Spain offers all who visit it, beautiful places to see and recreate. Statistics indicate a 20% increase in visitors to this country year over year. This is due to several factors that exist in hundreds of places in Spain . You cannot stop visiting them. Its rich history, cultural wonders and great gastronomy leave everyone who visits it wanting more. Its old quarters full of art and historical anecdotes, give life to its streets. The amount of cultural elements and sites is another aspect of tourism in Spain.
Its charming landscapes that range from beaches and mountains, large cities and even small towns with great charm. The most pleasant and picturesque side of the places in Spain can be found in its people, who are always friendly and kind. In short, there are many reasons why you should visit this country.
Immerse yourself in the Spanish beaches
Being a peninsula, Spain has a wide coastline full of paradisiacal beaches. These beaches are renowned for their beauty and appeal. They are also the favorite destination of the famous and have served as the set for local and foreign films. James Bond, Han Solo, Doctor Zhivago and many more, all have passed through Spain, enjoying its beaches.
A Mediterranean paradise
One of its must-sees is its beautiful beaches of the most Mediterranean. Without a doubt, the area of the Costa Brava (1) can be one of the places in Spain , which will call its impressive crystal clear waters and golden sands. This coast has a fascinating history that makes it an unforgettable place . And a rich climate that invites more than one to stay for long periods.
The Costa Brava offers endless activities to do during your stay. Wine tours, excursions and hiking, diving and sailing. You can also decide on a classic: rest and sunbathe. Among the many places in Spain to visit, this one is ideal for a family vacation.
The Costa del Azahar (2) and Costa Blanca (3), also bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, are very visited by Spaniards and foreigners. They have large tourist centers such as Benidorm and Alicante. This charm of the coastline is irresistible for those who visit the Valencian Community. Despite being popular tourist destinations, these beaches are also well cared for and serene landscapes.
In them you can visit historical and cultural sites such as the beautiful town of Altea. With a population of less than 20,000, this place evokes ancient times with a modern twist. Its Ibero-Roman origins will make you feel like in a dream. In addition, the history behind its houses, squares and churches is interesting, and will leave you wanting more.
Nearby sites
Other historical places such as Benicarló, Denia, Moraira, Calpe and Cullera, to name a few, offer you a similar appeal. Both for its cultural aspect and for the beauty of its beaches. You cannot miss these places in Spain.
Moving to its islands is a great option
Another important destination for tourism in spring are the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera (4). Undoubtedly an environment with a wide range of tourist possibilities. We have a large number of flights and boats to travel to them from more and more European cities. Even Majorcans cannot help being moved by the energy that this place has. Menorca and Formentera surely offer more tranquility than Mayorca or Ibiza. The coves of Macarella and Macarelleta in Menorca stand out above other beaches, where you can rest and sunbathe.
One of the best known of the Balearic Islands is Ibiza (5). One of the places in Spain with the greatest nightlife, on its beaches you will do much more than swim. It offers a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Its territory is made up of more than 50 ideal beaches to enjoy water sports.
And as every corner of Spain has its haven of history, you can visit the old town of Ibiza designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Here you will marvel at the old castle, which during the 12th century was part of the Almudayna, an old Muslim construction. The charm of its history and the beauty of its construction make it a mandatory stop when visiting Ibiza.
The beauty of the Canary Islands
This archipelago offers options for all tastes: red, black and white beaches . Also, a few natural pools. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, they have a rocky landscape thanks to their volcanic origins. Known for having impressive beaches and coves that are more difficult to access.
Tenerife (6), has several of the most famous beaches. It is presented as another of the places in Spain that you must visit. Here you will find Teide, the highest peak in Spain. The longest volcanic tube in Europe is also found in this area. And of course you cannot miss the Teno Rural Park, nor the Anaga Massif.
In Lanzarote (7), another of its islands, you can be fascinated by the characteristics of its landscape. Being the result of ancient volcanic eruptions , it has black rock formations. And although it has strong winds, you can always relax on the shore and enjoy a day of rest. Beaches like El Golfo and El Papagayo are perfect to disconnect from the world and routine.
Playa de las Canteras and Playa de Maspalomas, located on the island of Gran Canaria (8), are frequented by surfers. In addition, it has nudist areas. Its somewhat desert landscape offers dunes and palm forests, all in one place. Being the City of Palms, the town with the highest number of visits thanks to its beautiful landscapes and its reef.
Fuerteventura (9) is paradise, on an island where you can enjoy the turquoise color of the sea , while you lie on the sand. If your idea of vacation is to sunbathe and clear your mind, this is the ideal island for you. Beaches Cofete, Barlovento and Playa de Tarajal are among the places in Spain that offer greater peace and tranquility.
Murcia: Beach, sun and sand
This region, mostly known for its places of historical interest and architectural monuments, has a dream paradise hidden within its borders. In Murcia you can find beautiful beaches. Some bathed by its well-known Mar Menor, others by the Mediterranean.
In the Mar Menor, Los Narejos (10) and Los Alcazares (11) stand out as places of great beauty in Spain. In addition to being beautiful beaches, in them you can find rich gastronomy with many fish and seafood dishes. You can also enjoy from an interesting nightlife to hiking trails.
Other beaches such as La Manga (12) and San Pedro del Pinatar (13), keep their charm. Beaches where we can enjoy the shallow Mar Menor. Beaches that are very visited by parents with young children, where they find a shallow beach. And although they are a bit more secluded, they are worth visiting. Either to indulge in adventure or explore its wild beaches , or just to relax and lie on the sand. These beaches have no waste.
On the other hand, the Murcian areas corresponding to the Mediterranean coast will leave you speechless. Cala Cortina (14) for example has earned its place among the beaches of Spain with high tourist visits per year. Its citizens and companies have devoted themselves to tourism, providing its visitors with an extraordinary experience. An impressive beach that joins a port with more and more activity.
Calblanque (15) is another beach on the Murcian coast with interesting attractions. Inside is the Regional Park of Calblanque , Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila. This natural wonder integrates within it, great beaches and mountains. Everything is covered with life and freshness.
Capes, coves and castles
Cacti, seagulls and bathers are all part of the landscape. As a plus, this place offers some cultural sites such as the Bateria de Castillitos , a Spanish bastion located in Cabo Tiñoso. An essential place when you go to the Murcia region. Absolutely necessary on your list of places in Spain to visit.
Some other Mediterranean beaches in Murcia are Bolnuevo (16) and La Azohía (17), both with transparent waters and landscapes worthy of a postcard. With historical places such as the Torre de Santa Elena . And a nice offer of bars, restaurants and markets.
Now, if you are willing to go a little further, just where Almería and Murcia adjoin, you will find Cocedores (18). It is a closed cove that has a horseshoe shape thanks to a formation of volcanic ash. It owes its name to a common activity by the ancient inhabitants of the area. In the bowls formed in the ash walls, the esparto was cooked with salt water.
This beach offers an exotic collection of unusual botanical species. To the north there are astonishing ash gray rock formations, the consequence of a past volcanic eruption. But if history is your thing, you can visit La Casa de los Ingleses, Castillo de San Juan or Plaza de España.
The Cantabrian coast
An extensive bay of white sands takes you to San Sebastián. It cannot be better located. Like many places in Spain it has a mix of old and new. It offers attractive monuments, landscapes, and gastronomy.
From Asturias to the Basque Country the journey is wonderful. On the coast of the Cantabrian Sea you will enjoy a temperate climate, green landscapes and cities with intense nightlife. Some beaches stand out, such as the favorites of visitors and natives, San Lorenzo in Gijon (19), La Vega in Ribadesella (20) and Layda in Gernika (21). Some of the ideal places in Spain to enjoy a season of sun, beach and party.
In the heart of Spain
Madrid, the town of the bear and the strawberry tree, houses the seat of the Government, the Cortes and is the Royal Residence of the Spanish monarchy. Many interesting places in Spain are concentrated in this city. Its main tourist attraction is due to its cultural and historical wealth. Although it also has some emblematic natural monuments.
If you decide to visit this cosmopolitan city, you will have a long list of places to visit.
A city made of art, culture, palaces and history
Among the most popular are the Royal Palace (22). This is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Its design is inspired by Bernini’s sketches for the Louvre in Paris. It has more than 3,000 rooms and has an impressive collection of weapons, as well as an art gallery. It contains some of the most representative works of Spanish history such as The Virgin with the Child, by Luis Morales.
In Madrid you can also visit some of the best known and most beautiful squares in Europe. Among them the Plaza de Oriente (23), located in the eastern part of the Royal Palace , this being the reason for its name. It is ornamented with statues of the houses that have ruled the nation: Kings Godos, Austrias and Bourbons. This tribute has the statue of twenty kings.
In addition, in the center of the square there is an equestrian sculpture of Felipe IV made in bronze. This was the first representation in which the horse stands only on its hind legs. This was carried out by the Italian Pietro Tacca on the orders of the monarch. Historic point of the most visited in the capital.
However, the main charm of this square is its gardens. These were made during Napoleon’s occupation, under the orders of Joseph Bonaparte. This square is a landmark. Walking through it can reveal many curious facts about Madrid and its history.
If you still want to learn more about Madrid and its history, you can visit the Prado Museum (24). Home to more than 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures, it is one of the most visited places in Spain by art lovers. Among the most relevant artists are El Greco, Rubens and El Bosco.
Come to know the trail
Finally, you cannot leave Madrid without first visiting El Rastro Madrid (25). An open-air market that unfolds every Sunday around Ribera Street. Here you will find, from the most common objects to the strangest and most interesting.
This market dates back 400 years, and owes its origin to the old slaughterhouse in the city. This was the place where you could buy the tanneries. You could easily get there by following the trail from the slaughterhouse, which gives rise to its name. An allegorical and incomparable place.
Natural monuments
Almost a dozen natural areas are protected by Spanish laws, in order to preserve their existence for future generations. And safeguard its botanical and zoological diversity. They are beautiful places that will allow you to connect with nature, and with Madrid.
In the north of the city, at more than 2000 meters of altitude, is the Natural Park of La Cumbre, Circo y Lagunas de Peñalara (25). World Heritage Site since 2006. In this park is the Pico de Peñalara, the highest in Madrid.
This place is ideal for those who like to go hiking and explore nature. This beautiful place is home to hundreds of animal species and notable vegetation, as well as a meeting point for hikers. Continuing from north to south, there is the Henares Basin (26) and Las Vegas de Madrid (27). The routes around this place are ideal for a bike ride in the face of nature. In total there are four routes within the natural space protected by the Spanish State.
Another side of Madrid
Each of these routes offers us a different approach to some places in Spain. The cereal-growing countryside (28), the Torote river (29), the Cerro del Moro (30), the cattle tracks (31), the Henares river valley (32) and the Cañada Real Galiana (33). Regardless of the route you take, this wonderful trip will allow you to know a different side of the Community of Madrid.
Finally, if you go to the west of Madrid, you will find one of the places in Spain with the greatest biological diversity. The Regional Park of the middle course of the Guadarrama River (34) has as its axis the Guadarrama River and has multiple entrances.
Another opportunity to explore Madrid’s nature to know and enjoy Madrid. Hikers and cyclists are all welcome here. A route of more than 100 km. Climbing the Siete Picos mountain (35) you can enjoy a unique view. Especially in the spring months, the places in this park are of a particular beauty that you cannot miss.
The picturesque side of Spain
Few things allow us to know a place better like traveling through its towns, interacting with its inhabitants. There are many places in Spain whose people and customs open the door to the true roots of this country.
Among the northern towns we have places like Lastres (36), Santillana del Mar, Betanzos or Combarro. In the north, Albarracín stands out, a medieval town located in Teruel. In general, this town manages to be among the first positions of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Mundaka (37), is a beautiful fishing village that attracts more and more surfers. Upon entering Mundaka, the first thing you notice is the smell of saltpeter, although this can easily be forgotten when contemplating its monuments and places. It is one of the most charming towns in Vizcaya.
Cozy little towns
In the Basque Country there are a large number of small towns, most of them with peculiarities that make them stand out in beauty or interest. However, few are as picturesque as Elantxobe (38). Its inhabitants have fought the sea for centuries, through fishing. The town is housed in Cape Ogoño.
Its piers and levees have ended up giving Elantxobe a unique touch that differentiates it from any other municipality. In addition, it has a charming church dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is also identified by the tiered buildings facing the sea. A beautiful place with as much personality as its inhabitants.
Impressive coasts accompanied by great gastronomy
Among the towns that are well worth visiting in the Basque Country we have Getaria (39), this population with a sloping geography was recommended by the New York Times a few years ago as an unforgettable destination. Laguardia (40) and Lekeitio (41) are also peculiar towns, with hospitable people who have seen the number of tourists grow in their lands.
Another beautiful town located in the Basque Country is Hondarribia (42). With a wide and exquisite gastronomy. This place has an admirable old town full of history and curiosities. For example, the streets that make up the old town are surrounded by a medieval wall . This great wall accompanies the city center from beginning to end. In the days of its construction it occupied a protective function. Currently its greatest value is the charm it gives to the small town.
Walls, theaters and other monuments
Morella (43) on the other hand, is a town without equal. Located on the top of a hill in the community of Valencia. It has a medieval castle that defines the appearance of the town. With walls of more than 2 kilometers and a beautiful vegetation.
This is one of the places in Spain that you must visit. If you are a fan of towns rich in history and remote origins. Then Morella is ideal for you. Other beautiful Valencian towns are Peñiscola (44), Salto de la Novia, Bocairent (45) and Guadalest (46).
If it is about charm, in Castilla de la Mancha we can visit Almagro (47). Considered the cradle of classical Spanish theater, it is recognized for its Corral de comedias. This attribute has become the emblem of the town and its inhabitants. In addition, it has a beautiful old town. Its streets exude history. The churches, squares and gastronomy place Almagro on the list of picturesque towns in Spain.
Towns of the south of great historical wealth
Located to the south of the peninsula, we find Carmona (48), a small Andalusian town. One of the most historically rich places in Spain. Its old town contains a vast amount of sites of interest. Many of them linked to the Roman heritage , a clear example of this are its baroque churches, its alleys, sidewalks and gardens.
Other picturesque towns in the southern regions are Arcos de la Frontera, Comares (49) and Zahara de la Sierra (50). All of them full of historical monuments belonging to ancient times. Its customs and buildings usually reflect the mixture of some cultures such as Roman, Arab and Visigoths.
