Spain: Top 10 Sites

Spain has such a diverse range of beauty and culture. There are vibrant cities packed with art and architecture framed by stunning Mediterranean beaches and volcanic mountains. The Spanish culture is built on hospitable people and comforting foods. The weather is temperate and the adventures are endless! Come along while we share our 10 favorite sites in Spain.

Spain has a long and culturally layered history. Due to its location, it was settled and conquered many times, beginning with the Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians and Greeks. The Roman conquest began in 218 BC and led to a far-reaching cultural assimilation, which can be seen today. Hispania Romana was conquered by Germanic tribes (Visigoths, Suevi and Vandals) and then by the Moors. The Muslim presence on the peninsula lasted until 1492 with the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Christian kingdoms in the north organized and reconquered Spain. The marriage of the Catholic Kings led to a dynastic union between the territories of the Crown of Castile and the Crown of Aragon, which made Spain politically strong and wealthy. Around this time the discovery and conquest of America forged a great empire that extended across four continents. The melting pot that is modern day Spain has done well to preserve it’s complex history, architecture, and art, making it a stunning place to visit! 

10. Madrid

Being the capital of Spain, Madrid is as busy and crowded as you can imagine. For this reason, I was not too keen on this city, although it does offer a few great opportunities. As with other big cities, there are cute little pockets and neighborhoods filled with street art and yummy restaurants. You can catch a Flamenco performance, complete with a Spanish guitar; a culturally significant form of entertainment. The Prado Museum boasts incredible art, and the Royal Palace a formidable presence. We recommend just a couple of days here at the start or end of your trip. 

9. Cordoba

The Great Mosque of Cordoba, or the Mezquita Catedral, is a harmonious blend of Islamic and Christian civilizations in Spain. It fuses Gothic, Islamic and Renaissance architecture as well as highlighting the layers of history we were talking about earlier. 

While in the area, perhaps take this opportunity to visit some adorable Spanish villages nearby, such as Juzcar, the Smurf village. 

8. Barcelona

I loved the Barcelona for its architecture, food and walkability. Colby was not as impressed with the city since it is crowded and can feel overwhelmed by gypsies. However, I have fond memories of the city so here are my favorite things to do: 1. Eating tapas, especially if it’s Paella. Find some great bars on your wanders along Las Ramblas and grab some tapas with a cool Sangria. 2. Wandering around Park Guell, and touring La Sagrada Familia. Gaudi’s designs are unique and impressively detailed.

7. Camino de Santiago

A Christian pilgrimage route that culminates at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. It can take up to 40 days to complete the whole 800km route, although numerous paths exist which alters the length. Over 300,000 pilgrims participate each year for spiritual growth, recreational or cultural experiences. Visitors need a pilgrim passport to stay in the pilgrim hostels and they need to cover at least 100km to earn the Compostela certificate. I would love to participate in this experience one day!

6. El Rompido

This coastal town in the Andalusia region of Spain is known for its fishing and bird watching. The laid back town offers some relaxing beaches, golf courses, and nature walks far from the other tourists in Spain. If you are interested in discovering some untouched beauty and local life, this is a great place to visit, and a good base for exploring the surrounding areas.

5. Seville

The scent of orange blossoms on the gentle breeze will greet you as you wander around the Plaza de Espana in Seville. It is a romantic old city that is well preserved and clean, and super walkable. Definitely visit the Alcazar of Seville, which is the residence of the royal family. It is one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and it is still in use today! You can spend a couple of hours wandering the immense gardens and tranquil pools, climbing the towers and admiring the Islamic architecture. In antithesis, you can also visit the Catedral de Sevilla. In 1492, after vanquishing the Moors in the Reconquista, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella began work in earnest on a Gothic style Seville Cathedral. It is still the largest in the world and hosts the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Spend the evening wandering around the narrow cobblestone streets for some tapas, but the churros dipped in warm chocolate just made my whole life perfect.

4. Ibiza 

Ibiza is an island oasis known for its nightlife and warm turquoise waters. Beyond the party scene, Ibiza is also popular for yoga and wellness retreats, and for historical sites like the old town of Dalt Vila. There are pine forests, rocky Mediterranean beaches, and grassy meadows, all set in a hippy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to take a break between all of the other historical sites and busy cities.

3. Tarifa 

Tarifa is known for its kitesurfing beach vibe, complete with cool shops and adorable cafes. BUT- did you know you can take a day trip to Morocco from Tarifa? It’s such a fun adventure to ferry over the Straight of Gibraltar and ride some camels on the beach, like this post here. We recommend staying at least one night in Tarifa, and catching the early ferry out so you can maximize your day trip to Tangier, Morocco. Back on Spanish soil, don’t forget to add a visit to the Rock of Gibraltar to your itinerary. The Rock is a British territory, but it has a long history of being a significant military post for controlling access in and out of the Mediterranean. Its really interesting to learn about, and it is home to a fun colony of Barbary Macaques to entertain you. 

2. Granada

Granada has a deep history, starting with the settling of Phonecian colonies before the 5th century BC, to the Roman conquest in the 1st century CE. The Islamic Kingdom of Grenada in the 1200’s gave way to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. There was even an invasion by Napoleon! With all of these cultural layers, it is easy to see what makes this area so unique. And perhaps one of the best things about Grenada is the Alhambra. This fortress began construction in 889 CE, on top of ancient Roman ruins. Then, in the 13th century, the Moorish emir built it into the 35 acre palace that stands today, celebrating the power and advanced engineering of the Nasrid dynasty. The Alhambra’s red stone fortress walls display the military strength and the artistic details highlight the Islamic art, which still influences Islamic culture today.

Nearby and south, consider a stop at some of the famous Pueblos Blancos such as Ronda or Mijas. These whitewashed towns make a quaint stop and a lovely photo opportunity.

1. Pamplona

The festival of San Fermin, also known as the Running of the Bulls, takes place each year in the small city of Pamplona. Entire families, friends, communities and visitors attend the 8 day long party and revel in the atmosphere. Over the course of the festival hundreds of events are happening, including a parade and procession to honor a Catholic saint, a carnival, musical performances, cultural shows, bull fights, and of course- the Running of the Bulls. The Running of the Bulls happens each morning at 8am on a designated and closed course through the town of Pamplona ending at the bullfighting arena in Plaza de Toros. People train their whole lives for the chance to run WITH the bulls, and it is said that if you are able to smack the bull on the rump as it runs it will bring good luck. It is one of the coolest experiences of my life to date, and we highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Spain! You can read more about our experience here. 

We hope this article inspires your visit to a country we hold dear in our hearts. It is such a special place, and brings together all of my favorite things: history, food, and amazing people!