Top Things To Do in Spain
Spain is a country with rich historical and cultural heritage for you to explore. Throughout the country you will see incredibly fascinating attractions. The cities have a beautiful architectural design and natural beauty; the more rural areas are also a delight.
Spain is also known for its vibrant nightlife and many festivals, such as the Pamplona Bull Run and the Tomatina Festival. It is definitely a country full of pleasant surprises! If island life is what you want, check out our article about Lanzarote. If you’re more interested in mainland Spain, read on for our top suggestions!
Hike Spain’s Most Dangerous Trail
Spain’s most dangerous tril is one of the most popular attractions is the tiny Spanish village of El Chorro in northwest Malaga. This is the place for experienced climbers and adrenaline junkies.
Inaugurated in 1921 by King Alfonso XIII, the trail is only about a meter wide and runs 100 meters above the Gaitanes Gorge. It is known as the Caminito del Rey and full of breathtaking views. However, the walk itself is extremely challenging, with large parts of the trail either full of holes or completely missing. As a warning: There is nowhere to hold on to during the climb. So, taking a trip here will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
Visit the Alhambra: A Palace in Spain
The first Nasrid king chose this amazing location to build his court, giving him a magnificent view of the city of Granada. It was also rebuilt several times at his request, making it one of the most unique palaces in the world. Here you will see huge chambers, royal baths, grandiose ceilings, marble fountains, and beautiful pomegranate gardens. We recommend a guided tour! Discover the hidden treasures of this historical building, considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world.
See the Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita)
This mosque is one of the largest in the world and a wonderful display of Moorish architecture. Also known as Mezquita, it was once the main mosque of Western Islam. It was later modified to house a catholic cathedral in the centre of the building.
This magnificent mosque, alongside the Alhambra in Granada, is one of the most impressive examples of Islamic art and architecture in Western Europe. Construction of the building began in 785, using materials from Roman and Visigoth buildings. Its prayer hall has more than 19 aisles. You will see columns and Moorish arches arranged in symmetrical patterns as far as the eye can see.
Explore the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Designed by the famous American architect Frank Gehry, this unique museum has boosted tourism in Bilbao. The one-of-a-kind building is made from limestone blocks with corrugated titanium plates, giving it its distinct shape. The museum has a wide range of collections and temporary exhibitions of modern art. It is also the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy photos.
Explore the Plaza Mayor in Madrid
Located in the heart of Spain’s vibrant capital, this is one of the most important places to visit during your stay. The Plaza Mayor has played an important role in Madrid since the 16th century. It was used for ceremonial events such as canonizations and the proclamation of a new king. It was also the place for public entertainment, like bullfights and knights’ tournaments. You can find cafés on the cobblestone plaza, which is only accessible to pedestrians, and restaurants under the arcades. It is a famous meeting place for locals and tourists.
Tour the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia
This complex was built after Valencia diverted the river Turia, which had repeatedly flooded the city in the past. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava used the vast space to for his incredible structures, which are now a hotspot for tourists and locals who love contemporary architecture.
This destination houses art spaces and museums, and is a great place to spend the day. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the huge aquarium, the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, built in the shape of a water lily. Here you can find faithful reproductions of different marine ecosystems – from the tropics to the north and south poles. How interesting!
Walk Along La Rambla in Barcelona
A walk along La Rambla is the perfect way to spend a summer evening in Spain. The area itself is a great place to spend a weekend in Barcelona. La Rambla is a tree-lined boulevard that extends northwest from the Columbus Monument near the port and runs like a green line through the city’s center. Lined with a variety of book and newspaper stands, as well as restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating, it is a favourite of locals and tourists alike. The street is also full of various street artists, live performers, and musicians, who contribute to its lively atmosphere.
Stop by the Ice Bar in Barcelona
This bar is located on the El Somorrostro beach and overlooks the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Ice Bar in Barcelona is the only ice bar in the world located on a beach, and has an impressive interior made from ice, kept cold at freezing temperatures. This bar is the perfect sanctuary if you want to escape the scorching heat of the Spanish summers. You won’t find anything alike anywhere in the rest of the world.
Discover Toledo
Toledo is only 73 km south of Madrid and is home to many religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This gorgeous city, rich in history, sits on a hill surrounded by the river Tagus. Toledo is a perfect day trip destination from Madrid and some of its famous attractions include a visit to the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca or a walk on the Alcántara Bridge.
Visit the Seville Cathedral: The Largest Church in Spain
This cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an architectural treasure built to celebrate and display the city’s wealth in the years following the Reconquista. Inside the cathedral there are 80 chapels, 15 elaborate doors, and a nave that stands 42 meters above the ground. The Seville Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world and is also the third largest church after St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.
Explore the Sagrada Familia
This basilica is a must-see on a trip to Barcelona. An interesting fact about this church is that it’s been in progress since 1882. According to the legend, final construction of the church will signify the end of the world. Many of the architects working on this project find it hard to fulfill Gaudi’s extravagant vision. The church is the perfect destination if you are a fan of architecture.
Conclusion
Spain is a country with vibrant energy, with a fascinating mixture of past and present that will capture your imagination. It is filled with a variety of activities for you to try out, and the country’s architectural wonders will take your breath away. If you have been here once, you will definitely want to come back!