The 10 best destinations to visit in Spain

The 10 best destinations to visit in Spain

04.06.2021

5 min. to read

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Now more than ever, it’s time to make the most of your vacation and discover new places. If you would like to get to know Spanish geography in depth, here are 10 of the most popular places in the country that, if you haven’t already had the pleasure of visiting, deserve a mandatory visit. Get behind the wheel of your rental car and design a route tailored to you, it will be a spectacular vacation!

Beach, mountains, charming villages… There are destinations to visit in Spain for all tastes, whether you like to dive into the hustle and bustle of a very touristy place or prefer much quieter spots. Take note of our recommendations.

1. Granada, the Alhambra and much more

In this Andalusian city, you will find one of the most impressive architectural complexes you can see: the Alhambra and the Generalife. Pure Andalusian architecture with an enviable degree of preservation.

But there is much more to see in Granada. You can’t miss a visit to the Cathedral, which is a true gem of the Spanish Renaissance. Also, don’t miss the Albaicín neighborhood, the oldest in the city. At the end of your day of sightseeing, you can relax in one of the many tea houses scattered throughout the city.

2. The lakes of Covadonga in Asturias

Asturias is a beautiful enclave, with a great natural, architectural, and gastronomic heritage. There are small towns like Ribadesella, Cudillero, or Lastres and larger cities like Gijón, Oviedo, and Avilés that you can’t miss.

But if you have to choose, the must-visit is the lakes of Covadonga. The Enol, Ercina, and Bricial can be visited all year round, but they look especially beautiful in summer. Getting to them is an adventure in itself, as the access is via a winding and narrow road, but once there, you’ll discover that the journey was worth it.

3. Cabo de Gata in Almería

Although the Andalusian province of Almería is often associated with desertification, the truth is that it also has space for spectacular natural enclaves, like Cabo de Gata. There you will enjoy cliffs, spectacular beaches, and seabeds that are a dream come true for any diver worth their salt.

A paradisiacal place that could well be located in the heart of the Caribbean. In addition, in this area, you can take the opportunity to visit charming villages, like Mojácar and Cuevas del Almanzora. You can also head to Garrucha and enjoy the delicious Garrucha shrimp.

4. Barcelona, the city of a thousand faces

Whatever atmosphere you are looking for, you can be sure that you will find it in Barcelona. There is so much to see that you will have to manage your time very well, because there are places that are absolutely unmissable.

The Catalan capital is inextricably linked to the figure of the architect Antoni Gaudí. Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, and, of course, the unparalleled Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which, although still under construction, is well worth a leisurely visit.

If after all this you are still hungry for more, take a stroll down Las Ramblas (the city’s nerve center) or disconnect from everything in Park Güell.

5. Madrid, a capital full of life

Madrid is not as large as other European capitals, but it can boast of having a great life. At any time of the day or night, you will find people on the street and there always seem to be activities to attend.

If you like architecture, don’t miss the Madrid of the Austrias, with impressive buildings like the Royal Palace. Precisely near the palace, you will find something you might not expect to see in Spain: an authentic Egyptian temple.

The Temple of Debod dates back to the 2nd century BC and was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain for its help in building the Aswan Dam. It was brought stone by stone and assembled as if it were a puzzle.

6. Toledo, from imperial capital to spectacular city

Between 1519 and 1561, Toledo was the capital of the empire of Charles V, and that is something that is still noticeable in its streets today. It is one of the best-preserved cities and remains quiet enough for tourists to enjoy it.

Known as the City of Three Cultures, in its streets you can find traces of the passage of Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, the Cathedral, the Alcántara Bridge, and the Alcázar are must-visits. And you shouldn’t leave the city without going to the Mirador del Valle to appreciate all its beauty.

7. San Sebastián, the pearl of the Basque Country

Whether it’s the elegant Vitoria or the cosmopolitan Bilbao, as well as hundreds of small charming villages that are a true haven of peace, the Basque Country is full of places that are well worth a visit. However, San Sebastián has always stood out among the rest, as it is a city that uniquely combines the stately lifestyle with the lifestyle of the sea people.

In this city, you can enjoy pleasant walks along La Concha beach, admiring its famous lampposts and its curious railing. But you can also sit quietly around the Miramar Palace. Of course, you can’t leave without tasting the pintxos in the old part of the city and taking the funicular to enjoy the views from Mount Igueldo.

8. Cuenca, a history lesson

In Castilla-La Mancha is the city of Cuenca, where the traces of its medieval and Arab past are still clearly appreciable. Especially famous are its Hanging Houses, which leave visitors speechless because they seem to be suspended in the void. In addition, in one of them, there is a tavern where you can enjoy the local cuisine.

The Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, and the skyscrapers of the San Martín neighborhood give this quiet city a unique

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