Splendid beaches, delicious cuisine, vibrant
nightlife and lively fiestas all make Spain
one of Europe’s best getaways.
Because Spain encompasses several autonomous
regions and islands, the country boasts one
of the most widely diverse cultures and landscapes
on the continent.
Here’s a look at the top places to visit
in Spain:
Number 10.
Santiago de Compostela.
The capital city of the Galicia region in
northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela
is famous as the final destination of the
traditional pilgrimage known as Camino de
Santiago.
This pilgrimage is important to many Christians
because it is believed that Santiago de Compostela
is where St. James, an Apostle of Jesus Christ,
is buried.
Today, the city attracts thousands of visitors
every year for both its religious tradition
and history.
The arriving point for most pilgrims is the
main square.
Situated in the heart of the city, this bustling
plaza is the scene of many important landmarks,
particularly the Santiago Cathedral where
the tomb of St. James is located.
Number 9.
Toledo.
Perched on a mountaintop in central Spain,
Toledo served as the Spanish capital until
the 16th century.
Because it was inhabited by Jews, Christians
and Muslims for many centuries, the city is
sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures.”
Today, Toledo is a popular destination for
its wealth of historic art and architecture
that dates back to the Roman Empire.
The best thing to do in Toledo is to get lost
amid the medieval streets and admire the old
architecture that includes a stunning cathedral,
synagogue and mosque.
Number 8.
Cordoba.
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province
in the Andalusian region of southern Spain.
The historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze
of tiny medieval streets, plazas and whitewashed
courtyards all situated around the star attraction,
the Mezquita.
Initially built as a mosque, the Mezquita
is now a glorious cathedral retaining most
of its original architecture.
Its forest of columns topped with Islamic-style
red and white striped arches serves as a reminder
of the glory and importance Córdoba held
in medieval times.
Other places of interest include the Fortress
of the Christian Monarchs, the Street of Flowers,
and the Old Jewish Quarter with its charming
patios and souvenir shops.
Number 7.
San Sebastian.
San Sebastian is located in the Basque country
of North Spain, off the coast of the Bay of
Biscay.
This beautiful seaside city is well-loved
for its excellent beaches and outstanding
culinary tradition.
The Old Town features many historic buildings
reconstructed in the 19th century after the
city was nearly destroyed during the Napoleonic
Wars.
San Sebastian boasts also some of the best
beaches in Europe with the most popular of
these being Playa de la Concha, which offers
sunbathing and water activities like swimming,
kayaking and water skiing.
Number 6.
Valencia.
One of the largest and most important cities
in Spain, Valencia is located in the eastern
part of the country in the region of Valencia.
After redirecting the Turia River, the city
constructed its most impressive landmark,
a massive cultural and entertainment complex
known as the City of Arts and Science.
Contained within this complex are several
buildings such as a science museum, planetarium
and aquarium that are each artistic marvels
in and of themselves.
Every March, Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival
where each neighborhood displays papier-mâché
figures of all sizes and colors.
At the end of the week, the figures are ceremoniously
burned, and the communities party into the
night.
Number 5.
Seville.
Exceptional tourist attractions, lively festivals
and buzzing nightlife all make Seville one
of the best places to visit in Spain.
As the capital city of Andalusia, Seville
is also the region’s financial and cultural
capital.
The city is home to many beautiful and important
historic landmarks, chief of which is the
grand Cathedral of Seville, where it is believed
that Christopher Columbus is buried.
Another significant building is the Real Alcazar,
an extravagant Moorish palace with luxurious
gardens.
Number 4.
Madrid.
Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid,
is widely known for its sizzling nightlife
scene.
The city constitutes a diversity of ethnic
groups, making it one of Europe’s most colorful
cosmopolitan cities.
Located within the city center are most of
Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions
such as the Royal Palace, the residence of
Spain’s monarch.
The heart of Madrid and Spain is Puerta del
Sol, a large plaza serving as the scene of
festivals, important gatherings and street
performers as well as a hub for the public
transportation network.
Another important square is Plaza Mayor, known
for the lively San Miguel Market.
Number 3.
Barcelona
Located in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is
one of the country’s top travel destinations
because it offers everything tourists look
for in a European city from historic architecture
to lively shopping and buzzing nightlife.
Unique to Barcelona are the architectural
marvels of Spain’s famous architect, Antoni
Gaudi, which include the Casa Batllo and the
famous Sagrada Familia church.
Both of these extraordinary structures feature
combinations of fascinating designs, shapes
and colors.
Popular activities in Barcelona include strolling
along La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue,
and sunbath on Barceloneta, one of the city’s
most popular beaches.
Number 2.
Mallorca
One of the most popular of Spain’s Balearic
Islands, Mallorca is a celebrated beach escape
that gets 300 days of sunshine every year.
With quiet coves, limestone mountains, citrus
orchards, and sleepy stone villages overlooking
the Mediterranean, it’s perfect for relaxing.
But there’s a lot more to Mallorca than
meets the eye.
The island is also home to several Roman and
Moorish ruins, as well as a pumping nightlife
scene in the capital of Palma.
For those interested in history and architecture,
don’t miss the royal palace with its glorious
Moorish design and the Palma Cathedral with
its enchanting Gothic façade.
Number 1.
Granada
Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains
of southern Spain, Granada is the capital
of the Granada province.
Granada offers a perfect blend of traditional
cultures, an animated nightlife and spectacular
attractions including the world famous Alhambra,
a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates
Andalusian history.
This medieval complex overlooking Granada
is one of the great architectural sights of
Europe, with many visitors coming to Granada
expressly to see the Alhambra.
The last Moorish stronghold in Europe, the
Alhambra offers the visitor splendid ornamental
architecture, spectacular and lush gardens,
cascading and dripping water features, and
breathtaking views of the city below.
