So, you wish to go to Spain however are uncertain of the place to remain and make a base, when to go to, or which points of interest to prioritize. By no means concern, you will have come to the correct place. This information on the most effective issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our workforce members that can assist you plan your Spain itinerary!
Historic cities, the nation’s finest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling outside adventures are simply a few of the issues to do in Spain that you simply can not miss. From Bilbao to Cadiz, I’ve left no stone unturned when creating this useful 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 obtained 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), Solely You Resort (Malaga), Mercer Resort (Barcelona) Enjoyable To Do: Vineyard excursions in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco exhibits, La Tomatina pageant 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 high points of interest embrace historic landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountaineering trails, and a few of the world’s finest artwork museums. Simply decide one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll be capable of take pleasure in it in no less than 5 totally different Spanish cities!
1. Vineyard Excursions in La Rioja
La Rioja is a province in northern Spain recognized for wine manufacturing. The most effective Spanish wines originate from this area and all the most effective wineries supply excursions with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is among the finest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can also be in style for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures a few of the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you may style most of them throughout a tour.
Sensible Data: It’s finest to e book a tour/tasting earlier than your arrival, particularly in peak season.
2. Hike the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago (Means of Saint James) is among the most well-known pilgrimages on the planet. The community of pilgrim paths stretches by way of 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 mountaineering 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 Data: 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 way of the north of Spain.
3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, recognized for perpetually being beneath 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 supply sweeping views of Barcelona’s rooftops. And since the cathedral is among the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s the most effective panoramic views to be skilled in Barcelona.
Sensible Data: Sagrada Familia is open from 9 AM to six PM. The tickets that embrace a go to to one of many towers are 36€.
Learn extra about Barcelona
4. Take Half in La Tomatina
There are two sorts of individuals on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and people who would conceal of their lodge room till all the occasion was over. Buñol’s pageant 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 interact in tomato fights. Buñol’s essential sq. will get lined with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the fireplace vans hose it down. Learn extra: The Greatest and Largest Festivals Round The World.
Sensible Data: La Tomatina takes place on the final Wednesday of August yearly.
5. Go to the Dali Museum in Figueres
Salvador Dali is among the most well-known artists Spain has ever produced. The legendary artist was born in Figueres, a small city in Catalonia. It’s finest to go to Figueres on day journeys from Barcelona because the city is barely an hour and a half away by public transport.
The Dali Museum is ready 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 possible be the spotlight of all the journey.
Sensible Data: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM daily besides Monday. Tickets are 17€.
6. See Gaudi’s Works in Barcelona
Barcelona will get virtually as many guests because the capital, and most people 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. Guide this extremely rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The most effective one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless beneath development. Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milla are additionally price visiting for his or her distinctive structure. See our information to the highest works of Gaudi you can not miss right here.
Sensible Data: It’s finest to buy particular person tickets for every of the points of interest. Bundles exist however are costlier than single tickets.
7. Stroll Across the Moorish Palace of Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of the crucial essential landmarks in Spain. The Moorish palace stays one of many world’s most distinguished examples of Islamic structure, so it’s no surprise it’s one of the crucial visited landmarks in southern Spain. Learn extra at 27 Greatest Issues 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. Guide this tour upfront
Sensible Data: The Alhambra is open for excursions from 8:30 AM to eight PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.
8. Uncover Influences of Completely different Cultures at Toledo
Toledo is called 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, because of mesmerizing medieval buildings and historic landmarks.
Toledo’s high 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 Data: Toledo is roughly an hour outdoors Madrid by bus and practice.
9. Seashores of Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is the most well-liked 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 for those who’re in Spain for a restricted time.
Our suggestion for Costa del Sol excursions is to lease a automobile and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the best way, providing a great mixture of vacationer points of interest and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is well accomplished throughout street journeys by way of Costa del Sol.
Sensible Data: Malaga is accessible by practice from Madrid in three hours.
10. Attempt Paella (And Different Spanish Meals)
Meals is a crucial 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 numerous dishes it is best to attempt whereas touring by way of Spain.
Valencia is among the finest cities in Spain for meals excursions. Valencian paella is known; the area’s local weather is ideal for rising rice, so paella has all the time been a staple meal in Valencian properties.
Sensible Data: Gastro excursions are extensively accessible 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 most well-liked vacation spot amongst vacationers within the Canaries. Gran Canaria Island is a detailed second. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the 2 capitals.
Tenerife is thought for Teide Nationwide Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the best mountain in Spain, accessible by mountaineering trails and cable automobile. Simply remember the fact that it’s an energetic volcano. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the world, simply to be on the secure facet.
Sensible Data: 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 stunning that the place is a correct scholar city.
A strolling tour of the city lets you uncover Salamanca’s golden sandstone buildings with intricate particulars. Casa de las Conchas, components of that are lined with seashells, is among 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 Data: Salamanca is near Madrid, roughly an hour and 40 minutes by practice.
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 additionally 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 cherished studying in regards to the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and totally loved the dwell efficiency. Learn our full information – The Greatest Issues to Do in Seville, Spain
Sensible Data: Seville is well accessible by practice 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 submit and would later turn into crucial harbor in mainland Spain.
The historical past of this city is clear in its structure. With historic castles, metropolis partitions, and numerous historic landmarks within the outdated city, Cadiz is among the finest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
A number of the metropolis’s finest 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 Data: Cádiz is within the south of Spain, most simply accessible from Seville and Malaga. It’s 4 and a half hours by practice from Madrid.
15. Keep in Madrid
Spain’s capital is the most well-liked vacationer vacation spot within the nation and for all the most effective causes. Madrid is a spectacular metropolis 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 potential. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are a few of the capital’s high sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic middle. Guide 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 house 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 Greatest Day Journeys From Madrid
Sensible Data: Madrid is accessible by worldwide flights. It’s 20 minutes by practice from the Madrid Airport to the primary practice 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 essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bilbao and the most effective in all the city.
The fantastic thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. As soon as a significant industrial middle and harbor, Bilbao is now present process revitalization and it’s all because of the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece sparked additional investments within the metropolis’s infrastructure, and at present, 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. Recreation of Thrones was Filmed close to Bilbao as properly.
Sensible Data: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Practice and bus journey is feasible, nevertheless it takes 5-6 hours and it’s costlier than flying.
17. Journey Again in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was one of the crucial essential cities in Spain beneath Roman rule, and within the Center Ages, it grew to become a significant Islamic middle. The structure displays town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic points of interest are thought to be 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 throughout the Reconquista interval. Additionally go to Palacio de la Merced for Baroque structure, Palacio de Viana for a splash of Renaissance parts, and Templo Romano to see some magnificent Roman ruins.
Sensible Data: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by practice and two hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Artwork Museums
Spain has produced a few of 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 for those who 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 a few of the most well-known within the nation, however actually not the one ones price 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 strains.
Sensible Data: The most effective artwork museums in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga.
19. Social gathering in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-standing status as a celebration city. A number of the finest nightclubs in Europe have summer time outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that seems like your sort of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.Along with a few of the finest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has glorious historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and plenty of museums. And let’s not overlook in regards to the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the primary cause for its recognition.
Sensible Data: 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 lodge 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 a few of the different historic points of interest in Palma.
Sensible Data: Palma is accessible by ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from mainland Spain take 7-9 hours to succeed in Mallorca.
21. Enjoy Valencia’s Allure
When you can go to just a few cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The charming metropolis is an excellent mix of the outdated and new, epitomizing all the things Spain is thought for. It’s obtained the most effective meals (howdy Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, fashionable structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is one in all Valencia’s most well-known points of interest. The fashionable 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 Data: Valencia is accessible by practice 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 finest recognized for its numerous mountaineering trails. Ranging in problem from very straightforward to extraordinarily difficult, anybody can discover a appropriate mountaineering path in Picos de Europa. The park is particularly in style amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the likelihood to beat one other summit.
Sensible Data: 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 unbelievable expertise, one that might convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Sensible Data: Tickets for La Liga matches have a median worth 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 crucial fascinating landmarks in central Spain.
The balconies of the homes jut out over the gorge. It’s a dramatic picture, however I need to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s title for setting excessive expectations.
General, 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 larger cities.
Sensible Data: Cuenca is an hour from Madrid by practice. It’s free to go to the Hanging Homes.
25. Paleolithic Work within the Cave of Altamira
A street journey in northern Spain isn’t full and not using a go to to Altamira Cave. The advanced is legendary all over the world for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years outdated.
Effectively, you may’t go contained in the cave any longer however you may see cave findings and replicas of the work at an area 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 Data: Altamira Cave is in Santillana del Mar. Entrance to the museum web site is 3€.
26. Sizzling Air Balloon Rides in Segovia
Segovia is a small city near Madrid recognized for warm air balloon rides and a Roman aqueduct. It’s truly one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the planet, and for those who’re into Roman ruins, this city is a should in Spain.
The city boasts fascinating historic structure with Romanesque church buildings and a Gothic cathedral. Alcázar de Segovia, a medieval citadel, gives panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Sensible Data: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by practice.
Continuously 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?
You need to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to totally discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s finest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys.
The right way to Spend 7 Days in Spain?
Spend 7 days in Spain by visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You possibly can keep in Madrid all the 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 plenty of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
The place To Keep in Spain
Keep in Madrid for no less than 3-4 days as a result of the capital gives a lot to find. Barcelona can also be an important metropolis to be in for some time, with glorious meals and full of life streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for the most effective expertise. Listed below are a few of the finest resorts in Spain for all budgets:
Ideas and Data for Visiting Spain
Greatest Time To Go to
Except you’re touring to Spain for a selected pageant or occasion, any time of yr is an effective time to go to. I like to recommend spring or autumn for essentially the most nice expertise.
Summer time is the height season for journey in Spain, particularly within the in style vacationer locations, and that typically means giant crowds and excessive lodge costs. Go to within the low season to benefit from the good climate however with fewer crowds and extra inexpensive costs.
Getting There
The biggest airports in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. All three are among the many high 25 busiest airports in Europe and all supply public transport entry to town middle by bus or practice.
Attempt to fly to Madrid. It’s obtained the most effective connections to different main city facilities and plenty of smaller cities you may simply go to on day journeys from Madrid.
Getting Round
All the key cities in Spain are related by trains and buses. When you’re in Madrid you will get just about wherever within the nation by public transport with only one or two modifications. However the trains aren’t very quick and are sometimes costlier than native flights.
Automotive rental is an effective possibility for street journeys in a selected area. Discover northern Spain in a automobile or drive down Costa del Sol for the last word freedom. However for fast journeys between main Spanish cities, practice journey is the quickest possibility.
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’ll 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 might be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you will have it, your full information to the most effective issues to do in Spain. If you’re planning a visit to Spain, you may select one in all these stunning cities to make a base and e book 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?