6 Must See Places That Prove Spain Is Beautiful

If you’ve ever visited this Mediterranean country, you’ll already know that Spain is beautiful. Filled with historic cities, incredible landscapes and beautiful beaches, Spain has long been a favourite travel destination. Famed for its laid-back culture and late-night tapas, a holiday to Spain is always a good choice. Whether you’re visiting for a beach break or a sightseeing trip, it’s time to put Spain on your travel wishlist! Here are 6 must-see places that prove that Spain is beautiful!

# Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid sits in the centre of the country. Located in the Community of Madrid region, the city is awash with glorious architecture and is the political, economical and cultural centre of Spain. A paradise for art lovers, Madrid is home to a collection of top-notch galleries, such as the Museo del Prado and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Furthermore, this vibrant city is also home to the Spanish monarch, whose residence: the Royal Palace of Madrid, is a must-see! Around every turn, you’ll encounter yet another example of elegant baroque buildings or relics of medieval-era mansions.

Fast-paced, Madrileños know how to work hard and play hard. Therefore, the city is famed for its nightlife. A dizzying array of high-end restaurants, stylish cocktail bars and friendly tapas spots set the backdrop for an unforgettable night out. Furthermore, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you consider yourself a foodie. A trip to Madrid will assure you that Spain is beautiful, beyond a shadow of a doubt!

# Barcelona

Combining beach vibes with generous helpings of culture, Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Situated in Catalonia in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is eternally cool, attracting bohemians and artists from around the world. A trip to Barcelona is the chance to experience Catalan culture and let your hair down in any number of beachside bars. The urban centre is vast, combining a collection of distinct neighbourhoods. Whilst Barrio Gotico is home to historic medieval architecture, Barceloneta shows the humble fishing-village beginnings of Spain’s most popular city.

Once again, art is at the centre of life here, with Gaudi’s incredible modernista architecture decorating some of the city’s most important streets. Take the jaw-dropping Sagrada Familia or Casa Batllo for example. There’s also a great selection of art galleries and museums to explore. Top this off with amazing restaurants and beautiful stretches of golden sand and there’s no doubt that Barcelona is one of the most beautiful places in Spain!

# Granada

Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is exceptionally beautiful. Bursting with history, this city was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors. Its incredible architecture tells the stories of days gone by, with beautiful Islamic-era buildings and dramatic scenery. Of course, the highlight of a trip to Granada is the majestic Alhambra, a 14th-century Moorish palace. With its ornate architecture and dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains, it’s surely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. Down in the old town you’ll find atmospheric, centuries-old streets, lined with tea houses and bohemian cafes. Eternally romantic and instantly charming, you can’t help but agree that ‘Spain is beautiful’ if you visit Granada!

# Seville

The capital of Andalusia, Seville is known as the home of flamenco, a centuries-old tradition of soul-stirring performance of music and dance. A romantic place, if you visit Seville you’ll be transported back in time to the days of the Moors. Here you’ll find centuries-old Mudéjar palaces and narrow medieval lanes. The city’s plazas are always buzzing with an infectious atmosphere and it’s here you can best experience the local way of life. It can get pretty hot here in the summer, so the pace of life is a little slower. Savour the moment on a cafe terrace and people watch. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a moving flamenco performance. The Moorish Alcazar Palace and the enormous Gothic-style Seville Cathedral are the sightseeing highlights, whilst the extravagant Plaza de Espana is also unmissable.

# Valencia

Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is a city of two faces. On the one hand, its historic old town offers a romantic ambience and tiny, hole-in-the-wall tapas bars. On the other hand, its space-age City of Science & Arts is strikingly modern and shows that the city has one foot in the past and one in the future. The capital of the Valencian Community, Valencia is known as the home of paella! Home to long stretches of fine sand beaches, it’s also a great choice for a summer holiday. At the heart of Valencia is Turia Park, built in the old riverbed below the city. The park stretches throughout the city, connecting the different neighbourhoods and acting as the main thoroughfare. The most striking neighbourhood is El Carmen, with its amazing cathedral, famously home to the Holy Grail, and its medieval-era Torres de Serranos.

# Canary Islands

A wholly different landscape, the Canary Islands are an archipelago located off the coast of Northwest Africa. Spain is beautiful in a completely unique way here, thanks to the incredible volcanic landscapes and rugged coastlines. One of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations, the Canary Islands are composed of eight main islands. The largest, Tenerife, is dominated by towering Mount Teide and is famed for its black sand beaches. Other popular destinations in the Canary Islands include Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and La Palma. The islands are a paradise for both sunseekers and hiking enthusiasts thanks to their mild climate. Particularly charming are their pretty white villages with flat-roofed, cube-shaped houses.