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My quick and easy guide to the best places to visit in Spain – based on numerous visits all over the country…
Spain is one of those countries that grabs you instantly. Think vibrant cities packed with art and architecture, sun-drenched beaches, medieval old towns, endless amounts of mouthwatering food, and epic landscapes ranging from rugged coastline to dramatic mountains. With so much variety, choosing where to go can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re travelling solo.
This guide brings together the very best destinations across the country. It’s not a ranked list, but a curated selection of places that are beautiful, culturally significant, and easy to explore. Whether you’re dreaming of golden beaches, world-class museums, historic palaces, or all the tapas you can eat, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Use the map below to get a sense of where everything sits, then dive into the destinations for quick, at-a-glance info to help you plan your trip. ¡Buen viaje!
Quick Picks
- Best for city lovers: Barcelona, Madrid
- Best for beaches: Mallorca, Costa Brava
- Best for history: Granada, Córdoba
- Best for food: Galicia, Valencia
- Best for winter sun: Canary Islands
- Most underrated: Murcia, Basque Country
Places to Visit in Spain: Map
Best Places to Visit in Spain
Barcelona
Best for: Culture | Food | Architecture
Why go: A vibrant coastal city known for its distinctive Catalan culture, world-class food, and iconic (and often quirky) Gaudí architecture.
Highlights:
- Sagrada Família
- Gothic Quarter
- City beaches
Good to know: Book major attractions well in advance, especially in peak season.
MORE INFO: Two Days in Barcelona
Madrid
Best for: Art | Food | City Life
Why go: Spain’s elegant capital blends grand boulevards, world-class museums, leafy parks, and a thriving tapas scene.
Highlights:
- Prado Museum
- Retiro Park
- Royal Palace
Good to know: Many museums offer free entry during select evening hours.
Seville
Best for: Culture | Architecture | Flamenco
Why go: The birthplace of flamenco: a warm and atmospheric Andalusian city filled with Moorish palaces and beautiful streets.
Highlights:
- Real Alcázar (historic palace)
- Seville Cathedral
- Plaza de España
Good to know: Summers are extremely hot! Spring and autumn are ideal, and winter can be a great time to visit.
MORE INFO: Seville in Winter
Costa Brava
Best for: Beaches | Coastal towns
Why go: A rugged stretch of coastline dotted with turquoise coves, medieval villages, and scenic coastal paths.
Highlights:
- Tossa de Mar
- Begur
- Girona
Good to know: A car makes exploring the smaller coves and villages much easier.
MORE INFO: Best Places to Visit in Costa Brava
Granada
Best for: History | Architecture
Why go: Home to the Alhambra and a maze of old neighbourhoods where Moorish and Spanish influences blend beautifully.
Highlights:
- Alhambra
- Albaicín (historic Arab quarter)
- Sacromonte (whitewashed gypsy quarter)
Good to know: Alhambra tickets sell out fast, so book as early as possible.
Valencia
Best for: Food | Beaches | Architecture
Why go: A relaxed coastal city with miles of sandy shoreline, this is the birthplace of Spain’s most iconic dish, paella.
Highlights:
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Turia Gardens
- Malvarrosa Beach
Good to know: The Turia riverbed park is perfect for cycling. Rentals are easy to find.
Basque Country
Best for: Food | Nature | Coastal Scenery
Why go: This distinctive, underrated region boasts a dramatic coastline and a strong cultural identity that sets it apart from the rest of Spain.
Highlights:
- Bilbao’s Guggenheim
- San Sebastián
- Pintxos – small, tapas-like dishes, usually served on a slice of bread
Good to know: Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so plan meal times or book ahead, especially in smaller towns.
MORE INFO: Unusual Things to do in the Basque Country
Santiago de Compostela
Best for: History | Culture
Why go: A beautiful, atmospheric city at the end of the Camino de Santiago, filled with medieval streets and a spectacular cathedral.
Highlights:
- Santiago Cathedral
- Praza do Obradoiro
- Historic centre
Good to know: The historic centre is mostly pedestrianised; wear comfy shoes for cobblestones.
MORE INFO: What to Eat in Galicia
Mallorca
Best for: Beaches | Relaxation | Nature
Why go: A Balearic island with turquoise coves, mountain villages, and some of the best coastal scenery in Spain.
Highlights:
- Palma (the island’s capital)
- Sóller Train through the mountains
- Drach Caves
Good to know: Explore inland villages and quieter coves to escape peak-season crowds.
MORE INFO: Unusual Things to do in Mallorca
Murcia
Best for: Food | Museums | Hot springs
Why go: An attractive, quiet and seriously underrated city that provides the perfect tonic to Spain’s hotspots!
Highlights:
- Tapas-hopping
- Santa María Cathedral
- Cartagena and the Costa Calida beaches
Good to know: This is one of Spain’s sunniest regions, ideal for shoulder-season trips.
MORE INFO: Things to do in Murcia
Córdoba
Best for: History | Architecture
Why go: A compact Andalusian city home to the breathtaking Mezquita and a beautifully preserved old town.
Highlights:
- Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral)
- Jewish Quarter
- Roman Bridge
Good to know: The Patio Festival in May is incredible, but very busy.
Canary Islands
Best for: Winter sun | Beaches | Nature
Why go: A diverse archipelago near the African coast, offering volcanic scenery, year-round sunshine, and a mix of lively resorts and peaceful nature.
Highlights:
- Teide National Park (Tenerife)
- Timanfaya Voclano (Lanzarote)
- Fuerteventura dunes
Good to know: Each island has a different vibe, so choose based on your travel style.
MORE INFO
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Spain for First-Timers (7-10 days)
Route: Barcelona → Valencia → Granada → Seville
Vibe: Iconic sights, coastlines, easy routes.
Why it works: Combines Spain’s most famous cities with Moorish palaces, great food, and straightforward train connections, giving first-timers a varied but manageable intro
City Hopping (6–9 days)
Route: Madrid → Barcelona → Bilbao → Santiago de Compostela
Vibe: Museums, architecture, nightlife, food
Why it works: Links four very different cities, from classic capital vibes to coastal cool and pilgrim-town charm, with plenty of culture and food along the way.
Beaches & Coastlines (7–10 days)
Route: Costa Brava → Valencia → Mallorca
Vibe: Scenic drives, pretty coves, beaches
Why it works: Blends rugged coastline with a friendly city and an island escape. Ideal for travellers who want sunshine, swimming, and a slower pace without skipping the culture entirely. You can take a ferry from Valencia to Mallorca, or fly in under an hour.
Foodie Spain (7–10 days)
Destinations: Basque Country → Santiago de Compostela → Valencia
Vibe: Pintxos, seafood, markets, and long, lazy meals
Why it works: Showcases three of Spain’s best food regions, mixing Atlantic seafood and pintxos culture with paella and modern Mediterranean cooking, all in easy-to-explore cities and towns.
More Travel Guides for Spain
- Spain Solo Female Travel Guide
- Best National Parks in Spain
- Road Trip in Northern Spain: from the Basque Country to Galicia
- Three Alternative Routes of the Camino Santiago
- What Is the Camino del Norte
Where are your favourite places to visit in Spain? Share your tips in the comments below!
