Sandy beach with yellow beach chairs and yellow and blue umbrellas facing out to the blue sea. People walking on the sidewalk that is lined with green palm trees

26 Top Tourist Attractions in Spain

Looking for sunny weather, great beaches, nightlife, and delicious food; look no further because Spain is as good as it gets. It would be impossible to highlight the array of things to see and do in Spain unless you are there for months at a time. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the 26 top tourist attractions in Spain.

From its world-class beaches, great cuisine, mind-blowing architecture, and gorgeous culture, Spain is such a culturally diverse and vibrant country that has a way of convincing you to stay longer than you had planned. Spain is infectious, its memories remain with you forever constantly reminding you of all its unique experiences. It could take months to see it all and if time was on your side, I would highly recommend vastly exploring this beautiful country.

Spain is so diverse with 50 provinces, 17 autonomous regions, and 5 languages. Every town and city has its own unique food and history. One of the things I love about Spain is it just overflows with spectacular destinations. It’s hard to fit in Spain in one holiday, but I’m hoping with this guide I can take you on a journey where you can identify the places and attractions that appeal to you the most. It covers all the things you shouldn’t miss while you are traveling through this incredible country. If it’s your first time visiting Spain, here are the top tourist attractions in Spain that should be on everyone’s list.

Tall curved glass building at a far corner of the beach with sand and waves nearby during sunset
Barceloneta Beach

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26 Top Tourist Attractions in Spain

Below are the 26 top tourist attractions in Spain to help you plan your trip around this wonderful country.

1.      Admire Barcelona’s beautiful architecture

Barcelona is not a city to leave off your itinerary. There are so many things that make this city so charming. Some of them include Gaudi’s masterpieces that are not to be missed.

·       La Sagrada Familia

Brown concrete building known as La Sagrada Familia standing tall surrounded by trees. one of the top tourist attractions in spain
Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia takes the centre stage in Barcelona and is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. This breath-taking church has been under construction since the late 1800s and is yet to be completed!

Gaudi definitely broke away from what churches typically look like when he created this masterpiece. The unique Gothic structure boasts three gorgeous facades and an interior that resembles that of a magical forest. Visitors can get access to different parts of the church including a museum, crypt, and towers. You can also choose to climb one of the church towers, but the only way down is via a spiral staircase.

Each year, the basilica receives millions of tourists from around the world. Given its popularity, I would highly recommend booking tickets online well in advance of your arrival in Barcelona. You can pick a time slot and it’s a bit cheaper to purchase tickets online. Alternatively, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket beforehand. Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded tourist destinations

·       Park Güell 

Colorful gingerbread looking houses in Park Guell. one of the top tourist attractions in spain
Park Güell

This iconic park was designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is filled with amazing gardens, giant lizard features, and colorful buildings. Tourists from all over the world flock to this park and its famous terrace to get their ínstagramable’ photo.

Being one of the top things to see in Spain, Park Güell receives millions of tourists a year. The lush gardens are perfect for an outdoor stroll. Take your time while strolling through this fascinating park, it’s like being in a magical world.

Tip: Book your tickets well in advance on the official site. The wider park itself is free to enter but the monumental core requires a ticket entry. You can pick a specific time slot but you have to be present for entry at the time specified on your ticket.  

·       Casa Milà 

A photo of casa mila and the streets of Barcelona
Casa Mila

Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is located within a few minutes of Casa Batlló. The building has a unique limestone façade and a constant curve. It is famous for its rooftop terrace so if you do go inside be sure to get up there. Not as popular as Casa Batlló and you could skip the visit inside.

You can purchase tickets on the official site

·       Casa Batlló

This photo shows the front façade of Casa Batlló. Covered with colorful mosaic and irregular oval glass windows.
Casa Batlló

This is another one of Gaudi’s creations that is located in the center of Barcelona. The colorful building has a variety of shapes along with irregular oval windows. Much of it is decorated with colorful mosaics made of broken ceramic tiles. Great to have a look from the outside but if you have spare time and are not on a budget, it’s worth paying to enter the house.

2.      Granada: The Alhambra and Genralife Gardens

Brown concrete building complex known as the Alhambra sitting up on a height in the city of Granada with green trees surrounding the complex under blue skies. Don't miss this place as its one of the top tourist attractions in Spain
The Alhambra

In the hills of Granada, you’ll find the Moorish fortress that will take your breath away. It’s hard to put into words the beauty the Alhambra exudes. If there is one place you shouldn’t miss in Spain, let it be the Alhambra. It’s undeniably one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.

The Alhambra complex includes several towers, buildings, gardens, and a mosque. But it’s the beautiful tiled ceilings, the elegant arches, intricate stone carvings, and tranquil courtyards of the Nasrid Palace that will blow your mind. It’s a pleasant surprise for the eyes.

The Generalife gardens provide a peaceful atmosphere and offer beautiful views of the Alhambra. The Alhambra is truly the crown jewel of southern Spain.

Tip:  Tickets to the Alhambra can sell out months in advance so be sure to book as soon as you know you are heading to Granada to avoid disappointment.

3.     Marvel at The Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita)

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Mezquita is undoubtedly the most graceful, fascinating, and important attraction in Cordoba. In my opinion, it is one of the best things to do in Spain and definitely one of the more unique places to visit in Spain.

This Mosque-Cathedral is one of the most beautiful examples of the Spanish – Islamic architecture with a history spanning over eight centuries. Once the center of Muslim worship, the structure was converted into a cathedral making it a combination of a spectacular mosque and cathedral. The Mosque-Cathedral is open to the public and general ticket information can be found here. Cordoba is one of the best cities in Spain that you shouldn’t leave off your list.

4.      Bask in Basque Country

A girl standing up on top of a cliff looking out to the blue sea and some mountains covered in green trees
San Sebastian

If you are going to visit one place in northern Spain, let it be San Sebastian! From its golden beaches to mouth-watering pinxtos, San Sebastian is the crown jewel of northern Spain. 

Food is serious business here. The Basque region is known for its gastronomy and eating forms an essential part of the region’s culture. Pintxos are basically tapas in the Basque region, served using a toothpick or skewer that holds the ingredients in place. If you prefer fine dining, San Sebastian has a number of Michelin – starred restaurants on offer. I’d highly recommend a gastronomy tour in San Sebastian, whether it’s the best of pintxos you want to experience or something a bit more sophisticated providing a fine dining experience. You won’t be disappointed,

With beautiful beaches, grand plazas, amazing food, and great history, San Sebastian is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Be sure to visit the famous La Concha beach, considered one of the best in Europe. The golden sand beach can be found in the heart of San Sebastian, close to the town center, and continues to be a popular place to swim and sunbathe among locals and visitors.

San Sebastian is best visited in summer when you can enjoy the beaches and it’s warm enough to swim. Otherwise, the rest of the year it’s known for being foggy and rainy on the Basque coast.  

5.      Visit Madrid’s Top Destinations

Madrid is one of those lively bustling cities; it’s a modern metropolis that provides the perfect mix of everything from a delectable food scene, breath-taking architecture, history, walks, nightlife, and world-class museums. There are so many other things that make Madrid unforgettable, whether it’s a boat ride at El Retiro Park or churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. Tourists line up and down the street to try the famous churros and rich chocolate.

Though a large city, Madrid is extremely walkable and you can easily navigate your way through the city. Here are just a few of the must-dos in Madrid.

·       Plaza Mayor

Wide plaza with concrete floor sourrounded by a concrete building painted in red with many windows and balconies
Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is a huge square located in central Madrid. It is an important gathering place for many locals as well as visitors. The architecturally styled plaza is surrounded by 237 balconies, nine entranceways, and a bronze statue of King Phillip III. The expansive cobblestone square is a pedestrian-only area surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The ambiance in the evening is electric with live music, tourists, and locals.

·       El Retiro Park and Crystal Palace

In the heart of Madrid, you’ll find an oasis with lush green gardens, cafes, lakes, and playgrounds. El Retiro is over 125 hectares that include over 15,000 trees. The park is absolutely amazing if you want to take a break from your busy sightseeing schedule, just pack a picnic and relax in the park for the day.

You can also hire a rowboat and spend some time on the lake, something that the locals love to do. Perfect place to visit in Spain if you are traveling with kids.

One of my favorite things at this park was the Crystal Palace made of cast iron and glass. It overlooks a beautiful fountain and reflection pool.

·       Royal Palace – One of the Top Tourist Attraction in Spain and Madrid

wide concrete building with large entrance ways and many windows and balconies
Royal Palace Madrid

A palace definitely designed to impress, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Spain. The Royal Palace reminds me of the Spanish version of Versailles. It is one of the most impressive palaces in Europe and should be on your list of things to do in Spain. It is still used as the official residence of the King of Spain and for official State events.

The palace was built out of granite and stone sourced from a nearby mountain range. The interior of the palace has a beautiful staircase at the entrance of the hallway that leads to the main floor. The palace’s walls are lined with masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez.

You can also visit the palace’s Royal Armory, which contains 3,000 exhibits displaying the armor and weapons that have been used by Spain’s kings over the centuries. You can purchase tickets here.

If time permits, you can visit Jardines del Campo Del Moro. It’s a wonderful place to relax or take a stroll.

TIP: Book tickets well in advance. Online bookings have a separate line to enter and even though it may sometimes seem long, the line generally moves fast.

·       Museo del Prado

The Museo del Prado is one of the most popular art museums in the world displaying fine masterpieces by artists such as Francisco Goya. The museum houses thousands of paintings and hundreds of sculptures. Planning what you want to see in advance will be very useful on the day.

6.     Visit the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia

Brown concrete structure with arches known as an aquaduct with a green roundabout infront of it. Cars and buses moving along the road. One of the top tourist attractions in spain.
Aqueduct of Segovia

To the northwest of Madrid, you’ll find the beautiful ancient city of Segovia. Segovia is home to one of the finest roman aqueducts in the world. You can definitely see the Roman influence in Spain here. The aqueduct was built using 20,000+ dark granite blocks without the use of mortar or cement.

Given its proximity to Madrid, it is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Spain when visiting the country.

7.      City of the Arts and Sciences Valencia (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

modern dome structure sitting on blue water during daytime
City of arts and sciences, Valencia

The city of arts and sciences is a feast to the eyes. The complex has multiple museums, a cinema, a planetarium, an aquarium, and spectacular architecture. This futuristic structure sprawls over 2 km and is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain and is a great place to visit if you are traveling with kids

You can buy tickets just for the science museum or get a combined pass which covers the science museum along with the aquarium.

8.      Seville’s Moorish Influence

Seville is one of my favorite Spanish cities and probably Andalusia’s hottest destination. And I’m not just referring to the weather here. Located in southern Spain, Seville is home to some ancient sites including the Royal Alcázar, the famous La Maestranza bullring, and the riverside Torre del Oro.

From delicious tapas to Moorish palaces, vibrant streets, and flamenco, Seville is a great destination to wander and has a way of capturing your heart. You could be here for days and still not see everything. Here are a top few of my favorites.

·       Plaza de España

beautiful brown concrete building with long archways and tiled work and a pond infront of it. One of the top tourist attractions in spain.
Plaza de España

Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most famous landmarks because of its elegant grandeur. It provides the perfect mix of culture, art, and relaxation and is a visual feast for the eyes. It is one of my favorite places in Seville and I highly recommend you add this to your list of things to do in Spain.

The Plaza is one of the most impressive ones in Spain with its beautiful fountains, canals, and Venetian-style bridges which represent the four ancient kingdoms of Spain, while the colorful mosaic-tiled alcoves represent the 48 different regions of Spain.

This is the perfect location to hang out for the afternoon, especially if you are traveling with kids. You can take a boat ride down the canal, ride on a horse-drawn carriage or simply stroll through the plaza.

·       Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville

A brown carved archway with a view to a brown concrete building and a courtyard with green trees during daytime. one of the top tourist attractions in Spain
Royal Alcázar Seville

The Real Alcázar is a must-see in Seville. The UNESCO World Heritage site holds a plethora of history in its walls, from Renaissance and Baroque periods to the Arabic and Middle Ages. Don’t miss the beautifully manicured gardens with orange trees and colorful roses. It’s one of the top attractions to visit in Spain.

Book your tickets online well in advance. The lines here are wrapped around the palace. I would highly recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets.

·       Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

Brown concrete building with carved work and spires. Horse and carriage and people  walking on the streets that are lined with green palm trees. one of the top tourist attractions in spain.
Seville Cathedral

You could spend hours marveling at this beautiful cathedral. Seville Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world by volume and is recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It has a 42-meter-high central nave and 80 different chapels. The famous Christopher Columbus tomb is found in this cathedral.

Conveniently located right across the Real Alcázar, the Seville Cathedral is one of the best things to see in Spain.

Along with the Cathedral, the Giralda Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the city. The walk up to the top isn’t for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

9.      Visit the Old City of Salamanca

girl standing on concrete ground infront of large brown concrete structure
Salamanca

Home to the oldest Spanish university, Salamanca is a historic city with exquisite architecture. It’s one of the most beautiful World Heritage cities in Spain. The city is nicknamed ‘La Dorada’, the Golden City due to the light beige-colored sandstone that turns golden when the sun is low.

You’ll love walking through the cobbled stone streets and exploring all the wonderful history and architecture the city has to offer. Nestled in the heart of the city is Plaza Mayor. It is known to be one of the largest public squares in Spain. This famous plaza is used as a meeting point, a market place and in the past, even a bullfighting arena.

The city of Salamanca is one of the best cities to visit in Spain and worth exploring during a trip to Spain.

10.  Spend a Day Visiting the Beautiful City of Girona

colorful buildings on either side of a river with blue water and green trees
Girona

With its narrow winding streets, the famous cathedral, and medieval walls; Girona is a beautiful ancient city in Spain. It’s the perfect day trip from Barcelona as it’s just over an hour away by car or about 38 mins by train from the major city.

The beautiful walled city features the River Onyar running through it, with multi-colored hanging houses that line the riverside. Take a stroll from one end of the old quarter to the other, you’ll get a real feel for the local culture and the city’s history.

Whether you want to wander through the city streets, walk on the medieval wall or simply enjoy some tapas, all you need is one day to explore the sites of this vibrant and charming city.

11.  Indulge in Spain’s Most Delicious Wines in La Rioja

It’s without a doubt that Spanish wines are some of the best in the world. La Rioja is known to be the wine region of Spain and the grapes here produce some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. 

La Rioja is located in the north of Spain and is spread out over three communities, La Rioja, the Basque Country, and Navara. You’ll find amazing wine museums and beautiful landscapes in this region. The best time to visit is during the Roja Wine Harvest Festival which usually takes place around the 3rd week of September and involves dancing, fireworks, and parades.

Note: Some of the wineries can be quite touristy, so do your research or chat to a local about which ones to visit.

12.  Walk Down Las Ramblas

The busy La Rambla street filled with people, shops and trees on either side
Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a long boulevard that runs through central Barcelona. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain and one of the first places visitors head to in the city. It’s busy, vibrant, packed with stalls, live musicians, and lined by a number of restaurants and bars.

The boulevard starts near Placa Catalunya and ends near Port Vell and is found between El Ravel and the Gothic Quarter of the city.

13.  Costa Del Sol, Andalusia

green trees near beach with turquoise blue water where people are swimming and sun bathing on the golden sand
Costa Del Sol

This region is famous for hundreds of golden beaches and a perfect climate boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year! Over 20 of the Costa del Sol beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag. So, it’s no wonder people from all over the world come to this region to enjoy the beaches and golf courses.

The sparkling coastline stretches almost 100 miles along the south of Spain. Apart from the beautiful coastline, there are endless things to do in this region including the mind-blowing gastronomy, rich culture, and historical sites. The Costa del Sol has something to offer everyone.

Some of the more popular regions that showcase the beauty of this area are Malaga, Marbella, Nerja, and Torrox.

14.  Watch a Flamenco Show in Seville 

Flamenco is a traditional form of Spanish folk music and dance that showcases some incredible Spanish culture. The women dancers wear beautiful bold colored dresses while singing, dancing, and hand clapping.

The capital of Spain’s Andalusian region is a wonderful place to catch a lively night. From song, dance, and live music, you’ll find tons of places in Seville with authentic flamenco. What’s great about this cultural attraction is that it can be watched practically anywhere in Spain. If you miss out on flamenco in Seville, you can also catch shows in Barcelona and Madrid. It’s definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Spain, so don’t miss out on catching a show.

15.  La Boqueria, Barcelona

Colorful display of dried fruits, nuts and meats at La Boqueria in Barcelona
La Boqueria

This indoor food market is considered one of the largest food markets in Spain. You can find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat, cheese, seafood, and tapas.

The market is located halfway up Las Ramblas. So, it’s a great place to make a pit stop and grab a fresh juice and some tapas while exploring the city.

The market is open 8 am to 8.30 pm most days and is closed on Sundays.

16.  Salvadro Dali Museum, Figueres

Salvador Dali was an artist, author, and filmmaker. His work has been known to have made a great impact on the art world.

The Salvador Dali museum is located in Figueres which is his place of birth and where his body is buried. Figueres is located about a two-hour drive north of Barcelona. You can get here by train, bus or road.

The museum houses some of the largest works of art and was created by Dali himself. His work definitely showcases his unique personality and while it may not be to everyone’s liking, it’s well worth a visit in you happen to be in this part of Spain.

Tickets to the museum can be bought online in advance.

17.  Camp Nou, Barcelona

A wide angle photo of Camp Nou stadium with blue, pink and brown seats and a green field
Camp Nou

The Camp Nou experience is a must if you are a football fan. Quite honestly you probably don’t even need to be a fan to enjoy a tour around one of the top football stadiums in Spain. It’s undeniably one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.

 Camp Nou is the FC Barcelona stadium and can seat almost 100,000 people. Yup, that’s right, it’s officially the biggest stadium in Europe. People from all over the world come to watch world-class football, the energy is absolutely electric on game days.

The Camp Nou Experience provides entry into the impressive stadium, the museum, and the Multimedia Zone where you can experience the greatest moments of FC Barcelona.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting when a game takes place, throw on a jersey and get yourself tickets to the game. It’s the best way to experience a piece of this Spanish culture.

18.  A Day Trip to Montserrat

A front on view of Montserrat and the saw tooth like mountains up on a hill surrounded by green trees.
Montserrat

A visit to Montserrat is one of the best day trips to make from Barcelona. Montserrat translates to ‘saw mountain’ which is an accurate description for the jagged saw-like, multi-peak mountain range. The mountain range is simply beautiful and there is lots to see when you get up there.

The Montserrat Monastery sits high in the mountains above the city of Barcelona. It is one of the unique places to visit in Spain and something all visitors should add to their list of things to do when visiting the country.  It is a short drive from Barcelona and driving is the quickest and easiest way to get there. Alternatively, you could take the train from Barcelona to get to the Monastery. You can find details on how to get to Montserrat here.

From the top, you’ll find incredible views over Barcelona and the countryside. Some of the top attractions at the monastery include the Black Madonna, chants sung daily by 50 boys choir from the “Escolania de Montserrat” (the monasteries boarding school), and the museum which houses works by Dali, Monet, and Giordano. I’d say a visit to Montserrat is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.

Tip: Get there as early as possible to avoid lines at the cable cars and to secure a parking spot as close to the Monastery as possible.

19.  Alcázar de Segovia (Alcázar of Segovia)

brown concrete castle with trees in the front and people walking by during day time. One of the top tourist attractions in spain.
Alcázar of Segovia

Like the aqueduct, the Alcázar of Segovia is a symbol of Segovia. It looks just like a fairy tale castle and offers some spectacular views. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress and was later turned into a palace.

It is said that the castle has inspired Walk Disney to create the iconic fairytale castle look that is recognized by people all over the world.

20.  Costa Brava

hilltop village with white washed house and pink roof tiles overlooking the blue sea which has some boats
Palafrugell

The Costa Brava is a coastal region in north-eastern Spain. It’s a region that almost didn’t make it on our travel list. Our Spanish friend suggested that we add this area to our itinerary as we would be blown away by what the region had to offer. And boy I’m so glad we did, it was everything he had described and more.

Costa Brava is situated on the Mediterranean coast and has a huge coastline with a lot of stunning beaches. It is filled with so many treasures from picturesque towns, cliffs, sandy beaches, and national parks. But it’s the white-washed houses and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea that stole my heart. 

Costa Brava is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. This corner of Spain is quite different from most of the other regions and attracts everyone from families to young people.

Some of the top destinations in the Costa Brava region are Girona, Roses, Tossa de Mar, L’Escala, Calella de Palafrugell, Cadeques. You can easily cover a few of these places in a week.

Note: While you are maybe able to get to Costa Brava from Barcelona by bus, I highly recommend you hire a car to explore the region. Some of the small villages and hidden coves cannot be reached by public transport. So having your own vehicle will definitely come in handy.

21.  Eat Paella in Valencia

A large round dish consisting of rice of seafood paella toped with prawns, mussels and clams
Seafood Paella

Before I made my way to Spain, I read all about tapas and paella and couldn’t wait to try them first-hand. While all paella is delicious and can be largely found all around Spain, the paella in Valencia is out of this world. After all, Valencia is the birthplace of paella.

Originally this humble dish was enjoyed by farmers and laborers. Traditional paella recipes are made with Valencian rice, saffron, green beans, and a mixture of chicken and rabbit (not seafood as you find these days)

There are so many restaurants all around Valencia that serve this iconic dish but some of the best places to try out this dish are La Pepica, located right on Valencia’s Famous Malvarossa Beach. My absolute favorite was La Trucha which served the most delicious paella and fresh seafood.

22.  Costa Blanca

golden sandy beach with tall palm trees and the sea in the distance
Costa Blanca

From the vibrant nightlife in Benidorm to the golden sandy beaches, fresh orange groves, and a wealth of history with beautiful Moorish villages; this white coast has something to offer everyone.

Costa Blanca is a first-class golf holiday destination. With its warm climate throughout the year, abundant resorts, and accommodation, Costa Blanca is a popular holiday destination in Spain.

Some of the top areas to visit in the Costa Blanca region are Benidorm, Javea, Denia, Calpe, Altea, Alicante, Moraira and Torrevieja. If you are looking to stay away from mass crowds, visit some of the smaller towns like Altea, Javea, or Denia. It’s easy enough to base yourself in one place and make day trips to some of the other towns.

23.  The Canary Islands

Sandy beach with yellow beach chairs and yellow and blue umbrellas facing out to the blue sea. People walking on the sidewalk that is lined with green palm trees
Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are too beautiful to miss. Though they are a part of Spain, they are located so much closer to the coast of Africa. These tropical islands have a plethora of beautiful beaches.

There are a number of islands to choose from; Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuerteventura. Choosing which island to visit is the toughest decision but the two most visited islands are Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The culture is quite different from that of mainland Spain. You won’t commonly find flamencos or bullfights here. English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants as the Canaries are a popular holiday destination for the British. From sightseeing, water sports, and hiking trails, there are a number of things to do and see across all the islands.

24.  Mt Teide, Tenerife

picture of a girl standing in a dessert infront of rocks and a large mountain
Mt Teide

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and probably one that is visited the most as it has something to offer everyone. If you make it to Tenerife, be sure to visit Mount Teide; Spain’s tallest mountain and a living breathing volcano.

It’s impossible to miss Mt Teide from one point or the other on the island. With its unique moon-like landscape, this impressive volcano rises up to 3718m above sea level and is the highest point in all of Spain. It’s been described by the UNESCO as world’s third-tallest volcanic structure.

Along with the Teide National Park, the volcano is one of the most visited natural wonders in Spain. If you are looking to visit Tenerife, then Mt Teide should certainly be on your list. You can go up on cable cars or if you want to climb to the top of Mount Teide, you should reserve a permit well in advance.

25.  Dunes of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of the seven big islands in the Canaries and is the second most visited island (after Tenerife). The island’s most represented iconic feature is the Dunes of Maspalomas, 400 hectares of dunes to be precise, that stretch to the sea.

This nature reservation encompasses acres of land, trees, and ponds. Be mindful that it’s a protected area with several native species.

When walking through these dunes you’ll feel like you are being teleported to one of the deserts in the Middle East. Exploring the Dunes of Maspalomas is one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria and definitely one of the more unique things to do in Spain.

26.  Take a Tapas Tour

small bite sized meals consisting of bread, dips, anchovies and octopus
Tapas

Spanish cuisine is diverse and rich and you can try a variety of the cuisine from bite-sized morsels, to a fine plate of food. Tapas are small appetizers that are typically served with drinks. A trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without walking into a tapas bar, you’ll want to get your hands on as many tapas as you can. The abundance of tapas bars makes this an easy experience. Some popular tapas you should try are patatas bravas (fried potatoes covered in a spicy sauce), jamón Iberico (a dish of thinly sliced Spanish ham), and pimientos de padrón (flavorful fried green peppers).

Consider going on a Tapas tour. Madrid is as authentic as it gets. Then there’s Seville, where the food is impeccable. And of course, you have San Sebastian which offers some of the best and most versatile tapas, aka pintxos in this region. There are a number of companies that offer food tours. Read reviews before booking one.

Summary of the 26 Top Tourist Attractions in Spain

So, there you have it, the top tourist attractions in Spain that you shouldn’t miss when traveling through this incredible country. Hopefully, this guide will give you options to make your trip the best it can be, especially if you are visiting for the first time.

You’ll be amazed by how much you can squeeze into a few weeks if you plan well in advance.

Happy Travels!

Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.

26 Top Tourist Attractions in Spain

  1. Admire Barcelona’s beautiful architecture
  2. Granada: The Alhambra and Genralife Gardens
  3. Marvel at The Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita)
  4. Bask in Basque country
  5. Visit Madrid’s Top Destinations
  6. Visit the Roman Aqueduct Segovia
  7. City of the Arts and Sciences Valencia (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
  8. Be amazed by the Moorish influence in Seville
  9. Visit the old city of Salamanca
  10. Spend a day visiting the beautiful city of Girona
  11. Indulge in Spain’s most delicious wines in La Rioja
  12. Walk Down Las Ramblas
  13. Costa Del Sol, Andalusia
  14. Watch a Flamenco Show in Seville
  15. La Boqueria, Barcelona 
  16. Salvadro Dali Museum, Figueres
  17. Camp Nou, Barcelona
  18. A Day trip to Montserrat
  19. Alcázar de Segovia (Alcázar of Segovia)
  20. Costa Brava
  21. Eat Paella in Valencia
  22. Canary Islands
  23. Mt Teide, Tenerife
  24. Dunes of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
  25. Costa Blanca
  26. Take a Tapas Tour

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