That’s true. Spain is a country that has something for every type of traveler. This may come as a surprise to those who associate the country primarily with golden beaches and flamenco (as I did before my nine-month stint in La Rioja), but the Iberian peninsular kingdom is known for its popularity in places like Madrid and Andalusia. It is made up of 17 autonomous communities, which cover a wide area. A spectrum of cultures. Throughout Spain, you’ll meet people like the Basques and Catalans who speak their own languages, and discover centuries-old palaces, mountain peaks and valleys filled with cherry blossoms in spring. Masu.
That’s right, to experience Spanish culture, be sure to eat a platter of paella in Valencia. However, why not visit these other 10 places? Many of the best places to visit in Spain are widely loved, but some offer a surprising side of the country.
1. Mallorca
Balearic Islands
Mallorca, off the east coast of Spain, is a classic example of Spain’s complex history. Here, travelers can discover traces of a former Roman, Moorish, and Christian home, including the 800-year-old La Seu, a Gothic sandstone cathedral, and the Arab Baths in Palma de Mallorca’s historic center. You can find it. However, if you limit your stay to the island’s capital, you will miss out on some of Mallorca’s most beautiful landscapes. In addition to its crystal-clear beaches, the 1,405-square-mile island has dozens of designated biking routes and an underground cave system that once hosted pirates and Moorish soldiers. Soak up the island’s beauty on a hike to Puig Mayor, Mallorca’s highest peak at 4,711 feet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Reina Sofia Museum are some of the attractions in Madrid.
2. Madrid
madrid
The stairs leading out of Madrid’s Sol metro station place travelers in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital. Appropriately located in the heart of the country, Madrid is home to some of the best museums, restaurants and nightlife. Built in the 16th century, Plaza Mayor is the setting for everything from festivals to executions, and is proof that it remains connected to tradition and history. Grab a bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) from a storefront near the plaza, or soak up the city’s constant energy at the 350-acre Retiro Park, within walking distance of the Prado Museum and Porta Alcalá. Just be careful not to nap too long and miss out on the tapas bar trip you had planned for that evening.
3. Barcelona
Catalonia
This coastal city is unabashedly trying to differentiate itself from the rest of Spain, from its Catalan language to the distorted, brightly colored facades of Antoni Gaudí’s buildings. Whatever says “this is great” about Barcelona, it certainly resonates. Barcelona attracts people from all over the world (more than 30% of Barcelona’s residents were born outside Spain), and travelers come here for its beaches, year-round festivals, and markets. . For first-time visitors, walking the 3/4-mile Las Ramblas is a must. Tree-lined avenues take pedestrians past kiosks, neighborhoods and historic buildings, stopping at the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Seville
Andalusia
Spain’s love for a relaxed siesta is echoed in Seville: warm people, sunny days spent drinking sangria, and orange trees. The capital of Spain’s autonomous region of Andalusia still retains many traces of its Moorish past. One of the most beautiful places to explore its history is the Royal Alcazar of Seville. This is his 11th-century palace with walled gardens and geometric arches that have appeared in Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Stop and smell the jasmine at Plaza Espanya and walk along the curving walls of his 52 colorful mosaics depicting all of Spain’s provinces.
Picos de Europa is one of Spain’s 16 national parks.
Photo credit: Florian Augustin/Shutterstock
5. Picos de Europa National Park
Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon
While lounge-worthy beaches characterize southern Spain, the Picos de Europa National Park is a prime example of the lush, dramatic landscape that occupies the north. This 250-square-mile national park was first established by the Spanish government in 1918 and includes high mountains, meadows, and lakes that resemble the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Explore the jagged edges of the Cantabrian Mountains along the 12.5-mile Ruta del Cares and spot local wildlife such as roe deer and Egyptian vultures.
In spring, Valle del Jerte hosts a festival celebrating the cherry blossoms.
Photo credit: Jessica Hyde/Shutterstock
6. Valle del Jerte
Extremadura
Looking for an alternative to the cherry blossom lovers flocking to Japan and Washington, D.C.? Head to Spain’s Extremadura region, which borders Portugal, from March to April (when the cherry blossoms bloom is a bit of a guess). Two million cherry trees are in bloom, and Valle del Jerte stands out against a sea of white. Flower lovers can take a road trip down Spain’s N-110 road, which winds through the province of Cáceres and crosses his 11 small villages in this region known as the Pueblos, touring an area of 144 square miles. I can. If you come at the right time, you might even be able to take part in a flower festival, where the village celebrates the season with markets and exhibitions.
Enjoy the beautiful views at La Concha Beach during your travels in San Sebastian.
Photo credit: Bear Fotos/Shutterstock
7. San Sebastian
basque
Although the origins of the Basque people are controversial, the ethnic group has spread throughout the autonomous communities of the same name in southern France and Spain, and has developed a culture distinct from the rest of the country. San Sebastian is one of the cities in the Basque Country where Euskala is spoken on the streets and people stop using Ola to greet people with Caixo. The sheer cliff sides resemble those of Ireland or Scotland. Enjoy small plates known as pinchos made with prepared cod and local ingredients. But be sure to make reservations, too, as the food scene here is top-notch. This city of 190,000 people has 10 of his restaurants with Michelin stars.
In a 2018 survey by the national newspaper El Pais, Spaniards named Cudillero the second most beautiful village in Spain.
Photo credit: Alfonso de Tomas/Shutterstock
8. Cudillero
asturias
Many of Spain’s big cities attract tourists from all over the world, and the beautiful small villages often get overlooked. Cudillero is one of the approximately 20,000 pueblos throughout Spain, and one of the most beautiful. This fishing village of around 5,000 people on the Bay of Biscay is a masterclass in slow living by the sea. Colorful orange-roofed houses dot the hillside and also serve as panoramic vantage points of both the city and the sea.
Haro was the historic wine capital of Spain’s Rioja region, as evidenced by these ancient and magnificent cellars in López de Heredia.
9. Rioja wine region
La Rioja, Basque Country, Navarra
The Rioja wine region, which spans three different autonomous communities, is known for its Tempranillo grape, which produces the tannic, full-bodied red variety of the same name. The region’s ideal viticultural conditions are thanks to the Ebro River, which meanders through the region’s rolling hills. Grab a glass, take in the views, and learn about winemaking at a winery known locally as a bodega. Some of the most charming ones, like López de Heredia, are in pueblos like La Guardia and Haro. The latter hosts an annual wine festival in the summer.
Santiago de Compostela’s ornate cathedral is one of its landmarks.
Photo credit: artem evdokimov / Shutterstock
10. Santiago de Compostela
galicia
In the Middle Ages, people walked from southern France to the northeastern tip of Spain as a way to demonstrate their faith, establishing a 500-mile route known as the Camino de Santiago. Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, is the final stop on this pilgrimage, marking the end of the journey with its Romanesque cathedral. Even if you’re not a pilgrim, the city is a worthwhile place to explore its religious history and Galician specialties, from local cheeses to seaside delicacies such as perceve (also known as barnacles).
Valencia has been designated as one of AFAR’s destinations for 2024.
Provided by Ali Spada/Unsplash
11. Valencia
valencia
Despite being over 2,000 years old, Valencia continues to innovate towards a sustainable future as European Green Capital in 2024 (on AFAR’s 2024 Bucket List) In addition to being one). If you’re stopping by the city, grab your bike and walking shoes instead of using regular transportation. The city has more than 200 km of bike lanes and dedicated green spaces like the Turia Garden, so walking down to paella is easy. If you want a taste of tradition, stop by in March. Larger-than-life floats descend on the city for the Las Fallas festival.
