So, you wish to go to Spain yet are uncertain of where to remain and make a base, when to go to, or which destinations to focus on. Never worry, you have actually involved the best area. This overview on the most effective points to do in Spain is a partnership from our numerous journeys to Spain and our staff member to assist you prepare your Spain plan!
Historic communities, the nation’s finest galleries, renowned spots, and amazing exterior journeys are simply several of things to do in Spain that you cannot miss out on. From Bilbao to Cadiz, I’ve left no rock unturned when developing this useful organizer.
Whether you wish to check out the most effective coastlines in Spain or admire the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I’ve obtained lots of concepts. So, allow’s study all the most effective points to do in Spain, from the vineyards in the north to the Moorish design in the south.
Best of Spain Quick Guide
Must See: Dali Museum, The Alhambra, Royal Palace of Madrid, El Retiro Park, Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Park Guell, Casa Batllo Where To Stay: Posada del Dragón (Madrid), Only You Hotel (Malaga), Mercer Hotel (Barcelona) Fun To Do: Winery trips in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco reveals, La Tomatina celebration Day Trips: Cordoba, Toledo, Seville, Cadiz, Segovia Must-Try Foods: Paella, Tapas, Churros, Jamon Iberico
Best Things To Do In Spain
Spain is such a varied nation that anybody can appreciate it. The nation’s leading destinations consist of old spots, deluxe hotels, long-distance treking tracks, and several of the globe’s finest art galleries. Just select one that rate of interests you most, and you’ll have the ability to appreciate it in a minimum of 5 various Spanish cities!
1. Winery Tours in La Rioja
La Rioja is a district in north Spain understood for white wine manufacturing. The finest Spanish white wines stem from this area and all the most effective vineyards supply trips with samplings.
Bodegas Lecea is among the most effective for trips due to the fact that the white wine barrels are saved in below ground caverns. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. is additionally prominent for samplings and trips. This vineyard produces several of the first-rate white wines in the nation, and you can taste a lot of them throughout a scenic tour.
Practical Information: It’s finest to reserve a tour/tasting prior to your arrival, specifically in peak period.
2. Hike the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) is among one of the most popular trips worldwide. The network of explorer courses extends via Northern Spain, France, and Portugal, and all the courses cause the basilica of Santiago de Compostela.
It is thought that the apostle’s remains are hidden in Galicia’s basilica. The north city has actually been the location for explorers because the 10th century, and treking also a tiny area of this course is an extremely gratifying experience. At the extremely the very least, go to the popular church on a day journey to experience a tiny component of this Spanish custom.
Practical Information: The earliest course of Camino de Santiago is from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It takes roughly 2 weeks to trek the 300 kilometers via the north of Spain.
3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is a legendary site of Barcelona, understood for constantly being incomplete. It’s approximated that the service the church will lastly finish in 2026, greater than 140 years after the building started.
The (ended up) towers of Sagrada Familia are open to the general public and deal sweeping sights of Barcelona’s roofs. And due to the fact that the basilica is among the highest structures in the Spanish city, it’s one of the most effective scenic sights to be experienced in Barcelona.
Practical Information: Sagrada Familia is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The tickets that consist of a browse through to among the towers are 36€.
Read extra concerning Barcelona
4. Take Part in La Tomatina
There are 2 kinds of individuals worldwide – those that would happily join La Tomatina and those that would certainly conceal in their resort space up until the whole occasion mored than. Buñol’s celebration has actually ended up being renowned throughout the years, bring in numerous vacationers and citizens to the city roads in late August.
La Tomatina is an occasion throughout which individuals toss tomatoes at each various other and participate in tomato battles. Buñol’s primary square obtains covered with compressed tomatoes and resembles a scary movie scene up until the fire engine hose pipe it down. Read extra: The Best and Biggest Festivals Around The World.
Practical Information: La Tomatina happens on the last Wednesday of August annually.
5. Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres
Salvador Dali is among one of the most popular musicians Spain has actually ever before generated. The famous musician was birthed in Figueres, a village in Catalonia. It’s finest to go to Figueres on outing from Barcelona as the community is just an hour and a fifty percent away by public transportation.
The Dali Museum is established inside a 19th-century movie theater, which was developed by the musician. Dali himself established this gallery, and it houses the biggest collection of his art work. For any kind of art fan in Spain, this gallery is an outright have to and will likely be the emphasize of the whole journey.
Practical Information: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to 5 PM on a daily basis other than Monday. Tickets are 17€.
6. See Gaudi’s Works in Barcelona
Barcelona obtains virtually as numerous site visitors as the resources, and a lot of individuals that pertain to go to are there for Antoni Gaudi’s jobs. The designer is thought about a leader of Catalan Modernism, and several of his most popular jobs decorate the roads of Barcelona. Book this extremely ranked excursion of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The finest one is Sagrada Familia, the enforcing basilica that is still incomplete. Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milla are additionally worth seeing for their distinct design. See our overview to the leading jobs of Gaudi you cannot miss out on right here.
Practical Information: It’s finest to buy specific tickets for every of the destinations. Bundles exist yet are extra pricey than solitary tickets.
7. Walk Around the Moorish Palace of Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among one of the most vital spots in Spain. The Moorish royal residence stays among the globe’s most noticeable instances of Islamic design, so it’s no surprise it’s one of one of the most gone to spots in southerly Spain. Read extra at 27 Best Things to Do at The Grand Canyon
The royal residence’s building started in the 13th century, as gotten by the owner of the Nasrid empire. The royal residence worked as the imperial house for the empire, that were the last Muslim leaders of Spain. Book this excursion ahead of time
Practical Information: The Alhambra is open for trips from 8:30 AM to 8 PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.
8. Discover Influences of Different Cultures at Toledo
Toledo is called the City of Three Cultures due to its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monoliths from the Middle Ages. It was additionally El Greco’s home for some time, and it recognized the popular musician with a gallery devoted to his jobs.
The community has UNESCO World Heritage standing, and it’s an outstanding location in Spain for vacationers curious about the design and background of Spain, many thanks to thrilling middle ages structures and historical spots.
Toledo’s leading spots are Puerta de Bisagra, Alcázar de Toledo, Sinagoga del Tránsito, San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, and extra.
Practical Information: Toledo is roughly an hour exterior Madrid by bus and train.
9. Beaches of Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is one of the most prominent location for trips in the nation. With plenty of communities on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, every one of which supply large sandy coastlines and exceptional hotels, restricting on your own to simply one location runs out the concern. Especially if you’re in Spain for a minimal time.
Our referral for Costa del Sol trips is to rent out an automobile and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the leading cities along the road, supplying an excellent mix of vacationer destinations and amazing hotels. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is quickly done throughout journey via Costa del Sol.
Practical Information: Malaga comes by train from Madrid in 3 hours.
10. Try Paella (And Other Spanish Food)
Food is a vital part of Spanish society and Siesta is proof sufficient. Where else worldwide is it anticipated of individuals to quit working and take snoozes after lunch? Paella, tapas, jamon iberico, churros, and tortillas are simply a few of the numerous recipes you need to attempt while taking a trip via Spain.
Valencia is among the most effective cities in Spain for food trips. Valencian paella is famous; the area’s environment is best for expanding rice, so paella has actually constantly been a staple dish in Valencian homes.
Practical Information: Gastro trips are commonly offered in all city facilities in Spain.
11. Discover the Nature of the Canary Islands
Situated simply off the western shore of Africa, the Canary Islands are a Spanish island chain in the Atlantic Ocean. Tenerife is the biggest of the 7 islands and one of the most prominent location amongst vacationers in the Canaries. Gran Canaria Island is a close secondly. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are both resources.
Tenerife is understood for Teide National Park, the home of Mount Teide. The volcano is the highest possible hill in Spain, available by treking tracks and cable television auto. Just bear in mind that it’s an energetic volcano. I advise scheduling a led excursion of the location, simply to be on the risk-free side.
Practical Information: Canary Islands come by trips from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
12. Mingle With The Students in Salamanca
Salamanca is home to the earliest college in Spain. This is additionally among the globe’s earliest colleges that are still in continual procedure. With greater than 30,000 trainees enlisted in the University of Salamanca, it’s not unusual that the area is an appropriate trainee community.
A strolling excursion of the community enables you to find Salamanca’s gold sandstone structures with complex information. Casa de las Conchas, components of which are covered with seashells, is among one of the most popular. Monterrey’s royal residence, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a couple of various other notable spots in this picturesque Spanish city.
Practical Information: Salamanca is close to Madrid, roughly an hour and 40 mins by train.
13. Tapas and Flamenco in Seville
As the biggest city of Andalusia, Seville is a busy city facility in southerly Spain. Come right here to see spectacular historical spots, yet additionally to shed on your own in the rhythm of Flamenco and binge in the most effective tapas.
The historical facility of Seville is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 3 structures – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the General Archive of the Indies. But my preferred tourist attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I liked finding out about the background of the Spanish individual dancing and extensively appreciated the real-time efficiency. Read our complete overview – The Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
Practical Information: Seville is quickly obtainable by train from Madrid (3 hours) and Malaga (2 hours).
14. Marvel at Castles in Cádiz
Cádiz is the earliest city in Europe that has actually been constantly occupied because its starting in 1100 BC. It was established by the Phoenicians as a tiny trading article and would certainly later on turn into one of the most vital harbor in landmass Spain.
The background of this community appears in its design. With old castles, city wall surfaces, and plenty of historical spots in the old community, Cadiz is among the most effective locations for an adventure-filled journey in southerly Spain.
Some of the city’s finest destinations are the Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, Torre Tavira, Castillo de San Sebastian, Parque Genovés, and Castillo de Santa Catalina.
Practical Information: Cádiz remains in the south of Spain, a lot of quickly obtainable from Seville and Malaga. It’s 4 and a fifty percent hours by train from Madrid.
15. Stay in Madrid
Spain’s resources is one of the most prominent vacationer location in the nation and for all the most effective factors. Madrid is a stunning city supplying a wide range of points to do, from remarkable historical spots to exceptional buying chances.
Stay in Madrid for a minimum of 3 days to view as numerous destinations as feasible. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are several of the resources’s leading views, yet just in the city’s historical facility. Book a get on jump off bus excursion for an outstanding intro to the highlights of Madrid
Visit the Literary Quarter to hang around in enchanting bookshops and stroll in the actions of Spain’s most popular authors. Or most likely to El Retiro Park for the day, to roam around the large eco-friendly area in the center of this city forest. And head to La Latina at night, to locate all the most effective movie theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Read our overview: 18 Best Day Trips From Madrid
Practical Information: Madrid comes by worldwide trips. It’s 20 mins by train from the Madrid Airport to the primary train terminal.
16. Admire the Avant-Garde in Bilbao
Bilbao is the biggest city on Spain’s north shore and the resources of the Basque Country. The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most popular vacationer destination in Bilbao and among the most effective in the whole community.
The appeal of Bilbao hinges on its comparison. Once a significant commercial facility and harbor, Bilbao is currently going through revitalization and it’s all many thanks to the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s work of art stimulated more financial investments in the city’s facilities, and today, it’s a vital resort in Basque nation.
Come to Bilbao to see the comparison in between its commercial past and progressive existing. See Plaza Nueva, the neoclassical city square, and the Santiago Cathedral popular for Gothic rebirth design. Game of Thrones was Filmed near Bilbao too.
Practical Information: Bilbao is most quickly obtainable by trips from Barcelona and Madrid. Train and bus traveling is feasible, yet it takes 5-6 hours and it’s extra pricey than flying.
17. Journey Back in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was just one of one of the most vital cities in Spain under Roman policy, and in the Middle Ages, it came to be a significant Islamic facility. The design shows the city’s background, and a lot of Córdoba’s renowned destinations are considered impressive instances of Moorish design.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the city’s site structure. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally established as a Mosque back in the 8th century yet transformed to a sanctuary throughout the Reconquista duration. Also browse through Palacio de la Merced for Baroque design, Palacio de Viana for a dashboard of Renaissance components, and Templo Romano to see some stunning Roman damages.
Practical Information: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by train and 2 hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Art Museums
Spain has actually generated several of one of the most significant musicians in background and the nation’s galleries are equipped with their art. It’s never ever a poor concept to go into a Spanish art gallery, specifically if you appreciate checking out the jobs 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 several of one of the most popular in the nation, yet absolutely not the just one worth your time. The galleries are equipped with paints by Dali, Goya, Picasso, Velázquez, El Greco, and various other renowned musicians.
Insider Tip: Pick up the Paseo del Arte Pass to conserve cash on the most effective galleries in Madrid and to miss the lines.
Practical Information: The finest art galleries in Spain remain in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga.
19. Party in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-lasting track record as an event community. Some of the most effective bars in Europe have summertime stations on the island, where famous celebrations occur. And if that seems like your type of holiday, Ibiza is a location not to be missed out on.In enhancement to several of the most effective night life in Spain, Ibiza additionally has exceptional historical spots, magnificent nature, and numerous galleries. And allow’s not ignore the sandy coastlines and first-class hotels, which are the primary factor for its appeal.
Practical Information: Ibiza comes by trips and ferryboats from the landmass. Ferries from Valencia are the quickest, taking 5-8 hours to get to the Balearic Island.
20. Hop to Mallorca
Mallorca Island is an additional prominent holiday location in Spain. It’s available by ferryboats and trips, a lot of which take you to Palma, the island’s resources. With stretching sandy coastlines, exceptional resort resorts, and Gothic design, the city is a needs to throughout any kind of island jumping journey in Spain.
Mallorca Cathedral is the city’s most popular site, with its high Gothic towers and a wrought-iron cover developed by none besides Gaudí. Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Llotja de Palma, Bellver Castle, and Arab Baths are several of the various other historical destinations in Palma.
Practical Information: Palma comes by ferryboats from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from landmass Spain take 7-9 hours to get to Mallorca.
21. Revel in Valencia’s Charm
If you can go to just a couple of cities throughout your time in Spain, focus on Valencia. The exciting city is a terrific mix of the old and brand-new, illustrating whatever Spain is understood for. It’s obtained the most effective food (hi Valencian paella), middle ages spots, contemporary design, and amazing coastlines.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is among Valencia’s most popular destinations. The contemporary scientific research facility is thought about among the 12 Treasures of Spain, and its exhibitions are absolutely remarkable. And on the various other end of the range is Baños del Almirante, the only continuing to be Moorish structure in the city.
Practical Information: Valencia comes by train from Madrid (2 hours) and Barcelona (3 hours).
22. Climb a Mountain at Picos de Europa National Park
Picos de Europa National Park is the earliest national forest in Spain. It’s located in the north, extending 11 towns and 3 areas. With woodlands, lakes, caverns, and high hills, the park is an area of unique surroundings.
The national forest is best understood for its plenty of treking tracks. Ranging in trouble from extremely simple to very difficult, anybody can locate an ideal treking route in Picos de Europa. The park is specifically prominent amongst mountaineers in Spain, that revel at the opportunity to overcome an additional top.
Practical Information: Entrance to Picos de Europa National Park is cost free.
Football is the nationwide sporting activity of Spain, and the top viewer sporting activity in the nation. The Real Madrid and FC Barcelona derby is an epic occasion that has followers of the sporting activity glued to their Televisions throughout the globe.
Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid) and Camp Nou (Barcelona) arenas are as renowned as the Alhambra, and arena trips are a need to for followers of the sporting activity. Witnessing a real-time suit together with countless enthusiastic citizens is an amazing experience, one that might transform anybody right into a football follower. Even me.
Practical Information: Tickets for La Liga suits have an ordinary rate of 125€.
24. See The Hanging Houses in Cuenca
The Hanging Houses are 3 residences constructed right into the cliff in Cuenca. They’re additionally called Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are among one of the most fascinating spots in main Spain.
The verandas of your homes protruded over the canyon. It’s a remarkable photo, yet I have to confess I was simply a little underwhelmed. I condemn the tourist attraction’s name for establishing high assumptions.
Overall, I rejoiced to go to Cuenca due to the fact that the community is dynamic, enchanting, and soaked in background. And it’s a little bit of a surprise treasure, without the crowds of vacationers you typically see in the larger cities.
Practical Information: Cuenca is an hour from Madrid by train. It’s cost-free to go to the Hanging Houses.
25. Paleolithic Paintings in the Cave of Altamira
A journey in north Spain is not total without a browse through to Altamira Cave. The complicated is popular around the globe for ancient paints on the wall surfaces, which are greater than 36,000 years of ages.
Well, you can’t go inside the cavern any kind of longer yet you can see cavern searchings for and reproductions of the paints at a regional gallery. I located it psychedelic to look at paints developed by Neanderthals, and it changed my viewpoint on the background of our types.
Practical Information: Altamira Cave remains in Santillana del Mar. Entrance to the gallery website is 3€.
26. Hot Air Balloon Rides in Segovia
Segovia is a village near Madrid understood for warm air balloon experiences and a Roman aqueduct. It’s in fact among the best-preserved Roman aqueducts worldwide, and if you’re into Roman damages, this community is a need to in Spain.
The community flaunts fascinating historical design with Romanesque churches and a Gothic basilica. Alcázar de Segovia, a middle ages castle, supplies scenic sights of rolling hillsides and main Spain’s all-natural appeal.
Practical Information: Segovia is 50-60 mins from Madrid by train.
Frequently Asked Questions Me
What Is The Number One Attraction in Spain?
La Sagrada Familia is the top tourist attraction in Spain. Barcelona’s basilica is world-famous, in spite of being incomplete greater than a century after building started.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Spain?
You need to remain in Spain for 10-15 days to extensively check out the nation. For much shorter journeys, it’s finest to remain in one city and check out the area on outing.
How to Spend 7 Days in Spain?
Spend 7 days in Spain by seeing Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You can remain in Madrid the whole time and check out the resources in 3 days, et cetera of the cities on outing.
What Is The Best Part of Spain To Visit For The First Time?
Barcelona is the most effective location for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan city supplies lovely design and numerous renowned Spanish spots, consisting of the famous Sagrada Familia.
Where To Stay in Spain
Stay in Madrid for a minimum of 3-4 days due to the fact that the resources supplies a lot to find. Barcelona is additionally an excellent city to be in for some time, with exceptional food and dynamic roads. For traveling in the south of Spain, remain in Malaga for the very best experience. Here are several of the most effective resorts in Spain for all budget plans:
Tips and Information for Visiting Spain
Best Time To Visit
Unless you’re taking a trip to Spain for a particular celebration or occasion, whenever of year is a great time to go to. I advise springtime or fall for the most positive experience.
Summer is the peak period for traveling in Spain, specifically in the prominent vacationer locations, which typically implies big groups and high resort costs. Visit in the off-season to appreciate the wonderful weather condition yet with less groups and even more budget-friendly costs.
Getting There
The biggest flight terminals in Spain remain in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. All 3 are amongst the leading 25 busiest flight terminals in Europe and all supply public transportation accessibility to the town hall by bus or train.
Try to fly to Madrid. It’s obtained the most effective links to various other significant city facilities and numerous smaller sized communities you can quickly go to on outing from Madrid.
Getting Around
All the significant cities in Spain are attached by trains and buses. If you’re in Madrid you can obtain basically throughout the nation by public transportation with simply 1 or 2 modifications. But the trains aren’t extremely rapid and are commonly extra pricey than neighborhood trips.
Car leasing is an excellent alternative for journey in a particular area. Explore north Spain in an automobile or drive down Costa del Sol for the utmost flexibility. But for fast journeys in between significant Spanish cities, train traveling is the fastest alternative.
How Much Time Do You Need
You require a minimum of 10 days for an appropriate trip in Spain, and also that’s for a compressed plan. Ideally, you would certainly invest 15-20 days circumnavigating the nation, remaining for a couple of days in every significant city.
Madrid and Barcelona call for a minimum of 3 days each, while a lot of various other areas can be visited in 1 or 2 days.
So, there you have it, your total overview to the most effective points to do in Spain. If you are preparing a journey to Spain, you can pick among these attractive cities to make a base and publication outing to go out to check out even more of the nation. Have you been to Spain? What is your preferred area to go to?
