Spain is the perfect example of a place where you can find just about everything. It occupies over a half a million square kilometres of land, or about 150,000 square kilometres more than Germany does, yet has nearly half as many people. With its rich history and varied landscapes, Spain is a country with a lot to offer.
There aren’t many areas in Europe where you can find so many exciting road excursions. Several well-established routes traverse the all of Spain, from the Basque Country to the Montes de Cantabria, Catalonia to Castile and León, La Mancha to Extremadura, and Galicia’s Atlantic coast to its inland regions.
The 10 absolute must-see attractions in Spain
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Barcelona (Catalonia)
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is a well-known tourist destination. It is the most well-known city in Spain, and people round the world like it for its attractive blend of Mediterranean warmth and European sophistication. Barcelona is a beachfront city ideal for those who like both lively nightlife and quiet beach days. Even if you need to get lost in the lanes of Raval, Born, or the Gothic Quarter to properly comprehend the character and vitality of this Spanish city, it is hard not to be entranced in front of Gaud’s creations (above all the Sagrada Familia).
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Ibiza
Ibiza is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean known for its warm climate, large stretches of sandy beaches, and abundance of high-end resorts popular with A-listers. Not to worry. Although Ibiza is one of the most luxurious vacation spots in Spain, it nevertheless has enough to offer the average tourist.
Ibiza is home to world-famous nightclubs including Pacha, Amnesia, and Privilege. San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa are just two of the areas that come alive at night. During the peak party season, several hotels provide shuttles that will take you there and back. Playa d’en Bossa is one of the most stunning stretches of sand on the island, and it’s got a length of two kilometres. Sa Caleta, Cala Salada, the Ses Fontanelles caverns, and Santa Eulalia beach are among more must-sees.
Visiting the hippy markets of Ibiza is a must, as are the island’s concept shops, boutiques, and creators’ wares. Don’t forget to include in the delicious options at Ibiza’s many eateries, bars, and cafés
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Madrid’s Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
The Palacio Real in Madrid, the Spanish capital, is one of the world’s most magnificent palaces. However, the King of Spain is not a frequent visitor. This royal residence in Spain’s capital is now solely used for ceremonial reasons and has been abandoned by the royal family.
Due to the diversity of the Spanish monarchy’s preferences, the interior has a wide variety of designs. You may even find some Moorish touches here and there. In addition to the beautiful castle chapel, there is also a large collection of artworks and weaponry to peruse.
Last but not least, on sunny days, guests can enjoy a stroll in the stunning castle garden. For these reasons and more, it is no surprise that this structure is among Spain’s most visited tourist attractions.
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The Tenerife park of El Teide
Tenerife is represented by the 3,718-meter-tall Pico del Teide volcano, the tallest peak in Spain and the most popular tourist destination in the Canary Islands. At 3,555 m above sea level, the volcano may be reached by cable car.
The activities available in Teide National Park include hiking, exploring lava caverns, and climbing. Stargazing from the summit of the volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make a reservation at the Parador de las Canadas del Teide, a three-star hotel.
The Canary Islands, because to their southern latitude, are a pleasant vacation spot throughout the year. There will still be sunshine, pleasant temps, and pleasant water. Our own winter vacation guide to the Canary Islands goes into further detail on this topic.
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Cathedral of St. James of Compostela
Every pilgrim on the Way of St. James must eventually arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Here is where the several European pilgrimage routes converge. It’s no surprise that this cathedral is considered among the finest in all of Spain.
The cathedral, built on the site where the Apostle James is traditionally buried, was begun as early as 1077. The once-exclusively-pilgrim site has become a popular tourist destination in Spain.
Tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a spectacular show. Sometimes an enormous incense burner is seen being carried through the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. That’s eight guys! As an aside, there is no charge to enter the church.
Guests can also take a tour of the cathedral’s spires and minarets. Each attendee must pay $10.
Photography by Luis Sales Pereira
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Sagrada Familia
When people think of Barcelona and Catalonia, they think of the Sagrada Familia. Even though work on Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece started in 1882, it is far from finished.
Even today, visitors to Barcelona still flock to view the marvel despite its incomplete state. The cathedral is open for guided visits, during which visitors can observe the ongoing construction.
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Spain’s Prado Museumz
Over 230 years ago, King Charles III established what is often considered to be the world’s finest art museum. It’s also a representation of Madrid, the capital of Spain. There are several works of art on display, such as paintings, sculptures, and more.
The museum has priceless works by such artists as Titian, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Albrecht Dürer, and Rembrandt. For art enthusiasts visiting Madrid, a visit to the museum should be a top priority.
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Ballermann 6 on Mallorca
The Ballermann, a pub in Mallorca, Spain, is represented with a beer glass.
Balneario 6, or more often known as Ballermann, is Spain’s premier party beach. From about noon till early the next morning, the local clubs provide free sangria. The Ballermann’s penchant for pop music, wild parties, and excessive drinking is legendary.
As an aside, the British shooter in Mallorca is known as Magaluf. Both locations provide many opportunities to let loose and enjoy yourself. The locals have varied opinions about it, and more and more businesses are restricting alcohol sales during the day. Keep your valuables safe, especially at night.
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The Altamira Cave
The Altamira Cave (Cuevas de Altamira) can be found in Cantabria, not far from the city of Santilla del Mar. The earliest known human habitation of the cave dates back to around 16,000 BC. Close to 11,000 B.C. After collapse, the cave wasn’t seen again until 1868.
The cave, which is approximately 5,000 square metres in size, is home to more than 900 prehistoric artwork. Because the paintings would be ruined by exposure to air, the public can no longer see the originals.
As a result, a group of five can only watch once a week. It follows a predetermined path and has a fixed duration of 37 minutes.
The Altamira Museum is about 500 metres away if you’re still interested in seeing the artwork. The whole cave was mapped out and reproduced as accurately as possible for display purposes.
The price of entry is 3 euro. The Cave of Altamira is a must-see while visiting Spain due to its long history and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: On Saturdays at 2 o’clock, admission is on the house.
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The Alhambra Palace in the City of Granada
The Alhambra is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture from the time period when the Iberian Peninsula was ruled by the Moors. The Moors established their authority over Spain and this fortress in the sky above Granada was a symbol of their might.
The Alhambra is a popular tourist destination in Spain and all around Europe because of its stunning architecture and one-of-a-kind gardens. Since 1984, it has also been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
And lastly, the Alhambra offers a fantastic panorama of the surrounding area. enough to warrant inclusion among Spain’s most famous tourist destinations.
A helpful hint is to plan ahead for your visit and get tickets in advance. Per day, “only” 8,000 guests are welcome. However, there are times when this ceiling is touched. You must bring the credit card used to make the transaction, and provide it for inspection if requested. Access to the Nasrid Palaces has been scheduled for your group.
Conclusion
Whether the Ballermann, the Sagrada Famlia, the beaches, the football, the Alhambra, or Park Güell comes to mind first depends on how well you know Spain.
Once you get over that, there are a tonne of cool spots in Spain that almost seem like a secret. The St. James Path is one such route. Who would have guessed that more than 5 million people a year make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela to see the cathedral there? Who, outside a few locals, is familiar with Spain’s Pyrenean ski areas?
Of course, Spain is also the best European summer vacation spot. More than 12 million people leave the country annually for vacation, proving this point. It’s all those tourists flocking to the sands of the Balearics, the Canaries, and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Other highlights in Spain include seeing the cities of Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid. Spain is one of my favourite countries. One of my all-time favourite vacation spots is Barcelona
The floor is now yours:
Which Spanish attractions do you recommend the most?
Do you agree with our selection of must-see locations, or would you add anything else?
