Those who imagine packed beaches and sangria while watching bullfights and flamenco are in for a pleasant surprise when they visit Spain. Spain is home to a wide range of historical sites, from Roman and Moorish ruins to inner castles, from the picturesque white villages of rural Andalusia to the bustling metropolises of Barcelona and Madrid.
Equally diverse is the terrain. It would be impossible to find a more contrasting landscape in all of Spain than the lush estuaries of Galicia, in contrast to the arid landscapes of Almera and the rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevada. not to mention all of the beautiful beaches that dot the Spanish coastline and sparkle in the sun. In spite of the crowds, there are several beautiful beaches along the coast of the major tourist Costas. Take a peek at some of Spain’s most popular sights.
10. Palacio Real
A beautiful view of the courtyard of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
The King of Spain resides at the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid, but exclusively for formal events. Between 1738 and 1755, King Carlos III had the Royal Palace constructed, and he moved his court there in 1764.
9. Running of the Bulls
Men running from bulls in the famous San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain. Image source: Migel/Shutterstock.com
Pamplona, in the autonomous community of Navarra, Spain, is well-known for the annual San Fermn festival, which takes place between July 6th and 14th. El Encierro, also known as “The Running of the Bulls,” is a central event of the festival in which participants race through the streets of the town in front of a herd of unrestrained bulls.
8. La Concha
A breathtaking view of San Sebastian with the Beach of La Concha and boats at sea. Image source: BearFotos/Shutterstock.com
La Concha in San Sebastian is regarded by many as the best city beach in Europe, much less Spain, because of its location in a bay sheltered from strong winds by high cliffs and islands. Guests can go surfing, explore the promenade in search of delicious cuisine, and take in the stunning scenery.
7. Aqueduct of Segovia
An awe-inspiring view of the ancient Roman aqueduct on Plaza del Azoguejo square in Segovia, Spain. Image source: Vlas Telino studio/Shutterstock.com
One of the Roman ruins in Spain that has been maintained the best is the Aqueduct of Segovia. Approximately 24,000 enormous granite stones were laid without the use of mortar to create the ancient aqueduct that transports water from the Fro River to Segovia over a distance of 16 kilometers (10 miles). A water system that was likely built about the year 50 AD continued to serve the city well into the twentieth century.
6. Cuenca
A stunning panoramic view of the city of Cuenca, Spain. Image source: Gema Garcia Martin/Shutterstock.com
Cuenca, a magnificent medieval city cut into the slopes of a mountain between Madrid and Valencia, is a must-see. Cuenca, a treasure in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha, is notable for its numerous “hanging houses,” which cling precariously to the side of a cliff.
5. Ibiza
A picturesque view of Cala d’Hort beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, and the azure blue sea water in Ibiza, Spain. Image source: Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock.com
Ibiza is a Spanish island in the Balearic group in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is renowned throughout Europe as a premier spot to let loose and have fun. The population of Ibiza more than doubles in the summer as visitors flock there for the island’s famed nightlife.
4. Sagrada Familia
A stunning view of the Cathedral of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Image source: Valerie2000/Shutterstock.com
The Sagrada Familia is a massive Roman Catholic church in Barcelona and a major tourist destination for visitors to Spain. Until his untimely death in 1926, Catalan architect Antoni Gaud labored on this plan for over 40 years. The basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is still not complete.
3. El Escorial
A beautiful view of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial near Madrid, Spain. Image source: Marques/Shutterstock.com
During King Philip II’s reign, El Escorial, located in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, served as the political headquarters of the Spanish empire. In 1559, Philip II hired architect Juan Bautista de Toledo to create El Escorial as a symbol of Spain’s position as a Christian global center. It is now a monastery, palace, museum, and educational institution.
2. Mezquita of Cordoba
An aerial view of the Great Mosque Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba in Andalusia, Spain. Image source: kavalenkava/Shutterstock.com
The great hall of the Mezquita (Spanish for “Mosque”) in Cordoba is renowned for its maze of pillars and arches. Prior to the construction of the Mezquita by the Umayyad Moors, the site served as a Roman temple and subsequently a Visigothic church. After the Spanish reconquered the area, a cathedral was built in the middle of the massive Moorish structure.
1. Alhambra
A stunning view of the ancient Arabic fortress Alhambra at evening time in Granada, Spain. Image source: Macronatura.es/Shutterstock.com
The Alhambra is a fortress, palace, and garden complex in southern Spain, perched on a plateau above the city of Granada. The Nasrid sultans, who ruled the region in the 14th century, built the palace. Many people go to Granada specifically to view the Alhambra, which has become one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
