman instances, 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.
Additionally it is a significant cease on the Camino de Santiago. That pilgrimage is excessive on our listing of must-do issues! Do you know that Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate cease on the Camino?
15. San Sebastian
Situated only a quick drive from Pamplona is the beautiful coastal metropolis of San Sebastian. After the San Fermin Competition, we took a break at San Sebastián to eat loads of Pinchos.
Situated on the ocean, this metropolis within the Basque Nation is understood for its meals. It additionally has an unimaginable seashore.
16. Marbella
Situated on Spain’s sun-drenched coast, Marbella is a treasure of a vacation spot that seamlessly blends historical past and trendy luxurious. Wandering by means of the white-washed homes and cobblestone streets of the charming Previous City is like stepping again in time. The slender alleys and conventional Andalusian structure are quintessential Marbella, and quaint outlets and welcoming cafes are ready to be found round each nook.
However Marbella isn’t a city caught previously; it’s a vibrant coastal vacation spot. The Golden Mile, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banús, is dwelling to luxurious resorts, world-class eating places, and unique seashore golf equipment. This vigorous space is ideal for these in search of a mixture of leisure and pleasure, with glowing seashores and vigorous nightlife.
The seashores alongside the Golden Mile are a few of the prettiest within the space, with shiny blue waters and golden sand. And when the solar goes down, the celebration 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 phenomenal metropolis in Costa Brava with a medieval fort overlooking the ocean and metropolis. There’s a medieval village that’s lovely, and you’ll stroll by means of the cobblestone streets. There may be additionally a incredible seashore.
Costa Brava is without doubt one of the most lovely 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 Round Spain
Journey in Spain could be very straightforward. All the key cities and cities are related by rail, and even lots of the smaller villages are too. You’ll be able to journey cheaply and simply all through Spain by prepare alone.
What’s extra, it’s potential to ebook your prepare tickets on-line earlier than you even go away dwelling.
Automotive leases in Spain
- Vacationers who want to discover as a lot of Spain as they probably can might wish to rent a automotive during their keep. We’ve got an entire video devoted to How To Lease a Automotive in Spain.
- If you’re over the age of 21 and have a driver’s license, then hiring a automotive is hassle-free and might work out cheaper than prepare journey in the long term.
- In the event you select to rent a automotive, it could simply be organized for the hiring firm to convey your automotive to the airport to fulfill you so you’ll be able to hit the bottom operating…or, moderately, drive!
- Bear in mind to test whether or not your automotive wants diesel or petrol, or else you’ll have a nightmare in your palms!
- Click on right here to go looking all of the automotive rental businesses and get the perfect worth on your trip in Spain.
Bus Journey in Spain
Bus journey can also be an excellent choice in Spain. For instance, a bus from Madrid to Granada takes simply 4 quick hours and runs two or 3 times every day, extra continuously within the excessive season.
Buses are low cost and cheerful, and they’re a pleasant strategy to see the Spanish countryside sprawling away from outdoors your window. Relaxation assured, buses in Spain do take breaks for meals and bathroom stops. No must strategically dehydrate on your lengthy journey right here!
Spain is a vivid and welcoming place full of passionate and caring people who find themselves solely too pleased to accommodate vacationers and vacationers.
Studying slightly of the language can take you a very long time, and even if you happen to make errors, Spanish folks all the time admire the hassle.
