Just when you think you know Spain, it surprises you with something new and unexpected. In the three years I’ve lived here, the country’s sheer diversity of sights, landscapes, cuisines, and experiences has never ceased to amaze me. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, here are 20 of my favorite places to visit in Spain—from otherworldly parks of the Canary Islands to the world-class museums of Madrid to a charming, car-free archipelago off the coast of Galicia.
Cáceres, Extremadura
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Without a doubt, Cáceres is one of Spain’s most beautiful yet least-discovered cities. Wandering its UNESCO-protected Old Town—a tapestry of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture—is like traveling back in time. (It’s no wonder it was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones.) My preferred place to stay is the Atrio Cáceres, a hotel launched by the couple behind the city’s three-Michelin-starred Atrio restaurant. And I always make time to visit the magnificent (and free) Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art, home to 3,000 works by masters such as Picasso and Goya.
Palma de Mallorca
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Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, boasts incredible natural scenery—from the Cap de Formentor peninsula to the spectacular Playa de Muro beach. However, it’d be a shame to skip Palma, the island’s stunning, sea-facing capital, where I recommend devoting at least an afternoon to discovering sights such as the magnificent 14th-century Palma Cathedral (one of the tallest Gothic structures in Europe). Personally, I love using Palma as my base for island adventures by staying at stylish boltholes such as Sant Francesc Hotel Singular or Portella.
Ses Illetes, Formentera
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Of Spain’s approximately 4,970 miles of coastline, I’d argue the finest stretch can be found on the Balearic island of Formentera at the world-famous Ses Illetes beach. Set within a protected natural park on the Es Trucadors peninsula, the 1476-foot-long playa is basically one long sand dune fringed by shallow, clear waters. Pack a picnic and stretch out on the velvety white sand, or rub shoulders with the yacht-owning crowds at the seaside Juan y Andrea restaurant.
Bilbao
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With the first-ever direct flights launching this year from Newark on United Airlines, there’s never been a better time to visit Bilbao—often touted as the de facto cultural capital of the Basque Country. The city is known for its world-famous food culture (pintxos, por favor!), the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and the maze-like Ribera Market (the largest covered market in Europe). My go-to stay is the sublime new Palacio Arriluce Hotel, set in a clifftop palace overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The concierge can hook up VIP experiences such as a private sailing tour down the river to the Guggenheim.
Picos de Europa
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This vast mountain range stretches across the autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, and claims the title of being Spain’s only inhabited nature reserve—offering travelers astounding natural scenery and a taste of local life. One of my favorite corners of this park is the Lakes of Covadonga, in Asturias, where a series of glacial lakes lie amid green pastures with cows roaming freely. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning neo-Romanesque Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga.
Hauser & Wirth Menorca
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Ever since the Swiss mega-gallery Hauser & Wirth opened an outpost on Menorca’s Illa del Rei—an isle tucked into the port of Mahón, within a defunct 18th-century naval hospital—the Balearic island has become a pilgrimage for art lovers everywhere, staging rotating exhibitions by heavyweights such as Eduardo Chillida and Mark Bradford. My favorite summer ritual is taking the museum’s designated ferry from Mahón, spending an afternoon exploring the seasonal exhibitions and the outdoor sculpture garden, and capping off the day with a leisurely alfresco lunch at the museum’s excellent on-site Cantina restaurant.
Doñana National Park
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Roughly an hour from Seville lies one of Europe’s most important wetlands: Doñana National Park, which encompasses about 200 square miles of coastal dunes, virgin beaches, oak forests, scrubland, and the marshland of the Guadalquivir delta. Once the former hunting ground for Spanish royalty, the park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key stop along the bird migration routes between Africa and Europe. Fun fact: Nearly half of the bird species of Europe can be found here. To see it best, sign up for a 4×4 tour with a local operator like Discovering Doñana.
Dalt Vila, Ibiza
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Ibiza’s fortified Upper Town (Dalt Vila) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its high military walls, built in the 16th century to strengthen its defense against the Ottoman Empire, stand as a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Beyond its extraordinary historical value, Dalt Vila has also blossomed into one of the island’s hubs for culture, gastronomy, and shopping. Bed down at the Montesol Experimental hotel—a five-minute walk from the Old Town—and don’t miss the Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa, the In-Between Ibiza art gallery, and the Vicente Ganesha fashion boutique.
Rioja
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Less than a two-hour drive south of Bilbao, Rioja is one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions and boasts the country’s oldest Designation of Origin in Spain. It’s celebrated for its red grape varieties like tempranillo and garnacha, and its high-design bodegas—designed by the likes of Frank Gehry, Santiago Calatrava, and Zaha Hadid—make it a pilgrimage for both wine lovers and architectural enthusiasts. For the ultimate wine country escape, I recommend bedding down at the family-owned Santa Maria Briones hotel or Casa Robla, a bed-and-breakfast opened in 2022 by winemaker Cristina Blanco and her husband, Eduardo Zabala.
Golden Triangle of Art, Madrid
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As one of Europe’s cultural capitals, Madrid is packed with incredible museums and galleries. For a primer on the city’s world-class scene, make a beeline for the Golden Triangle area, home to three institutions in Spain: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Once you’ve checked off treasures like Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Picasso’s “Guernica,” I recommend strolling through the classical gardens of Retiro Park, where there’s more art to be found at the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace.
Lanzarote
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The Canarian island of Lanzarote is an otherworldly tapestry of volcanic cones, whitewashed villages, golden-sand beaches, and lush palm groves. Its status as the first destination in the world to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certificate underscores its commitment to sustainability—a legacy largely shaped by its most famous artist, César Manrique, whose whimsical land art creations helped spare the island from mass development. Be sure to visit Manrique’s Jameos del Agua cultural complex, built around a volcanic cave with a subterranean lake, as well as the island’s distinctive black-ash vineyards.
Tarifa, Andalucía
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As the southernmost point of continental Europe, Tarifa lies just 12 miles from Morocco (you can cross the strait by ferry and reach Tangier in about half an hour). Thanks to its strong Atlantic winds, Tarifa is known as a mecca for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other aquatic sports—earning it the nickname, “City of Wind.” In recent years, it’s evolved into one of Spain’s most laid-back, bohemian beach towns, where active types mix with artists at spots like Número C and the stylish Posada La Sacristía hotel.
Santiago de Compostela
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Each year, hundreds of thousands of travelers descend on the Galician capital as a final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It’s common to see backpack-carrying pilgrims streaming into Praza do Obradoiro, tears streaming down their faces as they gaze up at the city’s soaring granite cathedral—the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles. Although I haven’t completed the route myself, Santiago remains one of my favorite cities in Spain—not only for its religious landmarks, but also for its fabulous gastronomic scene (don’t miss classic dishes like tarta de Santiago, or almond cake) and contemporary art at the Galician Centre of Contemporary Art.
Costa Brava
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Living in Barcelona, I frequently escape to the Costa Brava—a rocky, picturesque coastline beginning in Blanes and stretching north nearly 85 miles to the French border. Once a playground for artists including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, the seaside region still retains its old-world charm with quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, and traditional restaurants serving the daily catch. At the same time, the Costa Brava buzzes with new energy—from chic boutiques like Pepa Cadaqués and buzzy restaurants such as Compartir and Margarita—making it a destination worth discovering year-round. My preferred place to stay is Mas de Torrent, an 18th-century Catalan farmhouse with just 39 suites and a private speedboat for discovering the region’s best beaches and coastal cliffs.
Islas Cíes, Galicia
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No cars, no hotels, and limited visitors—it’s no wonder this rocky archipelago off the coast of Vigo is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. For beach lovers, it’s especially paradisiacal: We’re talking long stretches of powdery white sand at spots like Praia de Rodas. If you’re not one to laze around on a beach, the islands are primed for active adventures such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking (don’t miss the 2.1-mile walk to Faro de Cíes).
Alhambra, Granada
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This 13th-century walled fortress towers over Granada. Its magnificent Moorish architecture and lush gardens provide a visual feast against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. To ensure you don’t miss any exquisite details—like the intricate tilework of the Palacios Nazaríes or the verdant gardens of the Palacio del Generalife—opt for a guided multi-hour tour. After a day of exploration, I recommend recharging with a drink on the scenic terrace of the Parador de Granada, which overlooks the Generalife’s greenery.
Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
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Barcelona’s old town is a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and centuries-old landmarks spanning four distinct neighborhoods, including the Gothic Quarter and the 18th-century fishing district of Barceloneta. Roaming the city’s ancient heart provides important clues into its rich past while signaling the Catalan capital’s deep spirit of creativity and innovation. Living in Barcelona, I love hitting up the area’s old-school shops such as Herboristeria del Rei and Caelum before grabbing lunch (with a side of sea views) at seafood restaurant Casa Costa, and ending the day with a concert at the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana.
Málaga
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Málaga is famous for its Alcazaba palace-fortress, its sprawling Renaissance cathedral, and being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. In recent years, the capital of the Costa del Sol has also found its footing as a modern, cosmopolitan city on par with the likes of Madrid and Valencia. Whenever I visit, I love to grab tapas at Antonio Banderas’ El Pimpi restaurant, see the latest exhibits at the Centre Pompidou and Carmen Thyssen Museum, and enjoy sunset drinks on the scenic terrace of the hilltop Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia
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One of the masterworks of architect Santiago Calatrava, the sprawling Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is an icon of Valencia. Comprising six main buildings set along the former Turia riverbed, it’s a popular weekend hangout for locals and visitors alike. The complex includes a futuristic opera house, a science museum, a 3D cinema, and Europe’s largest aquarium.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
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Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park is an extraterrestrial, Mars-like landscape formed by eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Covering a quarter of the island’s total land mass and virtually devoid of life, it’s a moonscape awash in red, yellow, and orange hues, accessible via three routes, including the circular nine-mile Ruta de los Volcanes bus tour. It’s also the only one of Spain’s 16 national parks that’s primarily geological in nature—a testament to its otherworldly natural beauty.
