Best places to visit in Spain

Two Spanish communities made the UN’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025.

Seville has landed on Condé Nast Traveler’s Europe 2026 list for good reason. The city has kept its stately looks and sun-baked rhythm while quietly shifting gears.

Are you looking for the best lakes in Spain to explore this autumn? Spain, famous for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes, is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

Spain’s next food spotlight is set: Jerez de la Frontera will carry the Capital of Gastronomy title through 2026, with the handover from Alicante scheduled in January.What the title means and key datesThe Capital of Gastronomy is an annual recognition awarded since 2012 to a Spanish city that stands

Day trips from Valencia by train are the sweet spot for easy escapes. Quick hops to coastal towns, hilltop castles, underground rivers and proper paella in lagoon villages, all without a car.

With the arrival of autumn, Spain’s towns are painted in shades of gold, red and copper.

Spain does winter differently. If you’re sizing up the best Spanish cities to visit in winter, think softer light, calmer plazas and, on the right coast, a midday coffee outdoors in December without turning blue.

A Spanish winter long stay is all about mild days, sea air and an easy routine. The sweet spot for warmth and value sits in the Canaries, the Costa Blanca and the Málaga coast, with quieter, cheaper stretches around Almería and Murcia.

Looking for the best hot springs in Spain?

Spain does winter sun properly, making it a great holiday destination during the chillier months. The Canary Islands stay in T‑shirt weather thanks to their subtropical latitude, while the southern mainland brings bright, mild days and sheltered coves with plenty open year‑round.

The sea has long been a boundless source of legends, inspiring fear and suspicion: monstrous creatures like the kraken, ghostly pirates and phantom islands.In Spain, a legend over seven centuries old tells of an island that mysteriously appears and vanishes.

If you’re after hidden‑gem beaches in Spain worth the effort, picture protected coves with capped numbers, scant services and fragile dunes.

Barcelona’s a layered city where a street can switch from a buzzy afternoon to a quiet midweek night. When people talk about areas to avoid in Barcelona, it’s usually low‑level, opportunistic stuff rather than anything heavy.

The Alcázar of Toledo is one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.

Whilst Spain's modern skyline is increasingly defined by the glass and steel towers of Madrid and Benidorm, the country's race for the clouds is a relatively recent story. For much of the 20th century, the iconic Telefónica Building on Madrid's Gran Vía held the crown.

Spain boasts one of the most diverse and spectacular coastlines in Europe.

Just 90 minutes from Barcelona, nestled among the cliffs and pine forests of the Costa Brava, lies Cala Sa Tuna, the cove that’s captured the attention of National Geographic.

Barcelona is a city that’s easy to fall for, and it’s a brilliant place to spend some time.

Tenerife is a real place of contrasts with its stark volcanic heart, lush northern valleys and sunny southern coastline. It’s a year-round favourite for a reason, and most visits are completely trouble-free.

Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground.

Spain is brimming with cultural treasures, including ancient Roman structures, mind-bending modern architecture and history-defining rock art. To give you an idea of how significant the history is here, the city of Córdoba holds the record for the most UNESCO recognitions in the world.

When most people think of UNESCO sites in Spain, their minds usually jump to the Alhambra or Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona. And while they're undoubtedly must-sees, they're just the start of the story.

Spain is a country that never fails to impress when it comes to history and culture. It holds a millennium of history, with everything from Roman ruins to modernist architecture dotted across its landscape.

When most people picture this spot on the Costa del Sol, their minds usually jump straight to the flashy glamour of Puerto Banús – all superyachts, designer shops, and celebrity sightings.

Spain is home to a wealth of spectacular beaches, from hidden coves to sweeping stretches of golden sand, and there's something for every sea lover. But with such variety, choosing the “best” is no easy feat.