Whether you may have 10 days in Spain or wish to go gradual and regular full immersion, there are a great deal of locations to go to. Diverse and dynamic, every metropolis has its personal tempo of life, its personal traditions, and fiestas.
We have been fortunate sufficient to spend so much of time in Spain and think about ourselves considerably specialists relating to touring across the nation. There are so many causes to like Spain, however one of many issues we love most is its range. Whether you wish to discover the colourful neighborhoods of Madrid, dive into the structure of the cultural capital of Barcelona, or loosen up on the unbelievable seashores of Mallorca, this nation has you coated.
In this text, we’re going to cowl the “popular” locations but in addition a few of our favourite cities that we’d like to return to time and again.
1. Madrid
Madrid is one in all Spain’s most fascinating cities, the place the previous and current coexist. As the Spanish capital, Madrid provides you a glimpse into Spain’s cultural evolution and Spanish historical past, with the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor holding town’s structure and heritage intact. La Latina and different neighborhoods mean you can see the totally different kinds which have formed town over the centuries, from baroque to modern, alongside the Gran Vía.
Art 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 metropolis’s love of artwork goes past these museums, with theaters, galleries, and avenue performances in every single place for all tastes. This cultural range in artwork makes Madrid a novel vacation spot for many who love each basic and trendy.
Madrid’s meals tradition is an enormous a part of its allure. Markets like Mercado de San Miguel are the right place to strive the totally different regional cuisines of Spain, with stalls providing conventional tapas to trendy variations of basic dishes. As the solar units, town comes alive, with cafes, bars, and golf equipment that maintain town going till the morning. Trust us, experiencing Madrid’s nightlife is to get nearer to the Spanish lifestyle, so you’ll take pleasure in it and gained’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.
Everywhere we seemed in this metropolis was a feast for our eyes. Colors and structure surrounded us and begged to be explored. As we wandered via the hilly, winding streets, we discovered that Barcelona is residence to FC Barcelona. Thousands of soccer followers go to the well-known Camp Nou stadium to observe Barça play, however we opted for a unique tour of the stadium. The greatest a part of the tour was working round on the sector 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. If you’re trying to celebration, that is town for you! But, amidst all of the nightlife, Gaudí’s structure is ready to be admired.
We visited La Sagrada Familia, probably the most well-known landmark in Barcelona, and splurged on fast-track tickets so we might beat the warmth and luxuriate in this wonderful basilica earlier than the solar received too excessive. We wandered via the detailed and delightful inside, gazing up on the beautiful home windows and hovering ceilings. What an inspiration to see such magnificence inside and outside. If you’re quick on time, we advocate buying a Hop on Hop off bus tour ticket. This is an effective way to see the primary sights in Barcelona at your personal tempo. We used our hop on hop off bus tickets to discover Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta Beach. Each of those points of interest provided beautiful views of town.
We beloved 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 often called 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 unbelievable. We watched in awe because the dancers informed tales with their legs and arms.
After lunch, we walked to the Alcázar Castle advanced. It was constructed by the Moorish Almohad dynasty and is a masterpiece of mudéjar structure. The advanced is large and consists of the palace, gardens and a cathedral.
From there, we walked to Seville’s Gothic cathedral, the biggest Gothic church in the world. The tower, El Girnal, was constructed by Moorish architects and provides beautiful views of town. The cathedral was constructed on the ruins of a Moorish mosque, and lots of the stones had been reused. It’s a powerful construction and a must-see when visiting Seville. Then it was on to the Plaza de España.
In the night, be certain that to hit up one of many many conventional tapas bars earlier than heading out for dinner. You gained’t remorse visiting this metropolis in southern Spain.
4. Bilbao
Located in the north of Spain in the attractive Basque Country, Bilbao is a metropolis the place custom meets modernity. Famous for its structure, Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum, probably the most spectacular landmarks in the world, 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.
But Bilbao’s structure doesn’t cease on the Guggenheim. The Bilbao Cathedral is a must-see, with its Gothic towers and complex element. The outdated city is a pleasure to get misplaced in, with slender streets giving approach to full of life squares and hidden treasures round each nook.
Bilbao can also be cultural. The metropolis has many museums, galleries, and landmarks, each revealing a unique aspect of town’s previous and current. Fine Arts Museum, Maritime Museum, and extra are to not be missed.
And then, in fact, there’s the meals. Bilbao is legendary for its Basque delicacies, and pintxos (these little snacks) are a should. Enjoy 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 suggests the freshest seafood round.
5. Valencia
Located 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.
Known because the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia options trendy structure that’s not like anyplace else in Spain. The oceanarium and planetarium are simply two of the futuristic buildings which are positive to fascinate youngsters. The interactive museum is an effective way to spend the day, with one thing for everybody to take pleasure in. Valencia additionally provides family-friendly points of interest, together with a theme park, making it an important vacation spot for households.
But, in truth, Valencia is all concerning the seashore. The metropolis has a number of seashores which are excellent for absorbing the solar. While summer season is the height vacationer season, the climate in autumn remains to be heat and ideal for the seashore. Valencia is a type of cities the place you’ll be able to simply wander the seashore or discover the cultural points of interest. 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 right 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. Hiking on the light slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains is certainly a must-do. We beloved the views of the encompassing space, and the hikes weren’t too tough both.
After a day of exploring the mountains, returning to town for a siesta is critical. Waking up in the afternoon and strolling via the slender streets of the Albaicín neighborhood is the right approach to spend the afternoon, then it’s time for a chilly beer and tapas to kick off the night.
The Booga Club is the place the events are in Granada. Live music filters via the streets each evening. Or, you can bump into a cave restaurant that includes stay Flamenco. Because why not?
Visiting the Alhambra Complex 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 in the center of Spain. This charming metropolis is an ideal mix of historical past, beautiful structure, and vibrant power. Salamanca is residence to one in all Europe’s oldest universities, the University 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. The total metropolis is an exquisite murals, and wandering the streets is a should. Salamanca is an ideal instance of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque kinds all meshing collectively seamlessly.
But Salamanca will not be all about historical past. The metropolis has an important cultural vibe due to its younger college inhabitants. There are loads of cafes, bars, and festivals to maintain anybody younger at coronary heart blissful. The important Plaza Mayor is stuffed with tasty tapas, eating places, and bars and is a hub of exercise. We stumbled upon a conventional castanuelo (a Salamanca pageant) whereas we had been there, and it was wonderful. The metropolis is stuffed with life and power, and the persons are very conventional. It’s an important mix of outdated and new.
The metropolis can also be very walkable. The New and Old Cathedrals, the Roman Bridge, and the picturesque Casa de las Conchas are all shut to one another and to the primary plaza. We didn’t want a automotive in Salamanca, and it’s undoubtedly a metropolis that’s greatest explored on foot. With its excellent location, wealthy tradition, and beautiful views, Salamanca ought to be on the high of your checklist of locations to go to in Spain.
8. Toledo
While huge cities like Barcelona and Madrid get all the eye, little cities like Toledo are the actual 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 in the outdated quarter and is near the bustling Plaza de Zocodover. If you’d somewhat escape the large metropolis then discover it then Toledo is a good begin.
9. Malaga
Málaga is one in all Spain’s greatest cities due to its coastal allure, historical past, and modernity. Situated on the Costa del Sol, it has beautiful Mediterranean views and a few of the greatest seashores in the nation. The gentle year-round local weather means you’ll be able to take pleasure in out of doors actions, from sunbathing to water sports activities.
The metropolis additionally has a wealthy historical past courting again to its Phoenician settlement days. Landmarks just like the Alcazaba a effectively 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.
Modern Málaga provides to its historic allure with a meals and artwork scene. Muelle Uno, the revamped port space, has fashionable retailers and eating places, and the outdated city has conventional tapas, bars, and bustling markets. Plus, it’s a heat welcome and quick access to different Andalusian hotspots. Málaga has all of it.
Additionally, 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 all Spain’s high cities for its unbelievable historic and architectural heritage. At the center of town is the Mezquita, a former mosque turned cathedral well-known for its forest of arches and columns. Wander via the outdated 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 Festival in spring reveals off the patios of Córdoba, which the locals enhance with flowers. Flamenco and native meals add to the celebration environment; it’s a good time to go to.
You can stroll round Córdoba; it’s sufficiently small to get to know its allure. The Roman Bridge and the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs are inside strolling distance. It has historical past, tradition, and environment, 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 manner via its slender streets is a should, because the medieval structure is a testomony to its wealthy previous. Girona Cathedral dominates the skyline, whereas the outdated metropolis partitions and Arab wards whisper secrets and techniques from years passed by.
The Jewish Quarter is one in all Europe’s greatest preserved and is certainly value a stroll. The historical past in this metropolis is palpable and provides to Girona’s allure.
The city of Girona will not be solely fairly, however it’s additionally cultural. The metropolis 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 via the streets and admire the decorations. And then there may be the meals. Girona is residence to one of many world’s greatest eating places, El Celler de Can Roca. This three-Michelin-starred gem is a should for meals lovers. The sister’s wine cellar is unbelievable, and the chef’s expertise is obvious in each scrumptious dish. If you’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back meal, strive 2 Michelin-starred La Trencada, an exquisite trendy restaurant with a concentrate on native produce, or Els Moats, a comfortable restaurant well-known for its pancakes. Girona is a gem and undoubtedly value a go to.
Girona is a good 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 enjoyable in the solar. The transportation community can also be actually good, making it simple to make day journeys to close by cities and websites like Barcelona and Figueres.
12. Cuenca
Perched in the war-torn area of Castile, Cuenca is a metropolis of dramatic magnificence and wealthy historical past. Perhaps its most well-known landmark, the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses, seem like hanging off the aspect of the cliff as they stretch out over the Huécar River gorge. The rustic, wood balconies creak in the wind, and it’s simple to think about the women of the home, shawls wrapped tightly round their heads, peering out on the breathtaking view under.
The homes are medieval and spectacular, and it’s not exhausting to think about the lives of the individuals who lived in them. Women washing dishes in the slender home windows, youngsters taking part in in the steep, creaky staircases, and {couples} dancing in the small, stone rooms.
But it’s not the buildings that make Cuenca particular; it’s the dramatic location. The metropolis is located between the winding Júcar and Huécar rivers, and the surroundings is dramatic and delightful. For a panoramic view of town, cross the San Pablo Bridge, an iron lattice bridge that was constructed in 1969 to switch the unique, a rickety suspension bridge.
13. Alicante
During that very same street journey via central Spain the place we noticed the Colgadas, we stopped on the seashore metropolis of Alicante.
Filled with strolling streets and markets, scrumptious eating places and nightlife, it was an incredible Spanish trip. Castillo de Santa Bárbara is probably the most distinguished web site to see when visiting this energetic metropolis.
14. Pamplona
Home to the San Fermin Festival, Pamplona is legendary for working the bulls, however there are many issues to do moreover collaborating in the controversial pageant.
There are magnificent metropolis partitions courting again to Roman occasions, in addition to the beautiful strolling streets and meals scenes; it’s an unbelievable metropolis park, and the Plaza del Castillo makes it a worthwhile cease in your route into Basque nation.
It can also be a significant cease on the Camino de Santiago. That pilgrimage is excessive on our checklist of must-do issues! Did that Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate cease on the Camino?
15. San Sebastian
Located only a quick drive from Pamplona is the beautiful coastal metropolis of San Sebastian. After the San Fermin Festival, we took a break at San Sebastián to eat numerous Pinchos.
Located on the ocean, this metropolis in the Basque Country is thought for its meals. It additionally has an unbelievable seashore.
16. Marbella
Located on Spain’s sun-drenched coast, Marbella is a treasure of a vacation spot that seamlessly blends historical past and trendy luxurious. Wandering via the white-washed homes and cobblestone streets of the charming Old Town is like stepping again in time. The slender alleys and conventional Andalusian structure are quintessential Marbella, and quaint retailers and welcoming cafes are ready to be found round each nook.
But Marbella will not be a city caught in the previous; it’s a vibrant coastal vacation spot. The Golden Mile, which connects Marbella to Puerto Banús, is residence to luxurious resorts, world-class eating places, and unique seashore golf equipment. This full of life space is ideal for these searching for a mixture of rest and pleasure, with glowing seashores and full of life nightlife.
The seashores alongside the Golden Mile are a few of the prettiest in the realm, with vibrant 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 an exquisite metropolis in Costa Brava with a medieval fort overlooking the ocean and metropolis. There is a medieval village that’s lovely, and you’ll stroll via the cobblestone streets. There can also be a implausible seashore.
Costa Brava is without doubt one of the most lovely areas in Spain, and an effective way to see it’s on the water. If you wish to style Costa Brava however don’t have time to go to Girona, guide a kayak and snorkeling tour.
Getting Around Spain
Travel in Spain may be very simple. All the main cities and cities are related by rail, and even lots of the smaller villages are too. You can journey cheaply and simply all through Spain by practice alone.
What’s extra, it’s attainable to guide your practice tickets on-line earlier than you even go away residence.
Car leases in Spain
Travelers who want to discover as a lot of Spain as they presumably can could wish to rent a automotive at some stage in their keep. We have an entire video devoted to How To Rent a Car 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 practice journey in the long term.
If you select to rent a automotive, it could actually simply be organized for the hiring firm to carry your automotive to the airport to fulfill you so you’ll be able to hit the bottom working…or, somewhat, drive!
Remember to examine whether or not your automotive wants diesel or petrol, or else you’ll have a nightmare in your arms!
Click right here to go looking all of the automotive rental businesses and get one of the best worth in your trip in Spain.
Bus Travel in Spain
Bus journey can also be an important possibility in Spain. For instance, a bus from Madrid to Granada takes simply 4 quick hours and runs two or 3 times day by day, extra steadily in the excessive season.
Buses are low cost and cheerful, and they’re a pleasant approach to see the Spanish countryside sprawling away from outdoors your window. Rest assured, buses in Spain do take breaks for meals and bathroom stops. No have to strategically dehydrate in your lengthy journey right here!
Spain is a vivid and welcoming place stuffed with passionate and caring people who find themselves solely too blissful to accommodate vacationers and vacationers.
Learning a little bit of the language can take you a very long time, and even should you make errors, Spanish individuals all the time recognize the trouble.