Natalie Whether you want to live there or visit, the list of beautiful places in Spain presents a unique country offering much to anyone who wants to experience everything this corner of Europe. Of course, some incredible places and towns of Spain like Andalusia, Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, the Costa del Sol, Cordoba, and Ronda rank as the most visited and earn international travel fame. But some hidden gems also stop everyone in their tracks. From small Spanish villages with typical whitewashed houses to mountain ranges to large cities and towns with timeless architectural wonders, tourists can never complain of bland, lifeless landscapes with no memorising factors. So, let us look at the best seaside places and beautiful inland towns of Spain to visit.
The Most Beautiful Places in Spain
1: Explore Balearic Majorca
Majorca, also known as Mallorca, is a Balearic Island of Spain boasting incredible coves, beach resorts, mountains, and ancient Moorish ruins. Majorca’s significant capital, Palma, features the stunning 13th-century Santa Maria Cathedral, but visitors can also expect breathtaking views, exciting attractions, and gorgeous beaches in Palma with idyllic sea views. Other cities and small towns worth visiting include Migjorn, Raiguer, Pla de Mallorca, and Llevant. But do take time to see Pollenca’s stone-built village close to Formentor and Alcúdia towns that host music festivals and small art galleries. We think Majorca is the best of the Balearic Islands in Spain.
2: Charming Architecture in Malaga City
Malaga ranks as Spain’s sixth-largest city with just over 500,000 residents but is known throughout Spain for art, Picasso, long beaches to explore, and typical Spanish seaside vibes. Sitting on Spain’s Andalusian coast, spend a day wandering the old city quarter of Malaga alongside Larios and Alcazabilla streets. Belonging to the Mediterranean Costa Del Sol, other popular places in Malaga include Pablo Picasso’s Museum. However, most people agree that the most beautiful destinations are on a coastline self-drive trip with hidden gems in every corner.
3: Come to Valencia Port City in Spain
Where the Turia river joins the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia port city, otherwise known as the city of arts and science, sits. Visit the interactive Valencia science museum, planetarium site, aquarium, cinema museum, and oceanarium, but we like the beautiful Turia Gardens for peaceful relaxation. Soak up authentic Valencia vibes, in the old town, with Spanish-style street cafes and shops and the beautiful architecture of La Lonja de la Seda and Cathedral. Also, sample paella in delightful Valencia because this is where the original country-wide dish of Spain was invented.
4: See Seville During Your Visit in Spain
As the Andalusia capital of the country, Seville city in Spain belongs to the Iberian Peninsula destination, and tour visitors enjoy the best collection of beautiful places and remains. Seville old town features three UNESCO World Heritage places to explore; the perfect Indies archive, Alcazar palace complex and Cathedral, but for ultimate beauty, spend a sand day on the best beaches like Cala de Aceite, Canos de Meca, Bolonia Cadiz, Punta Umbria, La Fontelina, and Matalascanas. After a day exploring the beautiful sights with stunning architecture, tap into Seville’s regional dishes, like squid, dogfish, snails, and serranito sandwiches. After all, a visit in Spain isn’t complete without tasting local food.
5: Holiday in Madrid – Capital of Spain
Madrid, Spain’s capital city, features many cultural, art, modern, nature, and historical attractions like Plaza Mayor, Buen Retiro Park, the National Madrid library, Royal Palace, Royal Theatre and 1850 Opera House, and the capital Golden Art Triangle. Anyone would be forgiven for thinking Madrid only excels in urban landscapes, yet the stunning city is home to the most beautiful green areas just 15 minutes in any direction. So, put the best El Retiro next to Madrid Royal Botanical Park on your beautiful places and spaces list. Madrid is perfect for an evening drink and exciting nightlife after exploring art and history attractions.
6: Magnificent Barcelona in Spain
In the north-eastern Catalonian, Barcelona is surrounded by the Serra de Collserola Mountain, an extraordinary natural landscape to visit in Spain. As home to the best UNESCO World Heritage landmarks of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech Montaner and six other buildings, other beautiful places in Barcelona include the Minor Basilica of Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria del Mar’s gothic basilica, the incredible Holy Cross Cathedral, and Saint Eulalia. Meanwhile, National Geographic say Barcelona’s main beach is one of the best to visit in Spain.
7: Amazing Ronda in the Beautiful Andalusian region
As Spain’s third most visited place, Ronda’s spectacular and natural beauty is undeniable. Separated by El Tajo Gorge, most people visit to see the new bridge, or Puente Nuevo, between the old Moorish quarters and Ronda’s town’s new part. The 18th-century historical bullfighting ring stands majestic simply because Ronda was modern bullfighting’s home birthplace in Spain.
Otherwise, Ronda produces the best red wines with expertise and professionalism, and visit the historic Cono balconies for beautiful views but don’t look down. Ronda’s travel influence throughout Spain is undeniable, and just wandering cobbled streets evokes strong recognition of local heritage. Most visitors agree that beautiful Ronda should be at the top of your list of best places.
8: Attractions in Toledo Imperial city
Toledo’s local heritage and picturesque landscapes led the beautiful city to become a UNESCO World Heritage site of Spain in 1986. Toledo’s two real nicknames give an exciting insight into its historical importance. The first “imperial court” building resembles Toledo’s status as the court of Charles V. The second, the “city of three cultures”, reflects its Jewish, Islamic and Christian heritage. She is also known for her gothic cathedral design and excellence in history for making the best-bladed weapons.
The long list of beautiful places to see means you need at least a week to experience the highlights of Toledo. Other places and buildings include the Tomb of Saint Beatrice of Silva, Castillo de San Servando medieval castle, the 15th-century Gothic Monastery de San Juan de Los Reyes, El Greco Museum, Santa María la Blanca, El Transito Synagogue, Church of Santiago del Arrabal, Galiana Palace and Alcazar fortress to name but a few.
9: Places in San Sebastian
In Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community, San Sebastian sits on the beautiful Biscay Bay coast, 20 kilometres from France’s border. As a long-standing tourist destination, its popularity is easily understood when you see the best places and ancient buildings worth visiting. Alongside beautiful and historical places to visit, San Sebastian excels in gastronomy. After Kyoto in Japan, San Sebastian ranks for the highest number of Michelin Starr restaurants, and according to the world’s best restaurants list, two sit in San Sebastian. Highlighting traditional Basque cuisine of Spain, the other cultural dish is pintxos, like Tapas. In addition, San Sebastian does an excellent job with festivals and cultural events, making this place perfect.
10 Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
In northern Spain, 10 miles from the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is surrounded by two beautiful mountain ranges that make it unique in summer. Founded in the early 14th century, much of Bilbao’s rich history promotes fame, from the heavy port industry to current-day tourism. The most famous sight is the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. Still, a local wander around throws up beautiful architecture and buildings ranging from Neo-gothic to Art Deco and the huge Saint James Cathedral in the old town.
There are several cultural events in Bilbao throughout the year, and after visiting, try the traditional and best dishes of eels and cod. When exploring, remember that the left side of the river features mainly factories and neighbourhoods. But you want to see the western banks, including Bilbao’s historical, beautiful landmarks and old buildings.
11: The Best of Cordoba in Spain
Popular Cordoba in Spain’s Andalusia region sits on the Guadalquiver banks. Much like other beautiful counterparts in Spain, it has a colourful history that leads to its local importance in current times. Most noted for old Moorish architecture, as seen in Mezquita Cathedral, Cordoba earns fame for having three other popular UNESCO sites, the most for one place in the world.
One place to visit is the old Great Mosque but also see the most beautiful San Juan Minaret, Guadalquivir mills, Calahorra Tower, Caliphal Baths, and Medina Azahara. Christian places and buildings include the 12 Fernandina churches, sculptures and memorials, and traces of Jewish and Roman history. But Cordoba does an excellent job with beautiful green parks and space including Jardines de la Victoria, Jardines de la Agricultura, Parque de Miraflores, Parque Cruz Conde, Paseo de Córdoba, and Jardines Juan Carlos.
12: Popular Granada in Spain
Most people purposely visit Granada for one reason: to enjoy the ancient and beautiful Alhambra palace and garden, Spain’s most visited tourist site and attraction. As a popular example of ancient Islamic architecture, the other beauty shines on every corner. However, Granada offers much more, including the old Cathedral, Royal chapel, Albayzin, Sacromonte, charterhouse, and Marqués de Salar palace. Granada is another part of Spain to tempt your tastebuds with traditional Arabic Andalusian cuisine. Also, visit picturesque Albaicin town and the old Arabic quarter, with perfect whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets running from Puerta Nueva’s old ramparts to Puerta Monaita.
13: Enjoy Charming Tenerife
Incredible Tenerife, the largest and most famous of Spain’s Canary Islands, facing west Africa, has one beautiful landmark. Mount Teide is Spain’s tallest peak and the most popular place to visit while touring the Canary Islands. But like many other perfect Spanish places and towns, expect beautiful Spanish festivals like Carnaval de Santa Cruz to dominate the social calendar.
Our favourite area of Tenerife is Los Cristianos, a lovely old-town atmosphere with a top-notch marina and restaurants. Another choice is the tree-lined avenue and Playa de las Americas beach. Of course, the best place to stay is personal preference, but regardless of where you stay, hire a car and take to the mountain roads to discover and enjoy more hidden gems and historical attractions, emphasising the beauty of the Canary Islands of Spain.
Also About Spain
Regions of Spain: Whether you are planning a holiday, or want to buy a property in Europe, learning about Spain’s spectacular northern and southern areas is an exciting journey into a diverse and famous country. Each pretty community shines through with natural individuality; collectively, their exciting quirks and facts promote Spain to an international audience further than Europe. While some like beautiful Ronda are more heard of than others, please do not neglect the lesser famous regions because they offer something unique. The 17 beautiful areas break down further into official provinces, and you can read them in-depth in this article.
Guide to Famous Things in Spain: Every year, Spain’s tourism industry welcomes millions of tourists from Europe and other places who descend on the beautiful Mediterranean to sample all things Spanish, like the Flamenco dance. Some things are bizarre. Others have captured activist attention, while food products like tapas make its national cuisine a tasty and heartfelt experience. Life in Spain, and the culture, will not disappoint; and these favourite things enhance visits to the most beautiful places in Spain.
