Amazing Spain: Top 20 Attractions of the Sunny Country

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

We'll start our selection with the main tourist attraction of the capital - the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. Sagrada Familia (also called the sanctuary) is the most ambitious project of the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí.

Whimsical forms, a forest of columns inside, and a style unlike any other temple in the world - that's what the creation of the ingenious architect is known for. The church is still under construction, but that doesn't stop it from being a gem of Spanish architecture.

Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882. It is still ongoing, which means the work has been continuing for almost 130 years. The architect who made the famous church known worldwide is buried inside his creation. The tomb of the architect is located on the underground level of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.

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Colomares Castle, Benalmádena

Another architectural landmark of Spain bears the touch of futurism. We're talking about Colomares Castle, located in a small resort town. It's called a legend carved in stone, vividly narrating the discovery of America. Built in 1994 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the event, it amazes tourists with its blend of styles, resembling lacework.

Within the castle grounds, you can find the world's smallest chapel, covering less than 2 square meters. Concrete, brick, stone, glass, and wood were used in the creation of the castle's structures. The architecture of the towers, palace, and fountains symbolizes events that played a significant role in Spain's history.

Nervión Waterfall and Delika Canyon

The highest waterfall in Spain (270 meters high) is located in the north of the country, in the deep limestone gorge of Delika. A picturesque trail leads to it through a beech forest, passing by the ruins of an 11th-12th-century monastery. There are two viewing platforms at the waterfall, offering magnificent views. One platform is located at a height of 300 meters overlooking the waterfall, while the other, on the opposite bank, provides a panorama of the mountain plateau.

Sacromonte Abbey

Located three kilometers east of the city of Granada on the slopes of Valparaíso Mountain, another significant sanctuary for the entire Christian world stands – Sacromonte Abbey.

Thousands of pilgrims visit this place to worship the holy relics of Tesifon, James the Less, Isio, and Sesilio. According to legend, the relics of these saints were accidentally discovered by adventurers – gold prospectors. To properly preserve them, the first structure was erected on the summit. This happened in the distant year of 1598. Two years later, the Jesuit Pedro Sánchez, taking on the role of architect, began the construction of a full-fledged church, around which the abbey was subsequently formed. Its symbol became the Star of Solomon.

Today, this monument is visited annually by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. The construction of the abbey spanned several centuries and was only fully completed in the 19th century. The relatively modest architectural finish of the buildings is more than compensated by the interior. Inside, there is a beautifully decorated altar with statues of the holy faces. The interior is adorned with numerous paintings and sculptures.

Palma Aquarium

Palma Aquarium is an excellent alternative for an actively educational leisure time in Spain or on the island, in particular. Visiting Palma Aquarium captivates children, teenagers, and even adults (up to 110 years old). It attracts 400 thousand visitors annually!

The doors of the aquarium have been open to visitors since 2007. Guests are offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in the underwater world and see amazing representatives of flora and fauna. More than 8000 specimens from 700 different species of marine inhabitants inhabit the 55 aquariums. Thematic halls of the Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans amaze with their colorful diversity.

Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs

To immediately acquaint yourself with architectural styles of different eras, it's worth visiting the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, which is a worthy part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thanks to its beautiful gardens, impregnable citadel, ancient Mudejar-style architecture, and rich history, it is the second royal residence in the world after Seville.

Time has spared many of Spain's landmarks. However, despite multiple restorations, the Alcázar appears today in its former beauty. The main and Lion towers, towering over the main facade, have come down to us in their original form. In the 15th century, the Inquisition Tower (the tallest here) was added, and in the 20th century, during reconstruction, the Dove Tower was built.

In the palace, you can see collections of antique items: carpets, tapestries, antique furniture, paintings. Exhibitions, ceremonial ceremonies, presentations are held here. The Alcázar gardens, spreading over an area of about 55 thousand square meters, are a work of art.

Costa Blanca Reserve

We recommend visiting the Costa Blanca Reserve in southeastern Spain. It is home to one of the largest and saltiest lakes in Europe, known for its vivid pink hue.

The salt concentration here is very high, even higher than that of the Dead Sea. The interesting color is achieved due to microorganisms living in the water. Towards the end of summer, their concentration reaches its peak, and the water takes on a deep fuchsia hue.

Prado National Museum, Madrid

One of the largest museums in the world is located in Madrid. It houses the most complete collection of Spanish paintings from the 11th to the 18th centuries. Numerous works by European artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and others are represented.

In terms of the number of masterpieces, the Prado Museum rivals the Louvre. Among the exhibits are collections of drawings, engravings, coins, clothing items, and decorative arts. Several hours of aesthetic pleasure are guaranteed. This place is simply a must-visit for all lovers of handmade beauty.

Belver Castle

Belver Castle is the only circular Gothic-style building in Spain. Its history dates back to the 14th century (1300-1311), when the Aragonese King James II decided to build his summer residence in the picturesque hilly terrain of Majorca.

Within the castle grounds, three large, wide cylindrical towers surround the central inner courtyard, connected by an arch to a separate standalone tower. The courtyard itself is two-levelled. Visitors can wander through the first and second floors, then climb to the roof to enjoy a beautiful panorama, one of the most stunning in all of Palma.

Initially, the castle served residential and defensive functions. Then, for almost six centuries, it was used as a prison. Today, Belver houses the historical museum of Palma, which traces the city's development through cultural monuments. It boasts a rich collection of ceramics from the Talaiotic, Roman, Arab, and Spanish periods, as well as an interesting collection of archaeological finds and classical figures.

La Rioja - Land of Vineyards

There's also plenty to visit in Spain for enthusiasts of authentic local wines. The Rioja region in northern Spain is famous for its vineyards. Wines produced here are characterized by their vibrant flavors. Thanks to the unique soil composition and microclimate, each area has its own type of wine.

What attracts tourists here? The sea of vineyards with wineries, excellent gastronomy, the hospitality of the locals, and the opportunity to taste remarkable beverages. In addition to visiting wineries, you can also visit a variety of restaurants, wine spas, and stay in cozy hotels. When visiting the wine capital of La Rioja - the fortress of Laguardia - be sure to visit the wine culture museum with exhibits related to the wine theme.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Another name for it is the Cathedral of St. James. This thousand-year-old temple is one of the most visited shrines in Western Europe. According to legend, the cathedral was built on the burial site of one of Christ's disciples and apostles, St. James.

Today, it's a landmark with Gothic towers reaching a height of 80 meters, astonishing tourists with its grandeur and beauty. The cathedral is also the endpoint of the world-famous pilgrimage route - the Way of St. James.

Las Médulas Gold Mines

Another attraction in northwest Spain is the gold mines near the city of Ponferrada. In the 1st century AD, Roman authorities began exploiting the gold deposit using hydraulic techniques, washing entire gold-bearing layers from the rocks. At that time, these were the largest gold mines in the world. After a couple of centuries, the Romans abandoned the extraction, and gradually nature took over.

The complex includes mines, caves, dams, and canal systems through which water flowed. There is an observation deck at the top for visitors to enjoy the view.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Ordesa and Monte Perdido is a national park in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca. This national park is the oldest in the Pyrenees, established on August 16, 1918. The main attraction of the complex is the Monte Perdido mountain peak (3355 m above sea level), which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

This amazingly beautiful park is visited by about 600,000 people annually. In the Ordesa River valley, you can find the deepest canyons on the European continent with picturesque cliffs, resembling those of the Grand Canyon but with more vegetation. The protected area preserves plants and animals that have disappeared in much of Europe.

Ibiza Resort

Spain is rich in beach resorts, among which the lively Ibiza stands out. Many tourists rush to this sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea, part of the Balearic archipelago, in anticipation of the sea and round-the-clock fun.

The majority of vacationers are young people. For them, the island offers a network of nightclubs with regular shows. The main city of Ibiza, with the same name, is known for its excellent infrastructure and pleasant friendly atmosphere.

The old part of the city is surrounded by ancient fortress walls. Strolling through the winding streets, you can visit souvenir shops, simple cafes, or cozy restaurants.

Costa Brava, Catalonia

The picturesque resort of Costa Brava is famous for its sandy beaches, protected from sea winds by powerful cliffs covered with olive and pine groves.

Nature has created a real paradise here. The coastline is generously dotted with small coves, and the economic unattractiveness of the area has left virgin views, without allowing ports and docks to form there. In the resort area, there are many small cozy towns, smoothly arranged one after another.

Each town can offer something of its own: in Lloret de Mar, you can visit a theatrical show in a medieval castle, in Tossa de Mar, it's worth visiting the museum with works by Marc Chagall, and Cadaqués can boast the Salvador Dalí Art Center "Perro-Mura" with works by Salvador Dalí himself, while in Púbol, you must see the castle of Dalí himself.

Las Ventas Bullring

Bullfighting, despite being a controversial Spanish tradition, is still an integral part of the country's culture. The bullfighting arena in Madrid, declared a cultural monument, is the largest in Spain and one of the largest in the world in terms of audience capacity.

The arena owes its name to the urban district where it is located. This building is distinguished by a vividly expressed Neo-Mudejar style: a metal frame is combined with a facade made of decorative brick, on which ceramic coats of arms of Spanish provinces are hung.

Inside this structure, there is a bullfighting museum that tells the story of bullfighting and its significance for the culture and history of Spain.

La Rambla, Barcelona

La Rambla is considered the hallmark of all of Spain, stretching from Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona to the Old Port. The pedestrian center of the boulevard, the perpetual festive atmosphere, and the multitude of shops in the area attract guests. Here, travelers will find numerous architectural landmarks, cafes and restaurants, shops, and souvenir benches.

The territory of the boulevard is completely pedestrian and is almost never empty. Narrow one-way streets run along both sides of it. The street has always been a real tourist magnet - a walk along it is considered a must-see activity for everyone who is first getting acquainted with the city.

Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

The largest architectural ensemble in Europe, known as the Gothic Quarter, is a true gem of Barcelona, abounding in sights. The finely detailed combination of Roman Empire, Renaissance, Gothic, and modernist architecture creates unforgettable sensations and captivates with its beauty.

Practically every building in the Gothic Quarter is interesting from an architectural or historical point of view. The Cathedral, with its luxurious Gothic-style facades, stands out among the temples of Barcelona. Also noteworthy are the Government Palace, the Archdeacon's House, the remains of the Temple of Augustus, the Royal Square, and others.

Salvador Dali House-Museum

The Salvador Dali House-Museum was opened to visitors in 1997. It is truly a unique structure, as it consists of a series of fishermen's houses that Dali designed in the form of a labyrinth.

Visitors can explore the artist's workshop, library, garden, and living rooms. In 1998, the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia declared the house-museum a national cultural and historical monument.