Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is renowned for its rich history, culture, and food. The country features diverse landscapes, from the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the mountainous Pyrenees. Key attractions include the Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, the Alhambra palace in Granada, and the Prado Museum in Madrid. Spain’s diverse cuisine includes paella, tapas, and wines, making it a popular culinary destination. With vibrant nightlife, world-class festivals, and friendly locals, Spain offers a range of experiences for travelers.
Spain is the world’s second most visited international tourist destination, with 93.8 million visitors in 2024, placing it just behind France, which recorded around 102 million arrivals.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of Spain
The Best Things to Do in Spain
#1 Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is known for its stunning architecture, culture, and beaches. It is the birthplace of many famous artists, including Picasso and Gaudi. The Sagrada Familia is the city’s most famous landmark and is a must-see for visitors. Park Guell is another popular destination, featuring colorful mosaics and stunning views of the city. The Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://www.barcelonaturisme.com
Google map of Barcelona
#2 Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain and is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most famous art museums and features works by artists such as Velazquez and Goya. The Royal Palace of Madrid is another must-see, with its stunning architecture and lush gardens. Buen Retiro Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with its boating lake, rose garden, and street performers.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://www.esmadrid.com/en
Google map of Madrid
#3 Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is renowned for its rich Moorish heritage. The Alcazar Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain. The Cathedral of Seville is another famous landmark, with its Gothic architecture and famous bell tower, La Giralda. The Santa Cruz neighborhood is a charming area of narrow streets and flower-filled patios, while the Triana neighborhood is known for its flamenco shows and ceramics.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://visitasevilla.es/en/
Google map of Seville
#4 The Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are a group of Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The four largest islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera all of which are very popular tourist destinations due to their Mediterranean climate.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://www.illesbalears.travel
Google map of the Balearic Islands
#5 Canary Islands
The Canary Islands (commonly known as just the Canaries) are a group of Spanish islands located off the African mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. At their closest point they are 100 kilometres west of Morocco. The four largest, and most visited islands, are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. The other four main islands are La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. There are also several other smaller islands.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://www.grancanaria.com (Gran Canaria)
Google map of the Canary Islands
#6 Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol occupies a narrow coastal strip in southern Andalucia bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The name literally translates as “Coast of the Sun” or the “The Sunshine Coast” due to its sunny climate, present in the region most days of the year.
Although there is no official boundary to the Costa del Sol it is generally accepted to span approximately 150 km from the Spain-Gibraltar border in the west to Nerja in the east.
The largest cities are Malaga and Marbella with many beach resorts such as Estepona, Benahavís, Benalmádena, La Cala de Mijas, Nerja and Torremolinos attracting visitors looking for a beach holiday.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
Google map of the Costa del Sol region
#7 Granada
Granada is a city in the Andalusian region and is known for its stunning Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is a mix of Islamic and Christian architecture and features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and fountains. The Albaicin neighborhood is another popular destination, with its narrow streets and stunning views of the Alhambra. The Sacromonte neighborhood is known for its flamenco shows and gypsy caves.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://en.andalucia.org/
Google map of Granada
#8 Cordoba
Cordoba is a city in the Andalusian region and is known for its stunning Mezquita, a former mosque turned cathedral. The Mezquita is one of the most famous buildings in Spain and features a mix of Islamic and Christian architecture. The narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter are another popular destination, with flower-filled patios and historic buildings. The city is also known for its museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://en.andalucia.org/
Google map of Cordoba
#9 San Sebastián
San Sebastian is a coastal town in the Basque Country and is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque Old Town, and culinary scene. The Old Town features charming narrow streets and historic buildings, while the beaches are popular destinations for sunbathing and surfing. The city is famous for its pintxos, small bites of food that are served in bars and restaurants.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map (4.7/5) of La Concha Beach in San Sebastián
#10 Cuenca
Cuenca is a historic city in Castilla-La Mancha and is known for its hanging houses, built into the side of a cliff overlooking a river. The city also features a Gothic cathedral and the historic Casas Colgadas, a series of hanging houses that are now home to museums.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of Cuenca
#11 Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is a pilgrimage city in Galicia and is known for its stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The cathedral is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. The city’s historic Old Town is another popular destination, with its winding streets and historic buildings. Visitors can also enjoy the local seafood and wine, and learn about the region’s Celtic heritage.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of Santiago de Compostela
#12 Toledo
Toledo is a historic city in central Spain known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, historic Jewish Quarter, and winding streets. The cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in Spain and features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Jewish Quarter is another popular destination, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and artisan shops. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s many museums, such as the El Greco Museum and the Museum of Santa Cruz. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists interested in Spanish history and culture.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of Toledo
#13 Valencia
Valencia is a coastal city on the east coast of Spain and is known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with its stunning buildings and museums. The Old Town is another popular destination, with its winding streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes. The beaches are another major attraction, with long stretches of sand and clear water. The Fallas festival, a celebration of art and fireworks, is one of the city’s most popular events.
Official tourism website:
https://www.spain.info
https://www.visitvalencia.com
Google map of Valencia
#14 Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca is a coastal region in southeastern Spain known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and stunning landscapes. The region features many popular tourist destinations, including Alicante, Benidorm, and Denia. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, as well as explore the local cuisine and culture. The region is also home to many historic sites and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum of Alicante and the Castle of Santa Barbara.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of the Costa Blanca region
#15 Segovia
Segovia is a historic city in Castilla y León and is known for its stunning Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also features a Gothic cathedral, a medieval castle, and the Alcázar of Segovia, a palace built in the 12th century.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of Segovia
#16 Costa Brava
Costa Brava is a coastal region in northeastern Spain known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and historic towns. The region is located between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea and features rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and clear blue water. Visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine and wine, including the sparkling wine known as cava. Costa Brava is a popular destination for tourists looking to relax on the beach, explore the local culture, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports.
Official tourism website: https://www.spain.info
Google map of the Costa Brava
#17 Bilbao
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, Spain, known for its combination of rich history and modern architecture. A former industrial town, it underwent a significant transformation, with landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum reflecting its cultural renaissance. It’s renowned for its vibrant gastronomy, unique Basque culture, and an assortment of art galleries, museums, and theaters. It’s surrounded by green mountains, providing an excellent outdoor experience.
Google map of Bilbao
#18 The Spanish Pyrenees
Hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Spain. The Pyrenees mountain range is located between Spain and France and features stunning scenery, including snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and rushing rivers. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the region, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Popular destinations include Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and the Pyrenees National Park. Hikers can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Pyrenees.
Google map 4.6/5