Spain attractions

Situated just west of Las Ramblas, El Raval has transformed in the last couple of decades. This now-gentrified neighborhood is one of the hippest in Barcelona, teeming with boutiques, art galleries, bars, art museums, and restaurants, all with a multicultural influence. One highlight is the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), whose 3,000-strong permanent collection features work from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

Built by the Romans, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina (Palau de l’Almudaina), overlooks the scenic bay in Palma, capital city of the island of Majorca, Spain. Visit this majestic site to see how antiquity lived throughout the centuries and today; the palace remains the official residence of Spain’s royals during visits to Majorca.

Granada's Paseo de los Tristes is a riverside walkway along the canyon separating the Alhambra from the Albaicín neighborhood. Paseo de los Tristes once served as the route for funeral processions—hence its name, which means "Promenade of the Sad." Today restaurant terraces tempt passersby with refreshment and sweeping Alhambra views.

Located in the heart of Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter, and just blocks away from the Mezquita, the Córdoba Synagogue (Sinagoga de Córdoba) is the Juderia's (Jewish Quarter’s) main attraction and is a one-of-a-kind site in the Andalusia region. Built in the 14th century, the small synagogue houses a courtyard, prayer room, and women's gallery.

Seville's bullring—or the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla—is one of the oldest in Spain. It was here that the corrida, or bullfight, moved from a rectangular to an oval arena and many of the cherished theatrical traditions of the matador evolved. Completed in the late 18th century, the bullring is a yellow-and-white baroque beauty and a must-see for architecture buffs; tours cover the bullring plus the exhibition hall, stables, and Capilla de los Toreros (“Bullfighters’ Chapel”).

Flanked by two of Madrid’s tallest skyscrapers—the Torre de Madrid and Edifico España— Plaza de España sits at the western terminus of Gran Vía in the heart of the city. A statue of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra stands at the center of the square, with smaller statues of Don Quixote de la Mancha and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, at his feet.

Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is one of Madrid’s largest public squares, dominated by the iconic Las Ventas bullfighting arena—the largest in the world and one of the city’s top attractions. Even those with no interest in bullfights can learn about the history and heritage of this deeply Spanish tradition.

The neoclassical Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini) provides the perfect place for a rest on a busy day exploring Madrid. The gardens feature an impressive sculpted hedge maze, as well as fountains, statues, and a pond. Sit on a bench beneath one of the leafy trees to nibble a jamón sandwich with views of the Royal Palace.

The historic heart of Barcelona, Ciutat Vella (Old Town) encompasses four of the city’s most attraction-packed districts: bohemian and multicultural El Raval; the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), home to some of the city’s oldest Roman vestiges; the Medieval Quarter comprising Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and El Born i la Ribera; and La Barceloneta, famous for its beach. With its iconic architecture, world-class museums, and historic sights, the Ciutat Vella is where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time in Barcelona.

Lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and bars of all types, Gran Via cuts through the heart of Madrid. The bustling street comes alive at night, when locals eat, drink, and mingle into the wee hours. Gran Via is also known for its 20th-century architecture, including the Edificio Metrópolis, which boasts a magnificent rooftop statue of Winged Victory.

Football (soccer) fans won’t want to miss Spotify Camp Nou stadium, home turf for Football Club Barcelona—and the legacy of Lionel Messi. It’s the largest stadium in Europe, with 99,354 seats. Experience the energy of the stadium during a soccer match, or, if you can’t get tickets, check out the interactive museum and the immersive Spotify Camp Nou Live show, which recreates the action of a live game.

The Plaza de la Reina, dating from 1878, marks the center of Valencia and is home to cafes, terrazas (outdoor seating areas, and one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Horchatería Santa Catalina. Towering over the plaza is the Valencia Cathedral, a gothic structure believed by some to be the home of the Holy Grail.

Barcelona’s L’Eixample neighborhood was built in the 19th century as part of a plan to enlarge the city by connecting it with smaller surrounding towns, such as Gràcia (now a neighborhood itself). Today, you’ll find some of the city’s most famous landmarks in this area—La Sagrada Familia as well as other Gaudí creations, Casa Mila and Casa Batlló.

Framed by the wave-inspired walkway of the Rambla de Mar, the striking mirrored frontage of Maremagnum mall is one of the main attractions of Barcelona’s Port Vell (Old Port). A popular choice for shoppers and foodies alike, the shopping center houses the Time Out Market, alongside more than 40 local and international stores selling fashion, sportswear, homewares, electronics, and more.

The old Moorish town of Ronda teeters precariously atop the El Tajo Gorge, which historically served as a daunting obstacle for approaching enemies. Water from the Guadalevín River and melting snow flowing down from the Sierra de las Nieves eroded the gorge, and Ronda is one of the few towns in the world to be split in two by a ravine such as this.

On the banks of the Bidasoa river, sheltered by Mount Rhune’s austere peak, Hondarribia is one of the most picturesque towns on the Basque coast. Close to the French border, just east of San Sebastián, this lovely walled fishing village is enjoying a gastronomical moment, with an explosion of noteworthy restaurants.

Commissioned by King Felipe II as a testament to Spain's devout Catholic faith, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial—or just El Escorial—was built in the 16th century after the French were defeated in the Battle of Saint Quentin. The highlights of this immense UNESCO World Heritage Site—considered the most important monument of the Spanish Renaissance—include the elegant basilica; the marble Pantheon de los Reyes, where many kings and their relatives are buried; and the Patio de los Reyes, the entrance to the monument. The site is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.

One of Ibiza’s most popular beaches, this beautiful piece of white sand and crystal sea is full of amenities and accessible for all types of beachgoers. Cala Bassa is about 15 minutes from San Antonio and easily accessible by road or ferry. Home to the buzzing Cala Bassa Beach Club, it’s a spot where all your watersport dreams can come true.

Plaza Nueva has long been at the center of local life in Granada, and its location at the foot of the Alhambra palace means many tourists will pass through it. Laid out in the early Christian era, the square was built over the Darro River and once served as an arena for sporting tournaments and bullfights, as well as public executions.

Several bridges traverse the Guadalquivir River as it weaves through Cordoba, but one really stands out: the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano). Anchored by Calahorra Tower to the south and Puerta del Puente to the north, this bridge was originally built in the 1st century BC. Highlights of the structure include the statue of San Rafael at its mid-point.

In the shadows of the mighty Teide volcano, Los Roques de García are among the most memorable natural wonders of Tenerife’s UNESCO-listed Teide National Park. Formed by years of ancient volcanic activity, the pyroclastic rocks are known for their peculiar shapes, some appearing to defy gravity and others taking on an otherworldly presence.

Drinks, tapas, and labyrinthine medieval streets are plentiful in La Latina, a charming neighborhood tucked into the center of Madrid. Once a blue-collar and artsy district, La Latina maintains a local culture that complements its bohemian vibes. Wander to quaint public squares, see remains of ancient city walls, and sip tinto de verano, the local tipple.

Whether you’ve managed to snag tickets for a home game or booked a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Camp Nou Stadium, a visit to the FC Barcelona Museum is a must for football (soccer) fans. The museum sits right next door to the stadium, and brings fans closer to the city’s favorite team through a series of interactive exhibits and galleries.

Hidden away in a courtyard, just a short stroll from the medieval Barcelona Cathedral, the 2,000-year-old Roman Temple of Augustus is one of the most surprising landmarks of the Gothic Quarter. Once a mighty temple about half the size of Athens’ Parthenon, only four Corinthian columns remain. It’s nonetheless an impressive sight, with the ancient columns looming nearly 30 feet (9 meters) high.

Nestled deep within the orange grove-covered Valley of Gold (Vall d’Or), Sóller is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding Serra de Tramuntana. Hailed as one of the prettiest towns on Mallorca, this traditional enclave feels far from the crowded beaches of the island’s resorts. Before taking to the trails, spend some time strolling the labyrinthine streets, admiring the art galleries, and enjoying what Sóller is best known for: oranges.

With one of the largest and most comprehensive art collections in Madrid, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza) is a veritable paradise for art lovers. The collection contains more than 1,000 works of mostly Western art and is part of the “Golden Triangle of Art” along with the Prado Museum and the Museo Reina Sofia.

Museo Picasso Málaga, situated in the city of the master’s birth, showcases a collection of more than 200 pieces donated to the museum by Picasso’s family. While the Blue and Rose periods are missing, the collection highlights the artist’s personal side, with works he painted for his family or kept for himself.

One of the most atmospheric and storied districts in Toledo, the Jewish Quarter (Judería) was home to Spain’s most prominent Jewish community in the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, the neighborhood—comprised of walled, labyrinthine alleyways—is the site of synagogues, museums, and plenty of historical charm.

The Ávila Cathedral is said to be the first Gothic cathedral ever built in Spain. Constructed to fit into the city’s fortified walls, it’s reminiscent of a castle—and this undoubtedly helped it survive hundreds of years of conflicts. Home to artworks and 15th-century stained glass windows, it’s a grand and unspoiled example of a Roman Catholic cathedral.

Locals and travelers alike flock to Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina), which stands out amid the historic buildings of Barcelona’s La Ribera neighborhood with its wave-like mosaic roof. The colorful redesign was added more recently, but this is one of the city’s oldest covered markets, dating back to 1848 and brimming with fresh produce and delicious gourmet foods from around Spain.