Spain isn’t just one country—it’s a colorful mix of cultures, languages, landscapes, and lifestyles that shift as you move from region to region. From the Gothic alleyways of Barcelona to the windswept beaches of Tarifa, there’s something for every type of traveler here. Whether you’re after Moorish palaces, Basque pintxos, dramatic mountain hikes, or lazy afternoons sipping sangria in a sunny plaza, Spain delivers.
Let’s dive into the very best places to visit across this sun-soaked country—and trust me, some of these might surprise you.
1. Barcelona
Best for architecture lovers and urban explorers
Barcelona is one of those cities where the streets themselves are a gallery. The moment you land, you’ll feel the creative buzz—Gaudí’s fingerprints are everywhere. Start with the Sagrada Família, still unfinished after over 140 years, with its surreal towers reaching skyward. Then head to Park Güell, a whimsical hilltop escape where colorful mosaics and curvy benches overlook the city.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is perfect for wandering—expect narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and Roman ruins popping out of nowhere. I always stop by Mercado de la Boquería for fresh jamón ibérico and a fresh-squeezed juice.
At sunset, make your way to Bunkers del Carmel—not a bunker anymore, just an epic viewpoint where locals bring beers and music to watch the skyline glow. And if you’re craving beach vibes? Barceloneta is just a 15-minute walk from the city center. Grab a cold Estrella Damm, dip your toes in the Med, and soak up the scene.
2. Granada
Best for history buffs and romantic souls
Granada is a heart-stealer, no question. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this Andalusian gem is home to the Alhambra, a former Moorish palace that’s equal parts fortress and fairy tale. You’ll need to book tickets in advance—it’s wildly popular—but it’s worth every second. The Palacios Nazaríes, with intricate carvings and mirrored pools, are jaw-dropping.
Wander the Albaicín, Granada’s old Arab quarter, and get lost in whitewashed lanes lined with jasmine. I always grab a tea and pastry in one of the Moroccan-style teterías here. And when the sun sets, head to the Mirador de San Nicolás—you’ll see the Alhambra glowing under the golden sky, with the snowy peaks in the distance.
Tapas culture here is the real deal: order a drink and you’ll get free tapas. Try berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey)—sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
Granada is perfect if you want a mix of romance, history, and a slower pace. You’ll hear a lot of “olé” and flamenco echoes in the air—it’s that kind of soulful city.
3. Seville
Best for culture seekers and flamenco fans
Seville (Sevilla) is like stepping into a live painting—colorful tiles, orange trees, and flamenco rhythms fill the air. The city oozes charm and Andalusian flair, especially in the Santa Cruz neighborhood with its maze of alleys and flower-draped balconies.
The Seville Cathedral is a giant Gothic masterpiece—you’ll find Christopher Columbus’s tomb here. Climb the Giralda Tower for views across the city rooftops. Just across from it is the Real Alcázar, a dreamy royal palace with Moorish arches, lush gardens, and tiled courtyards. Game of Thrones fans, this was the palace of Dorne in Season 5.
At night, go to a tablao (flamenco venue)—I like Casa de la Memoria for an authentic, intimate show. You’ll feel every stomp, strum, and cry.
If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the Feria de Abril—think horse parades, ruffled dresses, dancing, and nonstop parties in striped tents. Seville knows how to throw a fiesta like no other.
4. Madrid
Best for art lovers and city energy
If Barcelona is all creativity and coastal charm, Madrid is pure heartbeat. Spain’s capital is dynamic, passionate, and packed with incredible art, culture, and late-night energy. You’ll feel it the moment you stroll through Plaza Mayor or sip a café con leche on a terrace along Gran Vía.
The “Golden Triangle of Art”—the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums—is reason enough to come. I still get goosebumps standing in front of Picasso’s Guernica. If you love green spaces, Retiro Park is an oasis right in the city center; rent a rowboat at the pond for a classic Madrid moment.
Madrid also knows how to eat well. Start your day with chocolate con churros at San Ginés, and for lunch, grab a calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares) near Plaza Mayor.
Pro tip: dinner here starts late, so pace yourself—restaurants buzz around 9 or 10 p.m.
And don’t leave without catching the sunset at the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple transported stone by stone to Madrid. It’s pure magic.
5. San Sebastián
Best for foodies and beach lovers
If you love to eat well (and who doesn’t?), San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is paradise. This elegant coastal city in northern Spain is famous for its pintxos—small bites, often skewered with a toothpick, that you’ll find lined up on every bar counter.
I recommend doing a pintxos crawl down Calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town. Try the gilda (anchovy, olive, and chili) and the slow-cooked beef cheek—ask for “carrillera.” Wash it all down with a glass of txakoli (a lightly sparkling Basque white wine). It’s dry, fresh, and poured from high above the glass with a flourish.
Beyond food, La Concha Beach is a stunner—shaped like a crescent, with calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming. For surfers, Zurriola Beach is the go-to spot. And if you’re up for a short hike, climb Monte Urgull for views of the city and the sea.
San Sebastián is refined but never pretentious. It’s where locals live well, eat better, and welcome you to do the same.
6. Bilbao
Best for modern art and Basque spirit
Tucked into Spain’s lush north, Bilbao is a city reborn. Once an industrial heavyweight, it’s now sleek, artistic, and proudly Basque. The crown jewel? The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a titanium-clad masterpiece by Frank Gehry that looks like a shimmering ship by the river. Even if you don’t step inside (you should), the building itself is unforgettable.
Wander the nearby riverfront, where you’ll find sculptures, cafes, and green spaces blending old and new. The Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a lively maze of colorful buildings, traditional pintxos bars, and boutique shops. I always pop into La Ribera Market for a bite and a buzz of local life.
Bilbao is perfect if you want culture, nature, and food without the crowds of bigger cities. And it’s a gateway to the wild Basque coast, with its cliffs, beaches, and little fishing villages just a short drive away. Basque pride runs deep here—just say “Eskerrik asko” (thank you) to locals, and you’ll see faces light up.
7. Ibiza
Best for party lovers and hidden paradise seekers
Forget everything you think you know about Ibiza. Yes, it’s the world’s party capital—mega-clubs, legendary DJs, sunrise sessions—but there’s a whole other side that’s just as alluring.
Once you land, head straight for Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s walled old town, with its cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and sweeping sea views. In the quieter north, you’ll find pine-scented hills, peaceful coves, and bohemian villages like Santa Gertrudis, where you can sip organic wine under shady fig trees.
If you’re here to dance till dawn, Pacha, Amnesia, and DC10 are the holy trinity. If you’re after serenity, rent a scooter and explore beaches like Cala Saladeta or Cala Comte, where the sunsets are pure gold.
Locals speak both Spanish and Ibicenco (a dialect of Catalan), so a cheerful “Bon dia!” will always earn a smile. Whether you’re raving or relaxing, Ibiza gives you the freedom to do both—and that’s its magic.
8. Valencia
Best for families and beach-city vibes
Valencia often flies under the radar, but it really shouldn’t. It’s got sandy beaches, a charming old town, and one of Europe’s coolest futuristic complexes—the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it looks like a sci-fi film set, and houses a planetarium, science museum, opera house, and an enormous aquarium.
I love biking through the Turia Gardens, a 9-km green belt built in a former riverbed, all the way from the historic center to the sea. Stop for a picnic or rent a swan boat along the way.
Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, and locals will remind you that real paella is made with rabbit and chicken, not seafood. Head to Albufera Natural Park, just 10 km south of the city, to try the authentic version in a lakeside village like El Palmar.
Come in March for Las Fallas, one of Spain’s wildest festivals—giant papier-mâché figures are paraded and then set on fire in a dramatic finale.
9. Rioja
Best for wine lovers and scenic countryside
If a perfect afternoon for you involves sipping world-class wine surrounded by rolling vineyards, Rioja is calling your name. Nestled between the Basque Country and Castilla y León, this wine region is pure enchantment.
Base yourself in charming Haro or Laguardia, where medieval streets lead to wine cellars (bodegas) tucked underground. Many bodegas, like Marqués de Riscal, offer tours that end with tastings on sunny terraces. The architecture here is as exciting as the wines—Frank Gehry even designed the space-age hotel at Marqués de Riscal.
The local specialty is Tempranillo, a bold, fruity red, but you’ll find everything from crisp whites to rich blends. I love renting a bike to ride the vineyard trails, stopping for leisurely tastings and long, late lunches.
If you visit in late June, don’t miss the Batalla del Vino (Wine Battle) in Haro—a lively festival where locals literally drench each other in red wine. So, bring old clothes and an adventurous spirit!
10. Mallorca
Best for island escapes and Mediterranean beauty
Mallorca is the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned. The largest of the Balearic Islands, it’s got postcard beaches, sleepy hill towns, and a rugged interior that surprises most visitors. If you’re thinking it’s just for beach bums, think again.
Start in Palma, the capital, where you’ll find the impressive La Seu Cathedral and a charming old town full of shady courtyards and stylish cafés. Then rent a car and head into the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range that slices across the island’s northwest. Drive the twisty road to Sa Calobra—it’s dramatic, scenic, and ends at a hidden pebble beach wedged between cliffs.
For a taste of old-world Mallorca, stop in Valldemossa, where composer Frédéric Chopin once holed up for the winter. And for those turquoise coves you’ve seen on Instagram? Go early to Cala Llombards or Cala Mondragó to beat the crowds. Just pack plenty of water and sunscreen—it gets hot fast.
11. Córdoba
Best for Islamic architecture and springtime color
Córdoba is a city with layers—Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences all blend together here in fascinating ways. The star of the show is the Mezquita, a former mosque that now houses a Catholic cathedral. Inside, you’ll see over 850 red-and-white striped arches, an architectural marvel that feels otherworldly.
Wander through the Judería, the old Jewish quarter, where narrow alleys open into bright courtyards. In May, Córdoba celebrates Festival de los Patios, when locals throw open their doors to show off patios overflowing with flowers. If you’re here during that time, it’s one of the prettiest events in Spain—seriously.
Don’t miss the Roman Bridge at sunset—it lights up beautifully, with the Mezquita in the background and the river flowing quietly beneath. And for food, try salmorejo, a thicker, creamier cousin to gazpacho, topped with egg and jamón. Cool, rich, and perfect after a hot day.
Córdoba gets seriously warm in summer—up to 45°C (113°F)—so if you can, visit in spring or fall when the weather is easier to enjoy.
12. Ronda
Best for dramatic views and day trips
Perched on the edge of a canyon in the mountains of Málaga, Ronda is unforgettable. It’s split in two by the El Tajo Gorge, and the star here is the Puente Nuevo, a massive stone bridge towering nearly 100 meters above the ravine.
Walk across it for incredible views, then explore both sides of the town—La Ciudad (the old Moorish quarter) and El Mercadillo (the more modern area). Ronda is compact, so it’s ideal for a day trip, but if you stay overnight, you’ll get the town to yourself after the tour buses leave.
Visit the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, and wander through quiet, cobbled streets. I always recommend the Casa Don Bosco terrace for coffee with a view—it’s peaceful and the gardens are lovely.
If you’re road-tripping around Andalusia, Ronda makes a great stop between Seville and the Costa del Sol. Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture this one.
13. Santiago de Compostela
Best for spiritual journeys and peaceful escapes
Way up in Galicia, in Spain’s green northwest, you’ll find Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Even if you haven’t hiked the Camino, this city has a special, almost spiritual atmosphere.
The Santiago Cathedral is the main draw—it’s said to house the remains of Saint James, one of Jesus’s apostles. Pilgrims from all over the world gather in the square in front, sometimes in tears, often in celebration.
Beyond the cathedral, the town is charmingly walkable, with granite streets, cozy taverns, and Celtic touches that make it feel more Irish than Iberian. I always order pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil) and a glass of chilled Albariño wine.
It’s a peaceful, soulful spot, perfect if you want to slow down, reflect, and soak in a different side of Spain.
14. Picos de Europa
Best for hiking and nature lovers
If you want wild, green, and untouched Spain, head north to the Picos de Europa. This national park straddles the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León, and it’s packed with limestone peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows that feel more Swiss than Spanish.
The Ruta del Cares is one of the most famous hikes in Spain—12 km carved into the cliffside between Caín and Poncebos, following a river through a dramatic gorge. It’s not a casual stroll, but the views will stay with you forever.
Base yourself in Covadonga, a small pilgrimage site with a sacred cave and basilica perched above a mountain lake. From there, you can drive (or hike, if you’re up for it) to Lagos de Covadonga, two glacial lakes surrounded by cows and complete silence.
This area is also famous for queso de Cabrales, a strong blue cheese aged in mountain caves. Pair it with local cider (sidra)—just make sure to pour it like the locals, high from the bottle to aerate it.
If you love the outdoors, peaceful villages, and hearty mountain food, this region is calling your name.
Wrapping it Up
From island hideaways to dramatic peaks and cities soaked in history, Spain’s variety is what makes it so addictive. Whether you’re strolling under Gothic arches in Barcelona, clinking glasses in a Basque bar in Bilbao, sipping Tempranillo in Rioja, chasing sunsets on Ibiza’s shores, or floating in a Mallorcan cove, each region offers a different rhythm—and they’re all worth dancing to.