From Gaudí's Barcelona and the Moorish palaces of Andalusia to hidden coves, volcanic islands, and medieval hill towns, Spain is packed with unforgettable places. Here are the 20 best places to visit in Spain, including its most beautiful cities, landscapes, and landmarks, with tips for each.
Spain's Great Cities
1. Barcelona
See Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell, wander the Gothic Quarter, and relax on Barceloneta Beach. See the best things to do in Barcelona.
2. Madrid
The capital is home to the Prado and the Reina Sofía, the Royal Palace, and the beautiful El Retiro Park. See the best things to do in Madrid.
3. Seville
The heart of Andalusia, with the stunning Real Alcázar, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, the grand Plaza de España, and flamenco in the bars of Triana.
4. Granada
Home to the Alhambra, a breathtaking Moorish palace with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, plus free tapas with your drinks.
5. Valencia
The birthplace of paella mixes a historic center with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and long sandy beaches.
6. San Sebastián
A food lover's paradise in the Basque Country, with pintxo bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the crescent-shaped La Concha beach.
7. Bilbao
Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum transformed this former industrial city. Explore its old town and pintxo bars too.
8. Málaga
Picasso's birthplace has a lively center, excellent museums, and beaches, and it's the gateway to the Costa del Sol.
9. Salamanca
A golden sandstone university city with one of the most beautiful main squares in Spain, the Plaza Mayor.
10. Cádiz
One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, surrounded by the sea, with beaches, a famous Carnival, and great seafood.
Historic Towns and Landmarks
11. Córdoba
See the Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral with a forest of red-and-white arches, and the flower-filled patios of the old town, especially during the Patios Festival in May.
12. Toledo
The City of Three Cultures sits on a hill above the Tagus River, packed with churches, synagogues, and El Greco's paintings.
13. Segovia
Famous for its 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and a fairytale Alcázar castle.
14. Ronda
A dramatic town split by a deep gorge and linked by the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge.
15. Cuenca
Medieval houses hang over the edge of a cliff in this UNESCO-listed town.
Spain's Most Beautiful Landscapes and Islands
16. The White Villages of Andalusia
Drive through whitewashed hill towns such as Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, and Grazalema, set in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
17. The Costa Brava
The rugged coast north of Barcelona hides turquoise coves, fishing villages like Cadaqués, and medieval towns like Tossa de Mar.
18. Mallorca and Ibiza
The Balearic Islands offer crystal-clear bays, Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana mountains and Caves of Drach, and Ibiza's famous nightlife and quiet beaches.
19. The Canary Islands
Spain's subtropical islands off Africa have year-round sunshine. Climb Mount Teide on Tenerife, Spain's highest peak, explore the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, and relax on the dunes of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
20. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
In Almería, this protected desert coastline has some of Spain's wildest, most unspoiled beaches.
More Unforgettable Experiences
- Walk the Camino de Santiago to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
- Taste wine in La Rioja, Spain's most famous wine region.
- Visit Montserrat, a mountain monastery near Barcelona.
- Explore the coastal villages of the Basque Country and Asturias.
Tips for Traveling Around Spain
- Use high-speed trains between major cities.
- Rent a car for the white villages, the coasts, and the islands.
- Book major sights ahead, including the Alhambra and the Sagrada Família.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Spain eSIM keeps you online across the country. See our Spain eSIM guide and our Southern Europe travel guide.
Plan your trip with our Spain travel guide and the best city breaks in Spain.
FAQs: Best Places to Visit in Spain
What is the most beautiful place in Spain?
Favorites include the Alhambra in Granada, the white villages of Andalusia, the Costa Brava, and the Canary Islands.
Where should I go on my first trip to Spain?
Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia (Seville and Granada) make a classic first trip.
What is the prettiest town in Spain?
Ronda, Cuenca, Toledo, and the white villages of Andalusia are among the most beautiful.
Where is the best place in Spain for beaches?
The Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, the Costa Brava, and Cabo de Gata have some of Spain's best beaches.