What to do in Spain: 20 must-sees and must-dos
Débora
06 Sep 2023
Welcome to Spain, a country rich in history, culture and diversity. From the splendor of medieval architecture to the vibrant energy of modern cities, Spain offers a captivating balance between tradition and innovation. Its varied landscapes, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees, make it a must-see destination for travelers in search of adventure and discovery. Come and explore its lively cities, savour its delicious cuisine and soak up the warmth of its welcoming culture. Let yourself be enchanted by the passion of flamenco dancing, the beauty of the Alhambra and the friendliness of its people. Spain is waiting to offer you an unforgettable travel experience.
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Table of Contents
ToggleLa Sagrada Família, Barcelona’s iconic masterpiece, is a unique basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its facades adorned with detailed carvings and slender towers create a magical atmosphere. Inside, tree-like columns support an elaborate, forest-like roof. Colorful stained glass windows cast an enchanting light, flooding the space with a mystical atmosphere. The Sagrada Família is a tribute to nature and spirituality, combining art nouveau and Gothic style. A visit to this unfinished cathedral offers a unique spiritual and artistic experience that captures the imagination and amazes visitors from all over the world.
The Prado Museum in Madrid is a renowned artistic treasure trove housing an impressive collection of masterpieces. Paintings by masters such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco are on display, offering an immersion in the history of Spanish art. The museum’s galleries offer a captivating visual experience, with works ranging from royal portraits to biblical scenes. The building’s majestic architecture adds to the artistic aura of the place. The Prado Museum is a must-see for art lovers and the curious, allowing visitors to discover the evolution of Spanish art through the ages. A visit here is a plunge into the cultural richness of Spain.
La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous avenue, embodies the city’s lively essence. Lined with trees and divided into sections, it offers a lively walk through the heart of Catalan activity. Colorful markets, street artists and cafés invite you to explore. La Rambla links Plaça de Catalunya to the old port, linking the history and modernity of Barcelona. The boulevards are full of energy, while kiosks sell flowers, souvenirs and culinary delights. Day or night, La Rambla is an immersion in Catalan culture, where visitors can mingle with the lively atmosphere of this emblematic avenue.
The Alhambra in Granada is a treasure trove of Islamic architecture. This fortified palace is an artistic and historical marvel, blending Moorish and Spanish elements. Lush gardens, magnificent courtyards and impressive architectural details will transport you to a world of splendor and beauty. The view of the city from the Alhambra is breathtaking, offering an unforgettable panorama of Granada and the surrounding mountains. A visit to the Alhambra is like a journey through time, where art, culture and history meet to create a captivating experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this Spanish treasure on your trip to Granada.
Barcelona’s Parc Güell is an emblematic creation by architect Antoni Gaudí. This enchanting park is a masterpiece of Catalan modernism, with its fantastic structures, colorful mosaics and unique symbiosis with nature. Stroll through the park and marvel at the organic curves of the benches, the sloping columns and the famous ceramic salamander.
The panoramic view from the park over the city of Barcelona is breathtaking, offering a fascinating perspective on the architecture and urban landscape. Whether you’re an art lover, an architecture enthusiast or simply a visitor in search of beauty, Parc Güell is a must-see destination. Come and lose yourself in this enchanting world of shapes and colors, where Gaudí’s creativity will transport you to a magical universe.
Madrid’s Royal Palace, also known as the Palacio Real, is a jewel of Spanish royal architecture located in the heart of the Spanish capital. With over 3,000 rooms, it is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe. This magnificent palace, built in the 18th century, is a dazzling example of neoclassical architecture.
Visitors can explore parts of the palace, including the sumptuous ceremonial halls, the richly decorated royal chambers and the throne room. One of the most spectacular attractions is the Salón del Trono, where the royal throne is on display. The Campo del Moro gardens also offer a pleasant stroll with panoramic views of the palace.
Seville Cathedral, or the “Catedral de Santa María de la Sede” in Spanish, is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the magnificent city of Seville, Spain. This impressive Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you enter the cathedral, you’ll marvel at its grandiose interior, with its immense naves and richly ornamented chapels. La Giralda, an ancient Moorish minaret transformed into a bell tower, offers a panoramic view of the city from its top, accessible by a ramp. And don’t miss the Patio de los Naranjos, a charming orange grove.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, located in northern Spain, is one of the world’s most emblematic art institutions. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the building itself is a work of contemporary art, with its organic shapes, bold curves and gleaming titanium cladding.
Inside, the museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by great artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol and many others. Exhibitions are regularly renewed, offering visitors an ever-new and captivating cultural experience.
The museum is not only a place for artistic contemplation, but also a symbol of the resurgence of the city of Bilbao. Since its opening in 1997, it has helped revitalize the region, attracting visitors from all over the world and putting the city on the international art and culture map.
The Cité des Arts et des Sciences in Valencia is an architectural masterpiece and a world-renowned cultural complex. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic city is made up of several emblematic buildings that stand in the middle of the dry Turia riverbed.
Among the most famous structures are the Valencia Opera House, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts and the Hemisphere, an IMAX cinema in the shape of a human eye. Each of these buildings is an architectural feat and offers a unique cultural experience.
Casa Batlló is an architectural work of art located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the illustrious architect Antoni Gaudí, this modernist house is a masterpiece of design and innovation. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes Casa Batlló so unique is its exceptionally imaginative exterior, with organic shapes, colorful mosaics and an undulating facade that looks like something out of a fairy tale. The interior of the house is equally impressive, with futuristic design elements, vaulted ceilings, teardrop-shaped glass windows and creative use of natural light.
Casa Batlló offers visitors an immersive experience, transporting them into Gaudí’s visionary world. Whether you’re passionate about architecture, art or simply looking for a captivating visual experience, this architectural marvel is a must-see in Barcelona. It bears witness to Gaudí’s creative genius and his lasting impact on the world of architecture.
The Atlantic Islands National Park, located off the coast of Galicia in northwest Spain, is an unspoilt natural treasure. The park encompasses a group of islands and islets, the main ones being Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada. It offers visitors a diverse marine ecosystem and breathtaking natural beauty.
White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and steep cliffs make this a paradise for nature lovers. Popular activities include hiking, snorkeling, birdwatching and relaxing on the picturesque beaches. The park is also home to a variety of marine species, including dolphins and seabirds.
The Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Madrid, is one of Spain’s most emblematic squares. Surrounded by historic buildings with impressive architecture, it exudes a majestic atmosphere and timeless charm. This square has witnessed many historic events over the centuries.
At the center of the Plaza Mayor stands an equestrian statue of Philip III, who reigns supreme over this impressive space. The square is lined with cafés, restaurants and stores, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy Spanish life. It is also the setting for various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The Segovia aqueduct is a masterpiece of Roman engineering located in the Spanish city of Segovia, in Castilla y León. This impressive aqueduct, built in the 1st or 2nd century AD, is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Spain. It is almost 17 kilometers long and reaches a maximum height of over 28 metres.
The aqueduct is composed of over 25,000 precision-cut granite blocks, stacked without the use of mortar. The structure rests on a series of stone arches that allow water to flow from the mountains to the city of Segovia. Its ingenious design and remarkable preservation make it one of Spain’s most impressive historic sites.
Ibiza, the pearl of the Balearic Islands, is world-famous for its lively nightlife scene, stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. This Mediterranean island off the east coast of Spain attracts travelers from all over the world in search of fun, sun and breathtaking scenery.
Ibiza’s beaches are breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and stretches of golden sand. Among the most popular are Cala Comte, Playa d’en Bossa and Cala Salada. Travelers can relax in the sun, swim in the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy exciting water sports.
Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is an artistic treasure trove located in the city’s Gothic Quarter. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of works by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The museum is housed in a magnificent medieval palace, making it a fascinating cultural experience.
Visitors can explore Picasso’s artistic evolution through the different periods of his career, from his earliest works to his Cubist masterpieces. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics and drawings that offer a unique insight into the artist and his creative genius.
The Monastery of Montserrat is an exceptional religious and natural site located in Catalonia, a few kilometers from Barcelona, Spain. Perched atop steep mountains, this monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
At the heart of the site is the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat, home to the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, nicknamed “La Moreneta” because of its dark color. This statue is the object of devotion for many pilgrims and visitors. The basilica’s beautifully decorated interior creates a unique spiritual atmosphere.
Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the picturesque trails through the surrounding mountains. Montserrat’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with spectacular rock formations and lush vegetation.
Teide National Park, on the Canary island of Tenerife, is a natural treasure trove and one of Spain’s most spectacular destinations. At the heart of the park lies Mount Teide, the highest volcano in Spain and one of the largest in the world. Its majestic silhouette dominates the landscape and offers an impressive spectacle, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
The park itself is a blend of lunar landscapes, unique rock formations and vegetation adapted to extreme conditions. Well-marked hiking trails let you explore this volcanic land, and climbing to the summit of Teide is an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.
La Concha beach in San Sebastian, Spain, is a real gem in the heart of the city. With its fine sand, crystal-clear waters and perfect shell shape, it’s often considered one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Nestled between two mountains, the beach offers a spectacular natural setting that contrasts perfectly with the elegant architecture of the town.
La Concha beach is the ideal place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the sea. The calm, shallow waters make it a safe swimming destination for families. Water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking are also popular here.
Along the promenade de la Concha, you’ll find numerous bars, restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy pintxos, Basque tapas, while admiring the panoramic view of the beach. What’s more, the promenade offers breathtaking views of the bay and the city, making it a pleasant place to stroll at any time of day.
The Miguelete bell tower in Valencia, Spain, is an architectural treasure that offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. This imposing Gothic tower stands in the heart of the old town and is one of Valencia’s most emblematic landmarks.
To discover this architectural marvel, you’ll have to climb the 207 steps, but the effort is well worth it. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Valencia, with its terracotta roofs, bustling squares and the glittering Mediterranean on the horizon. It’s a great place to take memorable photos.
Ronda, nestled in the mountains of Spain’s Málaga province, is a town of unrivalled charm. Its unique location on the edge of a deep gorge carved by the Guadalevín river makes it one of Andalusia’s most picturesque destinations.
This historic town is famous for its spectacular New World bridge, the Puente Nuevo, which spans the gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the Ronda bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, and discover its bullfighting history.
Ronda is also steeped in romance, with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional white houses and flower-filled patios. You can relax in Casa de Don Bosco’s gardens, with panoramic mountain views.
The town is surrounded by the Sierra de Grazalema natural park, which offers numerous
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