So, you need 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 concern, you might have come to the best place. This information on the perfect issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our staff members that will help you plan your Spain itinerary!
Historic cities, the nation’s finest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling out of doors adventures are simply a number of the issues to do in Spain that you just can’t miss. From Bilbao to Cadiz, I’ve left no stone unturned when creating this beneficial planner.
Whether or not you need to discover the perfect seashores in Spain or marvel on the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, I’ve acquired a great deal of concepts. So, let’s dive into all the perfect 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 Lodge (Malaga), Mercer Lodge (Barcelona) Enjoyable To Do: Vineyard excursions in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco exhibits, La Tomatina competition Day Journeys: Cordoba, Toledo, Seville, Cadiz, Segovia Should-Attempt Meals: Paella, Tapas, Churros, Jamon Iberico
Finest Issues To Do In Spain
Spain is such a various nation that anybody can get pleasure from it. The nation’s prime points of interest embrace historic landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountain climbing trails, and a number of the world’s finest artwork museums. Simply choose one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll be capable to get pleasure from it in at the very least 5 totally 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 perfect wineries supply excursions with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is likely one of 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 number of the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you may style most of them throughout a tour.
Sensible Info: 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 (Method of Saint James) is likely one of 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 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 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 underneath 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 likely 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 embrace a go to to one of many towers are 36€.
Learn extra about Barcelona
4. Take Half in La Tomatina
There are two varieties of folks on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and people who would disguise of their lodge room till the complete occasion was over. Buñol’s competition has change into 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 fundamental sq. will get coated with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the fireplace vans hose it down. Learn extra: The Finest and Greatest Festivals Round 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 likely 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 finest to go to Figueres on day journeys from Barcelona because the city is just 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 most important assortment of his artworks. For any artwork lover in Spain, this museum is an absolute should and can possible be the spotlight of the complete journey.
Sensible Info: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM day-after-day 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. E book this extremely rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The very best one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless underneath 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’t miss right here.
Sensible Info: It’s finest 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 Website and one of the vital necessary landmarks in Spain. The Moorish palace stays one of many world’s most outstanding examples of Islamic structure, so it’s no marvel it’s one of the vital visited landmarks in southern Spain. Learn extra at 27 Finest 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 had been the final Muslim rulers of Spain. E book this tour prematurely
Sensible Info: 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 named the Metropolis of Three Cultures due to its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments from the Center Ages. It was additionally El Greco’s dwelling 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 prime 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 provide huge sandy seashores and wonderful resorts, limiting your self to only one vacation spot is out of the query. Particularly when you’re in Spain for a restricted time.
Our advice 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 way in which, providing a great mixture of vacationer points of interest and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is definitely finished throughout highway journeys by way of 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 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 just some of the numerous dishes it’s best to attempt whereas touring by way of Spain.
Valencia is likely one of the finest cities in Spain for meals excursions. Valencian paella is famous; the area’s local weather is ideal for rising rice, so paella has all the time been a staple meal in Valencian houses.
Sensible Info: 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 most important 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 thought for Teide Nationwide Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the best mountain in Spain, accessible by mountain climbing trails and cable automobile. Simply take into account that it’s an lively volcano. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the world, simply to be on the secure facet.
Sensible Info: Canary Islands are accessible by flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
12. Mingle With The College students in Salamanca
Salamanca is dwelling to the oldest college in Spain. That is additionally one of many world’s oldest universities which might 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 pupil city.
A strolling tour of the city means that you can uncover Salamanca’s golden sandstone buildings with intricate particulars. Casa de las Conchas, components of that are coated with seashells, is likely one of the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a number 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 most important metropolis of Andalusia, Seville is a bustling city heart 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 perfect tapas.
The historic heart of Seville is dwelling to a UNESCO World Heritage Website comprising three buildings – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the Common Archive of the Indies. However my favourite attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I beloved studying in regards to the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and completely loved the dwell efficiency. Learn our full information – The Finest Issues 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 repeatedly inhabited since its founding in 1100 BC. It was based by the Phoenicians as a small buying and selling put up and would later grow to be a very powerful 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 previous city, Cadiz is likely one of the finest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
A few 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 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 perfect causes. Madrid is a spectacular metropolis providing all kinds of issues to do, from spectacular historic landmarks to wonderful procuring alternatives.
Keep in Madrid for at the very least three days to see as many points of interest as attainable. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are a number of the capital’s prime sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic heart. E 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 house in the midst of this city jungle. And head to La Latina within the night, to seek out all the perfect theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Learn our information: 18 Finest Day Journeys 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 most important 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 top-of-the-line in the complete city.
The fantastic thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. As soon as a significant industrial heart 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 at the moment, it’s an necessary vacationer heart 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. Sport of Thrones was Filmed close to Bilbao as nicely.
Sensible Info: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Practice and bus journey is feasible, but it surely takes 5-6 hours and it’s dearer than flying.
17. Journey Again in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was one of the vital necessary cities in Spain underneath Roman rule, and within the Center Ages, it turned a significant Islamic heart. 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 Website was initially based as a Mosque again within the eighth century however transformed to a cathedral in the course of the Reconquista interval. Additionally go to Palacio de la Merced for Baroque structure, Palacio de Viana for a touch of Renaissance parts, 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 a number 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 concept to enter a Spanish artwork museum, particularly when you get pleasure from 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 number 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: Choose up the Paseo del Arte Cross to save cash on the perfect museums in Madrid and to skip the strains.
Sensible Info: The very best artwork museums in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga.
19. Social gathering in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-standing repute as a celebration city. A few of the finest 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 a number of the finest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has wonderful historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and plenty of museums. And let’s not neglect in regards to the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the principle motive for its reputation.
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, wonderful 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 Citadel, and Arab Baths are a number of 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. Enjoy Valencia’s Allure
When you can go to only some cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The fascinating metropolis is a superb mix of the previous and new, epitomizing every thing Spain is thought for. It’s acquired the perfect meals (howdy Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, fashionable structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is one among Valencia’s most well-known points of interest. The trendy science heart is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its displays 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 finest 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 probability 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 hundreds of passionate locals is an unimaginable expertise, one that would convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Sensible Info: Tickets for La Liga matches have a mean 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 also referred to as Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are one of the vital attention-grabbing 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 identify 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 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 highway journey in northern Spain isn’t full with no go to to Altamira Cave. The complicated is known around the globe for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years previous.
Properly, you’ll be able to’t go contained in the cave any longer however you’ll be able to 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 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 decent air balloon rides and a Roman aqueduct. It’s truly one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the planet, and when you’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 fortress, affords panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Sensible Info: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by prepare.
Ceaselessly 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’s best to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to completely discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s finest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys.
How you can 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 complete time and discover the capital in three days, and the remainder of the cities on day journeys.
What Is The Finest A part of Spain To Go to For The First Time?
Barcelona is the perfect vacation spot for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan metropolis affords beautiful structure and plenty of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
The place To Keep in Spain
Keep in Madrid for at the very least 3-4 days as a result of the capital affords a lot to find. Barcelona can also be an amazing metropolis to be in for some time, with wonderful meals and vigorous streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for the perfect expertise. Listed below are a number of the finest resorts in Spain for all budgets:
Suggestions and Info for Visiting Spain
Finest 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 essentially 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 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 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 supply public transport entry to town heart by bus or prepare.
Attempt to fly to Madrid. It’s acquired the perfect connections to different main city facilities and plenty of smaller cities you’ll be able to simply go to on day journeys from Madrid.
Getting Round
All the key cities in Spain are linked by trains and buses. When you’re in Madrid you may 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 dearer than native flights.
Automotive rental is an efficient possibility for highway 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, prepare journey is the quickest possibility.
How A lot Time Do You Want
You want at the very least 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 number of days in each main metropolis.
Madrid and Barcelona require at the very least three days every, whereas most different locations might be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you might have it, your full information to the perfect issues to do in Spain. If you’re planning a visit to Spain, you’ll be able to select one among these lovely 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?