Spain is located on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula. The capital city is Madrid, home to the Royal Palace, as Spain is a kingdom with King Felipe VI as head of state. Spain has a long history and is a lovely country to visit, not only for the sun and the beaches but also for its culture and of course… the food! Here are 10 beautiful places to visit in Spain.
1. Madrid
Madrid is the capital and the most populous city of Spain and also the second-largest city in the European Union. It has beautiful a landscape with various attractions and parks to visit, from Plaza Mayor, built in the 16th century, to the Royal Palace of Madrid built in the 18th century, the Edificio España, The Círculo de Bellas Artes and the biggest park in Madrid ‘Retiro Park’.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain, and perhaps one of the best places to visit in the country. You can travel up to Mount Tibidabo for beautiful views across the city and the sea beyond, and don’t miss architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech I Montaner, which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful place to visit.
3. Granada
Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil, and the Beiro. The city has several nice places to see from the incredible Alhambra (Moorish Palace), to the hillside gypsy quarter of Sacromonte. A great city to admire some wonderful moorish architecture and soak up the city’s heritage.
4. Alicante
Alicante is a prime coastal destination in Spain thanks to its offer of sun, sea, and sand. Spend some time relaxing on the beach with a beautiful view of Mount Benacantil in the background and Santa Bárbara Castle.
5. San Sebastian
San Sebastian is located in the Basque Autonomous Community. It lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km from the French border and is famous for its beautiful beaches and places to try local food. There are also a lot of bars in the old town where you can eat tapas and the local speciality pintxos, and wondering around the elegant city is a great way to spend the day.
6. Cordoba
In the middle ages, Cordoba was the most important city of the Moorish rule of Spain. With more World Heritage Sites than anywhere in the world, Córdoba also has the highest summer temperatures in Spain. Here you can visit a lot of beautiful monuments and architecture from the past, like The Roman Bridge, Barrio de la Catedral, the Roman Temple, the Theatre, Mausoleum, the Colonial Forum, the Forum Adiectum, an amphitheater, and the remains of the Palace of Emperor Maximian in the archaeological site of Cercadilla.
7. Valencia
Valencia is situated on the banks of the River Turia on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, fronting the Gulf of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known as the home of Paella, the traditional Spanish rice dish, but offers plenty more to its visitors. Besides visiting the picturesque old town, there are several nice monuments, a lot of interesting architecture and history, and the amazing green space that is Turia park which is great to explore on foot or by bike. Valencia is also famous for its local tractional and festivals, such as Las Fallas.
8. Almeria
Almeria is a city in Andalusia, located in the southeast of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. The most popular places to visit in Almeria are The Alcazaba, Almería air raid shelters, The Cathedral, Castle of San Cristobal and much more, and you can also enjoy the festivals such including Carnival, Holy Week, Cruces de mayo and Saint Joan’s Eve.
9. La Rioja
Spain is also known for its wine from La Rioja, a place which is worth a visit. Here you’ll find many beautiful vineyards which offer tours and wine tasting, which is always a delight. Logroño is the right place to visit not only for the wine but also to try their delicious tapas and enjoying the beautiful views.
10. Ibiza
The last one is of course the famous city of… Ibiza! This place is known to be the place to party and is famous for its nightlife. Between parties you can also visit, Sant Josep de sa Talaia and the famed hippy market, or simply wonder around the charming old town.
