“Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, he’s going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with him. This is the dream of all the world,” said the famous Chef Anthony Bourdain. And he was right.
Indeed, Spain is a jewel. Famous mostly for its sandy beaches, this country located in the southwest of Europe is culturally diverse, architecturally stunning, and incredibly scenic. With numerous options, choosing a focus seems daunting unless you can stay for a very long time. To help you out, I’ve rounded up some Spain highlights that you really shouldn’t miss. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Madrid
The capital of Spain, naturally, is among the Spain highlights. It may not have the reputation of other European capitals such as Rome or Paris, but Madrid has world-class art, historical gems, and delicious food. When you arrive head straight for Plaza Mayor, the main square, to view some fabulous architecture. Among the Spain highlights, The Royal Palace is a must and if you book a tour, you’ll revel in art dating back a couple of centuries, as well as amazing furniture and armor.
Other attractions include Retiro Park, Temple of Debod, the Gran Via, Puerta del Sol, The Prado Museum, and Palacio de Cibeles. For eats, don’t forget to try the famous bocadillo de calamares (a calamari sandwich.)
Barcelona
Barcelona is unique in all of Spain and is one of the most unique cities in the world. It’s no wonder Freddie Mercury sang about it. The splendid architecture of the city is primarily owed to the architectural genius Antonio Gaudi, and you will see it best represented in his Park Güell. This fairytale-like landscape with spiral towers and mosaics leaves one puzzled to say the least. And even more so when you visit his cathedral, the Sagrada Familia.
To be entertained in true tourism fashion, head to Barcelona’s most famous street – La Rambla. Other great spots in this amazing city include Casa Batlló, La Boqueria (the market), Labyrinth Park, and the Joan Miro Museum. Lastly, if you’re a soccer fan, don’t miss Camp Nou.
Las Alpujarras
If you want to get off-the-beaten-path, you should definitely see Las Alpujarras. This is a scenic area of mountain villages snuggled on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada. The region is known for its soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls, and deep gorges.
Trevélez is the highest village in the country at approximately 4,800 feet above sea level. It’s an amazing spot to see, but don’t miss the spa town of Lanjarón either. Find some time for a tour around the three white villages of the Poqueira gorge, and make sure to try local food. Be aware that the region was only made famous by the book “Driving over Lemons” in the early 2000s, so it’s not really a major tourist hotspot. That means that the locals won’t necessarily be English speakers, so it’s definitely a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases before heading there.
Granada
Las Alpujarras is only a two-hour drive from Granada, an interesting city influenced by its Moorish roots. The first thing on your checklist here should be the town inside the town – the Alhambra palace. Built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the palace offers a tour through serene courtyards and royal chambers, as well as a magnificent view of the city. Other attractive spots are Granada Cathedral, Alcaiceria, and Sacromonte.
Seville
Seville is a vibrant city bustling with arts, culture, and entertainment. It is the birthplace of flamenco, so you can learn a few moves there or at least see a flamenco show. If dancing is not your cup of tea, explore the Alcázar Palace, the Tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Metropol Parasol, and the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Cordoba
This town is just a 45-minute ride from Seville, but it is a treasure waiting to be found. The city’s greatest monument is the Mosque-Cathedral – a church that was split in two and used by both Muslims and Christians as a place of worship. There’s also a Roman temple constructed in the middle of the 1st century AD, the Roman bridge, and the simple beauty of the local patios filled with flowers and greenery.
Valencia
So, let’s go back to those beaches we mentioned at the beginning. If you want to dip your feet in the sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, go to Valencia’s Playa Las Arenas. The pristine golden sand is complemented by calm, shallow waters. There are also exclusive bars and restaurants. If you prefer calmer beaches frequented by locals, try El Saler. As for the city, you’ll want to visit La Lonja de la Seda, the City of the Arts and Sciences, El Miguelete Cathedral, and El Jardín del Turia.
More Spain Highlights
These are my recommendations, but you might want to do some more research to create the perfect itinerary filled with Spain highlights for yourself. Depending on your interests, you might want to visit other attractions, such as the city of Figueres, where you’ll find the mesmerizing Salvador Dali museum. Or, you might want to see Segovia’s enormous Roman aqueduct, a town split by a gorge – Ronda, enormous cliffs in Tenerife, or the exciting Canary Islands. Wherever you wind up, Spain will surely be welcoming and provide amazing memories for years to come.