Here are ten places to consider for your Spain itinerary, covering cities, palaces, coast and culture.
1. Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia is famous for Antoni Gaudí's architecture, including Casa Batlló and Park Güell, alongside the lively Las Ramblas and city beaches. It combines art, food and seaside in one energetic city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Gaudí architecture, Sagrada Família, Las Ramblas, beaches |
| Location | Catalonia, northeast Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and early autumn |
| Entry | Free to explore; Gaudí sites and museums charge |
| Tip | Book Sagrada Família and Park Güell tickets online in advance |
2. Madrid
Spain's capital pairs historic landmarks like the Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace with world-class art at the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, and a famously lively nightlife.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Prado and Thyssen museums |
| Location | Central Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and early autumn |
| Entry | Free to explore; palace and museums charge |
| Tip | Several museums offer free entry during set evening hours |
3. Seville
The heart of Andalusia, Seville is known for the grand Plaza de España, the Giralda tower and the historic Santa Cruz quarter. It is also a home of flamenco and traditional Spanish culture.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Plaza de España, Giralda, Santa Cruz quarter, flamenco |
| Location | Andalusia, southern Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Entry | Free to wander; the cathedral and Alcázar charge |
| Tip | Avoid peak summer, when Seville is one of Spain's hottest cities |
4. Granada
Granada is home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage palace and fortress complex and one of Spain's most visited sights. The historic Albaicín quarter and the Mirador de San Nicolás add sweeping views.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Alhambra Palace, Albaicín quarter, Mirador de San Nicolás |
| Location | Andalusia, southern Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Entry | Alhambra entry charges; book well ahead |
| Tip | Alhambra tickets sell out early, so book weeks in advance |
5. Valencia
Valencia blends a historic centre with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, home to the Oceanogràfic aquarium. It is also the birthplace of paella and has the green Turia Gardens running through the city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | City of Arts and Sciences, Oceanogràfic, Turia Gardens |
| Location | East coast, Mediterranean Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Entry | Free areas; the Oceanogràfic and attractions charge |
| Tip | Try authentic paella, which originated in the Valencia region |
6. Toledo
A UNESCO World Heritage city south of Madrid, Toledo is known for its layered Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage and its well-preserved old town. It makes a popular day trip from the capital.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Historic old town, San Juan de los Reyes, El Greco Museum |
| Location | Central Spain, near Madrid |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Entry | Free to wander; monuments and museums charge |
| Tip | An easy high-speed train day trip from Madrid |
7. San Sebastián
On the Basque coast, San Sebastián is known for the beaches of Ondarreta and Zurriola, its celebrated pintxos bars and the views from Mount Urgull over the bay.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | La Concha and Zurriola beaches, pintxos, Mount Urgull |
| Location | Basque Country, northern Spain |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn |
| Entry | Beaches free; food and attractions priced individually |
| Tip | Go bar-hopping for pintxos through the old town in the evening |
8. Cordoba
Cordoba is famous for the Mezquita, its remarkable mosque-cathedral, along with the historic Jewish Quarter and the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. It reflects Andalusia's layered past.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, Roman Bridge |
| Location | Andalusia, southern Spain |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Entry | The Mezquita and monuments charge; streets are free |
| Tip | Visit in May for the city's famous flower-filled patios |
9. Bilbao
Bilbao is best known for the Guggenheim Museum, a landmark of contemporary art and architecture. The Nervión River promenade and the city's Basque pintxo bars round out the visit.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Guggenheim Museum, riverside promenade, pintxo bars |
| Location | Basque Country, northern Spain |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn |
| Entry | Free to explore; the Guggenheim charges |
| Tip | The Guggenheim's outdoor sculptures are free to view |
10. Malaga
On the Costa del Sol, Malaga offers golden beaches alongside culture, including the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the hilltop Alcazaba fortress with views over the city. It is the birthplace of Picasso.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Costa del Sol beaches, Alcazaba fortress, Picasso links |
| Location | Andalusia, southern coast |
| Best time to visit | Spring to early autumn |
| Entry | Beaches free; museums and the Alcazaba charge |
| Tip | Combine the beach with the Alcazaba and Picasso Museum in town |