26 Best Things To Do In Spain In 2024

So, you need to go to Spain however are not sure of the place to remain and make a base, when to go to, or which points of interest to prioritize. By no means concern, you’ve got come to the best place. This information on one of the best issues to do in Spain is a collaboration from our many journeys to Spain and our workforce members that can assist you plan your Spain itinerary! 

Historic cities, the nation’s greatest museums, iconic landmarks, and thrilling out of doors adventures are simply a number of the issues to do in Spain that you just can’t miss. From Bilbao to Cadiz, I’ve left no stone unturned when creating this useful planner. 

Whether or not you need to discover one of the best seashores in Spain or marvel on the nation’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, I’ve obtained a great deal of concepts. So, let’s dive into all one of the best issues to do in Spain, from the wineries within the north to the Moorish structure within the south.

Better of Spain Fast Information

• Should See: Dali Museum, The Alhambra, Royal Palace of Madrid, El Retiro Park, Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Park Guell, Casa Batllo 
• The place To Keep: Posada del Dragón (Madrid), Only You Hotel (Malaga), Mercer Hotel (Barcelona)
• Enjoyable To Do: Winery tours in La Rioja, Ibiza, Mallorca, Flamenco shows, La Tomatina competition
• Day Journeys: Cordoba, Toledo, Seville, Cadiz, Segovia
• Should-Strive Meals: Paella, Tapas, Churros, Jamon Iberico

Greatest Issues To Do In Spain 

Spain is such a various nation that anybody can get pleasure from it. The nation’s high points of interest embrace historical landmarks, luxurious resorts, long-distance mountaineering trails, and a number of the world’s greatest artwork museums. Simply choose one which pursuits you most, and also you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from it in a minimum of 5 completely different Spanish cities! 

1. Vineyard Excursions in La Rioja 

La Rioja is a province in northern Spain identified for wine manufacturing. One of the best Spanish wines originate from this area and all one of the best wineries offer tours with tastings. 

Bodegas Lecea is likely one of the greatest for excursions as a result of the wine barrels are saved in underground caves. Bodegas La Rioja Alta, S.A. can be well-liked for tastings and excursions. This vineyard manufactures a number of the highest-quality wines within the nation, and you’ll style most of them throughout a tour. 

Sensible Info: It’s greatest to guide a tour/tasting earlier than your arrival, particularly in peak season. 

2. Hike the Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago (Method of Saint James) is likely one of the most well-known pilgrimages on the planet. The community of pilgrim paths stretches by Northern Spain, France, and Portugal, and all of the paths result in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. 

It’s believed that the apostle’s stays are buried in Galicia’s cathedral. The northern metropolis has been the vacation spot for pilgrims because the tenth century, and mountaineering even a small part of this path is a really rewarding expertise. On the very least, go to the well-known church on a day journey to expertise a small a part of this Spanish custom. 

Sensible Info: The oldest route of Camino de Santiago is from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It takes roughly two weeks to hike the 300 kilometers by the north of Spain. 

3. Climb the Tower of Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Família is an iconic landmark of Barcelona, identified for perpetually being below building. It’s estimated that the works on the church will lastly finish in 2026, greater than 140 years after the development started. 

The (completed) towers of Sagrada Familia are open to the general public and supply sweeping views of Barcelona’s rooftops. And since the cathedral is likely one of the tallest buildings within the Spanish metropolis, it’s among the best panoramic views to be skilled in Barcelona. 

Sensible Info: Sagrada Familia is open from 9 AM to six PM. The tickets that embrace a go to to one of many towers are 36€. 

4. Take Half in La Tomatina

There are two kinds of folks on the planet – those that would gladly take part in La Tomatina and people who would disguise of their resort room till the complete occasion was over. Buñol’s competition has turn into iconic through the years, attracting many vacationers and locals to town streets in late August. 

La Tomatina is an occasion throughout which contributors throw tomatoes at one another and interact in tomato fights. Buñol’s foremost sq. will get coated with squashed tomatoes and appears like a horror movie scene till the fireplace vehicles hose it down. Learn extra: The Best and Biggest Festivals Around The World.

Sensible Info: La Tomatina takes place on the final Wednesday of August yearly. 

5. Go to the Dali Museum in Figueres

Salvador Dali is likely one of the most well-known artists Spain has ever produced. The legendary artist was born in Figueres, a small city in Catalonia. It’s greatest to go to Figueres on day trips from Barcelona because the city is simply an hour and a half away by public transport.

The Dali Museum is ready inside a Nineteenth-century theater, which was designed by the artist. Dali himself arrange this museum, and it homes the most important assortment of his artworks. For any artwork lover in Spain, this museum is an absolute should and can doubtless be the spotlight of the complete journey.  

Sensible Info: Dali-Theatre Museum is open from 10:30 AM to five PM day-after-day besides Monday. Tickets are 17€. 

6. See Gaudi’s Works in Barcelona 

Barcelona will get nearly as many guests because the capital, and the general public who come to go to are there for Antoni Gaudi’s works. The architect is taken into account a pioneer of Catalan Modernism, and a few of his most well-known works adorn the streets of Barcelona. Book this highly rated tour of Sagrada, Casas, and Park Guell.

One of the best one is Sagrada Familia, the imposing cathedral that’s nonetheless below building. Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Milla are additionally value visiting for his or her distinctive structure. See our information to the top works of Gaudi you cannot miss here.

Sensible Info: It’s greatest to buy particular person tickets for every of the points of interest. Bundles exist however are costlier than single tickets. 

7. Stroll Across the Moorish Palace of Alhambra

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and probably the most necessary landmarks in Spain. The Moorish palace stays one of many world’s most distinguished examples of Islamic structure, so it’s no marvel it’s probably the most visited landmarks in southern Spain. Learn extra at 27 Best Things to Do at The Grand Canyon

The palace’s building started within the thirteenth century, as ordered by the founding father of the Nasrid dynasty. The palace served because the royal residence for the dynasty, who had been the final Muslim rulers of Spain. Book this tour in advance

Sensible Info: The Alhambra is open for excursions from 8:30 AM to eight PM. The tickets are roughly 20€.

8. Uncover Influences of Completely different Cultures at Toledo  

Toledo is called the Metropolis of Three Cultures due to its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments from the Center Ages. It was additionally El Greco’s dwelling for some time, and it honored the well-known artist with a museum devoted to his works. 

The city has UNESCO World Heritage standing, and it’s a superb vacation spot in Spain for vacationers within the structure and historical past of Spain, because of mesmerizing medieval buildings and historic landmarks. 

Toledo’s top landmarks are Puerta de Bisagra, Alcázar de Toledo, Sinagoga del Tránsito, San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, and extra. 

Sensible Info: Toledo is roughly an hour exterior Madrid by bus and practice.

9. Seashores of Costa del Sol

Spain’s Costa del Sol is the preferred vacation spot for holidays within the nation. With numerous cities on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, all of which supply huge sandy seashores and glorious resorts, limiting your self to only one vacation spot is out of the query. Particularly in the event you’re in Spain for a restricted time. 

Our suggestion for Costa del Sol excursions is to hire a automobile and drive from Nerja to Estepona. Malaga and Marbella are the highest cities alongside the way in which, providing an excellent mixture of vacationer points of interest and fabulous resorts. A detour to Granada to see the Alhambra is well achieved throughout street journeys by Costa del Sol. 

Sensible Info: Malaga is accessible by practice from Madrid in three hours. 

10. Strive Paella (And Different Spanish Meals)

Meals is a crucial a part of Spanish tradition and Siesta is proof sufficient. The place else on the planet is it anticipated of individuals to cease working and take naps after lunch? Paella, tapas, jamon iberico, churros, and tortillas are only a few of the various dishes you should try while traveling through Spain. 

Valencia is likely one of the greatest cities in Spain for food tours. Valencian paella is known; the area’s local weather is ideal for rising rice, so paella has all the time been a staple meal in Valencian houses. 

Sensible Info: Gastro tours are extensively obtainable in all city facilities in Spain. 

11. Uncover the Nature of the Canary Islands

Located simply off the western coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago within the Atlantic Ocean. Tenerife is the most important of the seven islands and the preferred vacation spot amongst vacationers within the Canaries. Gran Canaria Island is a detailed second. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the 2 capitals. 

Tenerife is understood for Teide Nationwide Park, the house of Mount Teide. The volcano is the best mountain in Spain, accessible by mountaineering trails and cable automobile. Simply take into account that it’s an lively volcano. I like to recommend booking a guided tour of the area, simply to be on the secure aspect. 

Sensible Info: Canary Islands are accessible by flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. 

12. Mingle With The College students in Salamanca 

Salamanca is dwelling to the oldest college in Spain. That is additionally one of many world’s oldest universities which can be nonetheless in steady operation. With greater than 30,000 college students enrolled within the College of Salamanca, it’s not shocking that the place is a correct scholar city. 

A walking tour of the town permits you to uncover Salamanca’s golden sandstone buildings with intricate particulars. Casa de las Conchas, components of that are coated with seashells, is likely one of the most well-known. Monterrey’s palace, Salamanca Cathedral, and the Roman bridge of Salamanca are a number of different noteworthy landmarks on this picturesque Spanish metropolis. 

Sensible Info: Salamanca is near Madrid, roughly an hour and  40 minutes by practice. 

13. Tapas and Flamenco in Seville

As the most important metropolis of Andalusia, Seville is a bustling city middle in southern Spain. Come right here to see marvelous historic landmarks, but in addition to lose your self within the rhythm of Flamenco and overindulge in one of the best tapas. 

The historic middle of Seville is dwelling to a UNESCO World Heritage Web site comprising three buildings – Seville Cathedral, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and the Common Archive of the Indies. However my favourite attraction in Seville was Museo del Baile Flamenco. I cherished studying in regards to the historical past of the Spanish folks dance and totally loved the dwell efficiency. Learn our full information – The Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Sensible Info: Seville is well accessible by practice from Madrid (3 hours) and Malaga (2 hours). 

14. Marvel at Castles in Cádiz

Cádiz is the oldest metropolis in Europe that has been repeatedly inhabited since its founding in 1100 BC. It was based by the Phoenicians as a small buying and selling put up and would later become a very powerful harbor in mainland Spain. 

The historical past of this city is clear in its structure. With historical castles, metropolis partitions, and numerous historic landmarks within the outdated city, Cadiz is likely one of the greatest locations for an adventure-filled journey in southern Spain. 

Among the metropolis’s greatest points of interest are the Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, Torre Tavira, Castillo de San Sebastian, Parque Genovés, and Castillo de Santa Catalina.

Sensible Info: Cádiz is within the south of Spain, most simply accessible from Seville and Malaga. It’s 4 and a half hours by practice from Madrid. 

15. Keep in Madrid

Spain’s capital is the preferred vacationer vacation spot within the nation and for all one of the best causes. Madrid is a spectacular city providing all kinds of issues to do, from spectacular historic landmarks to glorious purchasing alternatives. 

Keep in Madrid for a minimum of three days to see as many points of interest as potential. Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the Madrid Royal Palace are a number of the capital’s high sights, however solely within the metropolis’s historic middle. Book a hop on hop off bus tour for a superb introduction to the highlights of Madrid

Go to the Literary Quarter to hang around in quaint bookshops and stroll within the steps of Spain’s most well-known writers. Or go to El Retiro Park for the day, to wander across the expansive inexperienced house in the midst of this city jungle. And head to La Latina within the night, to search out all one of the best theaters and tapas bars in Madrid. Learn our information: 18 Best Day Trips From Madrid

Sensible Info: Madrid is accessible by worldwide flights. It’s 20 minutes by practice from the Madrid Airport to the primary practice station.  

16. Admire the Avant-Garde in Bilbao 

Bilbao is the most important metropolis on Spain’s northern coast and the capital of the Basque Nation. The Guggenheim Museum is essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Bilbao and among the best in the complete city. 

The great thing about Bilbao lies in its distinction. As soon as a serious industrial middle and harbor, Bilbao is now present process revitalization and it’s all because of the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s masterpiece sparked additional investments within the metropolis’s infrastructure, and at this time, it’s an necessary vacationer middle in Basque nation. 

Come to Bilbao to see the distinction between its industrial previous and avant-garde current. See Plaza Nueva, the neoclassical metropolis sq., and the Santiago Cathedral well-known for Gothic revival structure. Game of Thrones was Filmed close to Bilbao as effectively.

Sensible Info: Bilbao is most simply accessible by flights from Barcelona and Madrid. Prepare and bus journey is feasible, but it surely takes 5-6 hours and it’s costlier than flying.

17. Journey Again in Time in Córdoba

Córdoba was probably the most necessary cities in Spain below Roman rule, and within the Center Ages, it grew to become a serious Islamic middle. The structure displays town’s historical past, and most of Córdoba’s iconic points of interest are considered excellent examples of Moorish structure. 

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is town’s landmark constructing. The UNESCO World Heritage Web site was initially based as a Mosque again within the eighth century however transformed to a cathedral through the Reconquista interval. Additionally go to Palacio de la Merced for Baroque structure, Palacio de Viana for a touch of Renaissance components, and Templo Romano to see some magnificent Roman ruins. 

Sensible Info: Cordoba is one hour from Malaga by practice and two hours from Madrid. 

18. Tour The Artwork Museums

Spain has produced a number of the most influential artists in historical past and the nation’s museums are stocked with their artwork. It’s by no means a nasty thought to enter a Spanish artwork museum, particularly in the event you get pleasure from viewing the works of the greats.

The Dali Museum in Figueres, the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums in Madrid, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and the Picasso Museum in Malaga are a number of the most well-known within the nation, however definitely not the one ones value your time. The museums are stocked with work by Dali, Goya, Picasso, Velázquez, El Greco, and different iconic artists.  

Insider Tip: Decide up the Paseo del Arte Move to economize on one of the best museums in Madrid and to skip the strains. 

Sensible Info: One of the best artwork museums in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Malaga. 

19. Celebration in Ibiza

Ibiza has a long-standing popularity as a celebration city. Among the greatest nightclubs in Europe have summer time outposts on the island, the place legendary events happen. And if that appears like your sort of trip, Ibiza is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Along with a number of the greatest nightlife in Spain, Ibiza additionally has glorious historic landmarks, beautiful nature, and plenty of museums. And let’s not neglect in regards to the sandy seashores and five-star resorts, that are the primary motive for its reputation. 

Sensible Info: Ibiza is accessible by flights and ferries from the mainland. Ferries from Valencia are the quickest, taking 5-8 hours to succeed in the Balearic Island. 

20. Hop to Mallorca 

Mallorca Island is one other well-liked trip vacation spot in Spain. It’s accessible by ferries and flights, most of which take you to Palma, the island’s capital. With sprawling sandy seashores, glorious resort resorts, and Gothic structure, town is a should throughout any island hopping journey in Spain. 

Mallorca Cathedral is town’s most well-known landmark, with its tall Gothic towers and a wrought-iron cover designed by none aside from Gaudí. Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Llotja de Palma, Bellver Citadel, and Arab Baths are a number of the different historic points of interest in Palma. 

Sensible Info: Palma is accessible by ferries from Barcelona, Valencia, and Ibiza. Ferries from mainland Spain take 7-9 hours to succeed in Mallorca. 

21. Enjoy Valencia’s Attraction

For those who can go to solely a few cities throughout your time in Spain, prioritize Valencia. The fascinating metropolis is a superb mix of the outdated and new, epitomizing every little thing Spain is understood for. It’s obtained one of the best meals (howdy Valencian paella), medieval landmarks, trendy structure, and fabulous seashores. 

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is certainly one of Valencia’s most well-known points of interest. The fashionable science middle is taken into account one of many 12 Treasures of Spain, and its reveals are completely fascinating. And on the opposite finish of the spectrum is Baños del Almirante, the one remaining Moorish constructing within the metropolis. 

Sensible Info: Valencia is accessible by practice from Madrid (2 hours) and Barcelona (3 hours).

22. Climb a Mountain at Picos de Europa Nationwide Park

Picos de Europa Nationwide Park is the oldest nationwide park in Spain. It’s located within the north, spanning 11 villages and three areas. With forests, lakes, caves, and tall mountains, the park is a spot of surreal surroundings. 

The nationwide park is greatest identified for its numerous mountaineering trails. Ranging in problem from very simple to extraordinarily difficult, anybody can discover a appropriate mountaineering path in Picos de Europa. The park is particularly well-liked amongst mountaineers in Spain, who revel on the likelihood to beat one other summit. 

Sensible Info: Entrance to Picos de Europa Nationwide Park is freed from cost.  

Soccer is the nationwide sport of Spain, and the primary spectator sport within the nation. The Actual Madrid and FC Barcelona derby is a legendary occasion that has followers of the game glued to their TVs all through the world. 

Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid) and Camp Nou (Barcelona) stadiums are as iconic because the Alhambra, and stadium excursions are a should for followers of the game. Witnessing a dwell match together with hundreds of passionate locals is an unimaginable expertise, one that would convert anybody right into a soccer fan. Even me. 

Sensible Info: Tickets for La Liga matches have a median value of 125€. 

24. See The Hanging Homes in Cuenca

The Hanging Homes are three homes constructed into the rock face in Cuenca. They’re often known as Casas Colgadas de Cuenca and are probably the most fascinating landmarks in central Spain. 

The balconies of the homes jut out over the gorge. It’s a dramatic picture, however I need to admit I used to be just a bit bit underwhelmed. I blame the attraction’s title for setting excessive expectations. 

Total, I used to be glad to go to Cuenca as a result of the city is vibrant, charming, and steeped in historical past. And it’s a little bit of a hidden gem, with out the hordes of vacationers you usually see within the greater cities. 

Sensible Info: Cuenca is an hour from Madrid by practice. It’s free to go to the Hanging Homes. 

25. Paleolithic Work within the Cave of Altamira

A street journey in northern Spain is just not full with out a go to to Altamira Cave. The complicated is legendary around the globe for prehistoric work on the partitions, that are greater than 36,000 years outdated. 

Properly, you’ll be able to’t go contained in the cave any longer however you’ll be able to see cave findings and replicas of the work at an area museum. I discovered it mind-bending to stare at work created by Neanderthals, and it altered my perspective on the historical past of our species. 

Sensible Info: Altamira Cave is in Santillana del Mar. Entrance to the museum web site is 3€.

26. Sizzling Air Balloon Rides in Segovia

Segovia is a small city near Madrid identified for warm air balloon rides and a Roman aqueduct. It’s truly one of many best-preserved Roman aqueducts on the planet, and in the event you’re into Roman ruins, this city is a should in Spain. 

The city boasts fascinating historic structure with Romanesque church buildings and a Gothic cathedral. Alcázar de Segovia, a medieval citadel, gives panoramic views of rolling hills and central Spain’s pure magnificence. 

Sensible Info: Segovia is 50-60 minutes from Madrid by practice. 

Incessantly Requested Questions Me

What Is The Quantity One Attraction in Spain? 

La Sagrada Familia is the primary attraction in Spain. Barcelona’s cathedral is world-famous, regardless of being unfinished greater than a century after building started.

How Many Days Ought to I Keep in Spain? 

It is best to keep in Spain for 10-15 days to totally discover the nation. For shorter journeys, it’s greatest to remain in a single metropolis and discover the area on day journeys. 

Easy methods to Spend 7 Days in Spain?

Spend 7 days in Spain by visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. You’ll be able to keep in Madrid the complete time and discover the capital in three days, and the remainder of the cities on day journeys. 

What Is The Greatest A part of Spain To Go to For The First Time? 

Barcelona is one of the best vacation spot for first-timers in Spain. The Catalan metropolis gives attractive structure and plenty of iconic Spanish landmarks, together with the legendary Sagrada Familia. 

The place To Keep in Spain 

Stay in Madrid for a minimum of 3-4 days as a result of the capital gives a lot to find. Barcelona can be an excellent metropolis to be in for some time, with glorious meals and vigorous streets. For journey within the south of Spain, keep in Malaga for one of the best expertise. Listed below are a number of the greatest lodges in Spain for all budgets: 

Suggestions and Info for Visiting Spain

Greatest Time To Go to

Except you’re touring to Spain for a particular competition or occasion, any time of 12 months is an effective time to go to. I like to recommend spring or autumn for essentially the most nice expertise. 

Summer time is the height season for journey in Spain, particularly within the well-liked vacationer locations, and that typically means massive crowds and excessive resort costs. Go to within the low season to benefit from the good climate however with fewer crowds and extra reasonably priced costs. 

Getting There

The biggest airports in Spain are in Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca. All three are among the many high 25 busiest airports in Europe and all supply public transport entry to town middle by bus or practice. 

Attempt to fly to Madrid. It’s obtained one of the best connections to different main city facilities and plenty of smaller cities you’ll be able to simply go to on day trips from Madrid. 

Getting Round

All the key cities in Spain are related by trains and buses. For those who’re in Madrid you may get just about anyplace within the nation by public transport with only one or two modifications. However the trains aren’t very quick and are sometimes costlier than native flights. 

Automotive rental is an effective possibility for street journeys in a particular area. Discover northern Spain in a automobile or drive down Costa del Sol for the final word freedom. However for fast journeys between main Spanish cities, practice journey is the quickest possibility.  

How A lot Time Do You Want

You want a minimum of 10 days for a correct tour in Spain, and even that’s for a condensed itinerary. Ideally, you’d spend 15-20 days touring across the nation, staying for a number of days in each main metropolis. 

Madrid and Barcelona require a minimum of three days every, whereas most different locations will be toured in a single or two days. 

So, there you’ve got it, your full information to one of the best issues to do in Spain. In case you are planning a visit to Spain, you’ll be able to select certainly one of these stunning cities to make a base and guide day journeys to get out to discover extra of the nation. Have you ever been to Spain? What’s your favourite place to go to?