Some time ago we asked our Instagram followers for the most spectacular tourist destinations in Spain. The question had a trick and the trick is that it was an excuse to make this article and thus find out what are the best tourist destinations in Spain. The intention, of course, was to find out the towns, cities, communities, villages, beaches or forests in which you like to get lost as soon as you have the chance to escape.
In this list there are traditional destinations, big cities and remote corners you may have never heard of. Because, yes, it will be complicated to do tourism outside Spain, but who wants to leave a country whose main source of income (14.6% of GDP) is tourism? Here are the 50 best tourist destinations in Spain.
Tabarca Island (Alicante)
In 1986 Tabarca Island was recognized as the first marine reserve in Spain and declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1964. It is the largest island of the Valencian Community and the only inhabited one.Its coves, cliffs and secret corners make it the jewel of the Mediterranean.
2. Vall d’Aran (Lleida)
This region of the Catalan Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida, stands out for its spectacular scenery. It attracts tourists all year round, especially during the winter season for skiing, but it is also an essential reference if you are looking for mountain tourism, nature and a pleasant temperature.
3. Formentera (Balearic Islands)
Intimate beaches, crystal clear water, dunes and pine forests. This is the main tourist attraction of this Balearic island, one of the smallest of the archipelago. You can visit it during the day with a ferry from Ibiza or spend a short stay without too many people around you.
4. Rías Baixas (Galicia)
The Rías Baixas are a spectacle full of nature, with paradisiacal islands like the Cíes or Ons, cliffs and wine tourism. You have no excuse not to discover the best coast of Galicia.
5. La Graciosa (Las Palmas)
It is the most unknown island of the Canary Islands. Full of serenity, with unpaved roads and within the Marine Reserve of the Chinijo Archipelago, the largest in Europe.
6. San Sebastian (Basque Country)
A classic of the Basque summer. Euskadi cannot be understood without San Sebastian, its La Concha beach or Mount Urgull. If you come around August 15, you can enjoy the Semana Grande de Donosti. But if not, there is always time to go on a pintxos route.
7. Cabo de Gata (Almeria)
The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is home to pristine sandy beaches such as Los Genoveses, Mónsul or Los Muertos. Also, typical Mediterranean villages, with that characteristic white lime, such as Carboneras or Las Negras.
8. Cadiz (Andalusia)
Considered one of the best cities in Spain to live, it offers visitors much more than tourism. Cadiz drinks from the cultural offer, its people, its gastronomy and its festivals (eternal carnivals of Cadiz). There is nothing like getting lost in the streets of La Viña, watching the sunset on the beach of La Caleta or tasting its famous shrimp omelettes.
9. Covadonga Lakes (Asturias)
Although it is worth visiting this jewel at any time of the year, in summer you will enjoy its best moment. The Covadonga Lakes look like something out of a movie production, and no wonder: it is one of the most spectacular places in the country. The lakes Enol, Ercina and Bricial will be at their maximum splendor thanks to the thaw and it is also an excellent location to visit neighboring villages or make alternative routes.
10. Ribadeo (Galicia)
On the shores of the Bay of Biscay, this town has plenty of attractions. From its exquisite gastronomic offer, the Pancha Island, the viewpoint of Santa Cruz, the Castle of San Damian to the jewel in the crown: the beach of the Cathedrals. This most Gaudian whim of nature is born from the rock formations that form colossal arches and towers.
11. Majorca (Balearic Islands)
The largest of the islands of the Balearic archipelago is an authentic paradise. Mallorca proves that you don’t have to fly to the Caribbean to find a good dose of peace, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Besides, you can always enjoy the virtues of the Mallorcan night when the sun is too big for you.
12. Conil (Cadiz)
Undoubtedly, we are talking about one of the most beautiful white villages that dot the coast of Cadiz. The picturesque streets of Conil as well as its nightlife has made it a perfect summer destination.
13. Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz)
Facing the Doñana National Park, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is known for horse racing on the beach, flamenco, manzanilla and its genuine prawns. The diversity of ecosystems, fauna, history and gastronomy are more than enough reasons to visit this town in Cadiz, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Spain.
14. Nerja (Malaga)
The balcony of Europe, as it is popularly known this town in Malaga for the spectacular views from the viewpoint, has a charming old town and beaches of film.
15. Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha)
It is a living history lesson: its streets are vestiges of the Arab era and our medieval past. The famous “hanging houses” cause both vertigo and fascination, and the enchanted city is a place that really looks like something out of a fairy tale.
16. Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
A volcanic landscape that combines desert, extensive beaches, mysterious caverns and tiny white villages. Wherever you can see the Atlantic Ocean, and it doesn’t matter when you visit the island, because the weather is paradisiacal practically every day of the year.
17. Seville (Andalusia)
Every last alley in the Andalusian capital is full of beauty. The Giralda, the Real Alcazar and the Plaza de España are etched in the retina, and in the tablaos of the city sounds the most authentic flamenco. A stroll through Triana is always a good idea.
18. Santander (Cantabria)
Green invades everything in this territory bordering the fierce Cantabrian Sea. But the natural landscape is not its only attraction: towns like Santander, Comillas or Santillana del Mar are urban wonders that everyone enjoys. And who says no to a sobao pasiego?
19. Malaga (Andalusia)
The charm of Malaga is spread among its most iconic places: the Alcazaba, the Roman Theater, the Castle of Gibralfaro, the Cathedral… It is essential to visit the beautiful villages in the area, such as Ronda, Mijas or Nerja.
20. Merida (Extremadura)
Extremadura’s treasure is more than just its Roman theater. A place that, by the way, you should always visit.
21. Mojacar (Almeria)
A postcard of fantastic beaches and villages where history throbs, like the incomparable Mojacar. You can not miss the Alpujarra and the giant geode of Pulpí. The generous tapas in the bars will make you consider staying to live in Almeria.
22. Benidorm (Alicante)
It is the Mecca of the national tourism and it is for many things: good atmosphere, stable climate and good gastronomy (in general, the area of the Basques and specifically, La Cava Aragonesa) are some of the elements that turned Benidorm into the prevailing tourist model almost 70 years ago.
23. Granada (Andalusia)
Few places offer so much for so little. In two senses: gastronomic and cultural. A multitude of tourist-cultural attractions concentrated in one of the most special cities in Spain.
Cordoba (Andalusia)
While it is true that July and August may not be the most appropriate months to visit, Cordoba, its friendliness, its mosque and its oxtail, well justify spending a few hot days in one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Spain.
25. Leon (Castile and Leon)
One of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Spain stands on top of Roman baths: León.Tapas at ridiculous prices and the scenic setting of Las Médulas really close. León is always a good choice.
26. Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha)
How could one of the cities that has been the capital of Spain not be on this list? Toledo, its museums, its Alcazar, its cathedral or its monastery are some of those things you have to visit before you die.
27. La Vera (Cáceres)
Again the argument of authority: Carlos I, who was the most powerful man in the West, chose this region to retire from the world. The natural environment of the Garganta de Alardos or El Puente de Alardos are a must visit.
28. Sierra de Cazorla (Jaén)
To the question “what to see in Cazorla?” You can answer with another question: “what not to see?”. Everything you can see in this region (from the natural park to the ruins of Santa Maria) is worth visiting.
29. Costa Brava (Catalonia)
The beauty of its beaches and natural surroundings make the Costa Brava one of the jewels of Europe. Who would want to fly to the Caribbean with such beaches and beach bars?
30. Ecija (Seville)
We will not deny it, Ecija is not exactly an oasis in summer, but the beauty of its narrow, shady streets and the magic of a city that lives at night in summer is undeniable. A visit to the Parish of Santa Maria or the Palace of the Marquises is a must.
31. Tenerife (Canary Islands)
The charm of this volcanic island is undeniable. Like any archipelago, the Canary Islands have developed their own peculiarities and it is necessary that you discover them. Picture postcards and superb cuisine in one of the most spectacular tourist destinations in Spain.
32. Tarifa (Cadiz)
Tarifa is full of charm for many reasons. Its wide beaches such as Los Lances or Bolonia are enough to practice water sports if there is a good easterly wind.
33. Sierra de Gredos (Extremadura)
An exceptional paradise in the middle of the mountain between Cáceres and Ávila, mainly, although it also includes part of Salamanca, Madrid and Toledo. There is an abundance of translucent pools where bathing and lying in the shade will seem like a gift.
34. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Basque Country)
The orography of this zone of the north of the peninsula endowed it with an exceptional speech in the linguistic thing and a unique culture. Its taverns and its gastronomy will make you fall in love with it. It is also perhaps the best time of the year to visit a generally cold and somewhat gray place. This scenario of Game of Thrones is a must.
35. Manga del Mar Menor (Murcia)
La Manga is one of those places where the Mediterranean does its thing and creates incredible landscapes. There you will find isolated coves, almost private, in which to enjoy without a sound.
36. Menorca (Balearic Islands)
A joyful island. Rent a car or a motorcycle and travel it as much as you can. It does not matter if you want to party or just find the best cove or the quietest village to relax. Menorca gives you everything in its right measure.
37. Source of the river Urederra (Navarra)
In the Natural Park of Urbasa and Andía is the source of the river Urederra (beautiful water in Basque). In this dream place you will find nature, waterfalls and pools with colors so intense that they seem to be taken from Photoshop. You need a special permit that must be requested previously here to access, so before you get into the trip you better take a look at it.
38. Cangas de Onis / Picos de Europa (Asturias/Cantabria)
If you want to get away from the city and get into nature, this is your destination. Spread between Asturias, Cantabria and Leon, a trip to the Picos de Europa will open up your lungs. If you decide to visit this national park you cannot leave without visiting the Covadonga Lakes or villages like Cangas de Onis and Potes.
39. Santillana del Mar (Cantabria)
It is neither holy, nor is it flat, nor does it have a sea, but Santillana del Mar is one of those places that you must visit. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria, and a visit to the Altamira Museum is a must. It is a replica of the original caves, but since they are closed, it is the closest we will get to visit this World Heritage Site.
40. Cíes Islands (Galicia)
These islands are located 14km from Vigo, and are a paradisiacal place. There you will find nature, spectacular beaches (The Guardian came to qualify the beach of Rhodes as the most beautiful in the world) and a lot of peace. To visit them you need to get a permit, so before you book accommodation and get on the road get it here.
41. Natural Park of the Bardenas Reales (Navarra)
One of the most surprising visits you can make is to Navarra, and more specifically the Bardenas Reales. Because of its deserted landscape you will think that you are traveling in the middle of Arizona, but the reality is that this spectacular place is near the Navarrese town of Tudela.
42. Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa)
If we talk about Gipuzkoa we usually think of San Sebastian, but the fishing village of Hondarribia is a must-see. It has been selected for several years among the most beautiful villages in Spain, and from here we support it. Mountains, beach, beautiful colorful houses and a quality gastronomy make this place a magical place.
43. Llanes and Ribadesella (Asturias)
These 2 coastal towns perfectly reflect the charm of Asturias. Enjoy the cubes of Ibarrola in the port of Llanes, or stroll through the center of Ribadesella and enjoy unique views from the Ermita de la Guía are two of its unmissable. Its gastronomy, as in the rest of Asturias, will be a pleasure for your taste buds.
44. Cudillero (Asturias)
This municipality located on the Asturian coast is always on the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its colorful houses nestled in a mountain and its aroma of marine tradition make this place something unique.
45. Barrancas de Burujón (Toledo)
The shape of the Barrancas de Burujón, basically -as if it were so simple-, is the result of the passage of time. Of 25 million years in which water and wind have been eroding and undermining the clayey soil that swirls around the Castrejón reservoir. The geological interest – briefly detailed – and the comparison with the Grand Canyon of the Colorado are two of the justifications that argue those who have in this spectacular natural place their fetish excursion during the weekends.
46. Buitrago de Lozoya (Madrid)
It is a medieval village in the purest Lord of the Rings style. It is surrounded by a wall and the sunsets from its castle are beautiful. And if you like mysteries, it is rumored that there is a haunted house. One of those villages that are close to Madrid and are perfect to enjoy an express getaway.
47. Culla (Castellón)
Pure nature or history impregnated between the streets. This is what emanates from Culla, a treasure of the province of Castellón whose old town earned it an entry on the list of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain.
In fact, its old town is known for having been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2004. To discover it, you can enjoy ‘La Ruta Templaria de Culla’, a guided tour to discover the history of the previous cultures that inhabited this town.
48. Rupit i Pruït (Barcelona)
The village -which before 1977 (when Rupit and Pruït were united) were villages- is hidden between rivers and mountain rocks, so much so that some say that the best thing about coming here is not the village itself, but the best thing is the excursions: the hiking routes . Although if you are looking for hiking trails near Madrid, you also have some options here.
49. Tavertet (Barcelona)
A scenario for which, very plausibly, could have run Sam, Frodo, Aragorn and company. Tavertet is a real madness, so much so that everything in itself was declared of Cultural Interest: the houses that make up the village were built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Tavertet is a wonderful option for the rural exodus.
50. Bocairent (Valencia)
A rural wonder in Valencia. This is how we can define this Valencian town, which appears in the list of 7 wonders of Spain. If you go, do not hesitate to visit the Covetes del Moros and the historic center of the town.