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Beautiful Places in Spain to Explore in 2023

Today, we’re taking a virtual tour to some of the most beautiful places in Spain to visit. Whether you’re looking for history, natural beauty, or modern culture, Spain has it in spades.

Most beautiful places in Spain

It almost goes without saying the Spain is a hot holiday destination. After all, the country emanates cutting-edge beauty and a rich history from every direction. From its expansive mountain ranges and world-class coastal lines to a vibrant culture, sunny climate, and decorated past, a list of the most beautiful places in Spain could seem endless.

Unfortunately, most vacationers to Spain confine their visit to a handful of attractions among a few cities, leaving out numerous must-see destinations unexplored. Moreover, with a dynamic culture and a friendly population, your visit to Spain will seem far too short.

So, let us help you build a solid itinerary to get the most out of your trip to Spain. Whether you’re fond of art galleries or curious to catch a famous flamenco dance, our must-visit Spanish destinations will definitely add some weight to your bucket list.

What Makes Spain a Special Tourist Destination?

Spain is rich in breathtaking natural features, with sunbathed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vast stretches of mountainous ranges. The nation’s rich history is evident in awe-inspiring museums and the stunning architecture that represents its turbulent past.

Diversity is a fitting description of Spain’s irresistible appeal. Spain merges ancient and modern, with its attractions spanning beyond natural landscapes to a captivating lifestyle and people. Sunny weather and golden sandy beaches make the perfect combination for a tourist’s mecca.

Moreover, the tumultuous past of civilizations that rose and fell can be seen in its architecture. The Roman ruins, colossal cathedrals, and Moorish palaces are time-stamps of a distant past.

And yet, life in Spain is easygoing and genial, with a sensual focus on the good things. Commonly enjoyed cuisines are from recipes that have successfully transitioned through a number of generations, most often simple but delicious. While heritage and cultural identity are important to Spanish people, they also have a distinctly modern edge. Spain’s artists, chefs, architects, and musicians are world-famous for pushing the envelope. The contrast between old and new is often stark, but it’s always very Spanish.

Knowing where to begin when touring a country drenched in such diverse attractions and history can be mind-boggling. That’s why we’ve done your homework for you, and now present you with the most beautiful places to visit in Spain.

1. Barcelona: The Catalonia Region Capital

A fun-filled city that boasts a vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisines, dreamlike edifices, excellent shopping malls, and a world-class beach–that’s everyday life for those who call Barcelona home.

Surreal buildings designed by the prominent architect Antoni Gaudi are a must-see when you visit. Many of his buildings push the boundaries of conventional taste, but the execution is always on point and never fails to astound.

Chief among these architectural marvels is the La Sagrada Familia, a monumental church sanctuary. It attracts the most visitors among his works; close to 3 million visitors annually. The iconic masterpiece remains unfinished but impresses with its unconventional supports and ornate slender spires. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as are a number of other buildings in the city created by Gaudi and other talented Catalonian architects.

The church is still under construction since 1882, and is anticipated to be completed in the mid-2020s. Nonetheless, you can visit the site and enjoy magnificent views of the city from one of the spires of what will possibly be the world’s tallest church.

You can find more of Gaudi’s creative works at the famous Park Guell; mainly benches and sculptured works. It’s a fantastical artistic park that offers sweeping views of the city.

After your architectural tour, we recommend you take a leisurely stroll along the narrow gothic streets to sample the numerous urban bars and restaurants. Just be aware that late nights in Barcelona all-too quickly become early mornings; we recommend you embrace the pace of life to experience the city to its fullest!

2. Granada: The Home of Alhambra Palace

Tucked at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a rustic yet regal stunner. The city is located in the Andalusia region on the southern end of the country. Awash with Moorish architecture of the middle-ages, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Spain.  And the most outstanding of these monuments is undoubtedly the Alhambra Palace.

Nestled on a hill, the Alhambra consists of an extensive spread of palace complexes. The palace is elegantly set amidst lush green gardens, with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains providing a spectacular backdrop to complete this scenic landscape. Not only is it Spain’s most visited tourist attraction, it’s arguably one of the top destinations in Europe.

Alhambra palace brings together several towers and buildings, a mosque, and well-kept gardens. The Moorish signature is evident in the curved arches and delicately-executed stone carvings. 

From this castle, savor views of the city of Granada and the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range. From the terraces of Generalife’s garden decorated with blossoming flowers and punctuated with springs, enjoy breathtaking views of the palace surroundings in the perfect environment to kickback.

The Nasrid Dynasty established this opulent palace in 889, whose artistry permanently reminds us of the Islamic period in Spain in the Middle Ages. In the 16th Century, it was refurbished by Christian Kings, making it a cultural melting pot that fuses European medieval architecture with Moorish-style designs. Owing to its unique roots, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While in the city of Granada, be sure to sample the iconic streets of Albayzin that are also a World Heritage Site. Tour the Scaromonte, a hilly area high up in Granada with lots of caves. It’s also a famous playground for flamenco shows.

3. Seville: Picturesque, Romantic

Romantic Seville is a feast for the eyes. The chief city in the Andalusia region, Sevilla is an excellent getaway with fiery flamenco dancing, superb bars, an historic former Jewish Quarter, and awe-inspiring green spaces.

Don’t miss out on the magnificent Plaza de Espana. The semi-circular building was the brainchild of architect Anibal Gonzalez. Designed with a fusion of Renaissance and modern Moorish styles, it features a massive fountain at the center and aqueducts upon which visitors can enjoy a ride aboard pedalos. The structure, an extravagant masterpiece, was constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition.

Similarly, Real Alcazar de Sevilla is a must-visit in Sevilla. Nestled right in the heart of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a product of collaborative architecture blending Moorish and traditional Spanish. The palace is swathed in a massive garden generously punctuated with inspiring fountains, blossoming flowers, palm trees, and meticulously crafted arches that complete a serene surrounding. It was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones season 5.

To complete your tour, check out the city’s famous historical monuments such as the Cathedral of Sevilla, a 15th-century architectural wonder. Its 80 chapels make it truly massive, angling for a top spot among the biggest cathedrals by size globally. Like so many religious buildings, it was also once a mosque, and bears visual cues of its Islamic past.

Finally, a visit to Igles Colegial del Salvador and Torre Giralda will finalize your trip down memory lane.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking