Spain is a country rich in beauty and history. You will find ancient monuments left by the Romans and Moors, medieval castles, vibrant cities, exciting nightlife, and amazing people. The landscape of the country is beautiful and diverse, from the glittering beaches to the rugged mountains. If you are looking for the best things to do and see in Spain, check out these 10 places below.
Alhambra
Alhambra is located on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada in southern Spain. It is part fortress, part palace, and part garden. The palace was constructed in the 14th century by the Nasrid sultans. This historic monument now serves as one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions for its beautiful and enchanting feel.
Mezquita of Cordoba
Mezquita of Cordoba (Spanish for Mosque) is well-known for its forest of pillars and arches inside the main hall. The site originally serves as a Roman temple, then Visigothic church, before the Umayyad Moors built the Mezquita. After the Spanish Reconquista, a cathedral was built into the center of the large Moorish building.
El Escorial
El Escorial was the political center of the Spanish empire under King Philip II. Philip appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as the architect in 1559; together they designed the building as a monument to Spain’s role as a center of the Christian world. Nowadays, El Escorial serves many functions, such as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school.
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church located in Barcelona. The spectacular architecture is one of Spain’s most visited tourist attractions. The church was designed by Antoni Gaudí, a Catalan architect who worked on the project for almost 40 years until he died in 1926. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is still not even finished.
Ibiza
Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. This island is one of the most popular party destinations in all of Europe. The population of the island actually doubles in the summer, as tourists flock to Ibiza to experience the night clubs, beach bars, and restaurants. If you are looking for a city with a lot of energy and excitement, then look no further than Ibiza.
Cuenca
Cuenca is the perfect example of a medieval city. The city was built on the steep sides of a mountain between Madrid and Valencia. The “hanging houses” are built right up to the cliff edge. Exploring the city and checking out these views for yourself are certainly worth the trip to the province of Castilla La Mancha.
Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best-preserved monuments left by the Romans in Spain. The ancient aqueduct carries water a distance of 10 miles from the Frío River to Segovia. It was built using around 24,000 massive granite blocks, without the use of mortar. It is estimated that this aqueduct was constructed around 50 AD and was used up until the 20th century.
La Concha
La Concha in San Sebastian is considered to be one of the best city beaches in Europe. The beach is protected from strong winds by steep cliffs and islands, making it the perfect place for peace and relaxation. La Concha is an amazing place to surf, walk along the promenade, enjoy delicious restaurants, and soak in the views of the beach.
Running of the Bulls
The famous San Fermín festival is held in Pamplona, Navarra each year from July 6th through July 14th. The highlight of the festival is the El Encierro, or Running of the Bulls, which involves running in front of a dozen bulls that have been let loose on a course of the town’s street. This event attracts people from all over the world. If you are looking to avoid a violent encounter with a bull then you can watch the event from the sidelines.
Palacio Real
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain. However, it is only used for state ceremonies. The palace was built between 1738 to 1755 and King Carlos III resided in this spectacular building in 1764.