With world-class wine and food, sumptuous beaches and mountains, and islands including the Canaries and Ibiza, not to mention around 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s small wonder Spain is Europeans’ favorite vacation destination. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, and rock climbing all appeal. But most of the best things to do in Spain nestle within its historic cities. Travelers flock to Madrid’s palaces and galleries; Barcelona, where Gaudí meets Gothic; Granada, home of the Alhambra and flamenco; and Toledo, long Spain’s capital—but Seville, Bilbao, and Dalí’s Catalonia draw wanderers too.
Summer is everyone’s favorite time to visit Spain, with a host of fiestas from August’s La Tomatina in Buñol to July’s running of the bulls in Pamplona, plus toasty temperatures that pack the beaches. For a more mellow experience, shoulder seasons can be magical: April, May, and September offer warm weather and plenty of sun. You’ll need to plan ahead for an Easter visit, particularly if you’re headed to Seville, but Holy Week celebrations draw crowds.
Clean, green, high-speed trains zip across mainland Spain at rates of up to 190 mph (310 kph), and every city or major town has a train connection of some sort. Buses are a slower but cheaper alternative, while the BlaBlaCar carpooling service is a hit with budget-conscious travelers. Parking in large towns and cities can be painful, so you’ll likely only want a car for exploring the countryside. There are both ferries and flights to the islands.
Spanish cooking is highly regional, which means you won’t find a good paella in Madrid. Head to Valencia for the original, traditionally made with meat not seafood: The 100-year-old Casa Carmela serves a family recipe that’s cooked over orange-tree wood. For a dose of old-school sophistication in Barcelona, head to Boadas, the city’s oldest bar, for a dry martini. Rather than shaking or stirring, bartenders throw the drink between two shakers.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +34 | Language(s) Catalan | Attractions 657 | Tours 11,444 | Reviews 477,901 |
There are many diverse activities to do in Spain—from hiking mountains and snorkeling the Mediterranean Sea to wine tasting, eating local specialties, and taking castle tours. Some of the most popular include visiting Spain’s famous tourist attractions, including the Alhambra in Granada and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
...MoreThe number one tourist attraction in Spain is the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi. The cathedral, which is still unfinished, is located in Barcelona and visited by millions of people each year. Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior of the church.
...MoreSpain is famous for popular tourist attractions like Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada. It’s also famous for its laid-back lifestyle, Mediterranean coast, and Spanish food, such as tapas, sangria, and paella. Spain is also known as a cultural destination, famous for art and architecture.
...MoreThere are many fun things to do in Spain. Night owls party in Ibiza or drink on rooftop bars in Madrid. Those that love the beach head to the Mediterranean coast—choose Barcelona for Gaudi’s finest architecture and water access. History buffs gravitate towards cities like Granada and its Alhambra Palace.
...MoreThe nicest part of Spain depends on your interests. If you love the beach, head to the Mediterranean coast or islands like Mallorca or Tenerife. If you prefer history and culture, Barcelona, Andalusia, or Madrid might be a better fit. Or, explore underrated, lesser-visited regions like Asturias or Galicia.
...MoreWhen in Spain, do as the Spaniards do. It’s best to dine later in the day, learn some Spanish, wear sunblock on hot, sunny days, and take an afternoon siesta. Don’t be rude to the locals, eat meals too early, or shake hands (instead, give two kisses on either cheek).
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