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 sights to prioritize. By no means concern, you’ve got come to the appropriate place. This information on the most effective 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 greatest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling out of doors adventures are simply among 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 useful planner.
Whether or not you need to discover the most effective 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 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 Lodge (Malaga), Mercer Lodge (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 prime sights embrace historical landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountain climbing trails, and among the world’s greatest artwork museums. Simply choose one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll be capable of take pleasure in it in at the least 5 completely 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 most effective wineries supply excursions with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is likely one of the greatest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can be fashionable for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures among the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you’ll style most of them throughout a tour.
Sensible Info: It’s greatest 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 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 for the reason that 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 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 likely one of the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s among the best 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 sorts of folks on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and people who would cover of their resort room till the whole occasion was over. Buñol’s pageant has turn out to be iconic through the years, attracting many vacationers and locals to the 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 lined with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the fireplace vehicles hose it down. Learn extra: The Greatest and Largest 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 greatest 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 ready 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 seemingly be the spotlight of the whole journey.
Sensible Info: 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 nearly as many guests because the capital, and the general public 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. Ebook this extremely rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The very best 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 Info: It’s greatest to buy particular person tickets for every of the sights. 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 crucial essential 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 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. Ebook this tour upfront
Sensible Info: The Alhambra is open for excursions from 8:30 AM to eight PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.
8. Uncover Influences of Totally 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 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 superb 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 practice.
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 supply huge sandy seashores and wonderful resorts, limiting your self to only one vacation spot is out of the query. Particularly if you happen to’re in Spain for a restricted time.
Our suggestion for Costa del Sol excursions is to lease a automotive and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the best way, providing a great mixture of vacationer sights and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is definitely achieved throughout highway journeys by Costa del Sol.
Sensible Info: Malaga is accessible by practice from Madrid in three hours.
10. Attempt Paella (And Different Spanish Meals)
Meals is a vital 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 strive whereas touring by Spain.
Valencia is likely one of the greatest 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 houses.
Sensible Info: Gastro excursions are broadly 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 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 mountain climbing trails and cable automotive. Simply remember the fact that it’s an lively volcano. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the realm, 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 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 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, elements of that are lined with seashells, is likely one of the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are just a few different noteworthy landmarks on this picturesque Spanish metropolis.
Sensible Info: Salamanca is near Madrid, roughly an hour and 40 minutes by practice.
13. Tapas and Flamenco in Seville
As the most important metropolis of Andalusia, Seville is a bustling city middle in southern Spain. Come right here to see marvelous historic landmarks, but in addition to lose your self within the rhythm of Flamenco and overindulge in the most effective tapas.
The historic middle of Seville is dwelling to a UNESCO World Heritage Website comprising three buildings – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the Normal Archive of the Indies. However my favourite attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I liked studying concerning the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and completely loved the reside efficiency. Learn our full information – The Greatest Issues to Do in Seville, Spain
Sensible Info: Seville is definitely 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 repeatedly inhabited since its founding in 1100 BC. It was based by the Phoenicians as a small buying and selling publish and would later grow to be an important harbor in mainland Spain.
The historical past of this city is clear in its structure. With historical castles, metropolis partitions, and numerous historic landmarks within the previous city, Cadiz is likely one of the greatest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
A number of the metropolis’s greatest sights 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 practice from Madrid.
15. Keep in Madrid
Spain’s capital is the preferred 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 wonderful procuring alternatives.
Keep in Madrid for at the least three days to see as many sights as potential. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are among the capital’s prime sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic middle. Ebook a hop on hop off bus tour for a superb 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 area in the midst of this city jungle. And head to La Latina within the night, to search out all the most effective theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Learn our information: 18 Greatest Day Journeys From Madrid
Sensible Info: Madrid is accessible by worldwide flights. It’s 20 minutes by practice from the Madrid Airport to the principle practice 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 among the best in the whole 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 due to the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece sparked additional investments within the metropolis’s infrastructure, and right now, 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 Info: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Prepare 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 crucial essential cities in Spain beneath Roman rule, and within the Center Ages, it turned a significant Islamic middle. The structure displays the town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic sights are thought to be excellent examples of Moorish structure.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the 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 through 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 practice and two hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Artwork Museums
Spain has produced among the most influential artists in historical past and the nation’s museums are stocked with their artwork. It’s by no means a nasty thought to enter a Spanish artwork museum, particularly if you happen to 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 among the most well-known within the nation, however definitely 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 most effective 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. Get together in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-standing status as a celebration city. A number of the greatest nightclubs in Europe have summer season outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that appears like your sort of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.Along with among the greatest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has wonderful historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and lots of museums. And let’s not overlook concerning the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the principle purpose for its recognition.
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 fashionable 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 resort resorts, and Gothic structure, the town is a should throughout any island hopping journey in Spain.
Mallorca Cathedral is the 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 among the different historic sights 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. Experience Valencia’s Allure
In the event you can go to just a few cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The charming metropolis is a superb mix of the previous and new, epitomizing the whole lot Spain is thought for. It’s acquired the most effective meals (howdy Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, trendy structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is one in every of Valencia’s most well-known sights. The fashionable science middle is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its displays are completely 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 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 greatest 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 particularly fashionable amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the probability to overcome 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 reside match together with hundreds of passionate locals is an unbelievable expertise, one that might convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Sensible Info: Tickets for La Liga matches have a mean 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 also called Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are one of the crucial attention-grabbing landmarks in central Spain.
The balconies of the homes jut out over the gorge. It’s a dramatic picture, however I have to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s title for setting excessive expectations.
Total, 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 practice. It’s free to go to the Hanging Homes.
25. Paleolithic Work within the Cave of Altamira
A highway journey in northern Spain is just not full with no go to to Altamira Cave. The advanced is legendary around the globe for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years previous.
Nicely, 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 website 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 really one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the planet, and if you happen to’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 fort, gives panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Sensible Info: 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?
It is best to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to completely discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s greatest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys.
How one can Spend 7 Days in Spain?
Spend 7 days in Spain by visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You possibly can keep in Madrid the whole 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 attractive structure and lots of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
The place To Keep in Spain
Keep in Madrid for at the least 3-4 days as a result of the capital gives a lot to find. Barcelona can be a fantastic metropolis to be in for some time, with wonderful meals and energetic streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for the most effective expertise. Listed here are among the greatest accommodations in Spain for all budgets:
Ideas and Info for Visiting Spain
Greatest Time To Go to
Until you’re touring to Spain for a selected pageant 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 fashionable vacationer locations, and that typically means giant crowds and excessive resort 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 the town middle by bus or practice.
Attempt to fly to Madrid. It’s acquired the most effective connections to different main city facilities and lots 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. In the event you’re in Madrid you will get just about anyplace 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.
Automobile rental is an efficient possibility for highway journeys in a selected area. Discover northern Spain in a automotive or drive down Costa del Sol for the final 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 at the 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 just a few days in each main metropolis.
Madrid and Barcelona require at the least three days every, whereas most different locations could be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you’ve got it, your full information to the most effective issues to do in Spain. If you’re planning a visit to Spain, you’ll be able to select one in every of 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?