Spain attractions

One of several beaches in the town of Sopela (formerly known as Sopelana)—just a quick trip north from Bilbao—Sopelana Beach is a popular day-trip destination for city residents and visitors looking to spend a day at the seashore. With its golden sand, surfer-friendly waves, and surrounding pintxo bars, the beach typifies the appeal of the Basque Country coast.

Part of the UNESCO-listed Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the Museum of the Royal Barges (Museo de Falúas Reales) is home to an outstanding collection of ornate and well-preserved 18th-19th-century royal barges used by the Spanish monarchy to sail along the Tagus River, along with historic paintings of the Spanish fleet and navigation tools.

Set in the Catalonian Pyrenees, within reach of hubs like Barcelona and Girona, La Molina is one of Spain’s most popular ski resorts. Incorporated in 1943, it was the country’s first such resort, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past: today it’s home to 68 slopes, the biggest superpipe in the region, and a large snowpark.

Situated in a renovated 1920s tobacco factory, Málaga’s State Russian Museum (Colección del Museo Ruso) is home to over one hundred pieces of Russian art dating from the 15th century onward. As the first and only European branch of the Russian museum of the same name, this gallery a must for Russophiles.

Once the sun goes down on the beaches of Salou, head to the House of Illusion to catch its popular magic show. This fan favorite offers evening performances with theatrical magicians, family-friendly comedy, and light-hearted mind-reading acts. Opt for the earlier dinner show or the late evening slot for drinks and entertainment.

Perched high in the Montserrat range, the Montserrat Monastery (Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey) is one of Catalonia’s most spiritual attractions, surrounded by natural beauty. Pilgrims and Barcelona day-trippers alike come here for its sacred shrine, the famed “La Moreneta,” and for the sweeping views of the jagged rock formations and valleys below. This ubiquitous appeal makes it a standout stop on any Spain itinerary.

The Nasrid Palaces are a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, located within the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Alhambra complex in Granada. Once the royal residence of the kings of Granada, this stunning complex consists of three buildings: the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares, and the Palace of the Lions. Each area features intricate Islamic art, detailed mosaics, geometric patterns, and serene courtyards.

With a fairy-tale-like mix of architectural styles, the Alcazar of Segovia is one of Spain’s most distinctive castles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built as a Moorish fortress and later converted into a palace by King Alfonso VIII of Castille. Rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century, the castle houses a military museum and archive.

Built into the hillside below Santa Bárbara Castle, Barrio de Santa Cruz is Alicante’s historic old quarter, known for its narrow stairways and rows of whitewashed homes overlooking the Mediterranean. The neighborhood is best explored slowly, so you can really enjoy the small plazas, painted doorways, and viewpoints tucked between residential streets. It’s one of the best places to experience Alicante beyond the beach and marina.

Hidden between mountain ranges away from the beaches and nightlife of Alicante’s coast lies the small but popular town of Guadalest. Also known as El Castell de Guadalest, the town of Guadalest looks down to a reservoir and valley that share its name and looks up to a Moorish fortress perched upon rocky peaks that is only accessible by tunnel.

Wedged between Malaga and Fuengirola, Torremolinos or “Torrie” epitomizes the package-holiday spots of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Having spearheaded the mass tourism of this sun-baked coast during the 1950s, its previously brash image has mellowed into something simpler—a cheerful, easier-on-the-wallet appeal. While it still revolves around high-rise hotels, energetic nightlife, and sandy beaches—notably La Carihuela and El Bajondillo—today’s Torrie now lays out other lures, from old-town murals and great seafood to Picasso-themed mosaics and a distinct, LGBTQ+-friendly vibe.

Located at the foot of the Alhambra, the tranquil Hammam Al Ándalus Granada is the ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring the gardens, palace, and fortress above. Its Arabian bath setting features an array of pools heated at varying temperatures, a steam room, and a tea room for Moorish-style rejuvenation. Choose between several packages for customized massages and other wellness and beauty treatments.

In Barcelona’s La Ribera neighborhood, this museum showcases more than 130 works by the famously anonymous street artist, Banksy. Some of their most notable international artworks have been recreated at the museum—look out for the Flower Thrower from the West Bank and Girl with Balloon in London’s South Bank—bringing you into the poignant, thought-provoking, and often-political world of Banksy.

Hidden in the massive Casa de Campo park sits the Madrid Zoo Aquarium, a family-friendly destination offering kids, parents, and animal fanatics of all stripes a perfect getaway from the frenetic energy of the city center. Whether you're into the gorillas or turtles, rhinos or elephants, you can find them roaming around here.

The pilgrimage route called Camino di Santiago (sometimes translated as Way of St. James) stretches across Europe into northern Spain and down to Santiago di Compostela. This sacred path has been followed since medieval times by faithful Christians who seek to worship at the tomb of St. James, as well as other hikers who are inspired by the spiritual “way.”

The epic sweep of golden sand that is Playa de Maspalomas sits at the southernmost point of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands. Stretching for about 12 miles (7.5 kilometers), the beach is backed by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and meets the Atlantic Ocean, attracting a mix of walkers, sunbathers, families, surfers, nudists, and an LGBQT+ scene.

Just north of Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southwest shore, the lively marina of Puerto Colón welcomes private boats and yachts. Boat cruises and scuba diving excursions set out from the port along the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, where you can spot bottlenose and common dolphins, pilot whales, and loggerhead and green turtles.

If you want a break from Marbella’s beach resort scene, head to the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) to see Marbella’s traditional side. Boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops line pretty streets full of whitewashed buildings and colorful blooms. It's the ideal spot for a leisurely wander, tapas, or ice cream minus the Marbella bling.

Behind the 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance-style facade of the Palau Cervelló, the Moco Museum Barcelona is anything but traditional. Brimming with cutting-edge modern and contemporary art, the museum presents household-name artists alongside a multisensory digital art space. You’ll see Salvador Dalí sculptures and Keith Haring cartoons, as well as works by Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

An extraordinarily picturesque cove on Mallorca’s southern coast, the Caló des Moro is small but perfectly formed. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and promontories that ensure its water remains smooth and calm for swimming, the cove’s beach boasts soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Though it lacks many tourist amenities, its dramatic beauty makes it well worth a visit.

One of the top resort destinations on Spain’s Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar offers family-friendly stretches of sandy beach lapped by azure waters perfect for various water sports. The old town—a former fishing village—is home to attractions like the Santa Clotilde Gardens, Modernist cemetery, and Church of Sant Romà within its maze of narrow twisting lanes, plus eateries specialized in Catalonian cuisine.

The Sant Joan Funicular Railway runs from the Montserrat Monastery up to the very peak of the mountain. Built in the early 20th century for monks wishing to pray at the Hermitage of Sant Joan, it trundles up the 65 percent gradient to 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level for sweeping views across the wild, arid landscapes of Catalonia and the surrounding Pyrenees.

Family fun comes thick and fast at the Madrid Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid) in the Spanish capital’s Casa de Campo Park. Opened in 1969, this much-loved attraction offers everything from scary-high coasters to water adventures, shows, and carousels, all set against a leafy backdrop.

Lush, green mountains are the gorgeous backdrop for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife’s only cruise port. The historic city offers excellent access to the entire island, from the south coast’s sandy beaches to towering volcanoes and national parks. Compact Santa Cruz has many attractions, including museums, shopping, and dining.

Standing proud on a grassy knoll looking out to the North Atlantic Ocean is the ancient Tower of Hercules. Not only does this well-preserved lighthouse add to the skyline of La Coruna and offer excellent views of the city, but it’s also a bit of a record breaker, both as the world’s oldest known Roman lighthouse still standing and the second tallest lighthouse in Spain.

Built in the 1st century, the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the world’s best-preserved ancient aqueducts. It may make for an incongruous sight, running through this picturesque Spanish town, but it’s one of Segovia’s most famous landmarks. It runs for about 9 miles (15 kilometers); amazingly, the aqueduct still conveys water from the Frio River.

IKONO Barcelona is an immersive experience created by international artists that offers a feast for the senses and some ultra-Instagrammable photo opportunities. The interactive museum space features a series of eclectic areas, including rooms equipped with ball pits, neon lights, mirrors, and other quirky features. It’s an ideal rainy-day activity in Barcelona for adults and is a popular choice for visiting families, too.

At Acua Water Park—the only park of its kind in Fuerteventura—you can enjoy more than a dozen family-friendly attractions, including the Lazy River, the Wave Pool, and more. After zipping down slides and playing games in the Activity Pool, refuel with onsite dining options, relax in the Jacuzzi, or lie back on comfortable lounge chairs.

What would seem like a completely ordinary street in the center of Alicante has been transformed into something straight from a children’s book: Tall mushroom statues spring from Calle de Las Setas, while the ground is painted in an equally whimsical colorful pattern. A street that’s likely to delight families with young children, it’s dotted with slides and playhouses.

Barcelona’s Big Fun Museum is an assortment of family-friendly interactive attractions, dedicated to the art of optical illusions—often on a grand scale. From kitchen sinks you can walk into to celebrity lookalikes seen in food, this is a museum that translates well to the camera (and to the imagination). Eight quirky and immersive art galleries under one roof give kids plenty to explore at this central attraction on La Rambla.