What to do in Spain?
Visit Barcelona
Incredibly vibrant and the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has been dominating the travelers’ list as one of the most favorite holiday destinations in the world. With the glamour of urban living on one side and the epic architecture on the other, this seaside city in Spain is stunning by all means. Enjoy the world-class dining scene, amble along the works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and then settle down at a rustic beach to gaze upon the setting sun. Once a Roman city, Barcelona has Gaudi’s signature all over it. Don’t miss Sagrada Família, the most distinctive work and the masterpiece of the famed architect Gaudi under construction since 1882. A designated ‘World-Class’ city, Barcelona has plenty of World Heritage Sites to be explored. Don’t miss the Catalan cuisines in one of the many amazing eateries in Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain Copyright Iakov Filimonov
Explore The Alhambra (Granada)
A small fortress in the beginning, until it was brought back to life from ruins by Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, Alhambra—in the words of Moorish poets —is a pearl set in emerald. One of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, Alhambra is a stunning wonder set in the jungle. A World Heritage Site and inspiration for fantasies and legends, the palace is a must-visit site in Spain.
Ancient arabic fortress of Alhambra, Granada, Spain. Copyright Marques
Travel Tip: At the peak of the tourist season, Alhambra hosts around 6000 visitors daily, making it difficult to linger on the pretty details. Book in advance for early mornings or the latest time slot for a better experience.
Visit the Alcázar of Seville
Opulent, majestic and simply stunning, the Alcazar of Seville is one of the most brilliant examples mudéjar architecture and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful structures in Spain. The oldest palace still in use in Europe, Alcazar is also a world heritage site.
Baths of Dona Maria de Padilla. Royal Alcazar of Seville. Spain. Copyright Jose Ignacio Soto
Gate to Real Alcazar Gardens in Seville. Andalusia, Spain. Copyright Aleksandar Todorovic
Aqueduct of Segovia
First raised at Segovia by the Romans in the 1st century AD, El Acueducto or the Roman Aqueduct is Segovia’s most famous landmark. What appears like a huge comb, the aqueduct is one of the best-preserved and most significant ancient monuments on the Iberian Peninsula.
Famous Aqueduct in Segovia, Castilla y Leon, Spain Copyright Marques
Museo Guggenheim
Located in Bilbao, Museo Guggenheim has been regarded as a “signal moment in the architectural culture”. One of the most famous and appreciated works of contemporary architecture, Museo Guggenheim is a museum with an overwhelming structure, true to the very spirit of the country.
Explore the Historic City of Toledo
70kms south of the capital city, Toledo s also known as the ‘Imperial city’ or ‘City of the Three Cultures’ due to the historical co-existence of the three cultures namely Jewish, Muslim and Christians . Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the historical city of Toledo has an abundance of history and culture in its heart. Explore churches, synagogues, museums, and mosques along with narrow streets, plazas and inner patio in this gorgeous provincial capital of Spain.
The Historic City of Toledo, Spain Copyright Gubin Yury
Burgos Cathedral (Burgos)
Magnificent and extraordinary, Burgos cathedral is a stunning example of unique Gothic architecture. Holding Spain’s most loved national hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (“El Cid”), and his wife Doña Jimena into its chest as the couple’s burial ground, Burgos has also made it (rightfully and most deservedly) to UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Cathedral of Santa Maria, Burgos, Spain Copyright Matyas Rehak
Playa del Silencio, Cudillero
One of the most scenic beaches in Spain, Playa del Silencio or the beach of Silence boasts of a stretched sandy cove surrounded by jagged cliffs. The incredibly quaint and beautiful beach, Playa del Silencio has managed to save itself from commercialization. Head straight to Playa del Silencio, if you are looking for some quiet time all by yourself.
One of the most scenic beaches in Spain, Playa del Silencio Copyright Noradoa
Shopping: Spain is a shopper’s delight, without a hint of doubt. From high street designers to unique antiques, from fragrant candles to fish, the bazaars and markets in Spain are ready to steal your heart. Every city has a number of its own markets, however, some of them are truly unique. El Rastro, a Sunday flea market in Madrid is not just a place to shop, but it is an institution in itself. This market is an ideal shopping destination for dirt cheap clothes, old flamenco records, old pictures of the city of Madrid, t-shirts, faux designer purses, household goods and electronics too. However, the most exciting deal comes after 10 pieces of junk—a rare gem like a lost masterpiece, an Underwood typewriter. Some of the gorgeous antique pieces can be found at Els Encants Vells, a flea market in Barcelona.
Famous Cibeles Fountain on Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid Copyright Darios