Spain’s Best Destinations to Visit

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.