With at least five languages, 50 provinces, and around 17 autonomous regions, Spain is one of the most diverse countries out there. Other than its relaxing natural beauty and the amazing architectural heritage, the portrait of Spain comes off as genuine thanks to the pleasure from wine and tapas, the corrida, the constant siestas and fiestas, the sheer excitement of the Buñol’s La Tomatina festival, the fear of the Pamplona Bull Running, the nightlife of Barrio del Carmen and the hustle-bustle of Madrid’s flea market at El Rastro. Of course, exploring all of it could take you a very long time, but once you are infected with the allure of Spain, you will not be able to resist the country.
You can have some unique experiences within this paradise that can be found on the Iberian Peninsula. How? Here are some of the best things you should see and do when you visit Spain:
- Granada: The Alhambra
Looking down on the city of Granada is Alhambra that was chosen by el Ahmar, the first Nasrid king, as the prestigious location for hosting his court. Successive rulers further altered and enhanced it consistently, so it has now become an amazing complex that’s not easy to rival. Marble fountains, pomegranate gardens, lofty halls, intimately royal baths and colossal chambers boasting grandiose ceilings are just a foretaste of this treasure. You can take a guided tour to see the shadiest of nooks and discover the spiciest of secrets that can be found in this precious gem.
- Valencia: The City of Art and Sciences
Spread across 1.24 miles is the futuristic construction known as Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. It is considered a true cultural marvel because it boasts a horde of attractions and the alluring design is just a foretaste of its innards. The complex comprises of the largest aquarium in Europe called Oceanográfico, which boasts more than 500 marine species, the Principe Felipe Science Museum that acts as a center of interactive science, the Hemisfèric that features a Planetarium, Laserium and an Imax cinema, a huge variety of indigenous plants, an outdoor art gallery and a performing arts center and opera house known as the Palau de Les Reina Sofía.
- Balearic Islands
Not far from the east coast of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are located in the Mediterranean. These are a small group of islands that are quite diverse. If you are searching for an oasis of natural grandeur and tranquility, Menorca is the perfect fit, whereas Ibiza is where you need to go for partying until you drop. A mountainous island, Mallorca offers you everything you could want from the perfect holiday destination. There are wonderful beaches that you can enjoy at Formentera. Together, these islands are the ideal reflection of continental Spain, which is beautiful, fun, and extremely versatile.
- Toledo
South of Madrid at a distance of 44 miles is the city of Toledo and there are several religions that have played a keynote in its development including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by the Tagus River, this city has a long history and quite complex, so you will need a bit of time to do it justice. Take a short walk over the Alcantara Bridge, check out the exterior of the local cathedral, and spend some time in the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca for appreciating the art and historic enchantment of the city.
- Cordoba: The Mezquita de Cordoba
If you are looking for the top example of Muslim fabric within Spain, you don’t have to look beyond the Mezquita de Cordoba, which boasts giant arches, jasper columns, gilded prayer niches, Byzantine mosaics, and marble flooring, all of which are awe-inspiring. The mosque and cathedral can be dated back to the 10th century and represents the time when Cordoba reached its zenith under Abd ar-Rahman III, a new emir. It is undoubtedly a wonder of the medieval world with its exotically lavish décor and mystical ambiance.
- Pronvincia de Malaga: Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol resorts welcome approximately 2 million people annually where they partake in a multitude of historic, recreational, and cultural delights that can be found on the southernmost edge of Spain. You can have a wonderful time, as it receives more than 300 days of sunshine and has a lot of nature’s sights to offer, whether it is in Puerto Banus, Benalmadena, Torremolinos or Marbella. You are guaranteed to have a good time, especially with Cordoba, Ronada, Granada, and Seville at a stone’s throw’s distance.
- Barcelona: Church of the Sacred Family
Established in 1882, the Church of the Sacred Family has been an ongoing project, which is part of the fascination associated with checking it out. According to legend, if the church was ever to be completed, the world would come to an end. That could be why architects are still struggling to fulfill the flamboyant vision of Gaudi and will continue to do so for years to come. However, a more practical reason could be that the vision was too elaborate and it is impossible to depict. Regardless, it remains a beautiful piece of architecture and should definitely be on your itinerary.
- Ronda: Ciudad de Ronda
One of the loveliest of little towns in Spain, Ronda is located at the heart of Andalusia. Even though it is developing at a reasonable place, it still boasts a lot of charm and most of the tourists flock to its La Ciudad for those spectacular sights and for enjoying some romance. There is a sizable river gorge that separates this old quarter from the rest of the town, while it is linked to it through a structure that is considered to be the most photographed design in all of Spain. La Ciudad comprises historic splendor, cobblestoned streets, and an enclave of folklore.
Add these places and things to your list and you will have a memorable time in Spain.
