Spain seems to be an eternally cheerful nation, with many sunny days and warm people! It’s one of the larger European countries, with many exhilarating cities that have unique attractions, history, and food. Each destination has its interesting sites, and it’s worth visiting as many as you can. Spain also a cool nation to visit if you want to take part in an unusual festivals, which makes for an experience to remember! With plenty of activities to do while in Spain, it might be hard to find the best destinations to visit. However, we’re here to help, so here is our list of the 10 best places to visit while in Spain.
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1. Indulge in the best churros: Madrid
Churros have long been a popular snack in Spain, so they are something you should definitely try if you’re visiting. For some of the best churros in Madrid, stop by Chocolateria San Gines, which is revered by both locals and tourists alike. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the delicious scent of fried dough and chocolate! When you order the churros, you’ll get several long pieces to be dipped into the rich, viscous chocolate sauce. The chocolate clings onto the crevices of the churros, making them a perfect pair. If you have some chocolate left at the end, do as the locals do and just drink it!
Chocolateria San Gines
Address: Pasadizo de San Gines, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours: 9.30 am - 7 am (Monday - Friday), 9 am - 7 am (Saturday & Sunday)
Website: Chocolateria San Gines
2. Visit Christopher Columbus' final resting place: Sevilla
While in Spain, you can visit the largest Gothic cathedral, the 3rd largest church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Behold the majesty of the Seville Cathedral, which holds a total of 80 chapels. As the church is rather large, you can spend up to half a day exploring it in its entirety. A fun fact about the Seville Cathedral is that it claims to be the burial site of Christopher Columbus, the famed Italian explorer. However, his remains have been moved several times, so it’s a mystery whether the remains in the cathedral are legitimate. For a spectacular view, climb up the belfry of the Giralda, which is the cathedral’s bell tower, and you’ll know that the church is amazing both inside and out!
Seville Cathedral
Address: Av. de la Constitución, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Price: from 9.70 USD (Adults), 3.30 USD (Seniors and Students, ages under 26), free-of-charge (Children, ages 16 and below)
Opening Hours: 11 am - 3.30 pm (Monday), 11 am - 5 pm (Tuesday - Saturday), 2.30 pm - 6 pm (Sunday)
Website: Seville Cathedral (Spanish only)
3. Explore stunning Islamic architecture: Granada
Spain is a country made up primarily of Catholics; however, while you’re in the country, you can actually visit one of the most well-preserved examples of Islamic architecture! The Alhambra sits on top of a hill that overlooks Granada, so be ready to admire the unparalleled view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the rolling hills of the Andalusian countryside. As the site is large, and there are many extremely intricate and magnificent monuments, you can spend many hours exploring the area. There’s even a museum on the site so you can learn more about Alhambra’s fascinating past. During the summer, you can sometimes go to an open-air concert!
Alhambra
Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
Price: from 15 USD (Adults), 9 USD (Children, ages from 12-15. Must have a parent/guardian/caretakers), 9.70 USD (Seniors, ages 65 and over) and free-of-charge (Children, ages 12 and under).
Opening Hours: 8.30 am - 2 pm and 2 pm - 8 pm (Monday - Sunday) (15 March - 14 October) and 8.30 am - 2 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm (Monday - Sunday) - (15 October - 14 March)
Website: Alhambra
4. Chill out on the beach: Barcelona
While you’re on El Somorrostro Beach, you can experience two types of ‘climates’. You can stay warm in the Mediterranean climate while on the sandy beach, or retreat into Icebarcelona the only beach ice bar in the world. The temperature at the bar is kept between -2° and -10°C (28 to 14 F). You have to pay a small entrance fee, but entrance comes with some perks like a coat and gloves to keep you warm, and a free drink. Interestingly, the drink comes in an ice cup, which is pretty cool! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to be able to visit a beach and an ice bar at the same time, so just try it!
Icebarcelona
Address: Ramón Trías Fargas, 2, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Price: from 17.20 USD
Opening Hours: 12 pm - 3 am. Open daily.
Website: Icebarcelona
Spain Tour Guide
Asier Garmendia
Hi! I’m Asier, welcome to Granada, the most wonderful and charming city in the world. I am a licensed tour guide, with a degree in Art History and specialized in the Alhambra. Let me show you as a local our traditions, food and heritage. The city of the Alhambra will not disappoint you !. Please don`t hesitate to contact me for private and flexible tours. My job is my passion!
Tours by Asier
5. Pelt fellow tourists with tomatoes: Bunol
Spain is well-known for its many festivals, so how about taking part in a zanier one? You can visit the town of Buñol to take part in the ‘largest food fight in the world’, La Tomatina! More than 20,000 tourists drop by the town just to participate in the festival, and we can see why they’re willing to do so. Locals and tourists alike don their oldest shirts and goggles, and a truck overflowing with tomatoes will drive into the main square. When the first tomato is thrown, a full-out war occurs! We think that it’d be extremely cathartic to throw a tomato at someone and watch it explode when it hits someone else.
La Tomatina
Address: Buñol, Valencia, Spain
Price: from 10.75 USD (General), 805.50 (To be in the tomato trucks)
Opening Hours: Last Wednesday of the month of August.
Website: La Tomatina
6. Ogle at the extensive collection of art: Bilbao
Despite it being only the second largest museum in Basque Country, it turns out to be the most visited one! It’s most well-known for its extensive and comprehensive collection of Basque art, and nearly 10,000 works, such as paintings and sculptures, are on display. It also has Spanish and European art from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. With paintings by old masters like El Greco to modern artists like Francis Bacon, you’re sure to enjoy yourself. Besides its permanent collection, there are also visiting exhibitions, so you can experience something new the next time you stop by.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Address: Museo Plaza, 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Price: from 9.70 USD (Adults), 7.50 USD (Students, ages 25 and under and Seniors, ages 65 and above), free-of-charge (Children, ages 12 and under, on Wednesdays, 10am - 3pm and on Sundays, 3pm - 8pm).
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (Wednesday - Monday), 10 am - 2 pm (24 and 31 December). Closed on Tuesday, 25 December, 1 January and 6 January).
Website: Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
7. A must-visit for all foodies: Barcelona
Spain is well-known for its delicious local cuisine, so if you’re a foodie, drop by La Boqueria, which is the historical local market. This market has local produce in spades, from freshly-caught fish to jamon, a Spanish dry-cured sausage! And if you have access to a kitchen while on vacation, you can buy some ingredients and whip up a Spanish feast. The quality of the ingredients is also vouched for by the many restaurateurs who frequent this market to buy their produce. Also nestled in this bustling market are several food stores. Grab a simple cappuccino or have a seat and enjoy a delicious and piping hot meal!
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 8 am - 8.30 pm (Monday - Saturday)
Website: Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
8. Visit the driest region in Spain: Almeria
Deserts are not the first thing you think about when it comes to Europe. However, the spectacular and dramatic looking Tabernas Desert lies in Spain! It’s the driest region in Europe and it’s an amazing place to visit and discover what can survive in such a climate. Because it closely resembles the North American Wild West, many filmmakers were drawn to it and several famous Western movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here. There are also different things to do in the area like visiting the Oasys Theme Park, where you and your family can explore a large zoo.
Tabernas Desert
Address: 04560 Tabernas, Almería, Spain
Oasys Mini Hollywood
Address: Carretera Nacional 340A, Km. 464, 04200 Tabernas, Almería, Spain
Price: from 24.15 USD (Adults), 12.50 (Children, ages 4 - 12), free-of-charge (Children, under the ages of 3)
Opening Hours: It differs, check website for more information.
Website: Oasys Mini Hollywood
9. Zip right into Portugal from Spain: Huelva
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Limitezero on Saturday, June 18, 2016
Many people know that Spain and Portugal share a border, but did you know that there’s actually a zip line that connects these two nations together? It’s actually the first international zip line in the world, making it a perfect attraction for thrill seekers and people who want a unique vacation experience. As you zip down at speeds reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour (~50 mph), you’ll whiz past River Guadiana, which allows for some amazing views! You can also boast that you were able to travel back in time since Spain and Portugal have a time difference of 1 hour. Once you reach Alcoutim, Portugal, you can get back to Spain via a ferry or even explore Alcoutim for a short while!
Limitezero
Address: Av. de Portugal, 21595 Sanlúcar de Guadiana, Huelva, Spain
Price: from 19.40 USD
Opening Hours: Open from spring onwards, check website for more information.
Website: Limitezero
10. Cross the infamous walkway: Málaga
For many years, the El Caminito del Rey was known as ‘the world’s scariest walkway’. Sections of the path were formerly missing, making it dangerous to cross. However, it has gone through a huge restoration and was finally re-opened to the public in 2015. There are now safety measures in check, so you have to have on a helmet and cross the repaired and sturdy wooden pathways. It might no longer be the most exhilarating and daring walk, but you’re sure to get a workout out of it. You can also admire and experience the gorgeous view that surrounds you.
El Caminito del Rey
Address: 29550 Ardales, Málaga, Spain
Price: from 10.80 USD
Opening Hours: Depends on the day (Tuesday - Sunday). Closed every Monday and on 1st January, 24th December, 25th December and 31st December. Check website for more information.
Website: El Caminito del Rey
Stop by splendid Spain!
Spain is truly an awesome country to visit, as it’s sunny most of the time and has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever met. Top it off, there are plenty of cool and fun destinations to visit, so you’ll never get bored no matter where you go in Spain. The fun never stops while you’re touring around!
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Gabi .over 4 years ago
Speaking about the Madrid Chocolateria, look at all the people eating churros and also taking pictures of them: [link removed]
0 . Reply