From Madrid to Zaragoza, via Bilbao, Barcelona and Andalusia: what to see in Spain through 10 truly unmissable places.
The Spainit is one of the most popular countries for a holiday thanks to its incredible beauty and wealth of tourist attractions. Are you also planning a trip to the land of Miguel de Cervantes and Pablo Picasso? In this small guide you will find some advice on what to see in Spain and its 10 unmissable places (highly recommended if you have decided to organize a trip on your own and follow this7 days itinerary in Spain).
What to see in Spain: 10 unmissable places
You are spoiled for choice on what to do and what to see in Spain. From historical monuments to artistic masterpieces to natural beauties: this country meets all your passions. Below you will find a list of the 10 must-see places in Spain, as well as the best things to see, to make planning your trip easier.
Madrid
Madridis known for being the city ofnightlife. However, the capital of Spain is also full of museums, parks, churches and many other must-see attractions. If you love art you can definitely make a stop atPrado Museumto admire a large collection of artists such as Goya, Caravaggio, Raphael and Velasquez or at the Reina Sofia Museum, where there are important paintings by Dalì, Mirò and Picasso. Among the best things to see in the capital of Spain I recommend the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family that you could visit with atour with private entrance, and the iconic Plaza Mayor. If you follow football, you might also like to take a tour of theSantiago Bernabeu stadiumwhere Real Madrid plays its matches.
Barcelona
From the busy Rambla to the Barceloneta beach to the Gothic Quarter,Barcelonait is a city that never sleeps. In the capital of Catalonia you will not only find unbridled entertainment, but also architectural masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllò, Casa Milà and Gaudì's Park Guell, and artistic masterpieces such as the exhibitions of the Picasso Museum and the Mirò Foundation.
Bilbao
Bilbao is the emblem of the most modern and innovative side of Spain, as well as a must-see! Among the many skyscrapers you will find one of the pearls of the north of the country, the Guggenheim Museum, the contemporary art museum designed by the architect Frank Gehry which you could visit by skipping the line with apriority ticket with private guide. You will also be able to take the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of the Basque Country region.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BILBAO: Find all the offers for accommodations
Zaragoza
South of the Pyrenees, in the city of Zaragoza, you will find a mix between the Catholic soul of Spain and the past Islamic domination. In the capital of Aragon, known for the Baroque Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, you can visit Mudéjar-style monuments such as the Aljaferia castle, which dates back to medieval times.
Valencia
The city of Valencia, along the east coast, certainly could not be missing from the list of things to see in Spain. Its best-known attraction is the City of Arts and Sciences: this avant-garde construction, designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, now includes five museums. In Valencia you can also taste the original version of thePaella, since it was invented in this city. It is also worth visiting the Albufera park, one of the largest in Europe, or taking a walk in the Barrio del Carmen. In this old quarter stands the magnificent cathedral where, according to legend, the Holy Grail is hidden. Furthermore, if you are looking for an original way to visit Valencia, you could consider a nice onesunset cruise.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN VALENCIA: Find all the accommodation offers
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, is the most mystical city in Spain. Not only is it the arrival destination of the best-known spiritual pilgrimage in the world (known precisely as "Santiago's walk”), but believers believe that the remains of the apostle St. James are in his Baroque Cathedral.
Andalusia
Land of flamenco and passion, Andalusia is this and much more. This region is affected by the past Arab domination in many attractions, such as the Alcázar of the capitalSeville, L 'Alhambra of Granadaand the Mezquita mosque-cathedralCordoba.
Malaga
In Malaga, culture is the protagonist considering that you will find a museum on Picasso, originally from this city, and another thirty museums on varied themes. If your intention is to go in the summer, you can also go to El Palo, La Caleta or La Malagueta, the best known beaches in Malaga, and participate in aflamenco dancing evening. The capital of the Costa del Sol is also known for its special dishes including the fritura malagueña and the "mountain wine".
Canary Islands
To Canary Islands, northwest of theAfrica, there are mild temperatures all year round and an extraordinary sea. Each of the seven islands that make up the archipelago has something unique and spectacular that is worth discovering. The largest and most touristic island isTenerife. Gran Canaria, also known as the Island of Health, has an incomparable natural heritage.Fuerteventurait is the most frequented by those who love water sports such as surfing. TOThe Palmthere is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, perfect for hiking in the countryside.Lanzarote ha un aspetto selvaggio: la terra vulcanica dal colore scuro dona la sensazione di trovarsi sulla luna.
Balearic Islands
Dream beaches, breathtaking views, transparent sea, unique excursion itineraries and unmissable nightlife: the Balearic Islands are perfect for your holiday if you love contact with nature. They are on this list of the best things to see in Spain because, without a doubt, your trip should include a visit to one of the islands that make up this archipelago. You can choose between Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca, even with godsbeautiful catamaran tours.