Why should you visit Spain? Because the country is bursting with seaside resorts, culture, history and food to die for. Here is a list of a few of the many many places one must visit when in Spain.
- The Sagrada Familia
When we talk about the sights of Spain, we should of course start with the amazing Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This enormous basilica, designed by the well-known architect Antoni Gaudi, has been under construction since 1882. Since the construction is fully paid for from donations and continues to go through, the construction also continues.
The Sagrada Familia is a special structure based on the Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals, but because of Gaudí ‘s design, it does not resemble any other building in any way. It is also one of the largest religious buildings in the world. It is therefore not surprising that the Sagrada Familia has become the symbol of Barcelona.
- Cádiz: The city surrounded by water
The city of Cádiz is in the south of Spain. The city is special not only because it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in all of Europe, but also because it is completely surrounded by water. It is therefore not surprising that Cádiz has been an important seaport for centuries.
In Cádiz you can find sights that go back to Roman times. It is therefore a truly old city that also has a very pleasant and beautiful boulevard. Stroll through the old town, visit the beautiful cathedral and step back in time at the historic castles.
- The town of Ávila
The city of Avila is located south of the province of León. This city is completely surrounded by mediaeval city walls with a total length of 2.5 kilometres, the symbol of the city. Ávila also had a beautiful cathedral from the 12th to 14th centuries to visit the impressive Basílica de San Vicente. The city gives the feeling like you have been transported back in time.
In addition, Ávila is the highest city in all of Spain. It is located in the Spanish Plateau, also known as Meseta. The city is therefore a perfect place for beautiful walks through the vast nature.
- The Alhambra of Granada
One of the greatest sights of Spain is the special palace complex Alhambra in the city of Granada. This ‘red castle’ from the 13th century is located on a hill overlooking the city, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. The entire complex is no less than 142,000 metre square and you can’t really ignore the symbol of the city.
The special Alhambra complex consists of
- The old citadel Alcazaba full of ruins of defences and old Moorish houses
- The royal Palacios Nazaríes, the richly decorated palaces where the Moorish kings stayed
- The beautiful Generalife Gardens, where you can stroll through the pomegranate trees and ponds.
- The Palacio de Carlos V from the 16th century is also part of the complex. Here you will also find the museum about the Alhambra.
- The Dragon Caves of Mallorca
On Mallorca, the largest island of the Balearic Islands, you will find the impressive Cuevas del Drach. These Dragon Caves consist of 4 connected caves that are located about 25 m below the ground. In the caves you will find a large underground lake and special formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
It is almost magical to be in these caves. Despite the fact that the caves are one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island, you feel almost alone in the world during a tour of the caves. What makes the tours even more special is the classical concert held at the end of each visit by musicians on a boat on the underground lake.
- The modern Basque city of Bilbao
What a few decades ago was an unattractive industrial city that tourists would rather avoid, Bilbao is today a cosy modern city full of interesting sights. Nevertheless, this city has yet to be discovered for major tourism, so you shouldn’t expect the big bustle of cities like Barcelona, Madrid or Seville.
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao can’t be missed. It is the symbol of the city located in the old shipyard. Also, the historic centre is worth a walk, where you will pass the Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao and the Teatro Arriaga. Stroll along the banks of the Nervíon River to the covered Mercado de la Ribera or go bar hopping to sample a variety of pintxos.
- El Escorial
The Real Monasterio del Escorial is one of the most important royal sights in Spain. The complex is located at the foot of Monte Abantos and towers over the vast greenery in the area. El Escorial was built in the 16th century by King Felipe II as a monument to the victory of the battle of Saint-Quentin and also as a new monastery for the Hieronymite order, mausoleum for his father, and as a hunting lodge and palace for Felipe himself.
