The sights of Spain are famous not only for hot bullfighting, incendiary dancing and luxurious beaches. The ancient age of this country allowed it to form a rich original culture, which found its expression in amazing architecture. What to see in Spain if you come here for the first time? Let’s get acquainted with the main sights of the country, which cannot be passed by.
What to see in Spain first of all
Before diving into the study of descriptions and photos of the main wonders, we advise you to make a decision on how your vacation will be organized. When exploring the local beauties in the company of only friends and relatives, you will spend less money, but you will also not learn about the history and traditions of the Spaniards. In turn, the guides in Spain will allow you to join the culture and plan the route so that you can see the maximum number of mementos.
1. The Prado National Museum (Madrid)
The Prado Museum in Madrid
The museum is located on the Boulevard of Arts, a popular tourist route. His most valuable collection includes more than 8.5 thousand paintings and about 700 sculptures. Built at the end of the XVIII century, this building became a museum only during the reign of King Charles III’s grandson Ferdinand VII. It was he who decided to establish the Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture. The first gallery opened in 1819 and exhibited 311 paintings.
In 1936, the museum was closed due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The collection was transported to Switzerland. After the political situation stabilized, the exposition was returned to its former place.
Connoisseurs of art from different eras will find something to see in Spain, in particular, in the Prado Museum. He greets visitors with paintings by great Spanish masters, including paintings by Goya and Velasquez. The Italian art school is represented here by works by Tintoretto, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Veronese, Fra Angelico, Mantegna. And within the framework of Flemish painting, the museum exhibits paintings by Vander Weyden, Pieter Brueghel the elder, Hieronymus Bosch, Jacob Jordaens, Peter Paul Rubens.
The exhibition features masterpieces by masters from Great Britain, Holland, France, and Germany.
Official website: https://www.museodelprado.es/en
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2. Sagrada Familia Church (Barcelona)
Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona
The interior of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, in the Eixample district
The place of this Spanish landmark is included in the UNESCO sites list. The Sagrada Familia or Sagrada Familia, as it is also called, generates different feelings among tourists. The first associations evoke an ancient church building, but the unusual nature of the structure suggests that it was created by an alien mind.
The creator of the original temple project is Anthony Gaudi. Do you know what to see in Spain that will be remembered forever? Visit Sagrada Familia. According to Gaudi’s plan, the temple was destined to play the role of the Bible, embodied in architecture. The magnificent facades were supposed to symbolize the main stages of Christ’s life: the Birth, the Torments of Christ, and the Resurrection.
The amazing acoustics in the temple are due to the ideal bell system, and the columns, approaching the vaults, form a fantastic resemblance of intertwining tree branches.
The construction of the temple continues only at the expense of individual donations. Its fabulous splendor makes it the most popular European monument.
Official website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/
3. Altamira Cave (Santadera)
Polychrome stone painting of the Altamira Cave
Historians see this Spanish landmark as a primitive analogue of the Sistine Chapel. The walls of this unique cave, 270 m long, are decorated with rock paintings. Seven corridors and a hall 6 meters high are covered with these ancient murals telling about the life of primitive people.
The cave was discovered by the little daughter of an archaeologist who loves ancient artifacts. Her attention was attracted by the huge bulls painted on the ceiling in bright colors, and the drawings covering the low cave vaults.
The most famous part of the rock painting is the ceiling with a total area of about 100 sq. m. The drawings in the limestone cave depict various animals, reliably conveying their habits and temperament. The smallest drawing of details in the form of eyes, hooves, protruding tongues is striking in its specificity and plausibility. The texture of the animal’s fur, created using various shades of paint, makes the images even more authentic.
Official website: http://en.museodealtamira.mcu.es/
4. Park Guell (Barcelona)
The combination of gardens and residential areas in Park Guell
The great architect Antonio Gaudi had his hand in creating another landmark in Spain, famous all over the world. Park Guell is not just a cluster of green spaces. Gardens and residential areas are harmoniously combined on this site – an analogue of the “garden city” concept fashionable at the beginning of the XX century.
Hueseby Guell initiated the construction, choosing the outskirts of Barcelona for this purpose. The talented architect Gaudi was invited, who did not recognize monotony and straightforwardness. Gaudi diversified the architecture of the park, decorating it with a fantastic combination of colors and curves of lines, giving this object a sense of external harmony and naturalness.
What should a sophisticated tourist visit in Spain? Park Guell! At the entrance to the park, tourists are greeted by a pair of gingerbread houses decorated with bright ceramics. All the pavilions of the park look like big cake decorations, but they look very realistic. Painted animals were frozen in the stairwells.
Every object in the park breathes life. The columns supporting the walkway gallery can easily be mistaken for trees, they are so elegantly and subtly curved. Balancing on the edge of the fictional and the real, the park amazes the imagination of tourists.
Official website: https://www.parkguell.cat/en/
5. Colomares Castle (Benalmadena)
Colomares Castle
Some of the sights of Spain have a touch of futurism. Such objects include the Castle of Colomares, located in a small resort town. He is called a legend carved in stone and vividly tells about the discovery of America. Built in 1994 in honor of the 500th anniversary of the event, it impresses tourists with a mix of styles, creating a resemblance to lace weaving.
Along with the part of the replica of Columbus’s ship protruding from the wall, three more ships accompanying the navigator’s expedition are imprinted in the stone – “Ninya”, “Santa Maria” and “Pinta”.
On the territory of the castle, you can find the world’s smallest chapel with an area of less than 2 sq. m. Concrete, brick, stone, glass and wood were used to create the castle’s objects. The architecture of the towers, the palace and the fountains symbolize the events that played an important role in the history of Spain.
Feel the atmosphere of Spain in this beautiful video!
6. Alcazar of the Christian Kings (Cordoba)
Alcazar of the Christian Kings in Cordoba
What to see in Spain to explore the architectural styles of different eras? Of course, the Alcazar of the Christian Kings, which is a worthy part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thanks to its magnificent gardens, impregnable citadel, ancient Mudejar architecture and rich history, it is the second monarchical residence in the world, after Seville.
Time has not spared many of the sights of Spain. However, despite repeated restorations, the Alcazar appears today in its former glory. The main and Lion Towers, towering on the main facade, have reached us in their original form. In the XV century, the Inquisition Tower was added (the tallest here), and in the XX century, during the reconstruction, the Pigeon Tower was built.
According to the principles of Arabic architecture, the palace has the shape of an almost regular square. Symbolizing the victory of the Christian religion over the Muslim, the palace has signs of European Gothic. Thus, the Tower of Respect, with its carved floral ornaments and soaring vaults, contains elements of French architecture.
In the palace you can see collections of antique objects: carpets, tapestries, antique furniture, paintings. Exhibitions, ceremonies, and presentations are held here.
The Alcazar gardens, spread over an area of about 55 thousand square meters, are a work of art. The territory is decorated with flower beds, fountains, artificial ponds, statues of Spanish monarchs.
7. La Rioja – the land of vineyards (Rioja)
Spain’s famous wine region of La Rioja
There is also something to visit in Spain for connoisseurs of real Spanish wines. The Rioja region in northern Spain is famous for its vineyards. The wines produced here are distinguished by their fullness and brightness of taste. Due to the unique composition of the soil and the microclimate, each zone is characterized by its own type of wine.
What attracts tourists here? A sea of vineyards with wineries, excellent gastronomy, the hospitality of local residents and the opportunity to taste great drinks. The number and level of wineries varies. There are both traditional and the most modern, owned by large firms and small family-owned, compact and huge.
If you want to get acquainted with the technology of wine production, the guides will definitely offer a tour to La Rioja. In addition to visiting wineries, you can visit a number of restaurants, wine spas, and spend the night in a cozy hotel. When visiting the wine capital of La Rioja, Laguardia Fortress, it is worth visiting the Wine Culture Museum with an exposition of objects related to the wine theme.
8. The Old town of Cuenca (Cuenca)
The ancient Spanish city of Cuenca on the rock
This pearl of the Middle Ages is located high above sea level, at an altitude of 956 m. If you don’t know what to see in Spain, try to get to the ancient Spanish town on a cliff surrounded by deep gorges.
The territory of the city is divided into two districts. The new city is separated from the historical center by the Uekar River. The ancient spirit of the Middle Ages is especially felt in the old part. There is a Gothic cathedral on the central square. Once here, it is worth visiting the Tesoro Catedralisio Art Museum with a collection of paintings by El Greco.
In the Old Town there is the watchtower of Magnana – the remains of a ruined fortress wall, once erected by the Moors. The ancient convent invites tourists to visit the Science Museum located there. The History Museum will tell you about the interesting fate of the city.
The symbol of Cuenca became the “hanging houses”, “glued” to the Gothic cathedral from the south side. It is also worth visiting the Mermaid House, Royal Houses, St. Julian’s Park.
9. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Spain)
Landscape of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido Park
There are famous sights of Spain in its most remote corners. One of the first national parks, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido Nature Reserve, is still considered the most beautiful in the country.
Ordesa Park was established in 1918, and in 1977 it was merged with Monte Perdido Park. Of all the parks that make up the natural complex of the Pyrenees, this park is considered the most striking.
The main attraction of the park is Ordesa Canyon. It impresses with huge cliffs overhanging on both sides of the mountain trail. The river of the same name flows along the bottom of the canyon. Its waters are replenished by streams flowing down from the slopes. The lower part of the park is represented by a dense forest, in which many representatives of the forest fauna can be found.
There are many waterfalls that cascade one after another. Among them, perhaps the most powerful is the Cola de Caballo waterfall, from which the Ordesa River begins. Cows graze in the spacious meadows of the park, dense poplar and beech forests are located at the foot of the mountains.
It is difficult to describe the beauty of the park in words. You need to see this splendor of the nature that reigns here at least once!
10. Ibiza (Spain)
The beach of the fashionable resort of Ibiza
Europe is rich in beach resorts, among which the Spanish resort of Ibiza is particularly popular. Tourists rush to this sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is part of the Balearic Archipelago, in anticipation of the sea and round-the-clock fun.
The main part of the tourists are young people. A network of nightclubs with regular show programs is open for them on the island. The main city of Ibiza with the same name is known for its excellent infrastructure, pleasant friendly atmosphere and is aimed at the most discerning tourist.
The old part of the city is surrounded by an ancient fortress wall. Walking along the winding streets, you can visit souvenir shops, uncomplicated cafes or good restaurants. Young people tend to the old fishing district, which is the center of nightlife. Two embankments with a lot of entertainment facilities are provided for vacationers.
The island impresses with its nature, which makes even the hot months comfortable, thanks to the sea breeze.
Official website: http://www.ibiza.travel
Sights of Spain: what else to visit while in Spain
Barcelona tours in Spain are leading in popularity, but this does not mean that you need to limit yourself to this city (although it is definitely worth going there for a day or two!), because there are many other amazing places. Now you will know where you can go during your vacation in Spanish resorts.
11. Santiago de Compostelo (Galicia)
St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostelo
Those who are interested in the sights of Spain of a religious nature should visit Santiago de Compostelo. After Jerusalem and Rome, it is considered the third center of Christianity.
At the entrance to the city, tourists are greeted by a huge figure of a pilgrim made of bronze. It seems that he is looking at the cathedral building, surrounded by multi-storey monasteries. The building is built in the Baroque-neoclassical style and has four different facades of amazing beauty. Built in the shape of a 75X57 cross, it has an ornate altar, on the pedestal of which stands a wooden figure of St. Nicholas. Yakov. Pilgrims are allowed to climb onto the pedestal and kiss this figure on the shoulder or touch it with their hand.
In the city center, you can watch traveling mime artists, listen to the music of student orchestras. Art lovers should visit the Museum of Pobo Galego with an excellent ethnographic exposition.
This religious city does not stop developing, offering tourists a perfect communication infrastructure.
12. The city of Segovia (Segovia)
The ancient Castilian city of Segovia
Due to its historical significance and unique atmosphere, the city of Segovia has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tiny province of Segovia is adjacent to Madrid. Echoes of mixed epochs can be heard on its ancient streets – Visigothic, Arabic, Spanish, Roman.
Arriving here, tourists immediately go to the most famous place – the Roman aqueduct. It was built from 20,400 granite blocks without the use of cement. It consists of 166 arches and has a length of 18 km.
Attention is drawn to the Cathedral of Segovia, built in the Gothic style, and the Alcazar fortress, which happened at various times to be the residence of the king of Castile, and a military fortification, and a state prison, and an artillery school. There are many cathedrals and fortresses in the city, which can be seen walking around the city.
13. Costa Brava in Catalonia (Catalonia)
A picturesque corner of the Costa Brava in Catalonia
What should beach lovers visit in Spain? The picturesque resort of Costa Brava is famous for its sandy beaches, protected from the sea winds by mighty cliffs with slopes densely overgrown with olive and pine groves.
Nature has created a true paradise here. The coastline is generously indented with small coves, and the economic unattractiveness of the area has left pristine landscapes untouched, preventing ports and marinas from forming there. There are many cozy small towns on the territory of the resort, which are smoothly located one after another.
Each town is able to offer its own: in Lloret de Mar you can visit theatrical shows in a medieval castle, in Tossa de Mar it is worth visiting a museum with works by Marc Chagall, and Cadaques boasts the Perro-Mura Art Center with works by Salvador Dali, in Pubol you need to see the castle of Dali himself. The city of Blanes will provide an opportunity to visit the ancient church, the San Juan Castle and the Botanical Garden, and in Palafrugell you can go to the Cork Tree Museum. Each of the resort towns has its own history and traditions.
14. The Old City of Toledo (Toledo)
The area of the Old gorodaToledo
The significance of this Spanish landmark lies in the uniqueness of its cultures and eras. The ancient capital of the country has preserved its original appearance even today.
Among her famous masterpieces of world significance is the Cathedral. Representatives of many nationalities had a hand in its construction, which lasted three centuries. The three-meter tower in the center of the cathedral is made of gold and silver. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with originals by Goya, Rubens, Raphael, Titian and other world-renowned artists.
The city is dominated by the Arab fortress of Alcazar, which now houses the Museum of the Armed Forces.
A notable place is the huge San Martin Bridge, built in the Gothic style. It is protected on both sides by powerful towers and consists of five arched spans.
The Renaissance-style Tavera Hospital building also attracts the attention of tourists. Inside the hospital there is a museum with works by El Greco, Surbaran, Tintoretto, Ribera.
15. Escorial Monastery (Madrid)
A large museum-monastery Escorial
An hour’s drive from Madrid takes you to the monastery and the ancient Escorial Palace, which immediately overwhelms you with the impressiveness of its appearance. The Escorial is a major museum and architectural treasure.
There are 9 towers, 13 chapels, 15 galleries, 16 patios, 300 cells on the territory measuring 208×162 m. The building has 86 stairs, 1200 doors, 2673 windows. One of the two museums located here houses exhibits related to its construction. The second museum is a world-class art gallery and houses works by Titian, Bosch, Veronese, El Greco.
The walls of the palace are decorated with carpets woven according to sketches by Rubens and Goya. There are more than 200 statues in the courtyards. In the treasury you can see a collection of silver and gold jewelry with precious stones. The most outstanding exhibit is a unique Gospel with pages made of pure gold.
The library of the palace is inferior only to that of the Vatican. Books are placed here with their spines inside in order to preserve them longer. Noteworthy is the painting of the ceiling, symbolizing the seven sciences, and the end walls dedicated to theology and philosophy.
16. Burgos Cathedral (Burgos)
Burgos Cathedral in Gothic style in the center of the Old Town
To cover the sights of Spain in a week, travelers need to plan their route in advance based on this review. Here is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos — a charming architectural creation with a lacy Gothic facade. The construction of this masterpiece began in the distant 13th century on the site where the Romanesque cathedral once stood, and only by the middle of the 16th century its construction was finally completed. The interior of the cathedral is grandiose with abundant stone carvings, gilded decor, stone sculptures and other valuables. In the courtyard in front of the cathedral, two beautiful medieval fountains are beating and a sculpture stands — a monument to a pilgrim dedicated to all travelers to holy places.
17. Plaza de Espana (Seville)
View of the semicircular square of Spain with a fountain in Seville
If we take the best architectural sights of Spain as an example, Barcelona, Seville and Cordoba occupy the first positions among the Spanish cities with a rich historical heritage. In Seville, the square, built just over a century ago specifically for the Ibero-American Exhibition, deserves attention. It was decorated in an antique style in the beautiful Mudekhar style, with an abundance of elements of openwork blue and white painting. Today, the square has become a favorite walking place for residents and visitors of Seville. The space of the square has the shape of an oval, framed by the waters of the canal — by the way, you can walk along the canal by boat. From the oval island of the square, 4 bridges were laid across the canal leading to the surrounding buildings — these buildings served as exhibition pavilions during the exhibition.
Official website: https://www.visitasevilla
18. The Royal Palace (Madrid)
The large courtyard of the Royal Palace in the Italian Baroque style in Madrid
The Spanish Royal crown and scepter at the Royal Palace in Madrid TheRichic
When it is necessary to give an example of the evidence of the former greatness of the nation and mention the historical sights of Spain, Madrid is the first city that deserves attention. It is here that one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe is located. The Royal Palace was built in the 18th century, and since then until recently it was the residence of the Spanish royal family, and later it was used only for official ceremonies, receptions and other festive events. The rich Baroque interiors of the palace halls, which house the rarest and most valuable works of art, are impressive. Nowadays, the palace is open to visitors, and you can see a lot of interesting things in it — for example, visit the royal library, the Armory, the royal kitchens, walk up the grand staircase or look into the luxurious palace halls.
Official website: https://www.patrimonionacional
19. La Concha Beach (Donostia-San Sebastian)
Panoramic aerial view of one of the city’s most famous beaches – La Concha
Spanish beaches have already become a national symbol of the country, and along with such popular Spanish resorts as Malaga on the Costa del Sol or Cadiz on the Costa de la Luz, the city of San Sebastian in the Basque Country is one of the fashionable resorts. The main beach of the city, La Concha, is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Europe. It stretches along the coast of the Bay of the same name for about 1.5 kilometers. The outlines of the beach resemble a giant shell in shape, and from any point of it there are wonderful views of the beautiful places of its opposite part. The smallest white sand and a very gentle entrance to the sea create ideal conditions for relaxing under the warm Spanish sun. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy various sports, including beach soccer, surfing and windsurfing.
20. Alhambra (Granada)
The Alhambra is an architectural and park ensemble on a hilly terrace against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains
Granada is the heart of southern Spain, a beautiful city at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain, at an altitude of more than 700 meters above the sea. One of the most important architectural creations of this city is the Alhambra palace complex, an ancient structure of the rulers of the Emirate of Granada, an invaluable monument of Moorish architecture. Surrounded by mountains and surrounded by landscaped gardens, this complex began to be built in the middle of the 13th century. The main entrance to it is the Gate of Justice in the form of a powerful vaulted arch. The entrance is followed by a Wine gate, then a view of the Plaza de Los Algibes opens, and only after the square follows the entrance to the palace. One of the courtyards of the castle, the Myrtle Courtyard, has retained its solemn appearance to this day. Magnificent gardens grow inside the walls of the Alhambra, and a picturesque park called the Alhambra Forest stretches around the walls.
Official website: http://www.alhambra-patronato
21. Mesquita (Cordoba)
Mesquita or Cordoba Cathedral Mosque in the Andalusian city of Cordoba
Moorish architecture in the interior of Mesquite in the Spanish town of Cordoba
If you are wondering what to see in Spain in a week, be sure to include the city of Cordoba in your itinerary. After all, the incredible Cathedral of Cordoba, which during the time of the Cordoba Caliphate was the largest mosque in the Islamic world, is really worth attention. It occupies huge territories — 175 meters long and 128 meters wide, and it can only be viewed in its entirety from afar. Once you get to the narrow streets surrounding the mosque, you can only marvel at the size and monumentality of the structure. It is noteworthy that in the very heart of the mosque, replete with elements of elegant Arabic script, there is a Christian Cathedral. Thus, in the course of its history, passing the way from the mosque of the Cordoba Caliphate to the Cathedral of Christian Cordoba, this landmark, like aged wine, has only acquired its unique “taste”.
Official website: https://mezquita-catedral
22. The Seville Alcazar (Seville)
The Courtyard of the Girls (Patio de las Doncellas) is the famous courtyard of the Alcazar in the Moorish style
Gilded dome ceiling in the Hall of Ambassadors (Salón de Embajadores) in the Alcazar of Seville
When choosing what to see in Spain in the spring, it is ideal to choose Seville. This is a city for all seasons, but spring is a time of significant religious and national holidays. At this time, one can observe the mournful processions of Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the solemn events of the April fair, which honors everything that the nation values. Exploring the sights of Spain on the map, you can also see that Seville is home to an important historical site — the magnificent palaces of the Seville Alcazar. Several cultures and eras have left their memorable mark in the architecture of this complex, but despite this, it surprises with its integrity and filigree ornaments in the Mudekhar style. Most of the buildings were built in the 14th century, and some of them are the best preserved examples of Mudekhar architecture, while others have a contrasting Gothic style.
Official website: https://www.alcazarsevilla
23. Canary Islands (Atlantic Ocean)
The city of Puerto de Santiago on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands archipelago
To explore interesting places in Spain, you can also create an unusual route — for example, in one trip you can cover the sights of Italy and Spain by flying to the Italian coast from Madrid, Alicante or Barcelona. Or arrange a vacation in the Canary Islands by moving there from the mainland by ferry. Moreover, the remote volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean have a wonderful warm climate and magnificent nature — for example, there are 4 completely different national parks included in the World Heritage List. Tenerife, the largest of the archipelago’s islands, is home to the best seaside resorts with wide sandy beaches, and you can also climb Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, more than 3,700 meters high.
24. Loro Park (Puerto de la Cruz)
Entrance to the Loro Park on the island of Tenerife Matthias Friedewald
The parrot Park at the Loro Park Zoo on the island of Tenerife
Continuing the review of the Canary Islands, it does not hurt to mention one fascinating place on the island of Tenerife. This is the largest amusement park Loro Park, which should be given the status of the best attraction in Spain for children. This place of serene family recreation combines a zoo, a dolphinarium, a penguin garden, a botanical garden, an Aquarium, children’s entertainment venues, various shows and a lot more interesting things. There are restaurants, cafes and even hotels on the territory of the park, so many people come here for several days at once — because the park is truly huge, and one day is not enough to visit everywhere. Its territories cover more than 13 hectares, and once in the 70s it all started with 1.3 hectares and a small collection of parrots of 150 species. Now the collection of these colorful birds has grown to 4 thousand species and is the largest in the world.
Official website: https://www.loroparque
25. Maspalomas Dunes (Gran Canaria Island)
Sand dunes in the Maspalomas Himarerme National Nature Reserve
The Maspalomas Dunes are an amazing natural attraction of the island of Gran Canaria
The natural attractions of Spain, the presentation of which must necessarily end with something interesting and unusual, can surprise with the edge of sand dunes, as in a real desert. These are the Maspalomas dunes on one of the Canary Islands — Gran Canaria. These natural creations look almost alive — their outlines are constantly changing under the influence of the wind. The dunes are part of the Maspalomas Nature Reserve, which covers an area of one thousand hectares and includes two ecosystems — sand dunes and a lagoon. Due to the protection of this territory by the mountain range, the weather is dry and warm all year round. Therefore, you can have a great rest on the local beaches, especially since the territories here are equipped for a comfortable stay — there are bungalows, hotels, shops and restaurants. Spain’s neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula is Portugal, a country of seafarers and pioneers. Be sure to visit this country if you are already in Spain. Read about the sights of Portugal and get inspired for your further journey through Europe!
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