So, you wish to go to Spain however are not sure of the place to remain and make a base, when to go to, or which points of interest to prioritize. Never concern, you have got come to the best place. This information on one of the best issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our crew members that will help you plan your Spain itinerary!
Historic cities, the nation’s finest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling outside adventures are simply a few of 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 you wish to discover one of the best seashores in Spain or marvel on the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I’ve obtained a great deal of concepts. So, let’s dive into all one of the best issues to do in Spain, from the wineries within the north to the Moorish structure within 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 excursions in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco reveals, La Tomatina pageant 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 various nation that anybody can take pleasure in it. The nation’s high points of interest embody historical landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance climbing trails, and a few of the world’s finest artwork museums. Just decide one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in it in no less than 5 totally different Spanish cities!
1. Winery Tours in La Rioja
La Rioja is a province in northern Spain recognized for wine manufacturing. The finest Spanish wines originate from this area and all one of the best wineries provide excursions with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is likely one of the finest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can be in style for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures a few of the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you’ll style most of them throughout a tour.
Practical Information: It’s finest to e-book a tour/tasting earlier than your arrival, particularly in peak season.
2. Hike the Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) is likely one of the most well-known pilgrimages on this planet. The community of pilgrim paths stretches by way of Northern Spain, France, and Portugal, and all of the paths result in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
It is 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 climbing even a small part of this path is a really rewarding expertise. At the very least, go to the well-known church on a day journey to expertise a small a part of this Spanish custom.
Practical Information: 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 way of the north of Spain.
3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, recognized for perpetually being underneath building. 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 provide sweeping views of Barcelona’s rooftops. And as a result of the cathedral is likely one of the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s among the finest panoramic views to be skilled in Barcelona.
Practical Information: Sagrada Familia is open from 9 AM to six PM. The tickets that embody a go to to one of many towers are 36€.
Read extra about Barcelona
4. Take Part in La Tomatina
There are two sorts of folks on this planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and those that would conceal of their lodge room till the whole occasion was over. Buñol’s pageant has develop into iconic over time, attracting many vacationers and locals to town streets in late August.
La Tomatina is an occasion throughout which contributors throw tomatoes at one another and interact in tomato fights. Buñol’s foremost sq. will get coated with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the hearth vans hose it down. Read extra: The Best and Biggest Festivals Around The World.
Practical Information: La Tomatina takes place on the final Wednesday of August yearly.
5. Visit 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 finest to go to Figueres on day journeys from Barcelona because the city is barely 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 probably be the spotlight of the whole journey.
Practical Information: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM each day besides Monday. Tickets are 17€.
6. See Gaudi’s Works in Barcelona
Barcelona will get virtually 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. Book this extremely rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The finest one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless underneath building. Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milla are additionally value visiting for his or her distinctive structure. See our information to the highest works of Gaudi you can not miss right here.
Practical Information: It’s finest to buy particular person tickets for every of the points of interest. Bundles exist however are costlier than single tickets.
7. Walk Around the Moorish Palace of Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the vital landmarks in Spain. The Moorish palace stays one of many world’s most distinguished examples of Islamic structure, so it’s no surprise it’s some of the visited landmarks in southern Spain. Read extra at 27 Best Things to Do at The Grand Canyon
The palace’s building 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. Book this tour prematurely
Practical Information: The Alhambra is open for excursions from 8:30 AM to eight PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.
8. Discover Influences of Different Cultures at Toledo
Toledo is named the City of Three Cultures due to its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments from the Middle Ages. It was additionally El Greco’s residence 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, because of mesmerizing medieval buildings and historic landmarks.
Toledo’s high 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.
Practical Information: Toledo is roughly an hour exterior Madrid by bus and prepare.
9. Beaches of Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costa del Sol is the most well-liked vacation spot for holidays within the nation. With numerous cities on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, all of which provide huge sandy seashores and glorious resorts, limiting your self to only one vacation spot is out of the query. Especially in case you’re in Spain for a restricted time.
Our advice for Costa del Sol excursions is to hire a automobile and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the best way, providing mixture of vacationer points of interest and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is well completed throughout street journeys by way of Costa del Sol.
Practical Information: Malaga is accessible by prepare from Madrid in three hours.
10. Try Paella (And Other Spanish Food)
Food is a crucial a part of Spanish tradition and Siesta is proof sufficient. Where else on this planet is it anticipated of individuals to cease working and take naps after lunch? Paella, tapas, jamon iberico, churros, and tortillas are only a few of the numerous dishes it is best to strive whereas touring by way of Spain.
Valencia is likely one of the finest cities in Spain for meals excursions. Valencian paella is famous; the area’s local weather is ideal for rising rice, so paella has at all times been a staple meal in Valencian properties.
Practical Information: Gastro excursions are extensively out there in all city facilities in Spain.
11. Discover the Nature of the Canary Islands
Situated 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 most well-liked 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 understood for Teide National Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the very best mountain in Spain, accessible by climbing trails and cable automobile. Just remember that it’s an lively volcano. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the world, simply to be on the protected aspect.
Practical Information: Canary Islands are accessible by flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
12. Mingle With The Students in Salamanca
Salamanca is residence to the oldest college in Spain. This can be one of many world’s oldest universities which can be nonetheless in steady operation. With greater than 30,000 college students enrolled within the University 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, components of that are coated with seashells, is likely one of the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a number of different noteworthy landmarks on this picturesque Spanish metropolis.
Practical Information: Salamanca is near Madrid, roughly an hour and 40 minutes by prepare.
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 one of the best tapas.
The historic middle of Seville is residence to a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising three buildings – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the General Archive of the Indies. But my favourite attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I beloved studying concerning the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and completely loved the dwell efficiency. Read our full information – The Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
Practical Information: Seville is well accessible by prepare from Madrid (3 hours) and Malaga (2 hours).
14. Marvel at Castles in Cádiz
Cádiz is the oldest metropolis in Europe that has been constantly inhabited since its founding in 1100 BC. It was based by the Phoenicians as a small buying and selling submit and would later become crucial 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 finest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
Some of town’s finest points of interest 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 is within the south of Spain, most simply accessible from Seville and Malaga. It’s 4 and a half hours by prepare from Madrid.
15. Stay in Madrid
Spain’s capital is the most well-liked vacationer vacation spot within the nation and for all one of the best causes. Madrid is a spectacular metropolis providing all kinds of issues to do, from spectacular historic landmarks to glorious procuring alternatives.
Stay in Madrid for no less than three days to see as many points of interest as attainable. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are a few of the capital’s high sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic middle. Book a hop on hop off bus tour for a superb introduction to the highlights of Madrid
Visit 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 one of the best theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Read our information: 18 Best Day Trips From Madrid
Practical Information: Madrid is accessible by worldwide flights. It’s 20 minutes by prepare from the Madrid Airport to the primary prepare 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 Country. The Guggenheim Museum is essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bilbao and among the finest in the whole city.
The fantastic thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. Once a serious industrial middle and harbor, Bilbao is now present process revitalization and it’s all because of the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece sparked additional investments within the metropolis’s infrastructure, and at present, it’s an vital 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. Game of Thrones was Filmed close to Bilbao as properly.
Practical Information: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Train and bus journey is feasible, however it takes 5-6 hours and it’s costlier than flying.
17. Journey Back in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was some of the vital cities in Spain underneath Roman rule, and within the Middle Ages, it grew to become a serious Islamic middle. The structure displays town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic points of interest are thought to be excellent examples of Moorish structure.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is town’s landmark constructing. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was initially based as a Mosque again within the eighth century however transformed to a cathedral throughout the Reconquista interval. Also go to Palacio de la Merced for Baroque structure, Palacio de Viana for a splash of Renaissance parts, and Templo Romano to see some magnificent Roman ruins.
Practical Information: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by prepare and two hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Art Museums
Spain has produced a few of the most influential artists in historical past and the nation’s museums are stocked with their artwork. It’s by no means a foul concept to enter a Spanish artwork museum, particularly in case you 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 a few of the most well-known within the nation, however definitely not the one ones value your time. The museums are stocked with work by Dali, Goya, Picasso, Velázquez, El Greco, and different iconic artists.
Insider Tip: Pick up the Paseo del Arte Pass to save cash on one of the best museums in Madrid and to skip the strains.
Practical Information: The finest artwork museums in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga.
19. Party in Ibiza
Ibiza has a long-standing status as a celebration city. Some of one of the best nightclubs in Europe have summer season outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that feels like your type of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.In addition to a few of the finest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has glorious historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and plenty of museums. And let’s not neglect concerning the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the primary motive for its recognition.
Practical Information: 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 in style 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, glorious lodge resorts, and Gothic structure, town is a should throughout any island hopping journey in Spain.
Mallorca Cathedral is town’s most well-known landmark, with its tall Gothic towers and a wrought-iron cover designed by none aside from Gaudí. Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Llotja de Palma, Bellver Castle, and Arab Baths are a few of the different historic points of interest in Palma.
Practical Information: Palma is accessible by ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from mainland Spain take 7-9 hours to succeed in Mallorca.
21. Revel in Valencia’s Charm
If you possibly can go to just a few cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The fascinating metropolis is an excellent mix of the previous and new, epitomizing every thing Spain is understood for. It’s obtained one of the best meals (hiya Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, fashionable structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is one in every of Valencia’s most well-known points of interest. The fashionable science middle is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its reveals are completely fascinating. And on the opposite finish of the spectrum is Baños del Almirante, the one remaining Moorish constructing within the metropolis.
Practical Information: Valencia is accessible by prepare 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 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 finest recognized for its numerous climbing trails. Ranging in problem from very straightforward to extraordinarily difficult, anybody can discover a appropriate climbing path in Picos de Europa. The park is very in style amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the probability to beat one other summit.
Practical Information: Entrance to Picos de Europa National Park is freed from cost.
Football is the nationwide sport of Spain, and the primary spectator sport within the nation. The Real 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 dwell match together with 1000’s of passionate locals is an unimaginable expertise, one that might convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Practical Information: Tickets for La Liga matches have a median value of 125€.
24. See The Hanging Houses in Cuenca
The Hanging Houses are three homes constructed into the rock face in Cuenca. They’re also called Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are some of the attention-grabbing landmarks in central Spain.
The balconies of the homes jut out over the gorge. It’s a dramatic picture, however I need to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s title for setting excessive expectations.
Overall, 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 greater cities.
Practical Information: Cuenca is an hour from Madrid by prepare. It’s free to go to the Hanging Houses.
25. Paleolithic Paintings within the Cave of Altamira
A street journey in northern Spain isn’t full and not using a go to to Altamira Cave. The complicated is legendary around the globe for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years previous.
Well, you possibly can’t go contained in the cave any longer however you possibly can see cave findings and replicas of the work at a neighborhood 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.
Practical Information: Altamira Cave is in Santillana del Mar. Entrance to the museum website is 3€.
26. Hot 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 this planet, and in case you’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, affords panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Practical Information: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions Me
What Is The Number 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 building started.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Spain?
You ought to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to completely discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s finest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys.
How to Spend 7 Days in Spain?
Spend 7 days in Spain by visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You 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 Best Part of Spain To Visit For The First Time?
Barcelona is one of the best vacation spot for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan metropolis affords attractive structure and plenty of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
Where To Stay in Spain
Stay in Madrid for no less than 3-4 days as a result of the capital affords a lot to find. Barcelona can be an ideal metropolis to be in for some time, with glorious meals and vigorous streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for one of the best expertise. Here are a few of the finest lodges in Spain for all budgets:
Tips and Information for Visiting Spain
Best Time To Visit
Unless you’re touring to Spain for a selected pageant or occasion, any time of 12 months is an effective time to go to. I like to recommend spring or autumn for essentially the most nice expertise.
Summer is the height season for journey in Spain, particularly within the in style vacationer locations, and that usually means massive crowds and excessive lodge costs. Visit within the low season to benefit from the good climate however with fewer crowds and extra inexpensive costs.
Getting There
The largest airports in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. All three are among the many high 25 busiest airports in Europe and all provide public transport entry to town middle by bus or prepare.
Try to fly to Madrid. It’s obtained one of the best connections to different main city facilities and plenty of smaller cities you possibly can simply go to on day journeys from Madrid.
Getting Around
All the main cities in Spain are related by trains and buses. If you’re in Madrid you will get just about anyplace within the nation by public transport with only one or two adjustments. But the trains aren’t very quick and are sometimes costlier than native flights.
Car rental is an effective choice for street journeys in a selected area. Explore northern Spain in a automobile or drive down Costa del Sol for the final word freedom. But for fast journeys between main Spanish cities, prepare journey is the quickest choice.
How Much Time Do You Need
You want no less than 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 a number of days in each main metropolis.
Madrid and Barcelona require no less than three days every, whereas most different locations will be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you have got it, your full information to one of the best issues to do in Spain. If you might be planning a visit to Spain, you possibly can select one in every of these lovely cities to make a base and e-book day journeys to get out to discover extra of the nation. Have you been to Spain? What is your favourite place to go to?