Spain: the most beautiful places – cities, islands and hidden gems
Spain is not just Barcelona and Madrid. It has Moorish palaces, medieval towns, islands with turquoise water, volcanoes, semi-deserts and a cuisine that changes from region to region. We have gathered the most beautiful places – from the classics to the hidden gems. For practical information on documents, seasons and money, see our Spain travel guide.
The big cities
Barcelona
A seaside city with modern architecture and lively street life. Must-sees are Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Park Güell with its colourful mosaics, Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc hill and Barceloneta beach. For a different view climb to the Bunkers del Carmel, and the modernist Sant Pau complex impresses with its mosaics. Try pa amb tomàquet – bread with tomato and olive oil, crema catalana and churros with chocolate; for shopping – La Boqueria market, Passeig de Gràcia and the boutiques of El Born. When: April – June and September – October.
Madrid
The capital of museums, royal history and lively squares. The Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park with its Crystal Palace and the Prado Museum are musts, and the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod is most beautiful at sunset. On Sunday explore the El Rastro flea market, and for a panorama – the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop. Try a calamari sandwich, cocido madrileño and Spanish tortilla. Football fans will want a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. When: March – May and September – November.
Valencia
The birthplace of paella combines old architecture, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with the Oceanogràfic aquarium, the Central Market and the Turia Gardens in an old riverbed. Stroll through the colourful fishermen's district of El Cabanyal, and at sunset take a boat in Albufera Natural Park among the rice fields. Try a real paella valenciana with chicken and rabbit, fideuà and horchata. In March the city celebrates the fiery Las Fallas festival. When: April – June and September – October.
Málaga
Picasso's birthplace on the Costa del Sol – beaches, the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman theatre and the Picasso Museum. Málaga is a great base for trips to the Caminito del Rey cliff walkway (booking required), the Nerja Caves and the white village of Frigiliana. Try espetos – sardines grilled on skewers over embers on the beach. When: April – June and September – October.
Andalusia
Seville
Flamenco, orange trees and Moorish architecture. Plaza de España with its ceramic mosaics and canal, the Real Alcázar palace and gardens, the cathedral – one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, the Giralda tower, the wooden Metropol Parasol ("the Mushrooms") and the lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz. Watch flamenco in a small tablao and visit the ceramic workshops of Triana. Try salmorejo, spinach with chickpeas and torrijas. When: March – May and October – November; summer is extremely hot.
Granada
The Alhambra palace complex with the Generalife gardens is one of Spain's wonders – tickets must be booked in advance. Wander through the Albaicín Moorish quarter to the Mirador de San Nicolás for the most beautiful view of the Alhambra, and in the evening watch flamenco in the caves of Sacromonte. Granada is also known for free tapas with drinks, Arab tea houses and the Hammam Al Ándalus baths. When: April – June and September – October.
Córdoba
The Mezquita-Catedral with its rows of red-and-white arches is a unique building where Islamic architecture and a Christian cathedral coexist. Explore the Roman bridge, the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, the Calleja de las Flores and the Jewish quarter. In May the city celebrates the Patios Festival, when residents open their flower-filled courtyards. Try salmorejo cordobés and flamenquín. When: April – May and September – October.
Northern and inland Spain
Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum with its metal façade, the Casco Viejo old town, the white Zubizuri bridge and the panorama from Artxanda hill by funicular. Nearby is the historic Vizcaya transporter bridge in Portugalete. Try Basque pintxos, bacalao al pil-pil and the famous Basque cheesecake. When: May – September.
San Sebastián
La Concha is one of Europe's most beautiful city beaches, and the Parte Vieja old town is a foodie paradise – hop between a few pintxos bars and try the "Gilda" bite and a Basque steak. Ride up Monte Igueldo for views of the bay and see the Peine del Viento sculptures among the rocks. When: June – September.
Santiago de Compostela
The end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage – the cathedral, the vast Praza do Obradoiro and the Mercado de Abastos. Even if you are not a pilgrim, walk a short stretch of the Camino. Try Galician-style octopus, empanada and tarta de Santiago almond cake. When: May – September.
Salamanca and Cuenca
Salamanca is a university city dating from the 13th century, with its Plaza Mayor and golden stone buildings, especially beautiful at night. Cuenca is built on a rock between two river valleys – its famous hanging houses seem to cling over the abyss, and the old town is UNESCO-listed.
The islands
Mallorca
The largest Balearic island – turquoise coves, the Tramuntana mountains and stone villages. See Palma's Gothic cathedral, Cap de Formentor, the village of Valldemossa, Port de Sóller and the Caves of Drach with their underground lake, and ride the historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller. Try the spiral ensaïmada pastry. When: May – June and September – October.
Ibiza
Beyond the nightlife, the island impresses with UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila, the rocky islet of Es Vedrà, Cala Comte beach, the Ses Salines salt flats and the Las Dalias hippy market. Try flaó, a cheese and mint pastry. When: May – June and September.
Tenerife
The largest Canary Island – Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, black beaches, the Los Gigantes cliffs, the village of Masca and the Anaga forests. Stargaze near Teide, visit the Cueva del Viento lava tube and take a boat trip to see whales and dolphins. Try wrinkled papas arrugadas with mojo sauces. When: all year round.
Hidden gems
- Setenil de las Bodegas – an Andalusian village with houses and restaurants under huge rock overhangs.
- Ronda – a town on cliffs split by a deep gorge, with the Puente Nuevo bridge.
- Albarracín – a medieval village with pink stone houses and city walls.
- Castellfollit de la Roca – a village on a narrow basalt cliff above a river valley.
- Las Médulas – red rock formations left by Roman gold mining.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – a rocky islet on the Basque coast with stone steps up to a chapel.
- Cíes Islands – protected beaches off Galicia; in summer advance permission is required.
- Bardenas Reales – a semi-desert of eroded rocks that looks like another planet.
Tip: for a first trip, pick one region. Andalusia (Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga) is ideal for 7–10 days by train or car, while Barcelona and Madrid are linked in two and a half hours by AVE train.
Shopping
Besides the fashion brands Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Desigual and Camper, look for local markets – La Boqueria in Barcelona, El Rastro in Madrid, the Central Market in Valencia, the Triana market in Seville and Las Dalias in Ibiza – and handmade Andalusian ceramics.
Frequently asked questions
Which region of Spain should I choose first?
Barcelona and Madrid for a city break, Andalusia for history and atmosphere, and the islands for the beach.
Do I need to book the Alhambra in advance?
Yes, visits are limited and tickets often sell out weeks ahead.
Where is it warm in winter?
In the Canary Islands – Tenerife is suitable for a holiday all year round.
Need help planning?
The Clio Travel team will help you choose a region, plan the route, trains and hotels, and book tickets for the sights. For practical information, see our Spain travel guide.
