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. Never worry, you’ve got come to the best place. This information on the perfect issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our workforce members that will help you plan your Spain itinerary!
Historic cities, the nation’s finest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling out of doors adventures are simply a number 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 need to discover the perfect 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 the perfect 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 exhibits, La Tomatina competition 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 get pleasure from it. The nation’s high sights embody historic landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountaineering trails, and a number of the world’s finest artwork museums. Just choose one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll be capable to get pleasure from it in at the least 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 the perfect wineries supply excursions with tastings.
Bodegas Lecea is among the finest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can be common for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures a number 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 among the most well-known pilgrimages on the planet. The community of pilgrim paths stretches via 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 mountaineering 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 via the north of Spain.
3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Família is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, recognized for perpetually being below 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 supply sweeping views of Barcelona’s rooftops. And as a result of the cathedral is among the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s top-of-the-line 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 forms of folks on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and those that would disguise of their lodge room till the complete occasion was over. Buñol’s competition has turn into iconic through the years, attracting many vacationers and locals to town streets in late August.
La Tomatina is an occasion throughout which members throw tomatoes at one another and have interaction in tomato fights. Buñol’s foremost sq. will get coated with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the hearth vehicles 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 among 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 just an hour and a half away by public transport.
The Dali Museum is about 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 doubtless be the spotlight of the complete journey.
Practical Information: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM day by day 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. Book this extremely rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.
The finest one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless below 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’t miss right here.
Practical Information: It’s finest to buy particular person tickets for every of the sights. Bundles exist however are dearer than single tickets.
7. Walk Around the Moorish Palace of Alhambra
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 surprise it’s one of the crucial 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 had been the final Muslim rulers of Spain. Book this tour upfront
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 wonderful 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 outdoors Madrid by bus and practice.
9. Beaches 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 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 lease a automobile and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the best way, providing an excellent mixture of vacationer sights and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is definitely accomplished throughout street journeys via Costa del Sol.
Practical Information: Malaga is accessible by practice 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 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 is best to attempt whereas touring via Spain.
Valencia is among 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 houses.
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 preferred vacation spot amongst vacationers within the Canaries. Gran Canaria Island is an in depth second. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the 2 capitals.
Tenerife is thought for Teide National Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the very best mountain in Spain, accessible by mountaineering trails and cable automobile. Just remember the fact that it’s an energetic volcano. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the world, simply to be on the protected facet.
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 might 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 permits you to uncover Salamanca’s golden sandstone buildings with intricate particulars. Casa de las Conchas, elements of that are coated with seashells, is among the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a couple of different noteworthy landmarks on this picturesque Spanish metropolis.
Practical Information: 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 heart 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 perfect tapas.
The historic heart 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 liked studying in regards to the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and completely loved the stay efficiency. Read our full information – The Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain
Practical Information: 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 submit and would later become an important harbor in mainland Spain.
The historical past of this city is clear in its structure. With historic castles, metropolis partitions, and numerous historic landmarks within the previous city, Cadiz is among the finest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain.
Some of town’s finest sights 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 practice from Madrid.
15. Stay in Madrid
Spain’s capital is the preferred vacationer vacation spot within the nation and for all the perfect causes. Madrid is a spectacular metropolis providing all kinds of issues to do, from spectacular historic landmarks to glorious buying alternatives.
Stay 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 a number of the capital’s high sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic heart. Book a hop on hop off bus tour for a wonderful 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 seek out all the perfect 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 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 Country. The Guggenheim Museum is probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bilbao and top-of-the-line in the complete city.
The fantastic thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. Once a serious industrial heart 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 right this moment, it’s an essential vacationer heart 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 nicely.
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 dearer than flying.
17. Journey Back in Time in Córdoba
Córdoba was one of the crucial essential cities in Spain below Roman rule, and within the Middle Ages, it turned a serious Islamic heart. The structure displays town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic sights are considered 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 touch of Renaissance components, and Templo Romano to see some magnificent Roman ruins.
Practical Information: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by practice and two hours from Madrid.
18. Tour The Art Museums
Spain has produced a number 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 get pleasure from 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 number 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 economize on the perfect 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 the perfect nightclubs in Europe have summer season outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that feels like your form of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.In addition to a number of the finest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has glorious historic landmarks, gorgeous nature, and lots of museums. And let’s not neglect in regards to the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the principle motive for its reputation.
Practical Information: Ibiza is accessible by flights and ferries from the mainland. Ferries from Valencia are the quickest, taking 5-8 hours to achieve the Balearic Island.
20. Hop to Mallorca
Mallorca Island is one other common 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 apart from Gaudí. Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Llotja de Palma, Bellver Castle, and Arab Baths are a number of the different historic sights in Palma.
Practical Information: Palma is accessible by ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from mainland Spain take 7-9 hours to achieve Mallorca.
21. Revel in Valencia’s Charm
If you’ll be able to go to only some cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The charming metropolis is a superb mix of the previous and new, epitomizing all the pieces Spain is thought for. It’s obtained the perfect meals (hi there Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, fashionable structure, and fabulous seashores.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is certainly one of Valencia’s most well-known sights. The fashionable science heart is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its displays are totally 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 practice 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 mountaineering trails. Ranging in problem from very simple to extraordinarily difficult, anybody can discover a appropriate mountaineering path in Picos de Europa. The park is very common amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the likelihood 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 stay match together with 1000’s of passionate locals is an unbelievable expertise, one that would convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me.
Practical Information: Tickets for La Liga matches have a mean worth of 125€.
24. See The Hanging Houses in Cuenca
The Hanging Houses are three homes constructed into the rock face in Cuenca. They’re often known as 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 need to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s identify 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 practice. It’s free to go to the Hanging Houses.
25. Paleolithic Paintings within the Cave of Altamira
A street journey in northern Spain just isn’t full with no go to to Altamira Cave. The complicated is legendary all over the world for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years previous.
Well, 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 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 web site is 3€.
26. Hot Air Balloon Rides in Segovia
Segovia is a small city near Madrid recognized for decent air balloon rides and a Roman aqueduct. It’s truly one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the 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, provides panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence.
Practical Information: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by practice.
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 complete 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 the perfect vacation spot for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan metropolis provides beautiful structure and lots of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia.
Where To Stay in Spain
Stay in Madrid for at the least 3-4 days as a result of the capital provides a lot to find. Barcelona can be a terrific metropolis to be in for some time, with glorious meals and full of life streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for the perfect expertise. Here are a number of the finest motels in Spain for all budgets:
Tips and Information for Visiting Spain
Best Time To Visit
Unless you’re touring to Spain for a selected competition or occasion, any time of yr is an efficient time to go to. I like to recommend spring or autumn for probably the most nice expertise.
Summer is the height season for journey in Spain, particularly within the common vacationer locations, and that usually means giant 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 supply public transport entry to town heart by bus or practice.
Try to fly to Madrid. It’s obtained the perfect 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 Around
All the most important cities in Spain are linked by trains and buses. If you’re in Madrid you may get just about wherever within the nation by public transport with only one or two adjustments. But the trains aren’t very quick and are sometimes dearer than native flights.
Car rental is an efficient possibility for street journeys in a selected area. Explore northern Spain in a automobile or drive down Costa del Sol for the last word freedom. But for fast journeys between main Spanish cities, practice journey is the quickest possibility.
How Much Time Do You Need
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 a couple of days in each main metropolis.
Madrid and Barcelona require at the least three days every, whereas most different locations might be toured in a single or two days.
So, there you’ve got it, your full information to the perfect issues to do in Spain. If you’re planning a visit to Spain, you’ll be able to select certainly one of these stunning 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?