22 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Spain 2023

With its sunny climate and thousands of years of history and colourful culture, Spain is a dream travel destination for many. Although with vast landscapes, world-famous coastline and wide stretches of mountain range it’s hard to know where to start.

Here are 20 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Spain chosen by published travel writer and author of the Frommer’s guide to Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia, Jeremy Head…

1. Pueblos Blancos – the unique and beautiful white-washed villages of Andalucia which are some of the best places to visit in Spain

Easily one of the best things to do in Spain, the white villages that dot the rugged hillsides in central Andalucia seem to almost defy gravity in places. Formerly farming villages, many fell into disrepair as the younger generation headed to the cities in search of work.

Now locals and overseas visitors alike have rediscovered their charm, and the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, pretty old churches, and flower-strewn squares have been restored. Particularly lovely villages include Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera, and Arcos de la Frontera.

 My must-do highlights of Pueblos Blancos

• One of the best Spain attractions, try and spend at least a couple of hours exploring and visit as many of the small villages as you can. Explore the pretty narrow cobbled streets fully soaking up the charm of these wonderful villages.
• Visit the Gothic Church (known in Spanish as the Iglesia de la Santa María de la Coronada), which has an impressive Plateresque retablo.
• Visit the wonderful historic monuments of Medina Sidonia.
• Make sure you include the Arcos de la Frontera which is known as the stunning gateway to the Pueblos Blancos.
• For a gorgeous Moorish ambience in stunning surroundings head for the village of Grazalema.
• The hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera is considered to be one of the prettiest of the Pueblos Blancos.

2. Granada – an incredible and culturally rich Spanish city which is home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace one of the best attractions in Spain

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, nestled at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and has truly stunning examples of Moorish medieval architecture.

The finest example is the stunningly ornate Moorish palace, the Alhambra, is one of Spain’s most visited and most beautiful monuments and it’s not hard to see why.

A sprawling complex of palaces surrounded by ornate gardens perched atop a hill with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains behind, it’s in a spectacular location.

The interior is similarly beautiful with romantic intricate Moorish-style decoration around peaceful courtyards contrasting with the powerfully simplistic lines of later vast Baroque additions.

My must-do highlights of Granada

• If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Spain then visit the Alhambra the beautiful Moorish palace which is actually the second most visited site in Europe.
• Spend a good 2-3 hours wandering the historic streets of Albayzin the old Moorish quarter of Granada which has been named a World Heritage Site.
• Explore the Nasrid Palaces’ opulent Moorish-style courtyards, reception halls, and royal quarters at the heart of the Alhambra.
• Pay a visit to the wonderful Sacromonte a large hill known for its caves that have been turned into public places for flamenco performances.
• Go for rooftop drinks and watch the sunset over the city at BHeaven’s rooftop bar or alternatively the Alhambra Palace Hotel terrace.

3. Seville – one of Spain’s most beautiful and romantic places to visit

The majestic capital of the Andalusia region, Seville is stuffed with beautiful sights, fantastic flamenco dancing, excellent bars, shops, and restaurants and is wonderfully atmospheric.

One of the city’s stand-out attractions is the spectacular Plaza de Espana. Designed by local architect Anibal Gonzalez for the great 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition that was held in the city and virtually bankrupted it. It’s a feast of ornate colourful towers and colonnades decorated with tiles and motifs.

At its centre, there’s a huge fountain and canals on which visitors can float along on hired pedalos. It’s such a striking place that it often features in movies – most notably Star Wars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones.

My must-do highlights of Seville

• Visit the incredible Real Alcazar de Sevilla the beautiful medieval Islamic palace which is a unique mix of Spanish Christian and Moorish architecture.
• Explore the stunning Plaza de Espana a semi-circular brick building in Renaissance/neo-Moorish style which has been the location for many famous films and TV series.
• Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Seville which dates back to the 15th century.
• Take time to explore the other famous historic architecture here such as the Torre Giralda and Iglesia Colegial del Salvador.
• Wander the narrow historic streets of the charming Barrio Santa Cruz which used to be the Jewish quarter.
• Pick an outside table at a restaurant in the Centro Historico de Sevilla and people-watch in this wonderful area where tradition, modernity, and creativity are combined to create a very unique atmosphere.
• Don’t leave without watching one of their famous flamenco shows.

 

4. Marbella – for yachts, a pretty old town, golden beaches and plenty of bling

The famous, fun and sometimes unashamedly brash but in a glitzier way than some of the other famous Spanish tourist resorts, Marbella is an eternally popular town and beach resort. 

Visitors flock here for the fine weather, the pretty historic old town, its gorgeous beaches, its many nightclubs and bars, The Golden Mile lined with buzzing, upscale establishments and to watch the gleaming yachts gently bobbing in the harbour.

Head to Puerto Banús, the flashiest marina in the region and wander the old town’s pretty narrow lanes lined with flower boxes. 

This is a place of quite extreme contrasts and it makes the place even more fascinating, just don’t forget to bring the bling and you’ll fit right in! 

5. Ronda – the spectacular mountaintop Spanish city

At the very heart of the Serrania de Ronda, sits Ronda; a beautiful location surrounded by lively river valleys with a population of around 35,000 people.

Ronda is one of the best and most popular places to explore in Spain. Likely because of its closeness to Malaga, which is a popular holiday destination for young adults. The city itself is the third most visited city in Andalucia and offers many exciting sights.

The Puente Neuvo bridge took 42 years to build and joins the old Moorish town and the newer El Mercadillo parts of the city. Along with the deep gorge it spans, it’s Ronda’s most famous landmark and is the perfect adventure for exploring holidaymakers.

My must-do highlights of Ronda

• Visit the New Bridge (The Puente Nuevo) which offers truly extraordinary views over the El Tajo gorge.
•  Explore the wonderful Mondragon palace which is home to a museum and some truly beautiful gardens.
• People watch in Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, Ronda’s most picturesque square.
• Visit the Cuenca Gardens which are known for their series of terraces. The views are fantastic and give you a unique and differing perspective of the city.
• Rhonda is known for its fantastic wines, including a visit to the Descalzos Viejos winery for a great way to spend an afternoon.
• Pay a visit to the historic Arabic walls and city gates which kept the city safe for centuries.

 

6. Malaga – the famous Costa Del Sol’s surprisingly elegant and interesting capital city

With its many concrete high rises that seem to swamp the place, the Costa del Sol isn’t always thought of as being traditionally beautiful but its capital the city of Malaga is the exception.

Take a break here and you’ll be treated to a wonderful place with fine weather, a youthful vibe, some excellent (and a high number) museums, art galleries, historic monuments and some beautiful boutique hotels waiting to welcome you. 

Come here on a city trip and seek out the Michelin-starred restaurants and sample Malaga’s excellent culinary scene, the  Pompidou Centre, the charming Paseo del Parque, the 11th-century Alcazaba fort, the Roman amphitheatre, follow in the footsteps of Pablo Picasso (this was his birthplace) and then seek out some of the amazing sandy beaches. 

 

7. The Balearic Islands – the popular beautiful resort islands which are great places to go in Spain

In the East of Spain, the four largest Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca, draw tourists from across the world. Of these four islands, Ibiza is perhaps the most popular tourist location, particularly for young adults looking for a new kind of nightlife to discover.

Although these islands are typically overrun with summer tourists, there are still many unspoilt places to visit and they actually hold a fair bit of history, dating as far back as the story of shipwrecked Greek Boeotians.

My must-do highlights of the Balearic Islands

• Visit the cosmopolitan capital Majorca, Palma which is filled with boutique shops and hotels, great restaurants, cafes, and swish marinas.
• Explore the pretty village Deia in Majorca which has long been a haven for the early 20th-century literary and art set.
• Visit Cala Salada in Ibiza, a small cove that is home to a lovely beach, with crystal clear waters and a refreshing lack of tourists.
• Pay a visit to the often underrated island of Menorca, more low-key than its neighbours, it’s home to endless beaches, from beautiful miles-long sandy crescents to small turquoise-watered bays.

We also have a post on Top 20 Quiet and Unspoilt Resorts in Majorca for travel snobs

 

8. San Sebastian – the gorgeous upscale coastal resort city which is easily one of the best places to visit in Spain

San Sebastian is a small but sophisticated city with golden sands and pure blue oceans. This city has an allure, from its stunning dining scene to its amazing architecture to the luscious beaches that frame the city.

This location is undeniably one of the world’s premier food destinations. If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful places in Spain to try pintxos, which are the Basque version of tapas, you’re in the right place when you visit San Sebastian. Definitely one of the best places to explore in Spain! 

My must-do highlights of San Sebastian

• Spend a lazy afternoon on La Concha beach a crescent-shaped beach in this city that spans over 1.3 kms and features golden sand and clear blue water. It’s one of the best attractions in Spain.
• Explore Parte Vieja also known as the Old Town and lose yourself amongst the elegant narrow streets here there are many fantastic bars and restaurants to explore.
• Experience trying Pintxos which is a traditional small snack served up in bars in northern Spain.
• Try Zurriola Beach for a less crowded and smaller alternative to La Concha beach.

 

9. Costa Brava – Catalonia’s cosmopolitan coastline is one of the top places to explore in Spain

In Costa Brava, you can spend your holiday exploring 200km of absolutely stunning coastline.

Along the rugged coastline of Costa Brava, you can easily explore the pretty cosmopolitan resorts, the emerald green coves, and brilliant beaches, as well as the numerous protected reserves and parks; such as Cap de Creus Natural Park and Albera Range Natural Park.

There are also protected wetland areas and marine reserves. The Ruins de Empuries are also a well-visited tourist location, as well as the three medieval villages: Pals, Peratallada, and Ullastret.

My must-do highlights of Costa Brava

• Spend an afternoon on Fenals Beach a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters and water sports on offer.
• Spot animals in their natural surroundings in the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Emporda a natural park that is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. 
• Visit Vila Vella the Old Town of Tossa de Mar which was declared a national artistic monument in 1931.
• Visit the summer house of the famous artist Salvador Dali which was built in the 1930s.
• Lounge around on Plage Canyelles Petites which is a pristine and fairly quiet beach.

 

10. Formentera – stunning sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters

Spain has over 5000 miles of coastline and bright sunny days for much of the year, so it’s unsurprising that it’s a beach Mecca. One of the best things to do in Spain, from jam-packed tourist beaches to deserted stretches of virgin sand there’s a beach for just about everyone.

Some of the most unspoilt and ultra-white are found on the shores of the Balearic Island of Formentera. The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea and only a couple of hours by boat from the mainland.

Ses Illetes is a long curve of white sand, backed by soft dunes with shallow ultramarine seawater lapping its fringes.

My must-do highlights of Formentera…

• Visit Playa de Ses Illetes which is often said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Charter a private yacht for a very swish way to explore this extraordinary place, if the budget doesn’t allow go on a boat tour instead.
• Sunbath on Cala Saona which is another lovely but smaller beach in Formentera.
• Try jet skiing or paddle boarding.

See the beauty of Formentera in 4k… 

 

11. Barcelona – the fun modernist Catalonia capital which is one of the best places to visit in Spain

The proud capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona has heaps to offer its many besotted visitors – great nightlife, shopping, and beaches.

But it’s the phantasmagoric buildings created by legendary architect Gaudi that are arguably the biggest stars of the show. The still unfinished La Sagrada Familia with its amorphous spindly towers and oddly shaped buttresses and the roof is the most visited of his creations.

Although his residential buildings like the Casa Mila are also wonderful as are his more playful statues and benches in the popular Park Guell.

My must-do highlights of Barcelona…

• Visit Park Güell a beautifully surreal and artistic public park that offers wonderful views of the city – this is one of the very best things to do in the whole of Spain.
• Get lost in the Gothic Quarter which has narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs, and charming Catalan restaurants.
• Don’t leave without trying tapas, paella and/or esqueixada probably the most authentic Catalan salad you can get.
• Visit the incredible The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia which is a famous and monumental church.
• Go for cocktails with amazing sunset views at the Azimuth Rooftop Bar.
• Hang out at their main city beach which is a hub of local activity.

12. Valencia – a stunning Spanish city with a mix of traditional and modern architecture

A wonderful port city on Spain’s southeastern coast, this is a very livable city blessed with balmy temperatures and thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. It’s also known for its awe-inspiring City of Arts and Sciences. Spain has its share of outstanding historical architecture, but it’s also looking firmly towards the future for many of its building projects of more recent years.

The wonderful curves of the Guggenheim museum have really put Bilbao on the map, but it’s the City of Arts and Sciences designed by the wonderfully exuberant Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava that is the pinnacle of modern architecture in Spain.

His amorphous, buildings in stark white are a feast of odd angles and unusual shapes at any time of the day, but they look particularly spectacular when floodlit at night.

My must-do highlights of Valencia

• People watch in Plaza de la Reina the city’s best square
• Bargain hunt and try local food at Valencia’s Central Market.
• Soak up rays on the best beach La Malvarrosa.
• Eat out at the award-winning Karak restaurant which is known for its creative and progressive flair.

13. Mount Teide, Tenerife – Tenerife’s famous and striking volcano

A couple of hours south by plane from the Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands are far closer to African shores than European ones and their natural landscape is radically different.

Much of the land is volcanic, with steep slopes and dark grey sands on the beaches. At the centre of Tenerife – the most popular of the Canary Islands – stands the mighty Mount Teide a vast snow-capped volcano.

It’s great hiking territory and at this altitude, the scenery is almost moon-like. There’s a cable car to the summit and the views from up here out towards the other Canary Islands shouldn’t be missed.

 

14. Picos de Europa – some of Europe’s most beautiful and scenic mountain landscapes

Spain’s natural scenery – from the sandy coastline to the vast plains – is constantly surprising, but the lofty peaks of the Picos de Europa mountain ranges are without a doubt the most spectacular and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain.

Craggy mountain peaks, verdant valleys, and raging rivers combine to make this chunk of northern Spain perfect hiking and adventure territory – whitewater rafting and snowshoeing are particular favourites. There are heaps of wildlife too including the endangered Cantabrian Brown Bear and wolves.

My best things to do in Picos de Europa

• Take a hike on one of the 36 official trails here
• Go for a ride on the Fuente Dé cable car
• Visit the Real Sitio de Covadonga a unique cave and a Catholic sanctuary. 
• Go on a Caving Expedition (with the right equipment)! 
• Take a leisurely canoe down the Sella River. 

15. Zaragoza – the beautiful hometown of the artist Goya

Zaragoza, the capital of northeastern Spain’s Aragon region, is the perfect city for any history lover or architecture buff. The city is full of museums and a fair amount of religious sites, as well as stunning street art that covers flat pathways everywhere.

The most iconic building in this city is definitely the Basilica del Pilar, which holds paintings created by Goya, a famous painter from the Aragon region.

Not only can you see this beautiful building from the outside and inside, but you can also travel up to the top of the bell towers to see everything from 60 metres up. The view from that height is nothing short of breathtaking.

My must-do highlights of Zaragoza

• Visit Palacio de la Aljaferia an extraordinary fortified medieval palace built in the 11th century.
• Wander El Tubo in the Old Town which is a maze of small alleys and streets packed with bars and restaurants and has a great atmosphere.
• Take the stair or elevator up the Torre Del Pilar for amazing  360-degree views of the city and the Ebro River.

16. Playa del Silencio – one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain

There are many very beautiful beaches in Spain but the utterly picturesque beauty that is Playa del Silencio in Asturias (a region in northwest Spain) is well worth a visit. The clear waters seem to reflect the sky at all times of day, and the smooth curve of the cliffside makes for some perfect photos.

In English, “Playa del Silencio” translates as “Beach of Silence”, which is an apt name for this peaceful place. You can get to the Playa del Silencio from the village of Castañares.

It’s a long walk, if you choose to walk rather than going by car, but it’s worth it. The coastline of Cudillero is a unique one, with high cliffs and stunning islets that are spectacular.

17. Tarragona – a pretty port Spanish city famous for its Roman ruins

Tarragona is around an hour outside of Barcelona by either car or train, and only a few minutes away from Reus Airport. This architectural city was once the capital of the Roman Empire in Spain.

Today, it’s a place that is brimming with history and culture, crowned by Mediterranean blue skies and surrounded by beautiful beaches.

The amphitheatre of Tarragona is right by the sea, and there’s something very unique and amazing about the location. As you walk around the amphitheatre, directly behind you would be parts of Tarraco, which are one of Catalonia’s 9 wonders of UNESCO sites and heritage.

My Best Things to do in Tarragona

• Take a photo from the gorgeous Mediterranean Balcony 
• Hang out at the popular Playa de Arrabassada
• Check out all the Roman ruins
• Go shopping at the many wonderful boutiques

18. The Pyrénées – the beautiful mountain range which forms a border between France and Spain

The Pyrénées mountain range sits in the southwest of Europe and forms one of the most natural borders between Spain and France in existence.

The mountains reach a height of over 11,000ft. The range itself separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe and extends from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the main crest of the mountains forms the divide between Spain and France.

There are several national parks and nature reserves that are protected across the mountains, including the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in Spain, where the Ordesa Valley in the light of dusk or dawn is nothing short of true beauty.

My best things to do in The Pyrénées 

• Hike the Cirque de Gavarnie
• Take a ride on the cable car over the Pont d’Espagne.
• Relax on in Bagnères-de-Bigorre’s thermal baths. 
• Star gaze at the observatory on Pic du Midi mountain.

19. Santiago de Compostela – an elegant and pretty Spanish city which is home to a spectacular medieval old town

Spain’s many vast Gothic cathedrals are a testament to the country’s long-held Christian traditions.

Perhaps the most spellbinding is the vast one at Santiago de Compostela, the magnificent capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region which is famous for the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

As well as just wandering around its historic alleys and architecture its cathedral is a must-see attraction. It’s a huge building smothered in Baroque swirls, statues and stalagmites. Possibly the most remarkable vista is the Western facade which forms the main entrance, accessed by a magnificent quadruple flight of stairs.

The cathedral is also the final destination of the thousands of pilgrims who walk the Way of St James trail each year (known in Spanish as The Camino de Santiago).

Best things to do in Santiago de Compostela

• Visit the world-famous Cathedral of Santiago de Composetela

• Explore the San Martin Pinario Monastery the 10th-century baroque Benedictine monastery. 

• Take photos around the Old Town which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

20. Cíes Islands – a paradise-like archipelago which is underrated but one of the best places to explore in Spain

For a gorgeous shoreline, look no further than the Cíes Islands, a beautiful archipelago off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia. These islands are made up of three isles in total: San Martiño (Saint Martin), Do Faro (Lighthouse), and Monteagudo (Sharp Mount).

The landscapes of each of the islands are utterly incredible and well worth the few days of exploration that it would take you to see everything on each one. From caves to vast forests, to rugged cliffs, the incredible islands and coastlines of the Cíes Islands.

Consider renting a private apartment during your time on the islands to get a full feel for all of them and spend as much time as possible relaxing on their shores.

21. Toledo – an ancient and magnificent city in Spain set on a hill

Located in central Spain, Toldedo is a city that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1986. This city holds an extensive amount of cultural heritage and is known as the “Imperial City” for having been the main location if the court of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor.

There are several historical sites that draw in visitors, including the Castillo de San Servando, the medieval castle near the banks of the Tagus river and the Infantry Academy.

This particular castle still stands proud, and was named a national monument in 1874. It began its life as a monastery before it was later occupied by Knights Templar.

22. Segovia – the stunning UNESCO-listed historic city and a top place to visit in Spain

Segovia is a historic city located northwest of Madrid which has an incredible architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, an ancient royal palace and a Gothic cathedral.

The Romans ruled Spain for over 700 years and there are reminders of their presence all over the country. Perhaps the most remarkable is the wonderfully preserved aqueduct in this beautiful city. It was used by the ancient Romans to bring water to the city.

A double-height set of graceful arches, it’s 2950 feet long and it’s held together just by the weight of gravity on the carefully carved blocks that comprise it. There is no mortar whatsoever. With its 167 arches, at its highest point, it reaches almost 900 feet high – an incredible feat of engineering.

There are many wonderful reasons to visit Spain but I would just urge visitors to be compassionate and not fund or become involved in the very cruel practices of bullfights, running of the bulls, donkey rides or any festivals involving animals. The plight of the Spanish hunting dogs is also another very sad story. Please, please embrace the new progressive Spain instead! 

How to get to Spain

Most people travel to Spain by flying and there are many major airports dotted all over the country where you can fly directly using the airlines Iberia, British Airways, Easyjet, RyanAir, American Airlines and Delta (among others). 

You can also travel to Spain by train and the international train network connects Spain with France and Portugal. If you coming from the UK you can catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Railway Station, change in Paris and then take a high-speed train to Figueres, Girona and Barcelona.

Spain is a very warm and sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year.

Temperatures can get very hot and dry during the summer months of July and August and the mildest temperatures are spring and autumn where temperatures cool but are still pleasant (around 20 degrees on average). The coldest months are December, January and February, where it can become rainy too but this is mainly in the North.

When is the Best time to visit Spain?

I would recommend visiting Spain or May, June or September when temperatures are still very warm but more bearable and there are fewer crowds. You can also find some better deals on hotels and flights too.

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