Splendid beaches, delicious cuisine, vibrant
nightlife and lively fiestas all make Spain one of Europe’s best getaways. Because Spain encompasses several autonomous
regions and islands, the country boasts one of the most widely diverse cultures and landscapes
on the continent. Here’s a look at the top places to visit
in Spain: Number 10. Santiago de Compostela. The capital city of the Galicia region in
northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela is famous as the final destination of the
traditional pilgrimage known as Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage is important to many Christians
because it is believed that Santiago de Compostela is where St. James, an Apostle of Jesus Christ,
is buried. Today, the city attracts thousands of visitors
every year for both its religious tradition and history. The arriving point for most pilgrims is the
main square. Situated in the heart of the city, this bustling
plaza is the scene of many important landmarks, particularly the Santiago Cathedral where
the tomb of St. James is located. Number 9. Toledo. Perched on a mountaintop in central Spain,
Toledo served as the Spanish capital until the 16th century. Because it was inhabited by Jews, Christians
and Muslims for many centuries, the city is sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures.” Today, Toledo is a popular destination for
its wealth of historic art and architecture that dates back to the Roman Empire. The best thing to do in Toledo is to get lost
amid the medieval streets and admire the old architecture that includes a stunning cathedral,
synagogue and mosque. Number 8. Cordoba. Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province
in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. The historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze
of tiny medieval streets, plazas and whitewashed courtyards all situated around the star attraction,
the Mezquita. Initially built as a mosque, the Mezquita
is now a glorious cathedral retaining most of its original architecture. Its forest of columns topped with Islamic-style
red and white striped arches serves as a reminder of the glory and importance Córdoba held
in medieval times. Other places of interest include the Fortress
of the Christian Monarchs, the Street of Flowers, and the Old Jewish Quarter with its charming
patios and souvenir shops. Number 7. San Sebastian. San Sebastian is located in the Basque country
of North Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. This beautiful seaside city is well-loved
for its excellent beaches and outstanding culinary tradition. The Old Town features many historic buildings
reconstructed in the 19th century after the city was nearly destroyed during the Napoleonic
Wars. San Sebastian boasts also some of the best
beaches in Europe with the most popular of these being Playa de la Concha, which offers
sunbathing and water activities like swimming, kayaking and water skiing. Number 6. Valencia. One of the largest and most important cities
in Spain, Valencia is located in the eastern part of the country in the region of Valencia. After redirecting the Turia River, the city
constructed its most impressive landmark, a massive cultural and entertainment complex
known as the City of Arts and Science. Contained within this complex are several
buildings such as a science museum, planetarium and aquarium that are each artistic marvels
in and of themselves. Every March, Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival
where each neighborhood displays papier-mâché figures of all sizes and colors. At the end of the week, the figures are ceremoniously
burned, and the communities party into the night. Number 5. Seville. Exceptional tourist attractions, lively festivals
and buzzing nightlife all make Seville one of the best places to visit in Spain. As the capital city of Andalusia, Seville
is also the region’s financial and cultural capital. The city is home to many beautiful and important
historic landmarks, chief of which is the grand Cathedral of Seville, where it is believed
that Christopher Columbus is buried. Another significant building is the Real Alcazar,
an extravagant Moorish palace with luxurious gardens. Number 4. Madrid. Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid,
is widely known for its sizzling nightlife scene. The city constitutes a diversity of ethnic
groups, making it one of Europe’s most colorful cosmopolitan cities. Located within the city center are most of
Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, the residence of
Spain’s monarch. The heart of Madrid and Spain is Puerta del
Sol, a large plaza serving as the scene of festivals, important gatherings and street
performers as well as a hub for the public transportation network. Another important square is Plaza Mayor, known
for the lively San Miguel Market. Number 3. Barcelona Located in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is
one of the country’s top travel destinations because it offers everything tourists look
for in a European city from historic architecture to lively shopping and buzzing nightlife. Unique to Barcelona are the architectural
marvels of Spain’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, which include the Casa Batllo and the
famous Sagrada Familia church. Both of these extraordinary structures feature
combinations of fascinating designs, shapes and colors. Popular activities in Barcelona include strolling
along La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue, and sunbath on Barceloneta, one of the city’s
most popular beaches. Number 2. Mallorca One of the most popular of Spain’s Balearic
Islands, Mallorca is a celebrated beach escape that gets 300 days of sunshine every year. With quiet coves, limestone mountains, citrus
orchards, and sleepy stone villages overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s perfect for relaxing. But there’s a lot more to Mallorca than
meets the eye. The island is also home to several Roman and
Moorish ruins, as well as a pumping nightlife scene in the capital of Palma. For those interested in history and architecture,
don’t miss the royal palace with its glorious Moorish design and the Palma Cathedral with
its enchanting Gothic façade. Number 1. Granada Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains
of southern Spain, Granada is the capital of the Granada province. Granada offers a perfect blend of traditional
cultures, an animated nightlife and spectacular attractions including the world famous Alhambra,
a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. This medieval complex overlooking Granada
is one of the great architectural sights of Europe, with many visitors coming to Granada
expressly to see the Alhambra. The last Moorish stronghold in Europe, the
Alhambra offers the visitor splendid ornamental architecture, spectacular and lush gardens,
cascading and dripping water features, and breathtaking views of the city below.
