Spain attractions

Though Madrid is home to a number of landmark churches, the Basílica de San Francisco El Grande is among the most important because of its huge frescoed dome, baroque facade, and sheer size—it's the largest basilica in Spain. Located in La Latina, the church has six domed chapels and a rich painting collection, including a fresco by Francisco Goya.

Perched high up on Mont Gibralfaro, Castillo de Gibralfaro offers commanding views of the city of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle is one of Malaga’s best-known sights and is featured on the city’s flag.

Spain’s oldest theme park, the enchanting Tibidabo Amusement Park (Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo) has been a Barcelona staple for more than a century. Overlooking the city from the 1,680-foot (512-meter) Mt. Tibidabo, the park is celebrated for its family-friendly attractions, panoramic views, and rides that range from renovated historic pieces to high-speed rollercoasters sure to appeal to thrill seekers.

The center of Valencia’s civic activity, the Town Hall Square welcomes many festivals throughout the year, from the spectacular bonfires of Las Fallas in March to an ice skating rink in December.

Characterized by rugged cliffs, forested trails, and waterfalls, the wild landscapes of the Masca Valley are among Tenerife’s most beautiful. The remote gorge offers a thrilling backdrop for a hike—the trail winds down through the gorge and finishes at a black-sand beach.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Seville, the Palace of San Telmo has played various roles in civic life since it was built in 1682. Today the rusty-red and golden-yellow building welcomes lawmakers to the seat of the Andalusian government, but you can still arrange for a tour inside to see the rich and grand history of this former university and palace.

Atarazanas Market (also known as Mercado Central de Ataranzanas) is a Málaga landmark that served as a shipyard, warehouse, and barracks before becoming the city’s leading food market. The Moorish-influenced building has been refurbished, and it’s once more a warren of stalls set amid delicate wrought ironwork below a domed stained-glass window.

The heart of Málaga is the Plaza de la Constitución, a historic and vibrant public square. Dating back to the 15th century, this location is still a city hub; lined with bustling shops and cafés, this pedestrian-friendly area is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious explorers.

Gràcia is considered by many to be Barcelona’s hippest neighborhood, but it’s also known as the student and art quarter. Once its own village, Gràcia’s headline attraction is the UNESCO-listed Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Many travelers also stop by to explore Plaça del Sol square, which is lined with tapas bars, terraced restaurants, flower shops, and trendy boutiques.

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the medieval Bilbao Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is best known for its 15th-century Siete Calles (Seven Streets), now lined with pintxo bars and cafés. Here, visit the Santiago Cathedral, stop by one of the largest covered markets in Europe, and catch a show at the lavish Arriaga Theater.

From Roman times to the present day, the city of Barcelona boasts thousands of years of history and has many stories to tell. The Museum of the History of Barcelona (Museu d'Història de Barcelona, or MUHBA) is today situated in Plaça del Rei atop the Roman ruins of Barcino. Its collection preserves and communicates the heritage of the Catalonian capital.

Barcelona’s La Monumental Bullring (Plaza de Toros Monumental de Barcelona) was built with a flamboyant neo-Mudéjar and Byzantine facade, and embellished with Iberian blue-and-white tiles. The bullring was the largest in Barcelona and could seat 20,000, plus another 5,000 standing. After bullfighting was banned in 2012, the ring was repurposed as a bullfighting museum and concert venue and is now better known as La Monumental.

Emphasizing biodiversity and conservation research, the Barcelona Zoo is home to some 2,000 animals across more than 300 different species, and even more types of plant life. Look out for mammals, birds, and reptiles from different parts of the globe, all in living areas that mimic their natural habitats.

Lobos Island (Wolf Island) is named after the “sea wolves” (monk seals) that used to live here. Now a protected nature reserve, the small, rocky island is home to wildlife—from birds to sharks—beaches, hiking paths, a visitor center, and, at the northern tip, the lonely Punta Martiño Lighthouse.

One of four rivers that meet in Girona, Catalonia, the Onyar River (Riu Onyar) delivers the city’s most emblematic view: stacks of rainbow-colored houses lining the narrow river. It divides the most popular areas of this historic city—the medieval old town sits on its right bank, with some top restaurants and museums on the left.

Located in the Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is the oldest and most charming neighborhood of Valencia, where medieval towers and historic landmarks stand next to vibrant street art. Hip and trendy, El Carmen offers an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a popular destination with locals and visitors.

Surrounded by sand dunes and rocky cliffs, Cala Comte ranks among Ibiza’s most spectacular (and popular) beaches. Visiting families come to swim in the calm, clear waters, while protected coves and enclaves appeal to sunbathers who prefer to go au natural. The beach is known as the best spot on the island to watch the sunset.

Girona, one of Catalonia’s most atmospheric towns, is also home to one of the world’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, known as El Call. This neighborhood dates back to the 12th century when Girona was home to a thriving Jewish community. Its maze of medieval streets and narrow back alleys hasn’t changed much in the centuries since.

Jameos del Agua occupies a series of lava caves on Lanzarote’s northeastern coast. The masterwork of local artist and architect César Manrique, the underground complex—a bar, restaurant, nightclub, and swimming pool—makes innovative use of the natural volcanic landscape, formed by the eruption of the La Corona volcano 4,000 years ago.

Barcelona’s Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) is an open-air museum located on Montjuïc Hill. Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition, the village was created to resemble a traditional Spanish town and depicts replicas of Spanish buildings from around the country that showcase the country's architectural and cultural diversity. Visitors to the village can watch demonstrations of traditional Spanish glassblowing, pottery, and more, and purchase handmade products.

The grand Paseo de la Castellana runs for nearly 4 miles (6 km), from the Plaza de Colón to the outskirts of northern Madrid. The most important north-south thoroughfare in the city also takes visitors past some of the city’s most important landmarks and neighborhoods.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and sun-soaked beaches, Ibiza offers much more than beats from a European DJ. Instead, consider exploring Es Vedranell and the other western islets—and their inlets—of Ibiza for a more laid-back experience that features protected nature parks, quiet beaches, and Mediterranean diving.

Precisely every 15 minutes, the sound of chiming bells emanate from the twin towers of the Alicante Town Hall, casting a romantic soundscape on the oceanside town. Holding court at the center of Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the stately Baroque building has a meticulously ornate interior, filled with art works highlighting the history and culture of Alicante.

A soaring, shimmering glass and concrete edifice in El Raval, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) spearheaded the once-dilapidated district’s revival. Its matte white interior flooded with natural light creates a backdrop for the 6,000-strong collection, which is displayed in ever-changing temporary exhibitions. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró dating from the mid-20th century.

North of Seville lies one of Andalusia’s most important historical sites: the ruins of Itálica near the Guadalquivir River. Founded in 206 BC, Itálica was the first and largest Roman settlement in southern Spain. The site, which can be visited on a guided tour, includes mosaics, an amphitheater, and the remains of grand villas and city streets.

Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles) is a landmark building with a modest past—this turn-of-the-century architectural gem was once a central post office, and later a government building. Now open to the public, the palace is known for the art happenings at its cultural space—CentroCentro—and the city views from its 8th-floor terrace.

The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the mid-10th century, when it served as the seat of power for the Umayyad dynasty in Córdoba. When the caliphate ended after a civil war in 1010, the city was laid to waste and forgotten until its rediscovery in the early 20th century.

Barcelona’s rich seafaring traditions are on display at the city’s Maritime Museum of Barcelona (Museu Marítim). Located in the Barcelona Royal Shipyard at Port Vell, the cavernous, Gothic-style building holds centuries-old war and merchant ships, modern sports boats, and a collection of maps, weapons, and navigational tools. Another highlight of the permanent collection is the 14th-century Les Sorres X, which was discovered during construction work for the Olympics.

A port city on the west coast of Menorca, Ciutadella de Menorca (most commonly referred to as Ciutadella) is best known for its historic quarter and medieval streets. Travel back to the 17th century by strolling around the neighborhoods in the city’s old town, admiring the whitewashed stone homes and mansions along the way.

The neo-Gothic cathedral of Buen Pastor (the Good Shepherd) was completed in 1897 at a time when San Sebastián was a flourishing, aristocratic seaside resort. Made of sandstone and slate harvested from Monte Igueldo west of town, the church with its towering needle-like spire (the tallest in Basque Country) is one of the icons of the city.