Top Travel Destinations in Spain
Check out my list of the top places to visit in Spain - from the city sights of Madrid and Barcelona, to Seville and Granada in the South!
But where to explore first?
Other than the beautiful beach resorts in the South, here are my top Spanish travel destinations:
Barcelona
Located on the north-east coast of Spain is Barcelona. As the capital of Spain's Catalonia region, this bustling city is famous for its art, design, and architecture. As well as being home to the world-famous unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia and other landmarks by architect Antoni Gaudí, including Park Güell and Casa Milà.
Take some time to explore Barcelona's palaces, plazas, and boulevards of shops, but don't miss out on visiting the city's museums and art galleries. Such as the famous Museu Picasso, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), and Fundació Joan Miró.
Barcelona is an ideal European city break destination, with only a 2-hour flight time from London! Spend 2 or 3 days here to immerse yourself in this city, or tag on a couple of days to relax by the Costa de Barcelona beach...
Madrid
Madrid - the capital city of Spain. Situated in the heart of the country, this romantic city is filled with imperial squares and palaces. As well as an excellent selection of museums and art galleries, including Museo Nacional del Prado (the Prado Museum) and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid - the official residence of the Spanish royal family and Europe's third greatest palace! Although the royal family does not reside here anymore, the palace is still used for state ceremonies, receptions, and royal weddings.
At just a 2-hour and 15-minute flight from London, Madrid is a perfect European destination for a weekend city break. Spend 2 or 3 days here, or add on a couple of days to explore the nearby town of Toledo!
Seville
The city of Seville is located in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain - the homeplace of flamenco dancing! Despite being in-land, Seville is situated on the river Guadalquivir and has its very own harbour - making it the only river port in Spain.
Other than the popular flamenco clubs and Spanish tapas bars, there are plenty of things to do in Seville. Check out the iconic Plaza de España and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Catedral de Sevilla. And definitely visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville - a beautiful royal palace filled with Moorish architecture.
Note: Seville gets hot during the summer months, in particular July and August - so avoid visiting Seville during this time if you can. More info on the weather and when is best to visit Spain.
Seville's airport (Aeropuerto San Pablo) is a 30-minute drive from the city centre, and serves international flights from across Europe. With a flight time of 2-hours and 45 minutes from London Gatwick to Seville, it makes this pretty Spanish city a great European city break destination.
Tip: Extend your trip to Seville and head to the Costa de la Luz coast for a few days on the beach.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Monastery courtyard with orange trees
Madrid in Spring
Granada
Granada - the Moorish jewel of Spain. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it is home to the world-famous Alhambra.
The Alhambra is a medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. It draws in visitors from all over the globe, and is a must-visit when in Granada! Spend a day here to enjoy the beautiful Islamic architecture and landscaped gardens.
Tip: Tickets sell out early, so I highly recommend booking tickets in advance online.
Other things to see in Granada include the old Arabic quarter of Albayzín (Albaicín). Located on the hill opposite the Alhambra, it is essentially a lot of narrow, cobbled streets. Wander around the Albayzín to take in everyday Spanish life.
Head to Plaza Nueva in the city centre - A good starting place for checking out nearby sights, such as Catedral de Granada and the Royal Chapel of Granada (Capilla Real). Continue on through the Great Bazaar of Granada 'Alcaiceria' - a series of narrow alleyways and traditional shops.
Getting to Granada - There are several nearby international airports; Granada, Málaga, and Almeria. You can fly direct from London Gatwick or Manchester to Granada with Easyjet, in around 3 hours.
Note: Granada is only a 2 hour drive to the beaches of Costa de Almeria!
Valencia
Valencia... A port city on the east coast and Spain's third-largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. And not to forget, the homeplace of Paella!
Spend some time exploring Valencia's old town, including the neighbourhood of 'Barrio del Carmen'. In the city centre be sure to visit Valencia Cathedral, and Central Market for daily fresh food (excluding Sundays). There's also a few sandy beaches on Valencia's coastline - perfect to check out if the weather is nice!
On the outer skirts of Valencia is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, or more commonly known as the City of Arts and Sciences. This park is filled with futuristic architecture, including the biggest aquarium in Europe 'Oceanogràfic' and the science museum 'Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe'.
Fly direct to Valencia from London in under 2 hours and 30 minutes! Valencia's international airport is only 10km from the city centre.
Note: Valencia is just an hour and a half train ride from Madrid. Why not tie in another city break with Valencia...
San Sebastián
San Sebastián. This compact coastal city in Northern Spain is just a 30-minute drive from the French border. Known for its sandy beaches, pretty town, and Michelin starred restaurants.
Head to the summit of Monte Igueldo for the best views of San Sebastián. Don't worry, there is a funicular railway which you can ride up from the coast.
Note: The nearby city of Bilbao is just a 1 hour and 30 minute train ride away. Where you can visit the famous Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art.
Unfortunately, there aren't any direct flights from London Gatwick or Heathrow to San Sebastián. Instead, fly from London Stanstead to Bilbao, to then get the train across to San Sebastián.
Spanish street
Toledo, Spain
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Visiting Spain - Overview
Head to Spain to explore the beautiful, historical towns and cities...
- Experience Spain's traditional culture - go to a flamenco bar, eat paella and tapas, and try some sangria! More on what to eat and drink in Spain.
- Once you've decided where you want to go in Spain, check what the best time of year is to visit as it differs across the country.
- Fly to Spain for a short European city break. OR if you have longer, then spend a couple of weeks city hopping and traveling around by train - More on traveling around Spain.
- Remember that Spaniards eat late! Have some afternoon tapas to keep you going until 9 pm when restaurants start to serve dinner.
One response
.cialis cheapest cialis india cialis with dapoxitine