What to do in Spain?

Do you want to visit Spain during your next vacation but don’t know what to see or where to go?

Well, you’re lucky!

Our guide to things to do and see in Spain will help you get an idea of the country and plan your travel itinerary.

For each place, I will talk about the must-see attractions of the region, helping you discover the best places to visit and the cities to see in Spain.

So, what to do in Spain? Start discovering the most beautiful cities and attractions of the Iberian Peninsula now!

Must-See Places in Spain

1. Barcelona

The legendary city of Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region, is the most visited city in Spain. It offers superb beaches, numerous museums, a charming historic center, a vibrant nightlife, and tapas bars that shouldn’t be missed.

Don’t miss the very original monuments built by the architect Antoni Gaudí!

Must-see spots in Barcelona:

• The Sagrada Familia
• Park Güell
• Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, two buildings designed by Gaudí
• The Gothic Quarter
• La Rambla, the iconic avenue of Barcelona
• Montjuïc Hill, where you can find the botanical garden and the Olympic facilities from the 1992 Olympics
• Camp Nou, the legendary stadium of FC Barcelona

If you love thrilling experiences, take a trip to the Port Aventura amusement park, 1.5 hours from Barcelona.

2. Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a must-visit due to its lively and bustling atmosphere.

Personally, I loved wandering the streets in the evening, trying tapas in different bars, and mingling with the Spanish youth gathered in the main squares.

Madrid also has numerous places to discover. Here are some of the most interesting:

• The Palace of Cybele, known for its beautiful architecture
• Plaza Mayor of Madrid
• The Royal Palace of Madrid
• The Prado Museum
• The stunning Retiro Park, one of the best-maintained parks in Europe

If you’re in Madrid for a few days, don’t miss a day trip to the magnificent Escurial Monastery, 45 km from the city.

3. Seville

Located in the heart of Andalusia, Seville is a prime destination for your tour in Spain!

The city enjoys pleasant weather year-round, a rich cultural heritage, and an exceptional environment between sea and mountains. Enjoy its warm atmosphere, meet friendly locals, and bask in the southern heat!

Must-see spots in Seville:

• Plaza de España
• Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
• The Alcazar of Seville, a marvel of architecture, and its gardens
• The bullring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla
• The Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) by the Alfonso XIII Canal

4. El Torcal de Antequera Natural Reserve

Considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain, the El Torcal de Antequera reserve features impressive rock formations, reminiscent of a miniature Grand Canyon. These natural sculptures, formed over millennia of erosion, are worth the visit.

The surrounding area is wild, and walking among these eroded rocks gives you a sense of nature’s power and humility.

With a bit of luck, you might even encounter some wild goats frolicking in this preserved landscape.

5. Santiago de Compostela

Famous worldwide, Santiago de Compostela is the ultimate stop of the famous pilgrimage. Each year, thousands of people set out on foot, on horseback, or by bike to this mythical destination.

Once there, you’ll discover an incredible cultural and historical wealth, earning the city a place on the World Heritage list. Don’t miss:

• The impressive cathedral
• The medieval historic center
• The typical winding streets of the city

6. Cordoba

Also located in Andalusia, Cordoba is my favorite city in the region!

The city’s most famous monument is the Mezquita, an astonishing blend of a mosque and a cathedral. Its various architectural styles will intrigue enthusiasts, and its dozens of colorful arches will delight the whole family.

Cordoba is a pleasant city to stroll around, and its old center is full of remarkable monuments. Things to do in Cordoba:

• The Mezquita, also known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
• The historic center
• The Calahorra Tower, the famous Roman Bridge, and the Gate of the Bridge
• The Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs of Cordoba, with its beautiful garden
• The Roman Temple of Cordoba

A visit to Cordoba can easily be done in one day from Seville, as the two cities are only 40 minutes apart by express train! The round-trip ticket costs about $32.

7. Zaragoza

Zaragoza is one of my favorite cities in Spain.

It’s a relatively untouristed city, off the beaten path, making it a pleasure to explore.

Built on the banks of the Río Ebro, Zaragoza reveals all its charm at sunset, with its romantic bridge and its basilica that looks like it’s from a fairy tale. Must-see spots:

• The Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar
• The fortified palace of Aljaferia
• The old Roman fortifications

8. The Roman Ruins of Mérida

This is the largest Roman archaeological site in Spain.

The site of Mérida, which takes its name from the city itself, can be visited with a pass costing about $13.

This pass grants access to the massive amphitheater, the ruins of a 2000-year-old theater, and all other constructions, giving you a good idea of the lifestyle of Spaniards under Roman rule. The site is so well preserved that you almost feel like you’re there…

The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida is also worth a visit!

9. Toledo

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Toledo is a charming city located south of Madrid.

With its aura of a city frozen in time, Toledo boasts a rich architectural heritage influenced by various civilizations. This results in a unique atmosphere, varied and original buildings, and a particularly open-minded population.

Things to do in Toledo:

• The Alcázar of Toledo
• The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo
• The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo
• The Santa María la Blanca Synagogue

10. The Coastline of the Rías Baixas

The Rías Baixas represent a series of valleys separated by the sea, forming the northwest coast of Spain. This region is relatively unknown to tourists, but the scenery is exceptional!

However, having a car is necessary to enjoy the Rías Baixas; otherwise, accessing the most beautiful spots might be difficult.

Must-do: Stay until sunset. The evening light on the ocean offers great photo opportunities. The five Rías that make up the Rías Baixas are:

• Ría de Corcubión
• Ría de Muros y Noya
• Ría de Arosa
• Ría de Pontevedra
• Ría de Vigo

11. Valencia

Valencia is one of the most visited Spanish cities by Americans and also one of the cheapest to fly to (you can get a round-trip ticket for about $22 in low season).

The city charms visitors with its mix of old and modern architecture and its relaxed atmosphere.

Must-see spots in Valencia:

• Plaza de la Virgen
• The City of Arts and Sciences, including the Oceanogràfic, an aquarium with stunning architecture!
• Barrio del Carmen
• The Turia Gardens, a public park in the former riverbed of the Turia
• Torres de Serranos
• The Cathedral of Valencia

12. Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

This park, located in the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France, is easily accessible and worth the visit!

Nature and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy its many miles of marked trails in a breathtaking landscape.

Located at the foot of Monte Perdido, the Ordesa National Park is full of canyons, peaks, valleys, and waterfalls (like the Cola de Caballo waterfall), making it one of the most beautiful parks on the peninsula. The wildlife is also abundant!

13. The Aqueduct of Segovia

You might have heard of the Aqueduct of Segovia, built by the Romans in the 1st century AD.

This structure is impressive, stretching over 800 meters and built with 20,000 granite blocks. It is the largest Roman relic in Spain and is very photogenic!

If you go to Segovia, don’t miss its historic center and the beautiful monuments it contains, like the Alcazar of Segovia and the magnificent cathedral.

14. Caminito del Rey

For thrill-seekers: Caminito del Rey is a dizzying path that lets you explore Spain’s most beautiful gorges.

Its peculiarity? The walkways are fixed directly on the cliffside, meaning you walk right above the void.

The views are stunning and, despite my fear of heights, the experience remains one of my best memories in Spain!

Once known as the most dangerous path in the world, Caminito del Rey can now be safely explored thanks to renovations.

Caminito del Rey is easily accessible by car from Ronda (50 min), Antequera (50 min), and Malaga (1 hour).

15. Picos de Europa National Park

This national park was among the first to be created in Spain. It is composed of three main rocky massifs and offers numerous hiking opportunities in a movie-worthy landscape.

Don’t miss the view of Naranjo de Bulnes peak, which is perfect for photographs. If you can do only one hike, choose the Ruta del Cares, which takes you through stunning gorges.

16. Ronda

The peculiarity of this city in Andalusia is that it is split in two by a 130-meter-deep ravine.

Located 62 miles from Málaga, the city of Ronda is worth a visit, if only to photograph this unusual setup!

When you cross the New Bridge, which separates the two halves of Ronda, you’ll have an incredible view of the surrounding valley. Take the time to wander through the charming streets of this city, you won’t regret it!

17. Valladolid

Known for its diverse architecture, Valladolid will delight monument enthusiasts.

Influenced by various civilizations, the city has developed a unique character. If you have time, you can visit dozens of churches, palaces, squares, parks, and monuments of all kinds.

Must-see spots in Valladolid:

• The National Sculpture Museum located in the beautiful Colegio de San Gregorio
• The Royal Palace of Valladolid
• The Cathedral of Valladolid

Around Valladolid, don’t miss the Peñafiel Castle on the heights of the eponymous town. It’s not very visited but definitely worth seeing.

18. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

To visit the Cabo de Gata-Níjar park in Andalusia, stay at least two nights in the nearby town of San José.

This way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy nearly deserted beautiful beaches and admire the turquoise color of the sea.

Be careful, it gets hot in the summer! This natural park is located in one of the driest regions in Europe, and it was used as a set for many spaghetti westerns in the 1960s!

It’s one of the most unique places to see in Spain.

19. Montserrat

The Montserrat massif is located in Catalonia, about 37 miles from Barcelona.

Its rare geological formations attract specialists every year who come to study them, making it a unique place.

But the area is especially known to the public for the Abbey of Montserrat, which offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding valley.

20. Granada

Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, notably thanks to its famous Alhambra, which is featured on all the city’s postcards.

Located in Andalusia, the heart of the city beats to the rhythm of the South: it’s a great place to live, the locals are friendly, and there are plenty of monuments. It’s an excellent choice for a trip to Spain!

Main attractions to visit in Granada:

• The Alhambra, of course, a must-see among must-sees, including the Generalife gardens, the Palace of Charles V, and the Nasrid Palaces
• The San Nicolas viewpoint, offering an incredible view of the city
• The richly decorated Basilica of San Juan de Dios (I had never seen so many gold decorations!)
• The historic center of Granada with its alleys and monuments

21. Cadiz

Located on the west coast of Andalusia, by the Atlantic Ocean, Cadiz isn’t very touristy, but its historic center, small port, and two forts overlooking the ocean are really charming!

Must-see spots in Cadiz:

• San Sebastian Castle
• Santa Catalina Castle
• The Roman Theater of Gadès
• Cadiz Cathedral
• The Monument to the 1812 Constitution
• Central Market

When arriving in Cadiz from the mainland, you’ll likely cross the Constitution of 1812 Bridge, opened in 2015, which has impressive architecture!

22. Bardenas Reales

The Bardenas Reales Desert, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is perfect for a weekend getaway, especially if you live near the Pyrenean border with Spain.

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Bayonne will transport you to an entirely different world! Spanning nearly 42,000 hectares, you can admire a landscape of rocks shaped entirely by erosion.

Don’t miss the Castil de Tierra, a massive fairy chimney, emblematic of the desert.

Many hiking trails are available, but you can also explore it by bike, motorbike, or car. For TV show fans, some scenes from season 6 of Game of Thrones were filmed here.

23. Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park

This is the last natural park mentioned in this top things to do in Spain.

Located between Malaga and Ronda in Andalusia, it’s worth visiting if you’re in the area. The Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park has several mountain ranges rich in vegetation and wildlife.

Dominated by Pico Torrecilla, which rises to 1919 meters, the park offers numerous hiking opportunities in an enchanting landscape of pine forests.

24. Antequera

Not far from Malaga and the previously mentioned park, the town of Antequera holds many hidden treasures: several baroque churches, a vast and beautiful main square, small parks scattered throughout the town, and other monuments to discover.

Must-see spots in Antequera:

• The Alcazaba, which overlooks the town and the Arco de los Gigantes visible on the way there.
• The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor de Antequera
• El Carmen Church, worth seeing for its beautiful interior

What makes Antequera unique is the set of prehistoric dolmens discovered on the outskirts of the town. They are quite rare in Spain!

25. Avila

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, the town of Avila is known for its impressive wall built in the Middle Ages to defend the town from Moorish attacks.

The wall stretches for 2500 meters and has no less than 88 towers, completely encircling the town and being incredibly well-preserved.

Enjoy the medieval atmosphere of Avila, which has the charm of a small medieval village.

Avila is a 1.5-hour drive from Madrid, making it perfect for a day trip.

26. Burgos

The town of Burgos is known as the birthplace of El Cid.

Despite being heavily modernized during Franco’s dictatorship, Burgos still has several monuments worth visiting.

Among them is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain (and the third largest). It’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town has focused on greenery, so you’ll enjoy wandering through its medieval center, dotted with parks and green spaces of all kinds.

27. The Balearic Islands

Finally, to wrap up this list, let’s talk about some of the Spanish islands you shouldn’t miss, starting with the Balearic Islands!

Majorca

Majorca, the largest of the Spanish islands, attracts the most tourists every year.

This paradise island offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes: turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, dense forests, and mountains perfect for hiking. There’s something for everyone.

Must-see spots in Majorca:

• The stunning beaches and coves: Es Trenc, Cala Mondrago, Cala Figuera, and many others
• The capital city, Palma, with its impressive cathedral and charming old town
• The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, ideal for hiking and exploring traditional villages

Minorca

Like the little sister of Majorca, Minorca is less well-known.

Better preserved than its neighbor, it will delight nature and tranquility lovers. Its beaches are beautiful and less crowded, its coasts offer various water activities, and its villages are charming.

Don’t miss the must-see spots:

• Mahon, the capital of the island
• The Fortress of La Mola
• Ciutadella
• The stunning beaches and coves: Sa Caleta, Cala Pregonda, Cala Mitjana, Cala en Turqueta, Cavalleria Beach
• The Cami de Cavalls for a hike in Minorca

Ibiza

Even though this island now has a reputation for partying, alcohol, and luxury, it has much more to offer.

Stay away from the crowded southern coast full of young Europeans looking to party, and you’ll discover the real Ibiza.

This is a preserved island, with 210 km of coastline and beaches that offer everyone a pleasant moment of relaxation. Explore its coastal paths, discover its typical villages, and take the time to uncover the old Ibiza, the part that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island of Formentera, just 30 minutes by boat from Ibiza, is also worth visiting!

28. Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands.

Conquered by the Spaniards over 500 years ago, this island has several paradise beaches, Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, natural parks, a zoo, volcanoes, and more.

Its mild weather year-round makes it an ideal destination for a winter trip to Spain. But be careful with flight ticket prices, which can vary greatly depending on the booking time!

29. Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the most exotic of the Canary Islands. Its lunar landscapes will surely surprise you; I personally felt like I was discovering another world!

Its lands are covered with black ash, and vegetation is almost non-existent, with only a few succulent plants surviving. Lanzarote is famous for its wine, produced from vines cultivated in a unique way.

Must-see spots:

• La Cueva de los Verdes, a lava tube you can visit
• Timanfaya National Park
• The Chinijo Archipelago and its natural park
• The Cactus Garden

30. Gran Canaria

Like its sisters, the island of Gran Canaria attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy the exceptional climate of the region.

The range of activities is quite similar to what Tenerife offers: many paradise beaches, charming villages, vibrant nightlife in some bars, exploration of volcanoes, and countless hiking opportunities.

So, what are your plans for Spain?

This comprehensive guide invites you to explore Spain’s most enchanting cities and regions.

Enjoy your trip!

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