Top 10 Places to Visit in Spain
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Today, Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. Spain has a long and storied history. The country is filled with diverse cultures and geography, making it a very interesting country to visit. Check out below for the top 10 places to visit in Spain.
#10. Tenerife
One of the best places to visit in Spain is the Canary Islands, and one of the most popular islands to visit is Tenerife. This island is a popular holiday destination due to its great weather and beautiful beaches. However, there is so much more to Tenerife.[1]Culture Trip – The Top 10 Things To See and Do in Tenerife
One of the biggest events on the islands is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In fact, it is also one of the biggest carnivals and human gatherings in the entire world. In addition, it is is the process of being designated an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World.
The second largest city, and former capitol of the island, La Laguna, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of its crowning features is the University of La Laguna, the oldest university in the Canary Islands having been founded in 1792.
For the nature lovers, there is also a lot to do and see in Tenerife. The Teide National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the center of the island, the volcano, El Teide is the 3rd largest volcano in the world, highest elevation in the Atlantic, and the highest point in Spain. In addition, Macizo de Anaga is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the largest number of unique species in all of Europe.
If that is not enough, Tenerife is also home to the best water park in the world, Siam Park and the best zoo in the world, Loro Parque.
#9. Costa Brava
Costa Brava, in the north eastern part of Spain, has some of the most beautiful, romantic, and unspoiled beaches in all of Europe. The area is the perfect mix of wild and tamed. It has some of the best beaches in all of Europe from long beautiful stretches of sand to secret hidden bays.[2]The Telegraph – The 14 best place to visit in Spain – and where to stay when there A few of the most popular include, Sant Pol de Mar, Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes, Sa Caleta, Lloret de Mar, and Cala Bona, Tossa de Mar.
Costa Brava is also filled with many great independent hotels and fine dining, making it easy to visit and enjoy. In fact, the Costa Brava region has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred chefs in all of Spain. You are bound to experience some of the best food that Catalonia has to offer.
#8. Barcelona
No trip to Spain is complete without visiting Barcelona. In fact, it is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Barcelona is the capitol of Catalonia.[3]Expatica – Top 10 place to visit in Spain In addition, it is the center for shopping, nightlife, culture, and art in the region. Needless to say, there is a little bit of something for everyone in this beautiful cosmopolitan city.
The city has so much to do. Some of the most popular sites and attractions are, the Gothic quarter, La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, running along the beach, and Las Ramblas. Check out the Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona for some more in depth information about the city and what to do there.
#7. The Spanish Pyrenees
The Spanish Pyrenees is one of the best places to visit in Spain, especially if you want to get away from the crowds and tourists in Barcelona. There is a lot of fun outdoor activities to do here.
In the winter, one of the most popular things to do is go snowboarding or skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees. In fact, since it is not that far from Barcelona, it is a great weekend trip idea from the city. A few of the most popular resorts include La Molina, Vallter 2000, Vall de Núria, and Masella.
In the summer, come back to the area for some great hiking. For example, in Ripollès, take the railway up to Vall de Núria for several different hiking trails with a full range of difficulty.
For the geology lover, the Spanish Pyrenees is one of the best places to visit in Spain. the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is among the best examples of volcanic landscape in all of Europe.
If traveling means eating well, then the Spanish Pyrenees is the place for you. You can find all of the best popular Catalan foods such as Catalan sausages (butifarra), pa amb tomàquet (bread and tomato with olive oil), mar i muntanya (meat and seafood combo dishes), and ratafia (a local herbal liquor) in this area.[4]Independent Travel Cats – A Guide to Visiting the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia: A Lesser Known Region of Spain
For the history buff, the Spanish Pyrenees is filled with plenty of medieval history. One of the most popular medieval cities is Besalú in La Garrotxa.
Culture
Lastly, it is impossible to visit the Spanish Pyrenees without getting a little bit of local culture. The Spanish people, and especially those living in Catalonia, love holidays and festivals. Some of the most popular and unique ones in the area include:
- Correfoc – a parade of fire-spitting dancers
- Castelleres – human towers of up to 10 people tall
- Gegants – festivals where people wear massive papier-mâché heads and costumes
#6. Almeria
One of the best places to visit in Spain is Almeria. The region is extremely unique due to the fact that it is the only desert region in all of Europe. One of the most famous areas is the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. This coastal area has pristine beaches, salt flats, and sun soaked fishing villages.[5]Culture Trip – 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Almería, Europe’s Only Desert
When visiting, if the area looks familiar, don’t be too surprised. In fact, the area looks so similar to the American Wild West, that many popular classic western films were actually filmed here including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
#5. Granada
#4. Pamplona
Pamplona is the capitol of the Navarra region in northern Spain and is one of the best places to visit in Spain. The city is most famous for the annual “Running of the Bulls” during the Fiesta de San Fermín held in early July for a full week.[7]Escape Here – The 12 Most Beautiful and Underrated Cities in Spain
However, there is much more to do in the city, especially for those who don’t want to risk their life running from bulls. One of the best parts of Pamplona to visit is the Old Quarter with its pretty parks, architecture, and churches. In addition, the Museum of Navarra is a must visit attraction in the Old Quarter. it is in an old 16th century hospital and has a great collection of mosaics and artifcats from the Roman period as well as Renaissance paintings, 13th century murals, and even the famous Goya painting of Marqués de San Adrián.
#3. Mallorca
Mallorca is one of the best places to visit in Spain. In fact, it is one of the favorite vacation spots for the Spanish royal family. In addition, Mallorca is at the top of the list of the best islands in Spain, and one fo the best islands in the entire world due to its beaches, history and architecture, mountains, and much more.
For those looking for a bit of sand and relaxation, their are several beaches to choose from on Mallorca. However, perhaps the best one is Playa de Muro with its famous crystal clear water and white sand.
If you are interested in history, Mallorca does not disappoint. Le Seu cathedral in Palma de Mallorca is one of the top Spain attractions. It is a Gothic cathedral on top of a former Arabic mosque.
For those wanted to get in a bit of exercise, consider hiking the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. In fact, the area as such a great cultural and geographic significance for the island that it is an UNESCO World heritage Site.[8]The Local – Mallorca is one of world’s best islands… and here’s why
#2. Maspalomas
There are many great places to visit in the Spanish Canary Islands. However, perhaps one of the best places to visit in Spain is Maspalomas. Beautiful sand dunes in contrast to the striking blue ocean right next to it are its distinguishing features.[9]touropia – 12 Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Spain
However, before going, it is important to note that the beach is divided into sections. The first area is great for families and children. However, the next section is a popular place for nude sunbathers.
#1. San Sebastián
San Sebastián is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Golden sand beaches and beautiful green hills surround San Sebastián. One of the best beaches to visit is Playa de la Zurriola. In addition, if you don’t mind taking a quick boat ride, consider heading over to the small island of Isla de Santa Clara and enjoy the beaches there as well.
If you prefer to stay in San Sebastián, walking around the city is a delight. The city has many beautiful art nouveau buildings, bridges, parks, and plazas making it very pedestrian friendly.[10]lonely planet – San Sebastián is sophisticated city sands
After all that walking, you are bound to be hungry, and San Sebastián does not disappoint. In fact, it is one of the best dining cities in the world with many Michelin starred restaurants. Being right next to the ocean, you can find some of the best seafood and fresh oysters to snack on. In addition, don’t forget to get some pintxos a type of Basque tapas. The local chefs are great at mixing the local ingredients and adding their own unique Basque flair.
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