Spain attractions

In the Sant Martí district of Barcelona, Platja de la Mar Bella (Mar Bella Beach) is a popular local hangout over the summer. In addition to a lovely stretch of sand and plenty of recreational facilities, Platja de la Mar Bella is also home to Barcelona’s only clothing-optional beach and is LGBTQ+-friendly.

An idyllic and well-heeled resort town that’s just a quick trip from Palma de Mallorca, Camp Mar has long appealed to jet-setters and A-listers, as well as visiting families. Set on the island’s southwest, on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it’s known for its well-serviced, 590-foot (180-meter) beach.

Set inside a baroque warehouse—the city’s oldest civil building—Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) features an impressive collection of 20th-century artwork from the likes of Picasso, Dalí, and Miró. The museum also showcases works by Eusebio Sempere, who donated his collection of art to the city; his generosity allowed for the creation of the museum, which was converted in 1977.

The Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba showcases the rich archaeological heritage of the region. Housed in a beautiful 16th-century building, it features artifacts from prehistoric times to the Islamic period (known as Al-Andalus), including Roman mosaics and sculptures. The exhibition “Cordoba: A Meeting of Cultures” highlights the most important pieces from the museum's collection.

Palma's Fundació Joan Miró Mallorca showcases the works of celebrated Catalan artist Joan Miró i Ferrà, one of the world's most lauded surrealist artists. It houses a large collection of Miró’s paintings and sculptures, which are displayed in ever-changing exhibits focused on themes from his life and work.

Sandwiched between Vigo’s busy port and hilltop fortress, Casco Vello is the city’s compact old town and hub for historical architecture. A maze of small streets and alleys weave between gray buildings in Casco Vello, with the Concatedral de Santa María church and several small plazas providing the main points of interest in this mostly residential area.

Set along Costa Brava near the town of Blanes, Cala de Sant Francesc (also known as Cala Bona or Bona Cove) is a small but scenic cove with a golden sand beach and rocks and boulders of different sizes, surrounded by pine trees. With clean waters and amenities, Cala de San Francesc has consistently been awarded a Blue Flag.

At Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco, travelers experience a long-standing art form reflecting Spain’s rich cultural heritage: a traditional, underground flamenco dance performance, complete with singing, heel tapping, and clapping. To round out a show, enjoy a Spanish meal with must-try dishes such as gazpacho and tortilla Española.

In the historic center of Cordoba, Calleja de las Flores (Alley of the Flowers) is a charming, narrow alley adorned with colorful flower pots and whitewashed walls. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque scenery, with a view of the famous La Mezquita (the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba). It’s a popular spot for those seeking a quintessential Andalusian experience.

Housed in a repurposed textile factory with a capacity of over 1,000 people, Otto Zutz Club has been a mainstay of the Barcelona club scene since the mid-1980s. Come here to listen to reggaeton, hip hop, and R&B played on massive sound systems four nights per week.

Situated along the Mediterranean, Motril, a province of Granada, Spain, is a bustling coastal town known for its production of sugar and sugar cane. Now home to roughly 60,000 people the Costa Tropical community features an eclectic history that dates back centuries, and was once inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Christians resulting in a unique blend of Andalusian culture.

The white sandy beaches of Fuerteventura’s southern peninsula seem to go on forever, and alongside that pristine coastline is the traditional fishing town of Morro Jable. While exploring the Old Town, you’ll stumble upon pastel homes, rustic architecture, and a homely, historic atmosphere. The narrow streets bring the historic parts of Lisbon or Malaga to mind.

When in Marbella, join the locals in going for a stroll along Paseo Maritimo, a wide path that extends along the coastline. Ocean views plus restaurants, shops, arcades, and people watching all draw sunseekers to this waterfront promenade. It extends for about 4 miles (6 kilometers) out from the fishing port of Marbella toward Puerto Banús. Expect to see sandy beaches, boats bobbing in the harbor, and landmarks such as Marbella’s lighthouse.

The triumphs and challenges of yacht racing are on full display at The Ocean Race Museum. Exhibits that chart the history of The Ocean Race and its contributions to sailing technology include yachts and gear used in the 9-month-long race (that has set off from Alicante since 2008), as well as videos, interactive displays, and simulators for a hands-on experience.

In the heart of Madrid, Malasaña is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its cafés, vintage fashion boutiques, and nightlife scene. You can easily spend a day here, browsing museums, strolling parks, or stopping for a meal at one of the numerous bars and restaurants. The area also plays an important role in Madrid’s history: It was a hub for the Movida Madrileña countercultural movement, which was instrumental in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco.

A one-of-a-kind museum in the heart of Barcelona, Guitar Legends Hall provides a uniquely immersive and interactive way to delve into the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Visitors are free to play with jukeboxes, listen to old records, and put their own musical ambitions to the test—and even admire a collection of guitars once played by musical legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Located on the rugged and less developed west coast of Fuerteventura, Playa de Ajuy (Ajuy Beach) stands out with its obsidian sand and dark blue water. It’s flanked by dramatic volcanic landscapes and backed by the charming fishing village of Ajuy, famous for its seafood and the ancient caves nearby.

Barranco de Las Penitas showcases the best of Fuerteventura’s ancient volcanic landscapes. An underground river flows beneath this dramatic ravine and surfaces in a small lake, creating a green oasis amid the barren terracotta desert. You can hike to a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the unique topography.

For some of the best panoramic views over Bilbao, ride the century-old Artxanda Funicular (Funicular de Artxanda) to the summit of Mount Artxanda. There, from the mountaintop viewpoint, you can admire the valley-circled city from above, try to spot the emblematic Guggenheim building, and dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.

One of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful botanical gardens, cliff-top Jardí Botànic de Cap Roig hosts hundreds of species over 42 acres (17 hectares), with dazzling sea views and a faux-medieval castle. Every year, from mid-July to mid-August, the gardens host a series of concerts known as the Cap Roig Festival.

A coastal footpath leads you down to one of southern Menorca’s finest coves, a sandy crescent backed by cliffs and pines, and lapped by shallow turquoise water. While Cala Mitjana is becoming better known and is sometimes busy, it’s mostly retained an unspoiled vibe thanks to its remote location—access to the beach is only by foot or boat.

Located where a royal palace once stood (later demolished in 1810), the Valencia Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real) are one of the city’s loveliest public green spaces. Connected to the larger Turia Riverbed Gardens, the gardens brim with orange and palm trees and host walking paths and ornamental gardens.

Located in the southern part of the island, Monkey Park Tenerife is a breeding and refuge center for endangered primates. The park is home to free-roaming lemurs, gibbons, and squirrel monkeys—to name a few—and gives you the chance to enjoy close contact with the semi-wild primates.

Site of the birthplace of San Vicente Ferrer—a 15th-century friar and preacher who was later venerated as a saint—the House of San Vicente Ferrer is an essential religious and historical landmark in Valencia. Featuring a chapel and celebrated for its ceramic tiles and other heritage features, it also hosts a well that is said to be miraculous.

Beautiful paper mache effigies, known as ninots indultados, fill the rooms inside the Bonfire Museum (Museo de Fogueres), alongside photographs, documents, and costumes from the long-standing Hogueras de Alicante festival. Only a few effigies are spared from the bonfire each year, preserving the most delicately artistic or entertainingly cartoonish, so that museum visitors can admire their designs and learn about the traditions.

A short walk from the town of Peguera, Cala Fornells is a compact cove with clear, calm waters and a mix of rocky and sandy shorelines. It’s less crowded than some of the better-known beaches on the island, and provides particularly good conditions for snorkeling.

If white sandy beaches are your thing, then look no further than Playa Blanca—a southern town on the Canary Island of Lanzarote that translates as “White Beach.” This former fishing village offers several small sandy coves and beaches on Punta del Papagayo, as well as harborfront restaurants, shops, a buzzing nightlife scene, and a regular arts and crafts market at Marina Rubicón.

Combine fun and education at Mundomar, an animal park in Benidorm tailor-made for families. Learning about the importance of conservation, and get up close and personal with more than 30 different animal species—including lemurs, turtles, parrots, and more—though interactive exhibits, shows, and hands-on encounters.

Located at the gateway to Retiro Park, Madrid's Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia is perhaps best known for its centerpiece—the Puerta de Alcalá. This 18th-century neoclassical monument, in the middle of the bustling roundabout, sees lots of traffic; Independence Plaza is one of the busiest spots in the Spanish capital.

Set in old Malaga, the Peña Juan Breva Flamenco Art Museum (Museo de Arte Flamenco de la Peña Juan Breva) celebrates the art of flamenco in a truly fitting setting—an old ‘peña’ flamenco club. Run by a group named after Juan Breva, considered Malaga’s greatest flamenco singer, the museum traces the story of this fiery and famous dance through artifacts and live performances.