Spain has incredible destinations to explore and see.  With something for almost anyone, Spain is filled with museums, islands, natural spaces, towns, monuments, cities and in addition to a lot of variety, a lot of quantity. The places worth exploring in Spain are innumerable. Choosing only 13 of them has not been easy, and it is possible that some that deserve to be on this list have been left out. But what is certain is that we should all visit these 13 places at least once in our lives.

Our list of 13 amazing places to explore in Spain:

Tenerife

One of the quintessential places to see in Spain and the Canary Islands is the island of Tenerife. An island that is home to a wonderful National Park full of colors, contrasts and landscapes that seem to be from another planet, Mount Teide. Another of its main attractions is a city declared a World Heritage Site, San Cristóbal de la Laguna. And that is not all, there are many more places to see in Tenerife that will make you want to return to it again and again: Anaga, Benijo beach, the Los Gigantes Cliffs, and the Corona Forestal Natural Park.

Sevilla

Special atmosphere, unique color and art are fundamental elements of this city. Here, you can enjoy three fantastic monuments declared World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, the Archivo de Indias and the Real Alcázar. Additionally, there are many more places to see in Seville that will make you enjoy your visit to the fullest. 

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Bizkaia)

This spectacular islet is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Cantabrian coast. The islet, the bridge that joins it to the mainland, the hermitage that crowns it, and the stairs that go up to it form a beautiful sight that we should all see at least once in our lives. In addition, it is a space full of legends and wrapped in very special magic. Will you dare to go up to his hermitage and ring the bell? 241 steps await you, but it will be worth it.

Ronda (Malaga) 

Known as “the Dream City”, Ronda is another of the essential places to see in Spain. A city that looks out into the void defying gravity and full of places that will remain forever in your memory. One of its most characteristic places is the Tajo de Ronda, a spectacular cliff that crosses and decorates the Puente Nuevo. Would you dare to cross it?

Monastery of El Escorial (Madrid)

In the Community of Madrid is the Monastery of El Escorial, another of the best places to see in Spain. This immense building, declared a World Heritage Site, was built in the 16th century and is in the Herreriano style. In addition to the monastery part, it houses a basilica, a royal palace, a college, a seminary, a library and the royal pantheon. It is one of the best places to see near Madrid, ideal for a day trip from the capital of Spain.

Mallorca

Located in the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has fantastic coves, beaches, and some of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It has noteworthy monuments, privileged natural enclaves and beautiful landscapes that make it a must-visit place to see in Spain. The Serra de Tramuntana deserves a special mention, declared a World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Mallorca.

Madrid

The capital of Spain could not be left out of this list, as there are many places of interest to see in Madrid. The city in which you can find some of the most visited monuments, the busiest squares, and the most important museums in the country. There are many tourist and cultural attractions that Madrid houses and that make it a “must visit” city. 

Island of Tabarca (Alicante)

Tabarca Island is a Mediterranean jewel located in front of the city of Alicante. Excursions depart daily from the port of the city that will take you on a one-hour journey to enjoy this wonderful and calm island. A place was worth savouring slowly and perfect for walking, relaxing, breathing clean air, enjoying nature, getting inspired and even diving. Without a doubt, one of the best places to see in Alicante.

Ibiza

The island of Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, has 85.64 km2 declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Under the name “Ibiza, biodiversity and culture”, this area of ​​Ibiza includes natural and cultural spaces, such as the archaeological remains of Sa Caleta and Puig des Molins and Dalt Vita, the historic and fortified center of the city of Ibiza. In addition, there are many remarkable places to see in Ibiza worth visiting this beautiful island.

City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most visited areas and an icon of the city of Valencia. A place where you should dedicate at least one day to get to know the spaces that make it up: the Science Museum, the L’Hemisferic planetarium, the Palau de Les Arts and L’Oceanogràfic. Together with the Lonja de la Seda, the Torres de Serranos and the Plaza Redonda, among others, it is one of the essential things to see in Valencia.

Cáceres

Declared a World Heritage Site, the city of Cáceres has all the necessary sites to be one of the best places to see in Spain. Walking through its streets, you can enjoy beautiful corners and unique monuments, additionally, breathing the history they house, with traces of the five civilizations that inhabited them. The Plaza Mayor here is the nerve center of the city and the perfect place to enjoy all the remarkable places to see in Cáceres.

Barcelona

This is yet another place declared a World Heritage Site. It has beautiful parks, mythical avenues, fantastic neighborhoods and unique monuments that make Barcelona one of the most visited cities in Spain. An open city with a very special atmosphere where it is worth spending a few days.

Basílica del Pilar (Zaragoza)

Although there are many interesting places to see in Zaragoza, there is no doubt that the Basilica del Pilar is the most important icon of the city. An immense church that, in addition to contemplating its beautiful exterior architecture, you must access to discover the beauty and curiosities that it keeps.

Our Final Word

Spain is filled with cultural, historic and just plain fun cities.  Travel has never been easier with direct flights from most major east coast cities, and we recommend just renting a car and exploring the towns and villages along the way.  Whether you want to head to the beach, explore an historic town, see classic architecture, try some fantastic wine, or just relax and see where the day takes you, Spain has it all.  We are already planning our next trip to Spain and we hope to see you there.

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