Spain attractions

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.

Home to more than 200 species, Bioparc Fuengirola provides visitors with an illuminating and immersive journey around the endangered wildlife of the world’s continents. More wildlife reserve than a zoo and focused on conservation and education, the park is composed of recreated natural animal habitats, so you can see them almost as if in the wild in forest, bushland, and jungle settings.

Located in the palm tree-lined Doramas Park in the heart of Las Palmas, the Pueblo Canario is a complex of island houses built in the traditional Canary architectural style. Amidst Pueblo Canario is the Museo Nestor, dedicated to the life and works of the Canary’s most celebrated artist, Nestor de la Torre, who along with his architect brother, designed the Pueblo Canario in 1956.

Ancient volcanic activity from around 7-9 million years ago formed the Anaga Mountains in northeast Tenerife. Hikers come to enjoy a range of trails that showcase laurel forests, quaint villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. The area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has one of Europe’s largest collections of endemic species.

Nightlife entertainment is the glittery attraction at Benidorm Palace, a popular performance venue in the resort’s east. Crisp tablecloths and mood lighting decorate a sea of tables around the venue’s large stage, which plays host to concerts, tribute acts, and all manner of live shows, often filled with dance, acrobatics, and magic. Dinner and drinks complete the picture.

With beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs, this peninsula in Galicia is both the westernmost point in Spain and the final destination for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James, or Camino de Santiago. About 55 miles (89 kilometers) west of Santiago de Compostela, the cape is a site of spiritual significance as well as a place travelers go to swim and sunbathe.

The de facto capital of Spain’s La Rioja region, Haro is a popular stop for wine lovers. That’s especially true at the end of June, when the Haro Wine Fight is held, which sees partygoers drenched in red wine. Some of the destination’s non-vinous highlights include its protected Old Town and the architecturally distinct Church of Santo Tomás.

Flamenco is nothing if not passionate. Expect stomping, clapping, frenzied guitar strumming, and, of course, dancing. Take a lesson—or just take in a performance—at Cafe de Chinitas, one of Madrid’s celebrated flamenco spaces. Upgrade with dinner and sangria to make the evening a truly special occasion.

Science rules at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnologia) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Whether experiencing the robotic-arm-operated Robocoaster, taking a ride on a flight simulator, or watching a short film at the 3D Cinema, the museum is packed with fun, educational, and interactive exhibitions.

Salvador Dalí once said that the lovely seaside town of Cadaqués was the most beautiful village in the world. Today, the whitewashed town, with its quiet cobbled streets wending through a maze of modernist homes, charming hotels, and restaurants renowned for their tasty local cuisine, ranks among the Costa Brava's top attractions.

Located right in the heart of Fuerteventura, Antigua is one of the island’s oldest towns. Established in 1404, today's settlement reflects Fuerteventura's unspoiled, local side. However, its draws include historic windmills and churches, museums, archaeological sites, and the nearby Caleta de Fuste resort area.

Learn about the past, present, and future of cannabis and hemp at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Barcelona—one of the largest cannabis museums in the world. Housed in the historic Palau Mornau, the museum’s collection of art, artefacts, and exhibits cover the history, cultivation, and use of the controversial plant.

Explore the wilds of both the African Savanna and the Iberian Peninsula at Terra Natura Murcia, a ‘zooimmersion’ park that is home to over 500 animals. You can see several endangered species, such as the white rhino, ring-tailed lemurs, and Masai giraffes, before learning about the animals and lunching at the onsite restaurant.

Serving as Tenerife’s capital up until the 18th century, the lively student town of La Laguna—or San Cristóbal de La Laguna—is the historic heart of the island. Visitors come to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where the cobbled streets and colonial architecture afford endless photo opportunities.

Water slides, tube slides, and swimming pools fill the six themed zones at Aquópolis Costa Dorada, a water park near the town of Salou on Spain’s Costa Dorada. Park attractions suited to both adults and children provide an opportunity for thrills and fun while cooling off from the summer heat.

Located on the outskirts of scenic Lloret de Mar, Water World Lloret is one of Costa Brava’s top water parks. The park spans 7 acres (3 hectares) and features more than 20 aquatic attractions, from wave pools and play zones for kids to racing slides, an 820-foot (250-meter) water coaster, and an adrenaline-pumping free fall drop.

Situated atop one of Granada’s northeastern hills, the tiny Ermita de San Miguel Alto (Hermitage of San Miguel) is known for its sweeping views. From the church, look out over the whole city, from the Albaicín neighborhood to the Alhambra fortress and beyond to the distant and often-snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.

Known locally as La Casa de Seda, the House of Silk is a masterpiece of Baroque design. Built in the 1700s as the house of the Guild of Silk Sailmakers, the decorative and imposing building is decorated with precious silk wall coverings and original antiques, and filled with archival documents—some 300 years old.

In the heart of Barcelona is the Museum of Modernism (Museu del Modernisme), a gallery and exhibition space designed to showcase Catalan modernist art. This petite museum has a collection that far surpasses its small size, and includes sculptures, stained glass, and paintings. See works by Antoni Gaudí, Joan Busquets, and Ramon Casas, and enjoy learning about a movement that inspired many artistic developments across Europe in the early 20th century.

Situated on the banks of the Llogrebat River on the outskirts of Barcelona, RCDE Stadium is the home field of the RCD Espanyol football (soccer) club, one of the top teams in the Spanish league and the crosstown rival of FC Barcelona. Built in 2009, the 40,000-capacity stadium ranks among the best sporting venues in Spain.

Located in the Toledo province, Consuegra Castle is one of Spain’s best-preserved castles. Despite being passed between Moorish and Christian rule throughout the years, little to no Moorish influence exists in the modern structure; however, you can still explore the medieval castle, enjoy views over the surrounds, and climb the windmills featured inDon Quixote.

Far from the crowds of Alcudia, Alcanada Beach (sometimes spelled Aucanada Beach) is a rugged stretch of coastline lapped by clear, turquoise water. It’s the natural highlight of the tiny town of Alcanada and features pebbles and stones rather than sand. Shallow water means it's great for swimming, while a lack of commercial development makes it a perfect spot to leave behind the bustle of daily life.

Madrid's Museum of the Americas (Museo de América) focuses on telling the story of the Americas, from prehistoric times to more recent eras. Here you can learn about how people lived during pre-Hispanic periods, through educational displays and artifacts.

With sweeping views over the Atlantic and Los Gigantes cliffs, Oasis Los Gigantes swimming pool complex boasts a shallow children’s pool with slides and a heated saltwater infinity pool for older kids and adults. Beyond taking a dip, you eat at the restaurant, grab a drink from the bar, bowl on the green, and relax on the daybeds.

Nestled in the volcanic desert of Fuerteventura’s interior is Pájara, a traditional whitewashed town full of Canarian history, Aztec flourishes, and Spanish influence. This laid-black pueblo is famous for the gilded church of Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Regla, a donkey-powered water mill, cactus plantations, and slow-paced afternoon drinks in the sun. No, you’re not in Mexico—you’re in Pájara.

Madrid is a city that loves its soccer, but you don’t need to be a Spaniard to know about the all-star local team, Real Madrid. To pick up merchandise that’s sure to make you popular at thetabernas, visit the Official Real Madrid Store at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Grab a jersey or team scarf, and take in a game while you’re there.

Spanning an area of 38 square miles (98 square kilometers), Delta del Llobregat is one Catalonia’s most important wetland zones and its second largest delta. Here you will find 20 natural habitats and designated areas of conservation that support a rich biodiversity of plant species—and make it an excellent spot for bird-watching.

In many cities, there's an establishment so widely loved that it becomes intertwined with urban culture. Madrid's Sobrino de Botín is one such place. This restaurant's name is synonymous with Spanish cuisine, which isn't surprising, since the kitchen has been serving culinary gems since 1725. The traditional dishes here are spectacular.

Tenerife’s unique landscapes—sculpted over centuries of volcanic activity—and anthropological history—inhabited by the Guanche people since the 6th century BC—are the focal points of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA). Located in Santa Cruz, it’s a fascinating deep-dive into the history and cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.

Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building in central Madrid, the National Anthropology Museum (Museo Nacional de Antropología) traces the history of human society from prehistoric times. Visitors can study the heritages of the peoples of Africa, America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania; they can also attend temporary exhibitions and events to add context to these central themes.