A small gem of a museum in Bilbao’s Old Town, the Bizkaia Museum of Archaeology chronicles the region’s past, from murky prehistory to the modern day. Housed in a former train station, the museum’s collection consists of thousands of ancient artifacts, ranging from household items to the 15th-century Urbieta wreck.
The imposing, castle-like San Miguel de los Reyes Monastery (Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes) is a former Hieronymite monastery and prison built in the 16th century in the Valencian baroque style. A national monument, it houses the Valencian Library (Biblioteca Valenciana) and serves as a public cultural center, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events throughout the year.
The Na Burguesa Viewpoint (Mirador de Na Burguesa) sits at the top of the Serra de Na Burguesa, a mountain range that is easily accessible from Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the city from the 1,443-foot (440-meter) peak, then hike through the surrounding woods on one of the area’s many walking trails.
Seville Opera (Sevilla de Opera) is a unique theater where you’ll find live, participatory performances that cross typical stylistic boundaries. Enjoy arias and scenes from some of the most famous operas set in Seville, such asCarmen and theMarriage of Figaro, and enjoy a bite to eat at this intimate, theater-in-the-round setting.
Grab the gang and enjoy the fun of Hidropark, north Mallorca’s only water park. Sitting on the edges of Port d’Alcudia, this popular park offers slides and pools for all ages–although its attractions are perhaps better suited to young kids than daredevil teens. Add game arcades, restaurants, and sun terraces, and visitors can look forward to bucketfuls of fun.
Learn about the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands with a walk through a reconstructed ancient aboriginal village at Mundo Aborigen. Located in the Natural Park of Ayagaure and overlooking the island’s largest gorge, the Barranco de Fataga, this open-air museum celebrates the history and culture of the Guanche people before the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands.
One of the greatest 20th-century Spanish sculptors, Victorio Macho fled Spain for Latin America during the Civil War but ended his life in Toledo atop the cliff he called his “Tarpeian Rock.” Today, his former home houses the Victorio Macho Museum and more than 100 works he donated to the city, dating from between 1903 and 1965.
Situated in the converted 10th-century Arabian Baths of Santa María, Tablao Flamenco Arte y Sabores de Córdoba is one of the city’s most important artistic venues. At this intimate locale, you can dine on traditional Spanish dishes while enjoying a nightly performance of flamenco, Spain’s national dance.
Set in the former home of Mallorca’s wealthy March family, the Bartolomé March Foundation houses the collection of family patriarch Bartolomé March. The house (Fundacion Bartolomé March) provides a magnificent setting for everything from antique books and charts to 20th-century sculptures by Rodin—all within view of Palma Cathedral.
Campo del Príncipe—the Prince’s Field—is said to be named for Prince Juan, whose late-15th-century wedding was supposed to be celebrated here (but wasn’t). Today the square is known as a pilgrimage destination during Holy Week, when its 17th-century white alabaster Cristo de los Favores cross serves as the main draw.
This chamber tomb in Menorca, dating back to the pre-Talaiotic period around 1200 BC, was discovered in the 1960s, when archaeologists found more than 100 bodies there, buried with jewelry and other artifacts. It’s Menorca’s most important megalithic monument, resembling an upside-down boat assembled from large stone blocks.
If slipping, sliding, and splashing your way around a course of gigantic inflatable obstacles sounds like a good time, Amadores Fun Park is the place to be. All ages can visit the water park, which floats offshore at Amadores Beach, and enjoy climbing up slides, jumping from towers, and flying off an inflatable pillow.
Behind an understated Renaissance facade and triumphal arch entrance, Bilbao’s 16th-century San Vicente Mártir de Abando Church (Parroquia de San Vicente Mártir de Abando) hides a surprisingly ornate baroque altar. Other highlights of this Basque Gothic building include the whitewashed vaulted ceilings, gilded detailing, and carved statue of the crucifixion.
One of Spain’s most important archaeological sites, the Santimamiñe Cave (Cueva de Santimamiñe) is renowned for its dozens of ancient cave paintings. Representing some 14,000 years of human history, the landmark was discovered by two young children in 1916, and underwent excavations from 1918 until 1962. Today, it is closed to visitors.
Located in Costa Tropical, Aquatropics is Spain's only saltwater water park. Spanning 376,737 square feet (35,000 square meters), the park offers more than a dozen water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, play pools, Jacuzzis, and waterfalls, as well as non-water attractions and amenities for the whole family.
In a land of cathedrals and alcázars, Seville’s Perdigones Tower (Torre de los Perdigones) stands out as a major industrial landmark—but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. The 19th-century tower is instantly recognizable for its red-and-yellow brick facade. But the 360° panorama from its 148-foot (45-meter) observation deck is even more impressive—as is its interior camera obscura.
Just a short distance from the resort town of Cala Ratjada in northeastern Mallorca, Cala Gat (meaning the “bay of cats”) is one of the area’s loveliest beaches. Small and sandy, with beautifully clear turquoise waters, it’s sheltered from the waves by rocky headlands. Boats are not permitted here, which makes it easy to have a relaxing paddle.
Nestled in Catalonia’s eastern Pyrenees, the Masella ski and snowboard resort forms half of the Alp 2500 ski area with neighboring La Molina. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediates. Masella’s 17 lifts span 65 ski runs covering 46 miles (74 kilometers) and a snowpark. Thirteen runs and the park are open for night skiing.
Visitors to Gijon who are interested in the city’s underwater life shouldn’t miss a visit to the Gijon Aquarium (Acuario de Gijon), which showcases a variety species in tanks that mimic habitats around the globe. Find fresh and saltwater aquariums, exhibitions, and frequent tank feedings at this lovely, family-friendly spot.
An immersive museum, bringing digital art not just onto screens but onto the floor, the walls, and even visitors, Nomad Museo Inmersivo transforms art from around the world into interactive installations featuring sound and movement. Past exhibitions have delved into the images of Van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock art, and psychedelic AI creations.
Attracting both car enthusiasts and history buffs, the medieval Loizaga Tower not only delivers fantastic Basque Country scenery, but is home to a car museum showcasing a remarkable Rolls-Royce collection. Admire rare and iconic vehicles from all over the world, including up to 45 different models from the 1900s.
Holding court atop Hondarribia’s highest point, the Castle of Charles V has watched over the colorful Basque fishing town since the 10th century, when it was constructed for King Sancho Abarca. Updated with Renaissance flourishes for King Charles V in the 16th century, the castle fortress is now a parador, which is a government-run hotel.
Located on the northern coast of Menorca, Cala Morell offers a unique combination of a relaxing surf and fascinating history. Though known for its clear, cobalt blue waters and rocky beach, Cala Morell is also home to one of the most important archeological sites on the entire island: a Bronze Age-era necropolis built into the rockface.
As one of Spain’s most revered contemporary artists, Félix Revello de Toro has a museum devoted to his work in Málaga. The permanent display at Revello de Toro Museum includes more than 100 of the artist’s sketches, figurative work, and powerful portraits. Best known for his delicate depiction of the female form, highlights include family portraits and his most famous work, Sumida en el sueño (Deep Slumber).
Aqua Center Water Park is a prime destination for visitors in Menorca who want a place to cool off and careen down towering water slides. With pools, jacuzzis, and a bar area—plus a kid-friendly water castle and bouncy play zone—the Aqua Center offers lots of family-friendly fun.
Flanking Malaga’s seafront Paseo del Parque, the Municipal Heritage Museum Malaga (Museo del Patrimonio Municipal Malaga) tells the story of Malaga from the 15th century to today. Among its roughly 4,000 exhibits, visitors can view historical documents, detailed city models, art by local luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, and temporary exhibitions.
Antiques and oddities spill out onto the inner city streets of Seville with the coming of the Mercadillo del Jueves each Thursday. This long-standing flea market is one of the oldest in Europe and sprawls along Calle Feria, enticing passersby with its discordant mix of wares that are just as likely to appeal to nostalgia, curiosity, and novelty as they are good taste.
While the great Spanish novelist Benito Pérez-Galdós found fame in Madrid, he came of age amid Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s crashing surf and windswept beaches. His family home is preserved as the Pérez-Galdós House-Museum (Casa-Museo Pérez Galdós), which is filled with the writer's personal belongings, books, and furniture.
Puig de Galatzo Nature Reserve (La Reserva Puig de Galatzo) is a prime destination for visitors who want to experience Mallorca's natural beauty—and take part in a few thrilling outdoor activities. Enjoy hikes, a plethora of flora and fauna, and fantastic mountain views, as well as adventures like ziplining and rock climbing.
The Zoo del Pirineu (Pyrenees Zoo) focuses on the wildlife, especially birds, of the Pyrenees mountains. Besides eagles, owls, vultures, and other birds, come to see polecats, wild boars, foxes, and a petting zoo. In high season, enjoy shows, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
