10 Best Places to Visit in Spain
From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, and from there to the Atlantic, Spain is more
diverse than stereotypes would have you believe. Paella and bullfighting may be Spanish, but
neither defines this Iberian country. You’ll get to witness a wide range of culture in
Spain – more than you’d expect.
10 merida
Founded back in 25 AD by the Romans, Merida boasts some of the most impressive, extensive,
and well-preserved ruins in the whole of Spain. Now the capital of the autonomous community
of Extremadura, the city lies in the western-central part of the Iberian Peninsula, with the Guadiana
and Albarregas rivers running through it.
As it boasts almost two thousand years of history, ancient historical sights and archaeological
ruins are found wherever you go. Of these, the magnificent old Roman Theatre is the undoubted
star attraction; it still holds flamenco shows and theatre performances to this day.
9 Bilbao The largest city in Spain’s Basque Country,
Bilbao lies on an estuary just 16 kilometres south of the Bay of Biscay. As its climate
is milder and wetter than much of the rest of the country, the city’s parks and riverbanks
are fertile and green, as are the rolling hills surrounding it.
Bilbao was best known as an important seaport and industrial city in northern Spain until
the construction of an architectural marvel in the 1990s known as the Guggenheim Museum.
Since then, this capital city of Vizcaya has experienced a boom in tourism, promoting economic
growth and revitalization of its many hidden gems, making it a popular destination.
8 Salamanca The capital and largest city of the province
of the same name, Salamanca lies on the banks of the Tormes River on Spain’s Northern
Plateau. Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in the whole
of Europe, its historic centre is full of architectural treasures and incredible monuments
that date back centuries.
Life in the city revolves around the busy and bustling Plaza Mayor, which is lined by
cafes, bars and restaurants. The expansive and elegant square looks particularly magical
at night when its majestic buildings are lit up.
7.Ibiza
The third largest of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is located off the east coast of Spain,
surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. While it is famous for its
pounding nightlife and summer club scene which attract world-renowned DJs to its shores,
the island actually has many other different sides.
Quite rocky and rugged, Ibiza is lined by beautiful bays and beaches; this, coupled
with its warm, sunny and dry climate, makes it a great beach holiday destination. The
largest city on the island, Ibiza Town boasts a majestic walled old town perched atop of
a hill overlooking the sea.
6 Santiago de Compostela
The capital city of the Galicia region in northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela
is famous as the final destination of the traditional pilgrimage known as Camino de
Santiago. Also called the Way of St. James, this pilgrimage dates back to Medieval times
and is important to many because it is believed that Santiago de Compostela is where St. James,
an Apostle of Jesus Christ, is buried. Today, the city attracts thousands of visitors every
year for both its religious tradition and history.
5 Cordoba Cordoba is the capital of the province of
the same name in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. While Cordoba is characterized
by its small town charm, this mid-size city offers all the historic and cultural attractions
of a bustling metropolis.
One of the oldest towns in Europe, the historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze of tiny medieval
streets, plazas and whitewashed courtyards all situated around the star attraction, the
Mezquita. Initially built as a mosque, the Mezquita is now a glorious cathedral retaining
most of its original architecture. Its forest of columns topped with Islamic-style red and
white striped arches serves as a reminder of the glory and importance Córdoba held
in medieval times. Outside the Mezquita is a beautiful orange grove perfect for relaxing.
4 Valencia
Valencia is stuffed with restored historic buildings that include stunning churches,
old monasteries such as San Miguel de los Reyes and the site of an ancient silk trade
center known today as the Silk Exchange Market.
After redirecting the Turia River, the city constructed its most impressive landmark,
a massive cultural and entertainment complex known as the City of Arts and Science. Contained
within this complex are several buildings such as a science museum, planetarium, aquarium,
arts museum and an IMAX theater that are each artistic marvels in and of themselves. Also
included in the old Turia riverbed are beautiful gardens, athletic parks and artificial lakes.
One of Valencia’s most popular neighborhoods is the Barri del Carme with its colorful mix
of architecture, diverse ethnic groups, trendy shops and outdoor cafes.
3 Madrid
Madrid is a beautiful city mixed with old and new architecture. The capital is comprised
of several neighborhoods offering their own unique character and attractions ranging from
historic quarters to older crowd communities, university areas, multicultural districts
and party scenes.
The heart of the city is Puerta del Sol, a large plaza serving as the scene of festivals,
important gatherings and street performers as well as a hub for the public transportation
network. Another important square is Plaza Mayor, known for its many souvenir shops,
cafes and the lively San Miguel Market.
2 Barcelona
Located in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is one of the country’s top travel destinations
because it offers everything tourists look for in a European city from historic architecture
to lively shopping, vibrant culture and buzzing nightlife.
Ciutat Vella, the Old City, is Barcelona’s main attraction. Here, tourists will find
the Gothic Quarter with its beautiful, old churches, Roman ruins and cobblestone streets
lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Surrounded by statues and fountains, La Placa Catalunya is a popular gathering spot and
hub for local transportation services. Popular activities in Barcelona include strolling
along La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue, and sunbath on Barceloneta, one of the city’s
most popular beaches.
1 Granada
Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains of southern Spain, Granada is the capital
of the Granada province. A mid-sized city, Granada offers a perfect blend of spectacular
attractions, traditional cultures and an animated nightlife. But most of all it is the home
of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history and is
one of the great architectural sights of Europe.
Attesting to the city’s eventful history are its most notable landmarks, the 16th century
Granada Cathedral with its magnificent domed ceiling, and the famous Alhambra, a grand
Moorish palace with luxurious gardens and Arab baths.
Granada’s juxtaposing neighborhoods, Sacromonte and Albaicin, are the essence of the city’s
culture. Noted for its Christian abbey, Sacromonte is where tourists come to see how gypsies
have traditionally lived in various cave dwellings and to watch live dances of flamenco and zambra.