Get ready to embark on an amazing adventure as you step on ravishing Spain. The country displays a striking scene of fascinating history, sizzling cultures, and magnificent landscapes. Find yourself soaking up the sun on Mediterranean beaches, watching a feisty flamenco dance, or sampling delightful cuisine during your vacation in Spain. In this article, we will show the best places to visit in Spain for 2023. These places are amazing for both first timers and experienced travelers. Guaranteed, they will make your journey awesome!
Best Places to Visit in Spain – Summary
Granada
Tucked on the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of the most charming cities in Spain. With a long history of the reign of powerful dynasties, from the Moorish kingdoms to New Age empires, Granada is simply fascinating. The bursting culture and influences are displayed in Granada’s architecture. You can find ornate Arabian quarters adorned with sumptuous gardens. On the other hand, baroque-style buildings are standing proudly in form of churches and strongholds.
Visiting Granada means spoiling your senses. From the unmissable architectural masterpieces to the striking fragrance of herbs and spices, Granada is an all-over experience. Thus, find yourself adoring the Moorish and European-styled buildings, stopping by tea salons, and exploring the hidden secret of Alhambra. As a window of Spain’s dazzling historical richness, Granada is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers.
Things to Do in Granada: Admire Alhambra and the Albaicin neighborhood, check out the miradors, visit churches and palaces, walk around the city, take a guided tour, watch flamenco performances, and shop at La Alcaiceria Market.
Seville
This Andalusian capital stays unmatched with its striking architecture and feisty atmosphere. Like its neighboring Granada, Seville keeps a track of a long history. It was once the settlement of different kingdoms, from the Castellan monarchs to Moorish aristocrats. Thus, this diversity influences Seville’s remarkable setting. The city is dotted with elegant Gothic structures, opulent Islamic architecture, and futuristic buildings. It is a scene you would not want to miss.
Seville is sunny and vibrant, making it a great place to visit in all seasons. Find yourself lost in the beauty of Royal Alcazar, marvel at sizzling flamenco performances in Plaza de Espana, and stroll around the intricate historical buildings. The city gives you a hint of how captivating history and heritage in Spain are. For that reason, Seville is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first timers.
Things to Do in Seville: Marvel at the Royal Alcazar, stroll around Plaza de Espana, see the Tomb of Christopher Columbus, see flamenco shows, and climb Metropol Parasol
San Sebastian
If you are a foodie looking for the perfect place to travel in Spain, San Sebastian is for you! The stunning beach city is home to amazing Basque cuisine. It proudly holds the title of the world’s gastronomic capital. From star-quality seafood to fine dining options, the culinary scene of San Sebastian is unmissable. Besides that, San Sebastian is the second city in the world with the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, right after Tokyo.
Nestled on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian shows us what a gorgeous beach town looks like. The small and authentic city is built next to glimmering beaches and a brilliant blue ocean. Moreover, the sunny and laidback side of the city makes it one of the best places to visit in Spain!
Things to Do in San Sebastian: Go for culinary trips, try out pintxos, relax at La Concha Beach, explore San Sebastian Old Town, and sunbath on Zurriola Beach.
Barcelona
With outstanding buildings and artsy structures, Barcelona will make art lovers happy! The city is home to picture-perfect Gaudi buildings, which are adorned with colorful tiles and eye-catching decorations. Moreover, the city is also packed with unforgettable Gothic architecture, like the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and La Pedrera. Furthermore, to emphasize its artsy side, Barcelona has a plethora of art museums waiting to be discovered.
Besides the renowned buildings and historical sites, Barcelona is full of artistic hidden gems. Find the secret masterpieces of Gaudi, hidden gardens, and off-the-radar neighborhoods in Barcelona. It will make you feel like you are treasure hunting! Being one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the country, Barcelona is a must-visit place in Spain for first timers.
Things to Do in Barcelona: Stroll around Gothic Quarter, marvel at churches, palaces, and monasteries, relax in parks and gardens, visit Park Guell, visit art museums, and stroll around markets.
Ronda
On the mountaintops of Malaga province, stands a dramatic, centuries-old town. Ronda looks like a city out of a fairytale with its classic buildings and outstanding viaducts. Thus, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. The breathtaking landscapes and the modest atmosphere of the city will make you want to stay longer.
Exploring Ronda means traveling back in time. The city is lined with historical buildings coming from the Moorish era. You can see lots of beautiful mosques and stunning fortress walls all over the city. Furthermore, you can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding El Tajo Gorge from Ronda’s fair promenades.
Things to Do in Ronda: Visit Puento Nuevo Bridge, explore museums, go for wine-tasting sessions, see the Cuenca Gardens, enjoy the views of El Tajo Gorge, and wander around Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
Madrid
This charming capital city of Spain showcases the best out of the country. Thus, it is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers. As the settlement of the Spanish monarchy, Madrid is elegant and outstanding. The city is dotted with historical buildings, royal palaces, magnificent churches, and spectacular museums. Thus, a visit to Madrid will be unforgettable.
Like other classic European cities, Madrid has a lot of green spaces and charming boulevards. It is nice to walk around the city and explore its iconic buildings. Moreover, Madrid also offers beautiful neighborhoods for you to discover. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Things to Do in Madrid: Explore the museums of Madrid like Prado Museum and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, relax at the parks and gardens, cafe-hopping, feast on tapas and other Spanish dishes, go for walking tours, stroll around neighborhoods, see Mercado San Miguel, and visit the Royal Palace.
Costa Brava
Tucked between the French border and the Mediterranean Sea, Costa Brava is an unspoiled coastal town waiting to be explored. Due to its beautiful attractions and exciting vibes, Costa Brava becomes a popular tourist destination. Moreover, it is one of the best places to visit in Spain for summer vacation.
Costa Brava is generally wide, so you need a car to explore around. Thus, you can see gorgeous beaches, stunning fortresses, opulent gardens, and the glimmering Mediterranean Sea during the trip. Moreover, another thing you should not miss is seeing the paths of Salvador Dali. The maestro lived the years of his life in Costa Brava and it’s interesting to see his legacy!
Things to Do in Costa Brava: Drive around the area, see Dali Theatre Museum, stroll around Jardin Botanico Marimurtra, relax at the beaches, see villages, and visit national parks
Ibiza
We all know that people take it seriously when it comes to parties in Spain. Hence, Ibiza proves that to us. The resort island is bursting with feisty parties and massive beach clubs. It is known as the best party spot in Spain, even in the world. So, Ibiza is indeed one of the best places to visit in Spain for nightlife and parties. Then, if you are a first-timer in Spain, you would want to witness the fantastic party scene.
Besides parties, Ibiza is a popular vacation spot in Spain. It offers lots of activities and attractions that fit all ages. Moreover, Ibiza has the best resorts in Spain for you to enjoy an exciting vacation and unwind from bustling everyday life.
Things to Do in Ibiza: Go to nightclubs, beach clubs, and bars, attend a music festival, relax at Ibiza’s best beaches including Cala Comte and Cala Benirràs, stroll around the Old Town, see the Ibiza Cathedral, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and kayaking
Tenerife, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is indeed an iconic place in Spain. This archipelago of eight islands offers the most picturesque scenes in Spain, including spectacular volcanos, a brilliant blue ocean, and beautiful hiking spots. However, Tenerife stands out with its variety of activities and outstanding natural landscapes. That’s why we put Tenerife as one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers.
Tenerife has a little bit of everything for everyone. The volcanic island is dotted with outstanding valleys and natural landscapes, white-sand beaches, and a roaring ocean that is perfect for surfing. Moreover, Tenerife offers an interesting mix between the old and the new. The modern, party-filled city is complemented by charming ancient towns. With all that is offered by the island, a vacation in Tenerife is hard to get over!
Things to Do in Tenerife: Explore national parks, hike, go trekking, relax at the beach, go for sightseeing from Los Gigantes, and wine-tasting
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