Spain is one of the few travel destinations in the world with such a diverse selection of locations to see and the most visited tourist attractions to explore.
These are just a few instances of the breathtaking natural nature and beauty that this European country is home to, including the untamed Sierra Nevada mountain range and the lovely white sand and turquoise lagoons of its Mediterranean islands, like Ibiza.
The nation’s numerous regions and varied cultures add to its attraction. A significant portion of this region’s history can be found in a single medieval city.
Many Spanish cities are home to ancient Roman remains of Islamic buildings from the Moorish era, medieval castles and fortifications, as well as palaces and homes from the Castilian and Hapsburg ages. The majority also feature a significant amount of modern Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modernist buildings.
The nation also epitomizes everything that pertains to the pure enjoyment of life: delectable food, outstanding art, incredible music, lively dances, and warm, hospitable people.
18 Famous Places in Spain To Visit This Year
We’ve compiled a list of the 18 famous places in Spain to help you plan your travels there.
1. Burgos
Burgos, one of the best cities to visit in Spain, is a historical gem located on the banks of the rivers Arlanza and Duero. Burgos’ Cathedral is a stunning structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, it is well-known for its blood sausages, which you can have at any of the fantastic restaurants in the area.
Burgos Cathedral, Monasterio de las Huelgas, and Arco de Santa Mara are among the top attractions. Travel is most enjoyable in July and August.
Activities
Go on a local sightseeing trip. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
2. Madrid: One of the Famous Places in Spain
Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid, is well known for having a thriving nightlife. The city is home to several universities and is made up of a variety of ethnic groups, making it one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse towns.
Madrid is a lovely city with a blend of old and new buildings. The capital city is divided into a number of neighborhoods, each of which has its own personality and attractions in Spain.
These range from historic districts to senior living communities, university districts, multicultural districts, and nightlife areas.
The Puerta del Sol, a sizable plaza that hosts festivals, significant meetings, and street performers, and serves as a central location for the city’s public transportation system, is the city’s beating heart.
Another important neighborhood is Plaza Mayor, which is well-known for its abundance of gift shops, cafes, and the busy San Miguel Market. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
Most of Madrid’s top tourist attractions, including the Royal Palace, where Spain’s king resides, as well as a bevy of magnificent cathedrals and important historical sites, can be found in the city center.
Madrid has many attractions to offer, including stunning parks and zoos, soccer matches, museums, art galleries, and concerts.
3. Seville
The best place to visit in Southern Spain in Seville, because of its outstanding Spain tourist attractions, exciting festivals, and hopping nightlife. The commercial and cultural center of the region is Seville, the capital of Andalusia.
Many stunning and significant historical sites can be found in Seville, the most notable of which is the magnificent Seville Cathedral, where it is thought that Christopher Columbus is interred.
The Real Alcazar, a lavish Moorish palace with sumptuous gardens and a room where Christopher Columbus’s expedition to the New World was planned, is one of the city’s other notable structures.
The Metropol Parasol, a huge wooden structure resembling an umbrella and housing the main market, is the biggest wooden edifice in the entire world.
Seville, the cultural center of the area, offers a vast selection of galleries, museums, and entertainment venues. Seville’s nightlife culture comes alive after dark with its numerous bars, nightclubs, and flamenco dance halls. The April Fair, one of Spain’s most recognized celebrations, is celebrated annually in Seville.
During this time, the city’s streets are transformed into a massive celebration including centuries-old traditions, traditional attire, flamenco dancing, bullfights, and plenty of regional cuisine and drink. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
4. Jerez De La Frontera
Do you wish you were Spanish? You might proceed directly to Jerez. With cobblestone streets, various historic castles and ruins, medieval churches, and a tonne of wine cellars where you may sample the town’s winemaking heritage, it is a magnificent three-thousand-year-old town.
And if you enjoy horses, don’t miss the annual Feria del Caballo, which has been going on for 500 years (the Horse Fair).
Top Attractions are Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral, Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera. Travel is best done between November and March.
Activities
You could take a sightseeing excursion. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
5. Bilbao
Bilbao, the main city in the Basque country of Spain, is located on an estuary barely 16 kilometers from the Bay of Biscay. Due to its environment, which is warmer and wetter than much of the rest of the country, the city’s parks, riverbanks, and surrounding rolling hills are fertile and green.
Before the Guggenheim Museum was built in the 1990s, Bilbao was mostly recognized as a significant seaport and industrial city in northern Spain.
Since then, Vizcaya’s capital city has seen a boom in tourism, which has fueled the rehabilitation of many of its hidden jewels and encouraged economic progress.
The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum hailed as one of the most significant pieces of architecture of its era, now stands as a beacon for Bilbao.
An enormous abstract sculpture that simulates ship outlines and shimmering fish scales is displayed in this enormous complex of connected buildings that is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
The Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, built in the fourteenth century, and the Basilica de Begoa are two other attractions in Bilbao. The Alhondiga, a multipurpose building constructed in 1909 and recently renovated, has a rooftop swimming pool with a glass floor, restaurants, and a library. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
6. Tenerife
The largest Canary Island in Spain, Tenerife, offers a full resort experience. Additionally, it offers some of Spain’s best golf. Although the islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco, flights from Spain and other European cities frequently reach there due to their popularity as a vacation destination.
Players at the Abama Golf resort have the option of playing a round atop a volcano. Playing the course is similar to strolling through a botanical garden with more than 300 subtropical plant varieties, more than 20,000 palm trees, and 22 lakes.
The views are what really lure people here. Nearly every hole on the high course offers picture-perfect vistas of the nearby island of La Gomera and the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to golf, the resort offers opulent lodging, numerous excellent eating establishments, and a top-notch spa. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
7. Santiago de Compostela
The Camino de Santiago, a well-known traditional pilgrimage, comes to an end in Santiago de Compostela, the regional capital of Galicia in northwest Spain.
Many believe that St. James, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is buried in Santiago de Compostela, making this ancient pilgrimage—also known as the Way of St. James—significant.
The majority of pilgrims arrive in the main square, Praza do Obradoiro. Many significant landmarks may be seen in this lively square, which is located in the city’s center, including the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which houses St. James’s Tomb.
Additional historic buildings in this neighborhood are Gelmrez Palace, Rajoy Palace, Catholic Kings Hostal, and San Jeronimo College.
A fantastic place to learn about the history and significance of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is the Pilgrimage Museum, which contrasts with the Museum of the Galician People’s presentation of the culture and history of the region. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
8. Málaga
Málaga offers as yet another outstanding example of the tremendous cultural variations seen in Spanish cities and exhibits the influence of North Africa on the nation.
It is located on the typical, overdeveloped Costa del Sol in Spain, which is only a short ferry trip from Africa. Málaga is a sizable vacation city that nonetheless honours its port city traditions and Spanish (and African) heritage.
This city, which also has a significant museum with an incredible collection of Picasso’s works, is where the artist was born. The architecture and art of this city share a Moorish/Islamic influence with many other southern Spanish cities.
Two hilltop fortifications constructed by the Moors are still standing: Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. There is also a big Renaissance-style cathedral in the area.
The history and culture are balanced with a tangle of generic, contemporary houses and rental apartments vying for coastal vistas. Don’t miss visiting Costa del sol beaches. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
9. Cordoba
The capital of the same-named province in southern Spain’s Andalusian region is Cordoba. Even though Cordoba is a medium-sized city, it has all the Spain’s history and cultural attractions of a thriving metropolis.
The ancient district of Cordoba, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is a tangle of narrow medieval alleyways, plazas, and whitewashed courtyards centered on the city’s main landmark, the Mezquita.
The Mezquita, a magnificent church that retains the majority of its original construction, was originally constructed as a great mosque.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzjGgn_BUAw
Other attractions include the Street of Flowers, the Old Jewish Quarter, with its magnificent patios and gift shops, and the Fortress of the Christian Monarchs.
Several Roman structures from Cordoba’s past as a Roman city still stand today, including the city’s original walls, gates, bridge, amphitheater, and mausoleum.
There are numerous plazas located all across the city that offer a variety of museums, theatres, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
The main square, Plaza de las Tendillas, has a bustling shopping district, whilst Plaza del Port is known for Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
10. Merida
Merida, which the Romans founded in 25 AD, is home to some of Spain’s most impressive, large, and well-preserved ruins. The Guadiana and Albarregas rivers pass through the city, which is now the seat of the autonomous community of Extremadura.
It is located in the western-central region of the Iberian Peninsula. Everywhere you walk, you may see ancient historical sites and archaeological remains because the country has a nearly two-thousand-year history.
One must see the spectacular historic Roman Theatre, which continues to host theatre and flamenco events today.
Along with this, there are magnificent Moorish stronghold ruins, a Roman bridge, an aqueduct, and a hippodrome that have all been maintained amazingly well. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
In addition, the city is home to some stunning Baroque and Gothic churches, as well as various intriguing and educational museums that highlight the city’s lengthy history.
11. Mallorca: One of the Famous Places in Spain
The largest Balearic Island in Spain, Mallorca, boasts jagged cliffs, undiscovered coves, and gorgeous beaches on its shoreline. Brilliant waters of the Mediterranean Sea surround it.
The island has been a well-liked vacation spot for a while because of its wonderful weather and plenty of breathtaking landscapes.
While its stunning coastline is filled with seaside towns and resorts, its hilly interior is home to historic hilltop monasteries and peaceful villages.
Swimming, water sports, and sunbathing are all popular pastimes, and everywhere you go, you can always find delectable local cuisine and seafood. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
The capital and biggest city of Mallorca is called Palma de Mallorca. Visitors can tour a lovely ancient town with meandering small streets and historic structures beneath its gorgeous Gothic cathedral.
Both the charming town of Soller and the gorgeous mountain village of Valldemossa are worth visiting for their stunning, remote surroundings.
12. Toledo
Toledo, located in central Spain on a mountaintop, served as the nation’s capital until the 16th century. The city is occasionally referred to as the “City of Three Cultures” since it was home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims for many years.
The finest thing to do in Toledo is to get lost among the medieval streets and appreciate the gorgeous churches, synagogues, mosques, and impressive old Roman fortresses that make up the city’s historic architecture.
The Zordocover plaza, the scene of numerous historic events, is worth a visit, as are the numerous neighboring stores. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
Toledo has a thriving artistic culture and was formerly the residence of El Greco, one of Spain’s greatest painters.
Numerous museums and galleries can be found around the city, and the Cathedral of Toledo is home to a remarkable collection of artwork by painters including Goya, Raphael, and Titian. Many of the churches and sites in the city contain numerous pieces by El Greco.
13. Barcelona: One of the Famous Places in Spain
Barcelona, which is in northeastern Spain, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region because it has everything travelers are looking for in a European city, from historic buildings to bustling shops, a thriving culture, and booming nightlife.
The primary draw of Barcelona is Ciutat Vella or the Old City. Here is where you’ll find the Gothic Quarter, home to magnificent, medieval cathedrals, Roman ruins, and cobblestone lanes lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzyfbJO3-CM
La Placa Catalunya, a popular gathering spot and the hub for regional transportation services, is flanked by statues and fountains. Barcelona’s pedestrian-only La Rambla and Barceloneta, one of the city’s most well-known beaches, are popular places to stroll and sunbathe.
Barcelona has a long history of supporting sports, and Nou Camp, the world’s largest football stadium, is located there. Don’t forget to tour the Barcelona park Guell as well. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
14. Valencia
Trade with foreign nations has a long history in Valencia, a port city in Spain, mainly with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is located on the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean country. Since the city is on the coast, there are some lovely beaches to enjoy.
There are several museums in the city. The Museum of Fine Arts, with its outstanding collection of works by Spanish masters including El Greco and Goya, is a highlight.
In the ancient heart of the old city, there is a sizable cathedral in the Gothic style, as well as the remains of the old city wall.
Visit the Torres de Serranos, one of the few still-standing gateways to the walled city that was a jail for more than 300 years. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
When you’re hungry, go to the city’s Mercado Central, a sizable market hall designed in the Art Nouveau style that was constructed in 1914 and is home to food vendors and cafés.
15. Cuenca
A popular tourist destination in Spain’s Castilla La Mancha region is Cuenca, which is placed dangerously at the meeting point of two conjoined river valleys.
Its strategic location has led to conflicts, conquests, and domination by Muslims and Christians. In the early 1800s, Napoleon himself left his mark on the area.
The ancient old town of this place is interesting to explore because of the several antique churches, a cathedral, and a castle that can be found hidden among the winding pathways.
The brilliant colors and daring motifs that decorate the walls of the city’s many modern art galleries and museums stand in stark contrast to the warm color palettes of the beautiful structures. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
The lovely city of Cuenca is notable for its hanging houses, also known as Casas colgadas, which are built over the edge of the clifftop on which it is perched.
These enormous buildings, which can be seen best from the San Pablo Bridge, are not only amazing feats of architecture but also make for some incredible pictures.
16. San Sebastian: One of the Famous Places in Spain
The provincial capital of Gipuzko, San Sebastian, is found in northern Spain’s Basque region, close to the Bay of Biscay. The magnificent beaches and outstanding culinary traditions of this picturesque seaside city are well-known.
San Sebastian is a small, charming city with distinct neighborhoods that are teeming with restaurants, pintxo bars, designer shops, and a covered mall.
Following the nearly total destruction of the city during the Napoleonic Wars, many historic buildings in the Old Town were reconstructed during the 19th century.
The most well-known of these beaches, Playa de la Concha, which offers sunbathing and water activities including swimming, kayaking, and water skiing, is found in San Sebastian.
San Sebastian is home to some of the nicest beaches in all of Europe. Many surfers visit Playa de la Zurriola, which also offers surfboard and bodyboard rentals.
Two tall hills, Monte Urgell and Mount Igueldo, which overlook the city, provide hiking trails, funicular rides, amusement parks, impressive statues, and breathtaking vistas. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
17. Ronda
Ronda, in the south of Spain, sits atop the slender El Tajo gorge and looks out over the hills and valleys below in one of the most spectacular landscapes imaginable.
The most recognizable building in the city, Puente Nuevo, was built in 1793 and spans the entire ravine.
The spectacular bridge connects El Ciudad, the city’s former Moorish neighborhood, with the more modern El Mercadillo neighborhood. El Ciudad is known for its magnificent cathedrals, sumptuous mansions, and gorgeous gardens.
The town’s neoclassical bullring is the oldest of its kind in the nation and is regarded as the birthplace of contemporary Spanish bullfighting.
Ronda’s rich cultural heritage, history, and picturesque clifftop setting have always drawn writers and poets alike. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
18. Segovia: One of the Famous Places in Spain
Segovia, the provincial capital and main city, is situated in a picturesque area with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising in the background. On Spain’s Inner Plateau, its sun-kissed streets span the Eresma River, and Valladolid and Madrid are nearby.
The historical sites in Segovia are well-known. The Roman-built Aqueduct of Segovia, which was constructed in 100 AD, is located inside the city’s walled Old Town. It is one of the famous places in Spain to visit.
The other main attraction is Segovia’s stunning Alcazar, which is set atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.
It is said that Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by the medieval castle and palace, which features stunning architecture and was once one of the Kings of Castile’s favorite royal residences.
Final Remark
There are many famous places in Spain to visit.
These include the Alhambra, the Guggenheim Museum, the Cathedral of Valencia, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. Each of these locations has something unique to offer, and there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Spain is a treasure trove of cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes! This article beautifully captures the essence of this vibrant country. This well-curated list seems a perfect guide to exploring the diverse beauty and rich history that make Spain a top destination for every avid traveller. Can’t wait to visit and explore this place one day.