8 breathtaking places to visit in Spain 

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Have you explored Spain on holiday? Beautiful beaches, amazing architecture, delicious cuisine and interesting nightlife are just some of the reasons why Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe.

We’ve holidayed in Spain a couple of times, but we’ve only scratched the surface of what the country has to offer, and I’d love to visit again. If you’re looking forward to your next holiday trip, here are eight Spanish destinations you should definitely consider.

BARCELONA

Located in the northeast of the country, Barcelona is a major tourist destination because it offers such variety – from interesting architecture and culture, to shopping and active nightlife.

Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is a major attraction. Here you’ll find old churches, famous bridges, cobbled streets, shops, cafes and restaurants.

In Barcelona, ​​you can see the unique architectural buildings built by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Among them are the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. Both of these buildings have beautiful designs, shapes and colours. For the best city tour and Barcelona sightseeing, ​​take the opportunity to ride with Hop on – Hop off Buses.

The city is also rich in museums, art galleries, cinemas and flamenco performances. It hosts various sports teams, and is home to the largest football stadium in Europe, the Nou Camp. Public transport in the city works well, and buses, intercity trains and subway lines are all readily available.

You’ll find lots more information on things to do and explore in Barcelona here.

MADRID

The capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid is known for its bustling nightlife. It’s numerous universities and ethnic diversity make it a real cosmopolitan city.

Madrid is a mixture of old and new architecture, and the heart of the city is Puerta del Sol where various festivals are held. Also famous is Plaza Mayor, where there are numerous souvenir shops, cafes and the famous San Miguel market.

Tourists can also visit beautiful parks, zoos, bullrings, shopping malls, museums and much more. Public transport in Madrid is one of the best in the world. There’s also a wealth of restaurants to choose from, making it a great place to try out Spanish cuisine.

GRANADA

Granada is the capital of the province of Granada, in southern Spain. It is known for its historic buildings from the Moorish era. The most significant is the fortification of the Alhambra, which was built in the 13th and 14th centuries as the residence of the Moorish kings.

Another attraction is the narrow winding streets of Albaicin, which along with the Alhambra is a world heritage site. The city centre is home to the Cathedral of Granada, which is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture.

Outside the city is the Nevada Ski Centre, which offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including skiing, sledging, hiking, horseback riding and cable car rides.

The influence of Arab culture in Granada is reflected in the food on offer, resulting in a diverse dining experience. You can sample free tapas with your drink in the bars of Granada, and the city is home to lots of flamenco bars and shows.

Granada can be explored by foot, or using public transport. Taxis are reasonably priced (check out these tips on how to use a taxi service when you are abroad), and there’s also a city train which visits the key sights and operates on a hop on – hop off basis.

SEVILLE

Tourist attractions, festivals and interesting nightlife make Seville a top destination in southern Spain. As the capital of the province of Andalusia, it is also the cultural, financial and artistic centre of this part of the country.

Seville is home to many beautiful and important historical sites, including the Cathedral where Columbus is believed to have been buried. Also significant is the Alcazar, an extravagant Moorish palace with lush gardens, and the room where Columbus planned his trip to the New World.

As the capital of culture, Seville offers numerous museums, art galleries, theatres and entertainment venues. The nightlife in this city is also rich. The public transport network is developed and consists of buses, trams, and metro. For fans of two-wheelers, there are bicycles and scooters for rent too.

VALENCIA

Valencia one of the largest and most important cities in Spain, and is located in the eastern part of the country, in the province of Valencia. After several years of construction and renovation, Valencia has become a city of art and architectural masterpieces.

Valencia also has a large number of historic buildings, including churches and old monasteries such as San Miguel de Los Reyes. There is also a famous silk market.

A cultural and entertainment complex known as the “city of art and science” is another good place to visit. It houses several buildings including a science museum, planetarium, aquarium, art museum and cinema. If you’d like to engage with nature, the bed of the river Turia is home to beautiful gardens, parks and artificial lakes.

IBIZA

The island of Ibiza is located about 80 kilometres outside mainland Spain, and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Together with Mallorca and Menorca, it belongs to the group of Balearic Islands.

Ibiza is a legendary tourist destination in Spain, and hosts an incredible array of activities and events. It is warm during the summer, even when the sun goes down, which is one of the reasons why Ibiza has such a bustling nightlife. Even though Ibiza is part of Spain, the cuisine reflects a wide number of influences from all over Europe.

The historic old town of Ibiza is a must-see. Narrow cobbled streets are surrounded by walls dating back to the 1500s. You can explore observatories, an ancient bridge, a castle, and the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria, to name just a few attractions.

With its soft sandy beaches, crystal clear water, developed infrastructure for visitors, and lively evening scene, Ibiza really does have something for everyone.

TENERIFE

With it’s year-round warmth, Tenerife is an ideal winter sun destination. It boasts green forests in the northern part of the island, mountains, deserts, volcanoes, exotic plants and wildlife, as well as spectacular beaches with black volcanic sand.

Tenerife offers a unique combination of landscape which makes it a beach holiday with a difference. You can swim and sunbathe on the beautiful beach, while just a few kilometres away you can see snow on the ridge of Mount Teide. Not your average view from your sun lounger!

TOLEDO

With its unique position, picturesque cityscape, and magnificent old buildings, Toledo is one of the largest tourist cities in Spain. Toledo is a world heritage site, and popular with visitors interested in art and history.

Medieval walls, winding streets and traditional metalwork crafts are key to this ancient city’s character. Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures all thrived in Toledo for centuries, and their influences are visible throughout the city.

To get a real sense of the city as a whole, you can walk or take a hop on – hop off bus across the river to the Mirador del Valle. This gives you an incredible view of the city, so remember your camera!

Which destination is top of your list for your next trip to Spain?

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