With exotic territories in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Spain consistently ranks as one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. The Iberian Peninsula, along with its beautiful islands, is blessed with hot summers and mild winters, favouring year-round tourist cycling that is top-notch. Thanks to Spain’s political structure, the autonomous regions on the peninsula have preserved their cultural identities, while the island chains offer spectacular coastlines and natural landscapes for world-class getaways. With an overabundance of riches, selecting the 20 most beautiful places in Spain is a daunting task, but we expect you’ll be delighted with our choices.
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Sevilla
The capital of the Andalusia region easily ranks among the best places in Spain. Plaza de España, Real Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville are popular tourist haunts, while the Santa Clara district (with its picturesque squares and the Castillo de Marchenilla) waits to enchant. Book your travel in the spring or autumn to escape the summer heat, with stays at Hotel Sevilla Centre and Eurostars Torre Sevilla as recommended accommodation options.
Zaragoza
The charming capital of Aragon is often overlooked, but this northeastern city offers popular attractions. Architectural structures (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Aljafería Palace) and Roman ruins (Museo del Teatro Caesaraugusta) offer you exquisite opportunities to explore its ancient past, while Museo Goya exhibits a trove of masterpieces. Spring and summer offer the best weather for holidays at accommodation such as Catalonia El Pilar and Hotel Alfonso.
Toledo
When an entire city is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, it must be a great place for sightseeing in Spain. Located in Castilla La Mancha, the former Spanish capital Toledo has a rich Moorish, Christian and Jewish heritage. Toledo Cathedral, the impressive Alcazar fortress and the Jewish Quarter are good examples of its multiculturalism. Moderate average temperatures promote year-long travel, with Parador de Toledo and Eurostars Toledo amongst the 4-star hotels.
La Palma
Highly regarded for its beguiling mix of beaches, mountains and forests, La Palma in the Canary Islands consistently tops the list of best places in Spain for a holiday. Treat yourself to snowy slopes in winter, autumnal forest rain and sun-drenched beaches in summer. Investigate the capital (Santa Cruz de la Palma), Puntagorda and Tijarafe while enjoying a stay at Hacienda San Jorge or Aparthotel El Galeon.
Tenerife
The largest Canary Island is one of Spain’s most visited destinations and hosts one of Europe’s biggest carnivals: Carnival de Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A hugely popular activity is hiking the trails at Teide National Park (another UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Anaga Mountains. San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz offer you alternatives to the pricier Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Lanzarote
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa and Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa are two good options for accommodation not far from Arrecife Lanzarote Airport (ACE). From here, you are well positioned to explore the popular south coast of Lanzarote, from Playa Honda to Playa Blanca. Another of Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, this island boasts the volcanic beauty of Timanfaya National Park, which you can explore on camelback in any season of the year.
Ibiza
Ibiza is legendary as one of the world’s great party capitals, with favourable winter temperatures allowing you to escape the summer crowds. Las Salinas and San Vicente Beach as well as idyllic Cala Salada and Cala Vadella coves are highly rated Ibiza natural attractions. Visit the breathtaking Cova de Can Marçáa or plan a day trip to Formentera, before enjoying the famous sunset from Hostal La Torre or 7Pines Resort Ibiza.
Barcelona
With fewer crowds and favourable weather, spring and autumn are best to explore the charms of Barcelona. The awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia, along with other works by Gaudi, dominates the centre of the Catalan capital. Head south, towards the Gothic Quarter, to discover Plaça de Catalunya, Catedral de Barcelona and the Columbus Monument near the port. Salles Hotel Pere IV and Hotel SB Glow in Sant Marti are great area accommodation options.
Madrid
Dynamic Madrid is the cultural, economic and political heart of the country. The city radiates potent vibrancy, creating its own magnetism in Central Spain. Ideal for UK city breaks, Hotel Puerta America and Hotel Riu Plaza España are launchpads for adventures. Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor and Palacio de Cristal are prime attractions, but sampling the cocido madrileño, a chickpea-based stew, is a rite of passage.
Valencia
Splendid yearly temperatures make the eastern port city Valencia a haven for commercial interest and tourism. An active festivals/events calendar and engaging architecture also lock Valencia in as one of the best places in Spain for a holiday. Art-Nouveau aces (Estacio del Nord) and contemporary gems (Museu de les Ciènces Príncipe Felipe) are within reach from Hotel Medium Valencia (Quatres Carreres) or Hotel Dimar (Eixample).
Majorca
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of the busiest in Spain, emphasising the fact that Majorca’s long reputation as a premier tourist destination is fully intact. This large Balearic Island is also known for La Seu Catedral, Castell de Bellver and the enclave at S’Arenal. Begin your seasonal stay at Eurostars Marivent or Nixe Palace Hotel in Cala Major and enjoy the coastline beaches, via downtown Palma to Cala Blava.
Gran Canaria
From rugged western landscapes and eastern sandy beaches to cooler northern regions and humid southern sections, Gran Canaria is the answer to your seasonal travel dilemma. Reservations at Occidental Las Palmas provide access to the beaches around the northern capital, or you can get a good night’s sleep at Club Maspalomas Suites & Spa in the south to visit Gran Canaria’s famous dunes and lighthouse.
Granada
No list of the most beautiful places in Spain is complete without including this scenic city in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Renowned worldwide for its impressive Islamic architecture, Granada’s Albaicín neighbourhood is home to the iconic Alhambra, one of Spain’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the Palacio de Generalife. Eurostars Gran Via and Exe Triunfo Granada are popular Centro accommodation options.
Córdoba
Often considered medieval Europe’s greatest city, Córdoba is one of the grand destinations in southern Spain. Like Toledo, Córdoba was a thriving multicultural city and centre of learning, predating Oxford and Cambridge by centuries. Make winter/spring visits to Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, Alcázar Fortress and the Roman Bridge of Córdoba your top priority, after finalising reservations at Hotel Córdoba Centre or Eurostars Conquistador.
Santiago de Compostela
Charming Santiago de Compostela ranks as one of the best cities for walking in Spain. Investigate Praza da Quintana de Vivos, Parque de Alameda and the ancient pilgrimage route to the historical Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Winter is the rainy season in the Galician capital, but mild summers are ideal for pedestrian explorations. Compostela Hotel and Lux Santiago Hotel offer affordable accommodation.
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Salamanca
Salamanca’s history traces back to Celtic times, but the modern city is an energetic educational centre, great for a walking holiday in Spain. From Plaza Mayor, a plethora of landmarks (including Jesuitas Park, Palacio de Monterrey and Salamanca Cathedral) fan out in every direction around venerable Salamanca University. You should pack light for late spring-early autumn visits and enjoy the accommodation at Abba Fonseca or Alameda Palace.
Cartagena
Cartagena’s aesthetic hails from its historical and cultural influences, denoted most visually by its impressive architecture, offering the Roman Theatre of Cartago Nova and Muralla del Mar, in addition to the Modernist and Art Nouveau splendour of Calle Mayor. Cartagena is an important naval base, with fascinating maritime museums and average seasonal temperatures for year-long holidays. Recommended accommodation includes Hotel Los Habaneros and NH Cartagena.
Cádiz
Occupying a narrow strip of land off Spain’s south-western coast, Cádiz is awash with beaches overlooking its eponymous gulf, from Playa Santa Maria del Mar to Playa Torregorda. Castillo de Santa Catalina affords panoramic views from its parapet, but crossing La Pepa at night is superb. Cádiz Carnival occurs for two weeks every February, so early bookings for Hotel Spa Cádiz Plaza or Hotel Monte Puertatierra are essential.
Santander
Santander is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Spain, and its history as a royal holiday hotspot is apt testimony to the fact. A great family destination, the sights here include La Magdalena Royal Palace and the prized beaches El Sardinero and Matalenas. The summer months are ideal for your holiday plans; check out Hotel Santemar and Hotel Bahia for choice accommodations.
Costa Brava
From Blanes to Portbou, Costa Brava offers plentiful beaches, natural parks, museums and quiet villages along the northeastern coast of Spain. The town of Figueres is the hometown of Dali, and the city of Girona is a short distance away from here. This is a picturesque summer location for intrepid tourists, offering 4-star accommodation like Hotel Eden Roc and Hotel Marsol.
