Spain has a little something for everyone – sun-soaked beaches, massive mountain ranges, Moorish palaces, and tapas so good you’ll never want to eat anything else.
Whether you’re craving culture, adventure, or a laid-back city break, Spain will grant you your every desire. We’ve gathered ten of our favorite spots in the hopes that you’ll be able to call one of them home for a week or two.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of those cities that manages to be effortlessly cool without even trying. With its blend of beaches, art, and architecture, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with it. The city is famously home to Antoni Gaudí’s wild and whimsical creations, like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, which honestly feel like something out of a fantasy reel.
Beyond the architecture, Barcelona also has a buzzing food scene with oceans of tapas, seafood, and cava. Certain neighborhoods, like the Gothic Quarter, are perfect for wandering and getting lost.
You can grab a vermouth at a local bar, walk along the beach at Barceloneta, or take a cable car up Montjuïc for killer views over the city. When you’re ready to start booking, here’s our guide to the 10 best hotels in the city.
Madrid
While Barcelona is trendy, Madrid is a classic capital that’s all about art, energy, and long, golden evenings. It knows how to do culture in a big way. You won’t want to miss the “Golden Triangle of Art.” It’s a collection of three art museums: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen. They’re all within walking distance.
Madrid is also the place to go if you love a good night out. Spaniards eat late and stay up even later, so settle in for a long, relaxed dinner and see where the night takes you. In the daytime, you can stroll through Retiro Park, pop into the Royal Palace, or just people-watch with a café con leche in one of the city’s leafy squares.
Granada
If Barcelona is straight out of a fantasy reel, then Granada is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s known for the Alhambra – a stunning palace and fortress complex that shows off Spain’s Moorish past in showstopping detail. The history here is deep and layered, and you can feel it in every alleyway of the Albaicín neighborhood.
Granada is also surprisingly affordable, and one of the few cities in Spain where you’ll still get free tapas with your drink. You can spend your days exploring the Alhambra, watching flamenco in the caves of Sacromonte, and soaking up mountain views with a glass of local wine. All in all, Granada is romantic, relaxed, and packed full of charm.
Seville
Ah, Seville. This city is Andalusian magic. Think orange trees, flamenco, and ornate palaces with hidden courtyards. It’s warm almost year-round and is absolutely bursting with personality. The Real Alcázar is a must. This royal palace is like a sister to the Alhambra, with Islamic and Christian architectural styles gently woven together.
Then, you can climb the Giralda for some serious city views, wander through the colorful Triana neighborhood, or sit in the Plaza de España and watch the world go by. Seville is also the birthplace of flamenco, so catch a live performance if you can. It’s intense, emotional, and unforgettable.
Valencia
Valencia flies a little bit under the radar compared to Madrid and Barcelona, but it’s every bit as precious. Although it has great beaches and history, there’s something more: it’s the birthplace of paella. So, you know what to eat most nights. Nothing else in the world will ever compare.
The old town is packed with Gothic buildings and sunny squares, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is kind of like its own sci-fi movie. You might enjoy renting a bike and riding through the Jardín del Turia – a long green park in a former riverbed that runs through the city. Then, you can head to the beach for some downtime or explore the Central Market to sample all the local delights.
San Sebastián
If you’re a foodie, we highly recommend San Sebastián. This seaside town in the Basque Country has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. But, even the tiny pintxos (Basque tapas) bars are out-of-this-world good.
As if that wasn’t enough, the setting is just as dreamy as the food. There’s a crescent-shaped beach right in the center of town that’s surrounded by green hills and Belle Époque buildings. You can spend your days hopping from bar to bar, hiking up Monte Urgull for views over the bay, or just lounging on La Concha beach. San Sebastián is relaxed, refined, and utterly delicious.
Córdoba
Córdoba might be small, but it packs a historical punch. Back in the 10th century, it was one of the most advanced cities in Europe and a center of Islamic culture. The star of the show here is the Mezquita, a mosque-turned-cathedral that’s unlike anything else in the world. Its red-and-white arches seem to stretch on forever.
The city’s old town is a maze of whitewashed streets and hidden patios overflowing with flowers. If you can, try to visit in May for The Courtyards Festival. It’s when locals open up their homes to show off their stunning courtyards. All of Córdoba is peaceful, beautiful, and steeped in magnificent history.
Bilbao
Although it was once an industrial powerhouse, Bilbao has reinvented itself as a modern art and architecture haven. The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in the 90s sparked a total transformation, and, now, the city is full of galleries, green spaces, and sleek designs.
Bilbao still has gritty charm, especially in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you’ll find pintxos bars, funky shops, and plenty of character. You can ride the funicular up to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views out over it all, and walk along the river to admire the mix of old and new. Bilbao is an underrated city with a whole lot of heart.
Málaga
Málaga used to be just a gateway to the Costa del Sol, but it’s grown into a seriously cool destination in its own right. It’s the birthplace of Picasso, so the art scene here is unsurprisingly strong, with museums, galleries, and lots of street art.
There’s also a Roman theater, a hilltop Moorish castle, and a beach right in the city. Málaga is walkable, full of life, and there’s always a sunny terrace to sip a tinto de verano. It also makes a great base if you want to explore the coast or nearby villages like Ronda and Mijas.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, is best known as the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Whether you walk the entire trail or just show up with your backpack and curiosity, the city has a deeply spiritual, almost mystical vibe. The cathedral, with its towering baroque façade, is breathtaking, and seeing the joy and emotion of pilgrims arriving there is truly special.
In a way, Galicia feels a little bit different from the rest of Spain. It’s greener, rainier, and more Celtic in spirit. It’s a great place to slow down. Try some local specialties like pulpo a la gallega (octopus), explore the winding streets of the old town, and be sure to soak up every ounce of the peaceful atmosphere.
Ready to Book Your Flight?
Whether you’re longing for art, architecture, beaches, food, or history (or, honestly, all of the above), Spain’s ready to serve everything up on a silver platter. These ten destinations are just the start, but we hope they’ll help you plan your next trip even before the first one’s over.
For more on that, come take a look at our library of destination guides. With more on Spain and nearby countries like Portugal, France, and Morocco, we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime – one filled with wonder, excitement, and everlasting memories.