Top 10 Places to Visit in Spain

by Mel on March 12, 2012

Spain is famous for bullfighting, sunny beaches, good wine, and many unusual but involving carnivals. If you plan to visit the country, take your bathing suit and sun glasses but do not spend the whole vacation sunbathing.  There are plenty of fascinating places that are worth seeing.

Barcelona, the capital city of the Catalonia province, spreads over more than a hundred square kilometres, with a population of over 1.6 million people, making it the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona has a rich history which dates back to Roman times. Some of the most important milestones are the unification of Aragon and the County of Barcelona in 1137 and the Catalan Revolt of 1640.  Barcelona lies on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on a plateau with a total width of about five kilometres, bordering with the Collserola mountain range. Apart from its beautiful parks and lovely beaches, Barcelona is famous for its historical sites, cantered around Placa Catalunya.

The city of Seville is most often associated with Rossini’s opera the Barber of Seville. Once you get there, you can take a day trip around Granada and visit the famous Alhambra Palace. Alternatively, you can go to Cordoba and visit the infamous Alcatraz fort. Finally, if you tour Seville by night, you should not miss the Tablao Flamenco show.

The city of Toledo is located in central Spain, about 70 km away from the capital Madrid. Toledo was the capital of Spain in the middle ages, and it is the perfect spot for historical sightseeing tours. When you visit Toledo, make sure you see the famous El Escorial Monastery, erected by Phillip II in the 16th century.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and its largest city. You can fly to Madrid from most big airports in the world, and you will need at least four or five days to feel the unique atmosphere of this charming city. Taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a good start for your visit of Madrid. The next day you can go on a historical sightseeing trip to the adjacent towns of Avila and Segovia. If you take a night tour in Madrid, you can taste some of the traditional tapas, seafood, and cider or visit the fabulous flamenco show at Torres Bermejas.

The city of Granada has its origins in an Ibero-Celtic settlement, which became part of the Roman province of Hispania. Granada enjoyed a flourishing economy until 711, when the Moors set in. Their reign continued until 1492, when the city was re-conquered by Ferdinand II. Today, Granada is a cross-cultural centre with rich historical and cultural heritage which attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you visit Granada, give yourself an unforgettable relaxing experience in the Arab Bath or take a historical sightseeing tour around the city.

If you plan on going to Valencia, do not miss Plaza Del Nercado, Plaza de la Virgen, and the Serranos Towers or the fine arts museum San Pio V. Valencia also boosts an impressive botanical garden and Arts and Sciences Complex.

Bilbao is most famous for its unique architecture, including a number of bridges, monuments, beautiful ancient buildings, and impressive cathedrals.

If you go to Malaga, you can easily immerse in the mysterious world of Morocco, lying just across the Mediterranean. You can take a one-day sightseeing trip to Gibraltar.

Mallorca offers to visitors a unique combination of rich cultural and historical heritage, beautiful seaside resorts, picturesque landscapes, and excellent opportunities for nightlife and entertainment. The best way to visit Mallorca is onboard some of the luxurious cruise ships that regularly cast anchor in the city’s port.

Finally, if you visit Castilla La Mancha, you can take the Don Quixote Route, the longest eco-tourism path in Europe, which passes through many picturesque landscapes and historical sites.

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