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.
Housed in a magnificent art deco building on Madrid’s Gran Vía, the Casino Gran Vía is one of the city’s classic entertainment spots. Built in 1924 as the headquarters of Madrid’s Trade and Industrial Circle, the casino has three floors of poker, roulette, and baccarat tables, along with slot machines, a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel, all in spectacular surroundings.
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.
The Andén Cero is the ideal spot for fans of history and transport. Situated in the heart of Madrid, the Metro station preserved as a transport museum has been stuck in time since it closed in 1966. The original features remain in place, such as the ticket booth and advertisement posters, creating a window into the past.
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.
The last trace of Lanzarote’s once-booming salt industry, the Janubio Salt Pans are still the largest in the Canary Islands. The patchwork of salt pools makes for a mesmerizing sight, stretching along the banks of the Janubio Lagoon, and summer visitors can witness the salt being harvested by hand.
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.
The history of Spanish aviation is honored at the Museo del Aire, located at the Cuatro Vientos Air Base, the country's first military airfield. Here you'll find all sorts of planes and related objects spread across seven hangars.
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.
One of only two surviving gates in the historic Old Town of Alcúdia, Porta del Moll is a striking sight with its crenelated towers and the distinctive palm trees that sit before it. It serves as the poster child for this town in northern Mallorca, hailed as one of the island’s most beautiful places.
In the heart of Ávila is the Plaza Mayor, the historic meeting place of the city’s markets and the home of Ávila City Hall. Originally built in the medieval era, the imposing building that now has pride of place in the Plaza Mayor was constructed in the 1800s and is a grand example of Isabelline architecture—a mix of Flanders and Castilian styles.
Set in and around Malaga Airport’s original first passenger terminal, the Malaga Aeronautical Museum (Museo Aeronautico de Malaga) whisks you back to the golden age of mid-20th-century air travel in Spain. Marvel at a 1940s control tower, view an original check-in counter, enter the cockpit of restored airplanes, and see displays that recapture the days when flying was a rare luxury.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in Busturia, the Ekoetxea Urdaibai Biodiversity Centre celebrates and educates visitors about the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: a tract of land that has been protected by UNESCO since 1984. Comprised of sand dunes and marshes, floodplains and forests, this scenic estuary region is among the most biodiverse in the Basque Country.
A traditional flamenco venue in the heart of Madrid, La Taberna de Mister Pinkleton is the perfect destination for soaking up Spanish culture. Secure seats to a coveted show, where you can marvel at the flamenco dancers (bailaores) and vocal accompaniment, and sip a cocktail or glass of wine.
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.
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.
No need to go all the way to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for Real Madrid merchandise. Pick up team gear in Central Madrid at the Official Real Madrid Store El Carmen. Whether you need a gift for the soccer fan in your life, or want to find local team apparel to fit in with the Madrid crowd, this is the place to shop.
Museum Jorge Rando (Museo Jorge Rando) is housed in the former cloister of the Monastery of the Mercedarians. The first and only Expressionist museum in Spain, its permanent collection features the bold, fluid works of Málaga-born painter Jorge Rando. The gallery also functions as a studio for local artists, a cultural center, and a research facility.
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).
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.
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.
Set in the heart of Madrid just opposite the Reina Sofia Museum, IKONO Madrid is one of the most unique attractions in the capital city. Offering a mix of art and entertainment, this interactive museum is home to a dozen immersive installations created by contemporary artists across the globe. A welcome respite from sightseeing, this unusual sensory experience is fun for visitors of all ages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
