Best Tourist Attractions In Spain
With its abundance of must-see tours, sights and experiences, Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. With so many things to do and places to visit, you’ll have no trouble filling your holiday itinerary: from idyllic Mediterranean beaches to Moorish palaces, fascinating medieval cities, lush national parks and world-renowned museums that house masterpieces. And while it would take years to explore the best tourist attractions in Spain as well as every corner of this rich country, there are some places of interest that are particularly worth seeing. Let’s zoom in on the best tourist attractions in Spain that you must check out if you are planning to visit!
Best tourist attractions in Spain
–La Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Often considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Sagrada Familia is a must-see for any tourist visiting Barcelona. This magnificent cathedral with eighteen towers was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and has three exterior façades depicting passages from the life of Christ. Inside, the columns represent branching trees that make the church look like a magical forest with its stained glass windows. Due to its beauty and cultural importance, the Sagrada Familia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.
–Royal Palace, Madrid
Although it is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, the Royal Palace is now only used for state ceremonies. Built on the site of the old Alcázar, destroyed by fire in 1734, the Palace takes visitors on a journey through Spanish history. As you weave your way through the 3,000 rooms of this square-shaped building, you come across a magnificent staircase designed by Sabatini, a throne room with a ceiling painted by Tiepolo, and the royal armory. The picture gallery, which exhibits works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, is also worth a visit.
-Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The city of Santiago de Compostela is inconceivable without its venerable place of worship: the Archcathedral. Built in 1075, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Spain. This basilica is not only the presumed burial place of Santiago, the apostle of Jesus Christ, but also a historic place of pilgrimage that marks the end of the Way of St. James. The city as a whole, with its picturesque tangle of medieval mansions, is also worth exploring. Be sure to visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses a collection of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings.
–Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Culture lovers will never be bored in Spain. The country is full of fabulous museums that cover a wide range of subjects. If you are keen on contemporary art, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Designed by the American-Canadian architect Frank Gehry, this museum is a jewel of contemporary architecture. Inside, you will find an impressive collection of 600 masterpieces by artists Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. These were donated to the museum between 1937 and 1949 by businessman and collector Solomon Guggenheim.
–Plaza de España, Seville
Plaza de España is a spectacle of light and majesty is undoubtedly one of the most imposing squares in Spain with a total surface area of 50,000 square metres. The square was designed by the famous Sevillian architect Aníbal González for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The result is a palace-square that is unique in the world. It combines elements of the Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish styles of Spanish architecture. A 515-metre-long canal, which can be travelled by boat, runs along the entire square and gives it a decidedly romantic touch.
–El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, El Escorial (El Escorial) is a large complex of buildings located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid. King Philip II designed this important Spanish Renaissance building as a burial place for his father, the Roman Emperor Charles V. Built between 1563 and 1584, many renowned Spanish and Italian artists decorated the site. During your visit, you can admire many artistic treasures. Including frescoes by Pellegrino Tibaldi and Federico Zuccaro, as well as six statues of Old Testament kings on the basilica’s façade.
-Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia
Located 90 kilometers south of Seville, here is the charismatic city of Jerez de la Frontera. Also called Xérès in French. This hidden gem in the Andalusia region is a must for travelers. Especially those who want to discover the lesser-known beauties of Spain. Jerez has an enchanting old town and remarkable monuments. The Baroque Palace, the San Salvador Cathedral and the Moorish Alcazar are just a few. The city combines the splendor of the palaces of the nobility with the popular atmosphere of the typical Andalusian houses. Jerez is also famous for its flamenco music and its production of sherry, a typical wine of the region.
-Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Mallorca is a must-see destination for historians, sailors, beach lovers and anyone who wants to enjoy a lively city life. Its cathedral, Santa Maria de Palma, is a particular symbol of the Balearic island. Also known as the “Cathedral of Light,” this Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral captivates visitors not only with its fascinating past, but also with its unique features. It boasts a massive rose window made of over 1,200 pieces of colored glass assembled into floral patterns and ornaments. It also has an impressive central nave, one of the tallest in Europe.
-Teide National Park, Tenerife
Teide National Park on the Canary Island of Tenerife is a haven for active travelers and nature lovers. The park is home to the imposing stratified volcano Teide Pico Viejo, the third-highest island volcano in the world. Whether you want to take a short walk, hike, or a more challenging climb, Teide National Park offers routes and trails for visitors of all abilities. They even offer a cable car for faster access to the summit. The landscape varies depending on the altitude: it becomes drier, less green and more volcanic as you climb.
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