This summer, many of you will undoubtedly be visiting Spain. From Ibiza to Barcelona via the Canary Islands or Madrid, it is true that there many amazing spots to visit in this beautiful sunny country! But do you know the best places to visit in Spain?
Rich in a fascinating history, at the crossroads of the Arab-Muslim and Latin-European worlds, it allows you to travel through history from one region to another and to cross… the world! Many sites and monuments in the country are today classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, both the cities and the Spanish nature are full of wonders to discover. You will find historic towns, dream beaches, protected natural parks, beautiful addresses, and much more: all you have to do is choose the destination you want the most!
18 most beautiful & best places to visit in Spain
Barcelona, Catalonia
Second city of Spain and one of the most visited, Barcelona has an undeniable charm. Whether it’s its location on the Mediterranean, its iconic architecture or its international atmosphere, everything is spellbinding in Barcelona. The must-see monuments are of course the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell. And to party and have fun in Spain, nothing better than the beautiful Catalan city of Barcelona!
Take advantage of your visit to Catalonia to meet our hosts who will introduce you to the wines of Catalonia: Terra Remota, Mas Oller, Celler Viniric, Celler Mas Polit, Finca Agricola Parera and many more.
Book your hotel in Barcelona.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands. Conquered by the Spaniards more than 500 years ago, this island has several heavenly beaches, Mount Teide, the highest in Spain, natural parks, a zoo, volcanoes… Its mild weather all year round makes it a ideal destination for a stay in Spain during the winter. But beware of the price of plane tickets, which can go from simple to triple depending on the time of booking!
Take advantage of your stay in the Canary Islands to meet our hosts who will introduce you to the wines of the Canary Islands: Wine Tours Lanzarote, Bodegas Ferrera, Tenerife Wine Experience, and many more.
Book your hotel in Tenerife.
Majorca, Balearic Islands
The island of Mallorca still has many isolated spaces with a surprising beauty behind its very touristy and overcrowded coastline. Crystal clear water, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the opportunity to eat delicious fish… These are some of the things that make this Balearic island such a popular holiday destination. Are you planning a trip to Mallorca? We highly recommend it!
Book your hotel in Majorca.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Even if this island now has a rather bad reputation as an island of party, alcohol and lust, it has a lot to offer. Get away from the overcrowded south coast of young Europeans who come to have fun, and you will discover the true face of Ibiza. It is a preserved island, whose 210 km of coast lined with beaches ensure everyone a moment of appreciable relaxation. Walk along its coastal paths, discover its typical villages, and take the time to discover old Ibiza, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. The island of Formentera, 30 minutes by boat from Ibiza, is also a must see!
Book your hotel in Ibiza.
Menorca, Balearic Islands
Menorca is also a real paradise on earth. Little sister of the island of Majorca, this city offers breathtaking landscapes with its crystal clear waters and its natural site. It has been classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 1993. Take the opportunity to take a boat trip to admire the sunset from the sea, just two hours by plane from Paris.
Book your hotel in Menorca.
Málaga, Costa del Sol
In the south of Spain, Malaga is renowned for being one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa del Sol. Here you will find a natural area that is one of the most striking landscapes in Europe. Spread over 1,000 ha, Malaga has many sites and panoramas to admire: the Alcazaba watchtower, the Puente Nuevo de Ronda, Comares… A centuries-old port city, Malaga is described as a joyful and lively city, which perfectly combines culture, history and relaxation. It is a dynamic city, with many shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Book your hotel in Malaga.
Tarragona, Costa Dorada
Located between Barcelona and Valencia, in the south of Catalonia, the city of Tarragona tells a millennial history, specific to the Costa Dorada. Its streets, squares, walls and cobblestones portray a cosmopolitan place imbued with cultures, marked by Iberian, Roman and even Jewish civilizations. A strong heritage with a surprising heritage, which bequeaths to all those who meet it, a certain art of living. Between vestiges and medieval streets, Tarragona therefore promises a real journey through time. But it is also and above all, a popular destination for a summer break, feet in the sand, tapas in the mouth! Get together with family or friends to taste the best tapas in Catalonia in the many bars and restaurants of the city.
Book your hotel in Tarragona.
San Sebastian, Basque Country
Not far from the well-known Bilbao is San Sebastian, in the heart of the Basque country. This city with sophisticated architecture is facing the azure blue of the ocean with magnificent white sand beaches. It is also an essential gastronomic destination in terms of visit. Here, no tapas, but pintxos – the Basque version of the famous Spanish tapas.
Book your hotel in San Sebastian.
Costa Brava
Spain has the most beautiful seaside resorts in the world. From the Costa Brava to the beaches of Andalusia, there is no shortage of resorts. Between towns, beaches and coves, the Catalan coast offers great places for strolling and swimming.
Book your hotel in Costa Brava.
Corunna, Galicia
Located in the northwest of Spain, La Coruña nestles in a very beautiful setting, between dunes and cliffs on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Corunna offers multiple attractions as well as cultural and historical places located between land and sea. Not to be missed: A road trip to the Canary Islands to discover the nuggets of the Spanish Atlantic coast and a session of surf.
Book your hotel in Corunna.
Alicante, Costa Blanca
Alicante is one of the cities of the Costa Blanca, its streets are lively, full of tapas bars. The historic district is cute as anything, and there are several magnificent viewpoints over the turquoise sea. To top it off, Alicante has a superb fine sandy beach which is right in the city centre. In short, visiting Alicante is a real pleasure as the city has assets to seduce travelers.
Book your hotel in Alicante.
Granada, Andalusia
Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, thanks in particular to its famous Alhambra, which appears on all the postcards of the city. Located in Andalusia, the heart of the city beats to the rhythm of the South: it is good to live there, the inhabitants are smiling, and the monuments are not lacking. An excellent choice for a trip to Spain! An exceptional setting for a holiday in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains and just 1 hour from the beaches.
Book your hotel in Granada.
Seville, Andalusia
If you are wondering what to do in Spain, then we have the answer: visit Seville, the capital of Andalusia, probably one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain. Seville is famous for its historical and architectural heritage or its vibrant flamenco culture. During your stay, we advise you to visit the Alcazar and its gardens – a perfectly well-preserved example of Mudejar architecture, dating from the Muslim era, but also to lose yourself in the alleys of the Old Town to appreciate all life and the beauties of the Andalusian city. To complete your visit, do not hesitate to attend a flamenco show.
Book your hotel in Seville.
Almeria, Andalusia
Almeria is the capital of the second richest province in Andalusia. This region is distinguished by extraordinary landscapes, by the presence of numerous archaeological remains and by a very dynamic life. Both the city of Almeria and the province that bears its name are must-sees in southern Spain. It is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Andalusia, on the program: cultural visits, idleness on one of the many beaches on the coast and discovery of Andalusian specialties in an exceptional setting between sea and mountains.
Book your hotel in Almeria.
Cordoba, Andalusia
A major city during Roman Antiquity and the Middle Ages, Cordoba is best known for its magnificent Mezquita, the mosque-cathedral, which testifies to the rich history of the city and the region. It was the heart and the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba, during the golden age of Muslim domination over Spain. Other famous monuments are also to be discovered such as the Roman bridge, spanning the Guadalquivir, the palace of the Christian kings or quite simply the Old Town of Cordoba, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book your hotel in Cordoba.
Valencia, Valencian Community
Located on the east coast of Spain, Valencia has no shortage of attractions. Known for its City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex with lots of entertainment, the city also has a particularly charming Old Town, where you can taste a succulent paella – a dish originating from Valencia! The capital of paella, Agua de Valencia.
Take advantage of your visit to Valence to meet our hosts who will introduce you to the wines of Valence: Ambia Tours
Book your hotel in Valencia.
Madrid, Community of Madrid
If you have planned to visit Spain, Madrid is one of the most beautiful destinations – especially if you are looking for an exotic city for a weekend. On the menu: the Prado Museum, the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid or the charming Retiro Park. The city is full of monuments and tourist attractions to discover with delight. Speaking of delicacies, in the city center you will find many small tapas restaurants, as well as lively bars where you can have fun for an evening. The capital of Spain does not lack energy.
Book your hotel in Madrid.
La Rioja
La Rioja is the wine region of Spain. It will enchant all wine lovers. If you visit La Rioja, the program will be simple and delicious: discoveries of local cellars and vineyards, but above all, wine tastings and tapas. The region’s capital, Logroño, is the perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding areas. Its picturesque town center is also home to many tapas bars.
Book your hotel in La Rioja.
FAQ & Useful Resources
When to go to Spain?
There is really no best time to visit Spain: the diversity of the country and its different climates allow travel throughout the year, winter rather in the South or in the Canary Islands, summer further north to avoid extreme heat.
What are the specialties of Spain?
The best known are the Paella with its saffron rice garnished with seafood and the tortilla, which can be eaten warm or cold. There are also the famous Tapas, delicious little dishes that you can taste from bar to bar with a glass of wine. Then the charcuterie, in particular chorizo, spicy sausage and Serrano ham. But each region has its particularities: scallops are a specialty of the North Atlantic where you can also taste cod, while gazpacho, a cold tomato soup and raw vegetables, is of Andalusian origin. The Basque Country is renowned for its peppers, cold meats and sheep’s cheese. The Mediterranean coast is obviously rich in fish and shellfish.
What to know before traveling to Spain?
– Time difference Spain: no time difference with Spain (except Canary Islands: -1h)
– Flight time from France: it will depend on where you want to go in Spain. 1h45 for a flight to Paris – Barcelona, 2h for Paris – Madrid
– Visa: You only need an up-to-date identity card or passport!
– Language spoken: Spanish but they also speak English.
– Power outlet: You will not need an electrical adapter if you are European.
– Wifi, internet: It is very easy to connect to the internet thanks to the Wifi connection of hotels and youth hostels! She is very good. Often, French phone plans give you Giga to connect to the internet in European countries! Check with your operator!
– Accommodation: Accommodation in Spain is of very good quality! We always fell very well! It will also depend on where you are going! Accommodation on the islands is often more expensive than on the mainland! We often went to Spain outside tourist periods and the prices were therefore lower than the high season prices!
How to get around in Spain?
The fastest solution to travel from North to South and on the islands is of course by plane!
You can easily take the train in Spain! They serve the whole country: it is the RENFE (Equivalent of the SNCF: Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles de España). Moreover, in the stations of Spain, there is often a salesman who helps you to choose your train at the best price. If you plan to take the train often to visit the country then you will see there are many reductions.
You can also use the Bus, of course, but for long distances we advise you to take the train. On the other hand, to move between certain cities, there are only Buses. You can also use them in big cities with the metro and trams!
We recommend that you rent a car in Spain. This will give you all the autonomy you need to take the time to discover this beautiful country. No need to visit only cities such as Barcelona or Madrid. But once you are moving away and want to explore an area, renting a car is ideal.
