Spain Tourism is the wonder of Europe, with over 5,000 km of varied coastline, thousands of fascinating historic sites, and numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty. With so many iconic destinations, attractions, resorts, and historic sites to visit, it’s difficult to know where to start. Its culinary expertise and vibrant nightlife have made it a popular tourist destination, and Spain has one of the world’s largest international tourist industries. A wild and tame contrast, layered and exotic, and unquestionably one of the places you must see at least once in your life.
Beautiful vistas, magnificent mountain ranges, warm Mediterranean waters, historical cathedrals, and, of course, delicious food entice visitors to Spain. There’s so much to see here, from the beautiful coastlines to the interesting landscapes to the rich culture, that it’s no surprise that visitors keep returning. Browse our travel guide to learn about Spain’s sights, things to do, weather patterns, how to get there, and more so you can schedule your trip to Spain with ease.
What is the Best time to visit Spain?
The best months to visit Spain are July and August, which are also the busiest months for foreign travellers. However, if you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Spain, the spring and fall seasons can be particularly enjoyable.
Summer: Summer is Spain’s peak season. Cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga attract a large number of visitors during the summer months because of the warm weather. The nightlife in the Balearic Islands’ resort towns is at an all-time high. If you intend to visit during this period, it’s a good idea to make plans ahead of time, particularly in the most famous areas of Spain.
Fall: Fall is a good time to visit Spain if you don’t mind crowds. The weather is still hot at this point, but it is a few degrees cooler than in the summer. Since it’s shoulder season, premiums would be lower than they were in the previous few months. The weather is still warm enough for the beach in southern Spain, and you’ll have an easier time finding a spot.
Spring: Spring in Spain is also known as the shoulder season because of the mild weather. After a wet and cold winter, spring ushers in blooming flowers and an abundance of natural beauty, making it the ideal season for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Winter: In Spain, winter is the off-season. By this time, the weather is no longer suitable for going to the beach, and most of the country are wet and cold. Winter sports, as well as Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, are all available during these months.
How to Reach Spain?
By Air: If you are travelling from another country, flying to Spain is the best choice. Not only are the flights inexpensive, but they also save time when you want to see as much of this beautiful country as possible. Madrid International Airport, Barcelona International Airport, and Malaga International Airport are the country’s major international airports. Palma de Mallorca Airport, Alicante Airport, Gran Canaria Airport, and Ibiza Airport are among the country’s other significant airports. Several airlines serve these airports, linking the country to destinations all over the world.
By Road: Spain shares land borders with Portugal, Andorra, and France, among others. You can travel to Spain by car from any of these countries. The roads are in excellent condition, and driving can be a pleasurable experience. It’s worth noting that you’ll need evidence of insurance, and fuel and toll prices are also very high. To drive in Spain, you’ll need an international driver’s licence.
By Rail: Eurail is a fantastic way to travel from other European countries to Spain. Eurail is the fastest way to get from Spain to France and Italy. There are a number of other railway networks in the European Union that are connected to Spain. Trains bind all of the European Union countries to Spain, making for scenic inroads into the region. If you’re planning a European vacation, take the train instead of flying to Spain.
By Water: Apart from the regular flights, trains, and road options, the possibility of travelling by sea to the country’s coastal cities should not be ignored when visiting Spain. Cruise ships and ferry services use the sea routes to Spain extensively. Many luxury cruises sail to Barcelona from Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Algeria. Ferries may be used to travel between the mainland and Spanish islands such as Ibiza and the Canary Islands.
Now Coming to top Cities, here are the must Visit cities in Spain
1. Madrid
Madrid is a modern metropolis full of energy and cultural attractions that gives visitors a taste of real Spain. Wide roads are congested, but lovely parks help to break up the urban sprawl. The capital and largest city of the nation is not a place to relax. Fortunately, the majority of Madrid’s most famous attractions are located in the city centre. The city is alive with activity all the time, and there are so many things to see and do that visitors would be spoilt for options. If at all possible, stop visiting during the summer when the sun is unbearable. Travelers who plan ahead visit Madrid in the spring or autumn to take advantage of the milder weather.
Top Places to Visit in Madrid:
- Prado Museum
- Royal Palace and Gardens
- Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- National Archaeological Museum
- Temple of Debod
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
2. Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautiful seaside city that prides itself on its natural beauty and sunny lifestyle. Beautiful scenery, stunning architecture, and fantastic cultural attractions combine to make this a very appealing destination. It has easy access, pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and mountains in the surrounding area, a thriving nightlife, delectable local cuisine, and is steeped in culture and history. Wandering aimlessly through Barcelona and stumbling upon secret side streets with small cafés or stopping to relax in quiet town squares where street musicians strum melodies on Spanish guitars is one of the best ways to explore the city. There are delightful surprises around every corner.
Top Places to Visit in Barcelona:
- Basílica de la Sagrada Família
- Gothic Quarter
- Gaudí’s Surrealist Park
- Casa Milà
- Casa Batlló
- The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
3. Valencia
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest capital, has a lot to offer, from world-class restaurants to beautiful beaches, from museums to lively nightlife, not to mention some exclusive cultural experiences. If you’re visiting the lovely Spanish city of Valencia, you’re in for a real treat. The city’s old centre is bustling, with a maze of narrow streets and magnificent mediaeval structures like the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda. Valencia is also right on the Mediterranean, so you can relax on long stretches of sand and eat delectable seafood cuisine. The town’s palm-fringed plazas are bustling under the warm rays of the southern sun.
Top Places to Visit in Valencia:
- Oceanogràfic de València
- La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València
- La Lonja de Seda
- Bioparc València
- Playa del Saler
- Plaza de la Virgen
- Iglesia de Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri
4. Seville
From the moment tourists set foot on the quaint cobblestone lanes and walk the palm-lined promenades, Seville casts a spell of enchantment over them. There are many things to see and do in the Andalusian capital, from great Moorish and Catholic temples to its ancient bullring, and from great tapas bars to enchanting old neighbourhoods and giant wooden mushrooms. The sights are as beautiful as the famed flamenco performances and flamboyant festivals, with elegant edifices, old-fashioned street lamps, and horse-drawn carriages creating a magical atmosphere.
Top Places to Visit in Seville:
- Real Alcázar
- Barrio de Triana
- Casa de Pilatos
- Parque de María Luisa
- Ayuntamiento
- Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla
- Barrio Santa Cruz
5. Granada
In all of Spain, Granada has one of the most interesting backgrounds and cultures. Granada is Andalusia’s spirit, a stunningly beautiful city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, this magical city served as the capital of a Moorish kingdom. The Alhambra, a complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens where the Emirs of Granada can avoid the summer sun, is the pinnacle of this. Granada is the ideal town to spend a few days while travelling in Spain, with a lively community of university students, free appetisers with your wine, mountain skiing, and Mediterranean beaches just an hour away.
Top Places to Visit in Granada:
- Alhambra
- Capilla Real de Granada
- Basílica de San Juan de Dios
- Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación
- The Gypsy Quarter of Sacromonte
- Parque de las Ciencias
- La Alcaicería
6. Salamanca
Salamanca is a stunning city that was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Salamanca’s attractions transport visitors back in time, from the hallowed halls of the ancient university to its majestic cathedrals and soul-stirring convents. Villamayor stone, a light beige-colored sandstone that appears to turn golden when the sun sets, was used to construct these palaces, university buildings, and churches in the 15th and 16th centuries. Salamanca has earned the moniker “La Dorada,” or “Golden City,” as a result of this. Wandering through Salamanca’s old cobblestone streets and peaceful squares to explore the city’s rich heritage is one of the most famous things to do.
Top Places to Visit in Salamanca:
- Plaza Mayor
- Casa de las Conchas
- Catedral Vieja de Santa María de la Sede
- Convento de San Esteban
- Catedral Nueva
- Salamanca’s Old Town
- Domus Artium
7. Malaga
Málaga, which faces the sea, is a sociable, creative, and cosmopolitan community. Málaga proudly displays its revitalised area, complete with massive historical and cultural heritage structures, to tourists. Málaga is one of the oldest Mediterranean seaports, having been established over two millennia ago. The monuments represent the city’s diverse history. Málaga, in addition to cultural attractions, offers the breathtaking scenery of the Costa del Sol, as well as pleasant weather and beautiful beaches. The seaside promenades are lined with leafy palm trees, and tropical vegetation thrives throughout the region. Discovering fun squares and narrow cobblestone avenues, outdoor cafés, and tapas restaurants while wandering the historic core.
Top Places to Visit in Malaga:
- Alcazaba de Málaga
- Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción
- Castillo de Gibralfaro
- Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Victoria
- Mercado de Atarazanas
- Centre Pompidou Málaga
- Museo Picasso Málaga
8. Córdoba
Cordoba is a city in Andalusia with a storied history. In the 10th century, it was the world’s most populous city, and under the Moors, who conquered it in the 8th century, it became a centre for education. Córdoba was the world’s largest city a thousand years ago, with a population three times that of today’s 320,000. It was the seat of the Córdoba Caliphate, which ruled over most of the Iberian peninsula for hundreds of years. Córdoba’s old town, with its distinctive Moorish atmosphere and historic Jewish quarter, is another appealing feature. Córdoba is also known for its gastronomy and specialty crafts.
Top places to Visit in Córdoba:
- Judería
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Palacio de Viana
- Puente Romano and Calahorra Tower
- Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba
- Jardín Botánico de Córdoba
- Iglesia de San Lorenzo
9. Girona
Girona, the Catalan capital, is well worth a day trip for everyone. Historic temples, monasteries, interesting museums, and ancient narrow alleyways dot the landscape. Girona is a magnificent mediaeval city with one of the few remaining Jewish quarters in Spain. Girona has become more well-known as a result of the filming of Game of Thrones there. Many people have wanted to take control of Girona, from Napoleon to the Moors 800 years ago. In its existence, the city has been subjected to 25 sieges, which explains why it is completely surrounded by high fortifications that are still in place today.
Top Places to Visit in Girona:
- Muralles de Girona
- Girona Cathedral
- Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants
- Museu d’Història dels Jueus
- Museu d’Art de Girona
- Catalonia Archaeology Museum
- Basílica de Sant Feliu
10. Alicante
Alicante is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities and a popular place for sun-soaked city breaks. Alicante is a popular summer and winter resort destination on the Costa Blanca, with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean lapping against its sandy shores. The coastal views are breathtaking from every angle, particularly from the hilltop Castillo that watches over the city. The city combines the comfort and fun of the beach with the history and sights of a city break: there’s a mediaeval castle that towers over the city, as well as a traditional Mediterranean old-town with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.
Top Places to Visit in Alicante:
- Castillo de Santa Bárbara
- Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
- Concatedral San Nicolás de Bari
- Basilica de Santa María
- Playa del Postiguet
- Mercado Central de Alicante
- Playa de San Juan
