23 Best Places to Visit in Spain & Things to Do

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone, Spain is a perfect choice. With its stunningly diverse landscape and rich culture, Spain is a country that’s ripe for exploration. Here are the best places to visit in Spain – each one is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

People who travel should learn about the best things to do and the top places to visit in Spain. There are many reasons why! For one, Spain is a very diverse country with lots of different landscapes and cultures.

Secondly, the food and wine here are simply chef’s kisses. Spain really does offer something for everyone – so no matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something there. With all of these factors combined, Spain makes for an incredibly memorable vacation.

Best Places to Visit in Spain

Spain is a country with so much to see and do. The cities are vibrant, the architecture is stunning, and there is something for everyone here. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, here’s our list of the best places to visit so you can get started with your plans.

1. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, and it’s easy to see why. With its Gothic architecture, world-renowned museums, and stunningly beautiful beaches, Barcelona has something for everyone.

There are many things to do in the city and one of them is the Barcelona Segway Sightseeing tour. This historic city is also one of the most visited cities in the world, so you’re sure to find plenty of things to do. Barcelona has a rich history and vibrant culture. It’s known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea”.

The Old Town, known as Ciutat Vella (Old Town), was built during medieval times with many historic buildings that still stand today. Medieval and ancient architecture fans will also love exploring the Barri Gòtic (the Gothic Quarter) which has buildings that date back to Roman Empire.

The Barcelona Park Guell is a great spot for architecture buffs looking for something a little out of the ordinary – and highly recommended for first-time visitors. Don’t forget to get a Park Guell ticket in advance.

Barcelona is also home to some of the best beaches in Spain. And it was the inspiration for that amazing Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury song “Barcelona.”

2. Madrid

Spain’s capital Madrid is a lively and vibrant city with plenty to see and do. From its renowned museums and art galleries to Madrid’s many parks and plazas like Plaza Mayor, Madrid has something for everyone. In addition to being the capital of Spain, its a political, economic, historical, and cultural center.

Madrid is located in Spain’s heart on the river Manzanares, Madrid makes it one of the most important economic centers in western Europe.

The city has a population of approximately 3 million people while its metropolitan area reaches almost 6 million inhabitants, making Madrid one of the largest urban conglomerations in Europe with around 20% of Spain’s population.

Madrid municipality covers an area of 604 square kilometers with a density that ranges from 1,366 to 5,580 inhabitants/km2. Madrid is known for its great architectural landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Moorish-style mosques.

Travelers interested in experiencing Madrid’s diverse nightlife can find anything they’re looking for within the city limits – from world-famous clubs to more traditional Spanish bars and taverns.

No matter what your interests are, Madrid will have something to offer you on your next vacation.

See Related: Best & Most Beautiful Cities in Europe to Visit

3. Valencia

Valencia is a beautiful city located in the east of Spain. It is the third-largest city in Spain and also the capital of its autonomous community. Valencia is a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, its delicious seafood, and its lively nightlife.

A large number of people live in Valencia—more than 750,000 people. The city has many interesting sites to see such as The City Hall Building and The Central Market. A Valencia oldtown tour is among the best things t do in the city.

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4. Granada

Granada is a city in southern Spain that’s home to the world-famous Alhambra – a stunningly preserved Moorish palace and fortress.

Granada is located in the autonomous community of Andalusia, at the confluence of the Darro and Genil rivers, in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, and at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Granada is also home to some of Spain’s most famous attractions: Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens, and the incredibly photogenic Albayzín Neighborhood.

If you’re interested in Spanish history, Granada should definitely be on your list of places to visit. And if you love roses, you’ll be pleased to know that Granada is also known as “the City of Roses” due to its rose-based products such as jam, essential oil, and marzipan candy made from roses.

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5. Seville

Seville is a city rich in history and culture, known for its beautiful architecture, Roman ruins, Flamenco dancing, and enormous annual spring festival, Semana Santa.

Seville is the perfect place to explore on foot or by car—it’s full of great attractions and things to do for travelers of any budget. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Seville, Plaza de Espana is a stunning place to start.

You could enjoy tapas at one of Seville’s many restaurants downtown, shop for souvenirs at Feria de Abril, experience Flamenco dancing from some of the best performers in town at Casa Patas, or attend an evening bullfight at Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas. Seville has something for everyone, so you’re sure to find an activity that interests you. Explore Seville on a guided tour.

If you’re into nightlife and want to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Spanish bars and clubs, check out La Carbonería Madrid Bar & Club (at Calle Carboneros 8) which offers live music every night except Monday when they host DJs instead.

6. Toledo

Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city with a long and fascinating history. Toledo is located in central Spain and is known for its blacksmithing, and exquisite architecture.

It includes the Gothic cathedral (Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo or simply the Toledo Cathedral) which houses one of the biggest bells in Europe. There’s also the Alcázar (palace) of Toldeo that was once home to Moorish caliphs.

The Judería (Jewish quarter) is another popular attraction; here you’ll find narrow charming streets lined with colorful buildings and shops selling spices, handbags, and clothing.

Toledo is a great place to learn about Spanish culture and history, and because it’s located centrally, it makes for a great base to explore other parts of Spain as well.

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7. Pamplona

Pamplona is a lively city located in northern Spain, known for its historic architecture. This is one of the best places to visit in Spain since it’s best known for its annual Running of the Bulls festival, Pamplona attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival, which takes place in Pamplona’s bullring, is a highlight of this Spanish city’s cultural calendar.

However, Pamplona is also home to numerous other attractions, including the Pamplona Cathedral, the Palace of Navarre, and the Museum of Navarre. Pamplona is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture.

8. Bilbao

Bilbao is an old industrial city in the Basque Country region of Spain that’s known for its lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. From its world-famous Guggenheim Museum to its many delicious restaurants, Bilbao has something for everyone.

Bilbao is also the capital of Biscay province, which has about 200,000 residents who speak Basque as their native tongue.

The most important thing you need to know about this northern Spanish city is that it’s fast becoming one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations—especially for millennials looking for adventure.

In addition to being a cultural hotspot, the town features tons of things to do: hiking through nature preserves like Mount Artxanda, and visiting museums and art galleries (the Guggenheim Museum is a must-see).

Don’t forget to see the beauty of Bilbao on a boat trip. If you’re looking for a city that has it all, Bilbao should be at the top of your list.

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9. San Sebastián

San Sebastian is a beautiful coastal city located in the Basque Country region of Spain. It’s known for its stunning beaches, fine architecture, delicious food, lively nightlife, and stunning surrounding countryside.

If you’re a foodie, San Sebastian has plenty of restaurants offering traditional Spanish cuisine as well as international fare from around the globe.

You’re sure to find something that suits your tastes! Be sure to try pintxos — crispy finger foods that are served on small slices of bread called pintxos barra. It’s a fun way to sample a wide variety of tapas without filling up too fast!

A Pintxo tour will make your trip to San Sebastian even more memorable! San Sebastian is also a great city for wine lovers and art lovers alike. There are plenty of bars and clubs to explore, and the city’s Art District is definitely worth a visit.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or experience the best of Spanish culture, San Sebastian is the perfect place to do it!

10. Málaga

Málaga is a beautiful city located on the southern coast of Spain – the famous Costa del Sol. The city is well-known for its stunning beaches, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Málaga’s sunny weather, beautiful gardens, architectural marvels, and many archaeological sites also make it a popular destination for travelers in this southern region.

You’ll also find some of the best golf courses in the country here! If you’re looking for a city to relax in and enjoy the sun, take lazy strolls, or enjoy amazing seafood, Málaga is the perfect place for you.

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11. Córdoba

Córdoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city with a rich history and culture. With its many mosques and museums, Córdoba is a great place to learn about Moorish architecture, history, and culture.

Córdoba was an important Rome city named Corduba, and many remains of Roman ruins are preserved, including an eighteen-foot bridge over the Guadalquivir.

Córdoba is also a significant mosque in the Middle Ages and has an impressive architectural heritage from that period, the highlights being the mosques in the city center.

La Mezquita mosque was established in the 7th Century and converted to Christianity in the 13th Century. Córdoba is a great place to explore the ancient and modern history of Spain.

See Related: Best Museums in Spain to Visit​​

12. Formentera

Spain’s Formentera is truly a traveler’s paradise. With over 5,000 kilometers of coastline and bright sunshine for most of the year, there’s no shortage of things to do or breathtaking landscapes.

Formentera is home to some of the most unspoiled and ultra-white beaches in the world, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Ses Illetta is one of Formentera’s most incredible beaches, featuring an oval white-sand surface surrounded by sandy dunes with shallow ultra-marine water. You may explore Formentera’s beauty on a sailboat trip. Formentera is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, so you can always find something to suit your taste.

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13. Segovia

Segovia is one of Spain’s most intriguing medieval cities, located in the autonomous community of Castile and León in central Spain. It’s about an hour’s drive from Madrid and is well-known for its large number of Romanesque and Moorish buildings, as well as its annual fair celebration.

Segovia’s most famous attraction is its Roman aqueduct, which was built in the 1st Century AD and is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman engineering.

The aqueduct currently runs from the Alcántara Bridge to the Fonseca Lake, but it originally ran all the way into the city center. Segovia also has an impressive castle, called El Castillo de la Mota, which was built by the Moors during their occupation of Spain from 711 to 1248 AD.

It’s either that or the Alcazar of Segovia; a stunning medieval castle (said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle) that looms majestically over the town.

Every year on June 29, Segovia holds a tournament called El Torneo del Aguila y Espada (The Tournament of the Eagle and Sword) at Parque Santa María de la Fuente. The tournament is part of Segovia’s annual fair celebration called La Feria de San Juan Bautista (St John Baptist Festival).

14. Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Located closer to Morocco than mainland Spain, it’s known for its subtropical climate. Gran Canaria is a top spot for those looking to enjoy long-history and human habitation as well as a vast number of beaches.

The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was first colonized by Europeans in 1478. Today, Gran Canaria is home to 2 million people who enjoy Gran Canaria’s beaches (the best ones are located near Maspalomas), hiking trails through the mountains, or just relaxing at resorts like Melia Las Antillas Golf & Spa Resort all year round.

Gran Canaria offers something for everyone – making it the perfect destination for your next trip!

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15. Avila

Avila is a small city located in the Castile and León region of Spain. With a population of only 45,000, Avila is considered a small town by Spanish standards. Avila is best known for its well-preserved churches, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.

This historic city was originally founded by Arabs in the 8th Century, but it was later re-established as an ancient city under Roman rule in the 4th Century BC.

Avila served as the capital city of Spain until 713 when King Witiza moved his court to another Spanish city due to civil unrest throughout southern Spain at that time.

In 2015, Avila became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history which includes numerous churches and other ancient buildings. Avila is a great place to visit if you’re looking to experience some of Spain’s history and culture.

16. Costa Brava

Costa Brava is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The Costa Brava coastline runs along the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain in Catalonia.

Costa Brava literally means “wild coast” or “rough coast” in Spanish, referring to its rocky and dramatic shoreline. Costa Brava stretches for over 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) from Blanes up to the French border.

Costa Brava is a top vacation spot for tourists from all over Europe and beyond, who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, excellent food and wine, and great weather all year round. There are many tour to join to explore the city such as group tours visiting Costa Brava and Girona from Barcelona.

Costa Brava is also popular with travelers who enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, as there are several ski resorts located nearby. No matter what time of year you visit Costa Brava, you’re sure to find plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

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17. Tarragona

Tarragona is a city in Catalonia, Spain that is the capital of the province of Tarragona. The population is 218,849 people. Tarragona holds several festivals throughout the year that attract tourists from all over.

This old city has many historic buildings like Roman amphitheaters and medieval towers. Nearby beaches are also popular among tourists because they are not as crowded as those on Spain’s other coastlines. The city’s Roman heritage guided tour and snorkeling tour will keep you entertained!

Tarragona is a great city to visit if you are looking to experience Spanish culture and history. There are plenty of things to do and see, and the festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

18. Mount Teide

Mount Teide is the main attraction on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This massive mountain is an active volcano that last erupted in 1909. Mount Teide is the tallest mountain in Spain, and it is also a popular hiking destination.

There are several trails of varying difficulty that lead to the summit, and visitors can also take a cable car to the top for stunning panoramic views.

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Mount Teide is also home to a unique astronomical observatory and a fun quad safari tour.

Although it is located just a few hours north of the Spanish coastline, the Canary Islands are actually closer to Africa than Europe. As such, they offer a unique tropical landscape with volcanic mountains and dark sandy beaches.

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19. Pueblos Blancos

Pueblos Blancos, or the white-washed villages of Andalucia, are some of the best places to visit in Spain. The white villages dotting the rugged hills are sometimes a little too far away from gravity.

Initially, agricultural villages were largely abandoned and the younger generation was scouted for jobs and moved to the city.

However, both local and international visitors have discovered the charm of the historical sights of these villages with their narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, lovely old churches, and flower-filled squares. The most beautiful villages include Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera, and Arco de la Frontera.

20. Ibiza

Ibiza is the party capital of Europe, and it’s easy to see why. With a vibrant nightlife scene, nightly gigs from world-renowned DJs, beautiful beaches, and an eclectic international crowd, this island has something for everyone.

The best way to explore Ibiza is on foot or by scooter – the island is only 21 square miles in size so you can get around quickly! And if you want to enjoy its waters there’s a beach-hopping cruise and snorkeling trip to enjoy.

If you want to visit Ibiza then head straight there during summertime (June-September) as many clubs in Ibiza Town close for the winter months.

It’s also worth noting that most clubs don’t open until 11 pm so if you’re traveling on a budget it might be better off sunning yourself at one of the best beaches in Europe until after midnight before heading out into town!

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21. Ronda

Ronda is known for its beautiful old town, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. The old town of Ronda is like something out of an old movie, with stone buildings and narrow streets winding around the hillside. It’s like time stopped here.

There are plenty of local boutiques and shops to explore and see on a walking tour, as well as some great places to visit nearby—like El Tajo de la Infanta (which means “the princess’ canyon”), where you can see 885-foot cliffs that were formed over millions of years by running water.

Ronda also has some great restaurants where you can eat traditional Spanish food like paella or tortillas de patatas (potato omelets).

22. Mallorca

Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands, a group of islands with sunny beaches off the coast of Spain that includes Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. The island has several pristine beaches and nature preserves including S’Albufera Natural Park.

The nightlife in Mallorca is vibrant with many hopping clubs on the island. There are many restaurants to choose from too! Mallorca is known for its rich cultural heritage as well as its architecture. When visiting Palma, the island’s capital, you can see both influences in buildings such as Palma Cathedral which was built around 1520 by king Jaume III to replace an earlier Romanesque cathedral destroyed during a war against France.

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23. Cádiz

Cádiz is a city located in the south of Spain, on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the capital of the province of Cádiz and is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere.

One of the main reasons Cádiz is considered a great place to visit is its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city has a long history dating back to ancient times and has been an important port and trading hub for centuries. As a result, Cádiz is home to a number of interesting landmarks and attractions, including the Cathedral of Cádiz, the Castillo de Santa Catalina, and the Torre Tavira.

Another reason Cádiz is a popular destination is its beautiful beaches. The city has several beaches to choose from, including La Caleta, Victoria Beach, and Santa Maria del Mar Beach. These beaches are known for their clear, blue waters and fine sand, and are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Cádiz is also known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere. The city has a number of bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late, making it a great destination for those looking to experience the local culture and have a good time.

There are plenty of great places to stay in Cádiz, offering both luxury and budget accommodations that showcase beautiful views of the ocean.

Overall, Cádiz is a city with something for everyone and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of history, culture, and fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to explore the best of what Spain has to offer, then this list is perfect for you. We have compiled a comprehensive list of some of the most beautiful cities and towns in all of Spain. So sit back, relax and start planning your next trip!

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