While it may be true that Spain isn’t as famed for its opera as perhaps Italy or Germany, there is actually a surprising wealth of opera houses and quality performances put on frequently in every major city in the country. As well as this, of course, Spain has served as the inspiration for such world-renowned operas as Carmen, which is set in Seville, as is The Marriage of Figaro and, of course, The Barber of Seville.
Today, idealista/news brings you the best Spanish opera houses and where to find them so you can experience the high culture, or as the Spanish say, ‘alta cultura’, that the country has to offer.
1. Teatro Real, Madrid
First on the list must surely be the Royal Theatre in the country’s capital, located by an underground station named, fittingly enough, Ópera. The opera house celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, having been founded in 1818. One of the things that makes it so special is that in the intermission between acts, the artists traditionally come out to a balcony overlooking plaza and serenade the public outside, bringing the hair-raising majesty of Opera to a wider audience.
In its 2018/19 season, the Teatro Real is putting on productions of Faust, Turandot and Il trovatore, as well as the premiere there of La Calisto. What’s more, they’ll be hosting such big names as Bryn Terfel in February 2019 and Placido Domingo in July of next year. If none of that takes your fancy, you can always try Madrid’s other opera house the Zarzuela.
2. Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona
Also celebrating an anniversary is the Liceu in the centre of Barcelona, which turns 20 next year. After the original opera house on the famous Ramblas street was destroyed by a fire in 1994, a magnificent new one was constructed in its place, opening its doors in October 1999. With its sumptuous decorations and unmatched acoustics, the auditorium plays host to much more than just opera.
The line up for 2018/19 includes various concerts and dance shows, from a choir singing Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to a ballet version of the Spanish classic Don Quixote, by way of a family-friendly adaptation of The Magic Flute. As well as this, there are the traditional operatic performances like Madame Butterfly and Hamlet.
3. Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Valencia
The stunningly futuristic Queen Sofía Palace of the Arts is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Spain’s third city, Valencia. This enormous white dome shining on the Mediterranean coast forms part of the emblematic City of Arts and Sciences complex which has been used to film scenes in such movies as George Clooney’s Tomorrowland (2015) and Benedict Cumberbatch’s The Fifth Estate (2013).
Upcoming performances in the Palace of the Arts include Turandot, Rigoletto and The Magic Flute, plus Swan Lake and numerous classical music concerts to choose from, with Placido Domingo making an appearance here too at the specialist music centre that is named after him.
4. Euskalduna Conference Centre, Bilbao
While on the outside the Euskalduna Jauregia Palace may not look like much more than a gigantic brown box on Bilbao’s waterfront near the Guggenheim museum, inside it is a paradise for lovers of music, culture and entertainment. It is a multiuse centre that hosts rock concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and even a film festival.
In terms of opera, it is well suited to put on high-calibre productions thanks to its huge, high-ceilinged theatre and is putting on La bohème in 2018, among others.
5. Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Tenerife Auditorium in the capital city of one of the most popular of the Canary Islands is truly a sight to behold. Designed by the same artist as the Valencian opera house, Santiago Calatrava, it is just as spectacular as the Sydney Opera House for its swooping tail like a bird. It has become a symbol of pride and a meeting point for the people of Tenerife, where they go to enjoy a range of social, cultural and artistic shows.
The opera performances they are organising for the near future include The Italian in Algiers, Hansel and Gretel, La traviata and, once again, Puccini’s ever-popular Turandot. Now there’s nothing stopping you from going and experiencing the best that Spain has to offer opera lovers.
Find property on idealista
Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral fire: swift action saves "La Mezquita" from disaster
The historic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of Spain’s most treasured landmarks, narrowly escaped severe damage after a fire broke out on the night of Friday, 8 August 2025. The blaze, which started in the Almánzor chapel, was quickly brought under control thanks to the rapid and coordinated response of Córdoba’s emergency services. This is what we know so far.
ETIAS explained: new EU travel authorisation for visitors
Travellers from the UK and more than 60 other non-EU countries will soon face new entry requirements for visiting destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, known as ETIAS, is a new pre-travel permit scheduled to become operational in 2025, altering the process for short-stay visits to most of Europe.
Living in Southern Spain: beyond sun, sea, and sangria
The idea of a life surrounded by the sun-drenched landscapes of Andalucia has long captured the imagination of people looking for a change of pace. It is a well-trodden path for expats from all over the world, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle and rich culture. Getting under the skin of life here means looking beyond the postcard images to understand the unique rhythm and practical realities of living in Southern Spain.
EU Entry/Exit System: 2025 launch date for new border rules
The European Union is preparing to launch EES in 2025, an automated IT system, a move that will replace traditional passport stamping with a digital registration process. This significant update will alter border procedures for non-EU nationals, including British travellers, entering the Schengen Area.
Living in Tenerife: reality of life on the island of eternal spring
Known to many as a sunny holiday spot, the largest of the Canary Islands offers a rich and varied experience for those who choose to call it home. Tenerife has a distinct dual personality: the vibrant, developed south is a world away from the lush, traditional north, all under the watchful eye of the magnificent Mount Teide. For anyone considering living in Tenerife, understanding this contrast is the first step to finding your place on the island of eternal spring.
A Spanish hidden cove between cliffs that rivals the Caribbean
Imagine swimming in turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs, without leaving Spain. Tucked away in Alicante province lies Cala del Moraig, a little-known gem that looks like it belongs on a Caribbean postcard.
Why 15th August is a holiday in Spain
Spain's calendar is peppered with public holidays, known locally as festivos. Many of these days off are rooted in the country's Catholic traditions, often marking feast days for various saints or other important religious events. Spain's public holiday on 15th August is a key example of this.