Spain Travel Bucket List- More Than 20 Amazing Places To Discover

15.03.2021.

It’s been a long time since I hitchiked to the south of Spain covering only Barcelona, Valencia and Granada but this mediterrean country offers to explore so much more in between. From the hidden caves of Granada to the Barcelona style mosaic parks all over the world- Spain is a template covered with the burning southern spirit of flamenco. I collaborated with more than 20 amazing travel bloggers to discover that spirit and places. So what’s to see in Spain?

Barcelona, contributed by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

The city which architecture is alone the answer to visit Barcelona is the cheerfulness to its highest. Colourful markets like Boqueria and street music permeat the vibe welcoming you over and over again, it’s a wonder of mediterrean spirit and art.

Park Guell is a synonim for Barcelona where not only mosaic benches create the feeling but gingerbread house and cave-like columns within a viaduct. Stretching between the Free zone and Monumental zone which covers the finest area with the ticket of 10 euro Park Guell is a feast to the eyes. It was created as a collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and Antonio Gaudi.

Sagrada Familia is another astonishing work of Gaudi, church that represents this town. Cathedral of Barcelona shouldn’t be skipped though not so popular. Casa Batillo is a fascinating architectural artwork where stained glass makes the wonder.

La Rambla, the most visited street of Barcelona is its heart where 5 different ramblas unite.

When in Barcelona don’t forget its most famous citizen Pablo Picasso by visiting the museum.

Tarragona, contributed by Vicki Franz from Vicki Viaja

If you visit Catalonia, you will most likely be drawn to the capital Barcelona or the famous Costa Brava. But did you know that in Catalonia, you can also admire Roman architecture? And that is in the ancient Roman city of Tarragona.
The city is located about an hour’s drive south of Barcelona, right on the idyllic Costa Dorada. As a result, Tarragona is popular not only for its unique architecture but also for its picturesque beaches.
Probably the most famous of the things to see in Tarragona is the Amphitheater de Tarraco. The arena dates back to Roman times and is located right by the sea. This spectacular theater could seat up to 15,000 visitors to watch gladiator fights and similar events during those times.
But a walk through the city also reveals more extraordinary remains from the Roman era, such as the neighboring Roman Circus or ruins scattered throughout the historic center of the town. A walk along the impressive city walls is also lovely, especially during sunny days.

Monserrat, contributed by Samantha Glauser from My Flying Leap

The Abbey of Montserrat is a Benedictine monastery nestled on the top of the Montserrat mountains. It’s a popular day trip from Barcelona and only around 30 miles away. Montserrat draws tourists and Catholic pilgrims to visit the famed Black Madonna and her stunning cathedral as well as this striking jagged mountain range.

Visiting Montserrat is an easy trip by train from Barcelona. Take the train from Barcelona, then you can then take a funicular or a cable car to reach the monastery. There is no charge to visit though donations are appreciated. You’ll also see a small museum with artifacts from the area that you can see for a small charge.

From the Abbey, you can follow the many trails around the monastery or hike to Sant Jerome, the highest peak of this unique mountain range to enjoy the best views of the valley.

Montserrat is an incredible place to visit for its religious and cultural importance. It’s also worth seeing for the stunning beauty it showcases in the abbey, the mountains, and the valley surrounding it.

Madrid, contributed by Elena Sergeeva from Passion for Hospitality

Madrid is a city that offers its visitors endless opportunities to enjoy its vibrant character. Whether you are culturally curious, love arts and passionate about discovering delightful cuisines, Madrid offers all that and more. Located in the heart of Spain, the city of Madrid is the furthest from a conventional European city that you could imagine. There are hundreds of reasons why Madrid is such a special city and it would take more than a few paragraphs to outline them.

The weather is pleasant all year round, allowing visitors to stroll and wander in the city’s streets and take long walks in the Palacio Real and its vivid gardens. You will get to eat the most delicious tapas and try some authentic Sangria in the San Miguel food market, located within a walking distance from Plaza Mayor where the little shops, cafes, and boutique stores, will take you right back to hundreds of years ago. 

Most importantly, in Madrid, you can watch the best flamenco spectacles, performed by the best artists in the world.

Segovia, contributed by Arantza from Un Mundo Por Volar

Segovia isn’t a big city, but it still should be part of anyone’s Spain Bucket List. Its beautiful medieval city center has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. As it’s only about 90 kilometers from Madrid, you can easily visit Segovia on a day-trip from the capital.

Three main landmarks are essential to include in any itinerary.

Start by walking under the magnificent ancient roman aqueduct to enter the old town of Segovia. This is the most important symbol of the city, built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD and still in a very well-preserved condition.

When you reach the main square (Plaza Mayor), you will be welcomed by the wonderful sight of the gothic style catholic Cathedral, built in the 16th century.

The third most famous landmark is the Alcázar. This medieval fairy-tale castle was first built during roman times, but it has its actual appearance since the 16th century. Don’t miss going up to the tower to enjoy some magnificent views of the city and Segovia’s surroundings.

Other must-do’s in Segovia include walking along the old medieval ramparts, wandering around the Jewish quarter or tasting the delicious “cochinillo asado” (roast suckling pig), Segovia’s most typical dish. 

You can get to Segovia from Madrid by train and bus from Chamartín Station (in around 50 minutes), by bus from Moncloa Station (in 1 hour and 20 minutes, the cheapest option) or by car (in around 1 hour).

Allariz, contributed by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

For somewhere very different to visit in Spain then Allariz is the ideal candidate. Situated in northern Spain this beautiful town is just 20 minutes from Ourense in the picturesque region of Galicia. This area of Spain has a real mountain feel to it and Allariz is at the heart. With a calm, bubbling river running through it it’s perfect for winter walks or summer swims.

This area is known for its thermal waters and it’s worth noting that the OCA Allariz hotel in the town here has some gorgeous pools which use the thermal waters and can be visited for a daily charge (and if you’re visiting Spain with kids they’re welcome too.

The town has a number of festivals through the year which are well worth looking in to and tying in with a trip here if you can. Allariz is not the easiest place to get to in Spain, but that’s helped keep its charm. Take the ferry to Santander and drive down or fly in to one of Galicia’s three airports. There are also train connections nearby.

Bilbao, contributed by Roxanne de Bruyn from Far Away Worlds

Tucked into the Basque region in Northern Spain, Bilbao is a wonderful place to visit during your time in the country. An interesting and quirky city of around 350,000 people, there’s lots to see and do. Spend your time walking through the charming streets of the old town, then pop into one (or a few) of the bars for a drink and pinchos, the bread-based Northern equivalent of tapas. There are some beautiful art galleries and museums in Bilbao, and the Guggenheim is the jewel among them, with a huge range of interesting art, all beautifully curated. Consider doing a tour (or audio tour) to get the most out of your time here.

The lovely Bilbao cathedral is worth visiting, as is the market, which has a good selection of local delicacies. If you have the time, Bilbao also makes a great base for exploring Basque Country, with many pretty towns close enough for a day trip. Otherwise, make it a stop on Northern Spain road trip, and experience a different side of this beautiful country.

Santiago de Compostella, contributed by Samantha Barbagallo from Wandering Wanderluster

Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe with many fascinating places to visit. While many tourists to Spain often head south for the warm sunshine and beautiful beaches, its northern regions are often forgotten, one, in particular, is the lush green region of Galicia, where the holy city Santiago de Compostela can be found. 

For centuries, pilgrims have flocked to this historic city having walked the Way of St James or the Camino de Santiago over hundreds of miles to reach the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. According to tradition, the Cathedral is the burial place of the relics of James the Apostle, discovered in the 9th century. 

Any visitor to the city whether pilgrim or not should not miss visiting the Cathedral and seeing the Apostles’ remains. If luck is on your side, you may get to experience the swinging of the large Botafumeiro, one of the largest censers in the world weighing 80 kg. Suspended from a pulley mechanism in the dome on the roof of the church, it swings above the heads of the congregation at 68km per hour as it has done for centuries.  

Alternatively, you may wish to simply explore its UNESCO World Heritage old town, its plethora of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the delicious seafood of Galicia and its famous Octopus dishes or walk through the city’s parks or outdoor food markets. 

Valencia, contributed by Ellie Ewert from Ellie’s Travel Tips

As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia has a lot more to offer than the typical European city. As one of the most underrated European cruise ports, Valencia is home to miles of pristine golden beaches that you can find just outside of the city center. With more than 300 days of sunshine and blue skies a year, it is no wonder why Valencia is perfect for any Spain bucket list.

Located on Spain’s southeastern border, Valencia has a rich heritage that traces back to ancient Roman times. Since then, Valencia has gone through countless rulers that each brought their unique customs, language, and religions.

Valencia also boasts some unique Spanish history, food, and culture by welcoming thousands of eager travelers a year. The Church of San Nicolas De Bari’s beauty is often compared to the Sistine Chapel with its magnificent frescoes and exquisite altar featuring gold columns.

Another wonderful attraction is the most beautiful beach of Valencia, Malvarossa beach. Make sure to check out Mercado Central for food, home to an impressive 100-foot-tall dome.

The easiest way to get to Valencia is by high-speed train which will get you from Madrid to Valencia in about an hour and a half.

Granada, contributed by Tegan and Alex from Why Not Walk

One of the jewels of Andalusia, Granada is a must-visit for lovers of history and architecture. Perhaps the most notable thing to see in Granada is the magnificent Alhambra, an Islamic fortress and palace complex dating back to the 9th century, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Alhambra is overflowing with gorgeous, intricate mosaics, wraparound views of the city below, and its various courtyards, palaces, and grandiose ceremonial halls are sure to awe any visitor. Spend some time meandering through Granada’s winding neighborhoods, complete with intriguing street art, beguiling cobblestoned alleyways, and delicious places to grab a bite to eat.

The architecture in Granada is historic and spectacular, and there is often live music and flamenco performances in the evenings. The city is known for its gastronomy, with typical fare highlighting its strong multicultural heritage through history.

Granada has a large train station that is centrally located, which can take you all around Andalusia and beyond, and there is also an airport, Federico García Lorca Airport, about 15 kilometers away from the center of town.

Cordoba, contributed by Sarah Seiler from Road Maps and Restaurants

Córdoba is an fascinatingly unique city in the Andalusia region of southern Spain and should be on everyone’s Spain bucket list.  Córdoba served as a major Islamic center during the Middle Ages and is home to the Mezquita or Great Mosque of Córdoba, one of the most magnificent Islamic buildings in all of Spain.  Tourists can visit and tour the Mezquita to take in the elaborate Moorish architecture.  Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time as the Mezquita still operates as a functioning Roman Catholic Church today!

Córdoba offers something for everyone from quant outdoor cafes to historical sites and expansive outdoor areas.  Calleja de las Flores is a beautiful street in Old Town that is filled with colorful houses and stunning florals.  Every May the city hosts Feria de Los Patios where homes open the patios up to visitors to take in all of the beautiful flowers.

The city is easily accessible as it has both a bus station and train stationing making it a quick 2 hour train ride from Madrid and a one hour train ride from Seville.

Sevilla, contributed by Christina Roman from Explore Now Or Never

As the capital of beautiful Andalusia, Sevilla is also home to flamenco music, delicious food, and great culture. There are so many beautiful things to do in Sevilla. The most famous site is the Réal Alcazar (Royal Alcazar) Palace. This incredible UNESCO World Hertiage Site was originally built on the site of a Muslim Fortress and is still used as a residence by the royal family today.
Another can’t miss UNESCO World Heritage Site is the beautiful Sevilla Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral worldwide. Visitors flock to see Christopher Columbus’ tomb here and climb the Girlada Tower for stunning views of the city.
Travelers looking for unique photo opportunities head to the Plaza de Espana, one of Seville’s most memorable landmarks. While it was built in 1929 and therefore of no historical significance, its Venetian bridges, canals, horse drawn carriages, and colorful ceramic tile make the visit worth your time.
In the evening, the magic of Seville comes alive. Join locals on a “paseo”, or leisurely evening stroll. Admire flamenco dancers dancing with joy in the squares. Seville is the very best of Spain.

Malaga, contributed by Ucman Scher from Brown Boy Travels

Malaga is a bit of an underdog when it comes to Andalusia. Everyone know about the Alhambra, Plaza España and the Mezquita cathedral but Malaga is known mainly for its international airport which brings most people to the gorgeous Andalusia.

The city offers a lot from art to architecture and food to nightlife and best of all, gorgeous beaches. 

The city centre of Malaga is a sprawling maze of narrow streets with beautiful courtyards and intriguing facades. Throughout the city, small and big churches are dotted with interesting architecture that never lets you get bored. 

The Alcazar of Malaga lies on top of the city and not only offers a glimpse into the Moorish past of this historical city but also a stunning view of the harbour, marina and old city. The sunsets are the best time for a hike up.

If you’re looking for art, the only assurance you need is that this is the city of birth of Pablo Picasso. 

If you are looking for a more relaxing time, head to the beaches of Torremolinos which are an easy 30 minutes ride away.

Malaga is a beautiful city which offers great time to anyone who is passing by the great Andalusia and Spain.

Ronda, contributed by Stephanie from Bey Of Travel

Ronda is a stunning town located in southern Spain. It is characterized by a deep gorge and jaw-dropping views from the bridge above it. As a destination, Ronda is not huge, but it still pulls tourists to explore landscapes and to soak in dramatic views of cliffs and gorges.  

The gorge is called the El Tajo, and it separates the old and the new town of Ronda. Ronda is full of historical and cultural nuances, mainly those from the Moorish rule. There are well-preserved Arab Baths that are worth exploring here. 

The stunning bridge (which is an iconic symbol of the city, like the gorge itself), is the Puente Nuevo, or the new stone bridge, and it offers various lookout views of the gorge and the nearby areas. 

Of all the bullrings left in the country, Ronda is home to Plaza de Toros, a 18th-century bullring. There are a lot of museums, including audio guides available at the Plaza which offers insights into the existence of bullrings then, and their status today. 

The best way to reach Ronda is to go on a day trip (or drive) from Seville, Spain. Seville to Ronda is just an hour and a half away.

Cadiz, contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

You could say that Cadiz is a hidden destination in Spain, as not many people who visit Andalucia make it to this beautiful, oldest city in Europe. Adding even two days in Cadiz to your Andalucia itinerary is a must, to experience the authentic Southern Spain way of living. Even if Cadiz is such an old city, founded in in 1,100 BC, it has such a young spirit, with the locals taking advantage of any occasion to go out and enjoy time with friends and family.

One of the best places to go in Cadiz, to experience its atmosphere, is in the fish market. Just before lunchtime, the locals start gathering at the restaurants surrounding the market, to have fresh fish dishes and refreshments.

Another special place to go to in Cadiz is the Paseo del Vendaval. Here, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean meet the promenade from which you have the most beautiful views of Cadiz, including of the Cathedral, which faces the water.

Frigiliana, contributed by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel

Frigiliana is a beautiful little town located in the mountains of Andalucia. As one of the white villages of Spain, this is a favourite amongst local tourists and those looking for a day trip. Frigiliana is just a short drive away from the beach town Nerja and can even be reached by bus.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Frigiliana. Admire the beautiful old town and its historic architecture, go souvenir shopping or enjoy some delicious tapas in one of the many restaurants. Its location in the mountain means you’ll have incredible views from all around Frigiliana and it’s a beautiful spot for hiking.

Head into the mountains of the Axarquia and appreciate the great outdoors. Getting back in touch with nature has never been easier than in Frigiliana. Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a quick day-trip this is the place to go and should be at the top of your Spain bucket list. 

El Caminito del Rey, contributed by Linn Haglund from Andalucia Hiking

El Caminito del Rey in Malaga is a must for anyone visiting Spain. Once known as the most dangerous hike in the world, it was restored and reopened to the public in 2015 with a new walkway pinned to the 100 meter tall vertical cliff wall through a mesmerizing, narrow gorge. The old path is still partly hanging there right under the new, secured path. A reminder about lives being lost and a dramatic history of adventure seekers. Even though the path is safe today and there is not much elevation, it is a tough one for anyone with vertigo and if you know you suffer from it you might reconsider.

To hike Caminito del Rey you need to book tickets in advance. It costs 10 Euros for a regular ticket and 18 Euros for a guided tour either in Spanish or in English. You will get a mandatory helmet and safety brief before entering, so you need to be at the entrance at least 15-30 minutes before your allotted time.

Jerez de la Frontera, contributed by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

Jerez de la Frontera is one of the most underrated cities in southern Spain, yet only a day trip from Seville. The most prominent landmark is without a doubt its stunning cathedral, but there are more than 20 churches and convents in the city, and a large number of them are worth a visit for their beauty.

Worth mentioning are the San Juan de los Caballeros church, Santiago church, and the amazing Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa Maria, which is just outside the city. Further, make sure you visit the 12^th Century Alcázar of Jerez to get an insight in how it looked inside the ancient city walls.

But Jerez is not only recognized for its historic buildings. Jerez de la Frontera is Andalusia’s own sherry capital and you can go on sherry tours tasting big local names like Tio Pepe and Gonzales Byass. While in town, make sure you enjoy at least one flamenco show. After all, you can do that with a nice glass of sherry!

Cabo de Gata, Almeria contributed by Paulina from Paulina On The Road

Wild beaches, calm nature, and relaxed nature are some of the things that make Cabo de Gata one of the special places in Almeria. There is a lot to see there including the sunset at the Mediterranean Sea, visiting the beach, and more. Cabo de Gata is located on the Mediterranean coast. You can easily reach there by taking a bus from Almeria. It is the biggest city around the national park. 
However, these buses do not operate frequently so it is preferable to take a rented car and reach there directly.
There is a lot to see at Cabo de Gata. If you take a four-day trip to the park, you might be able to witness numerous things. Cabo de Gata is not only about nature and beaches, there are a lot of tiny villages, ancient ruins, and forts. You may witness a manifold of things there. On your visit, you can drive through viewpoints, witnessing some off-road tracks, climb the rocks and mountains and more. 
After you explore all of it, do not miss to try out the regional food at one of the restaurants. One of the must-try dishes includes Spanish pea soup.

SPANISH ISLANDS:

Cies Islands, contributed by Or from my Path In The World

If you’re going on a trip to northern Spain, you have to add a day trip to the Cies Islands, a hidden gem in the region of Galicia. This archipelago includes three islands, Monteagudo, Do Faro, and San Martiño, and the first two are connected by one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Spain called Rodas Beach. They are easily reachable by ferry from Vigo, Baiona, and Cangas, but you need to book your ticket in advance online.

The islands are a fantastic place for easy hiking, diving, and soaking up some sun on the beach, and to preserve this natural gem, the only services you’ll find are a visitor center and a restaurant. In addition, the only accommodation option on the islands is a campsite, which you also need to book in advance.

While visiting, don’t miss the super scenic Alto del Príncipe Route, Faro Lighthouse Mountain Route, Rodas Beach, and Areiña Beach, but there plenty of other magical corners on these islands.

Mallorca, contributed by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

Mallorca is perfect for a visit to Spain, packed full of fun things to do and see and really beautiful locations. Best known for its stunning beaches and calm sea there is much in the middle of this lovely island too. Small, characterful towns to explore and some great city life.

Most people fly in to Majorca but you can get the ferry from mainland Spain. Once here there are many outdoor activities from hiking to mountain biking. If you’re planning a Majorca family holiday  then there are water parks and aquariums that the kids will enjoy.

Whenever you visit Majorca you will find a sunny, balmy disposition, even in winter there’s a warmth to the sun. This is somewhere you can do as little or as much as you like but it’s best to try to get away from some of the more touristy areas to enjoy the real character of this picturesque island.

Formentera, contributed by Nadine Maffre from Le Long Weekend

The Balearic Island of Formentera is one of those places you think should only exist within a fairytale. The picture-perfect setting in the Mediterranean Sea, the endless stretches of white sand beaches, the scenic lighthouses perched on secluded corners of the island that are just perfect for sunset strolls… It’s a true paradise, especially for nature lovers.

The mostly-flat island makes cycling an enjoyable way to sightsee, and there are enough pretty villages to stroll around when you can bear to pull yourself away from the sand. Nearby, S’Espalmador Island makes for a spectacular day trip, and the outdoor markets at El Pilar de la Mola are a fun experience for all.

There is no airport in Formentera, adding to the island’s isolated appeal, but you can easily catch the ferry from Ibiza. Many people visit Formentera as a day trip, but stay a few days, and hire a car or bike to experience the best of Formentera, away from the crowds.

Ibiza, contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

If you are looking for a great place in Spain to add to your bucket list, then you should definitely choose Ibiza! Ibiza is one of the most popular islands of Spain. One of the reasons for this is the island’s incredible nightlife. There are lots of wonderful clubs, such as Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa. Some of the most famous DJs in the world perform there, such as Armin van Buuren. But besides its nightlife, Ibiza has much more to offer.

The island is incredibly beautiful, there are several lovely villages on the island, and the old town of Ibiza is a great place to go to! One of the things you have to see when you are in Ibiza is Es Vedra. Es Vedra is a little rocky island where many marriage proposals take place, as many people consider it as one of the most romantic places in Ibiza.

Also, there are lots of amazing beaches in Ibiza, such as Figueretas Beach. These are lovely to be at and they are a great place to listen to songs from a beach playlist.

Getting to Ibiza is very easy. You can go there by airplane, both from within Spain and from other places. Besides that, there are ferries that connect Ibiza to the mainland of Spain.

Gran Canaria, contributed by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic Ocean 150 kms off North African Coast.  One of the primary reasons to visit Gran Canaria is that the island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine, thus making it a favourable holiday destination all year round.  
Gran Canaria is small ball sized island, but holds a plethora of interesting things to do and experience. Which is why Gran Canaria is also also known as miniature continent.  Diverse martian kind of landscapes on one side and a vast stretch of sand dunes that look like a mini Sahara desert. Not to forget the stunning beaches, buzzing coastal towns and hidden mountain villages, Gran Canaria is a complete package for all ages. 
Visit the Maspalomas Sand Dunes, a protected nature reserve spreading over 1000 acres in the south of Gran Canaria. Soak your feet or swim in the warm waters of Playa del Inglis. Catch the sunset near Faro Maspalomas, a 19th century lighthouse and a iconic landmark in Gran Canaria. It is said that Christopher Columbus began his voyage to America from here. 
Don’t miss out to hike to Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock located in the middle of the island, and a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

Tenerife, contributed by Ophelie Schaffar from Limitless Secrets

Tenerife is one of the best places to visit in Spain! This island located in the Atlantic Ocean is one of the eight Canary Islands. It’s the most visited one and it attracts more than 6 million visitors a year!
Tenerife should be high on your Spain bucket list for several reasons. One of the main ones is that this island offers a great variety of beautiful landscapes: beaches, coastlines, valleys, mountains… Also, the weather here is nice all year long!
There are a lot of places to see in Tenerife. First of all, you can hike the stunning Mount Teide. This is the most famous volcano of Tenerife and the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. If you like beaches you can relax in Playa de Las Teresita, the most beautiful white sand beach in Tenerife. You will find it near the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The giant cliffs of Acantilados de Los Gigantes in the south west are also very impressive.
The best way to get to Tenerife is by flight. There are 2 international airports in Tenerife, one in the North and one in the South.  

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