Spain is a really popular tourist destination, steeped in history. It’s most popular with other Europeans because it gives them a hot, relaxed, and friendly place to go, without traveling too far.
However, some places in Spain are more popular with tourists than others. If you’re looking to visit but want to visit someplace that’s frequented by other tourists, and where there’s lots of things for you to do, then you need to research these places.
This post will simplify that research for you, by informing you of the top destinations you need to visit while in Spain.
Ibiza
Ibiza is without a doubt probably the most iconic destinations in Spain. It is frequented more by people interested in partying than relaxing. A really popular activity in Ibiza is the yacht party. If that’s something you have an interest in, then you can order Ibiza yacht charter online, then organize a party with the company you chartered the boat with. Remember, Ibiza can be quite expensive to visit if you are traveling during the summer because that’s when everybody travels there. However, if you want a very fun experience, then that is the best time to visit.
Málaga
Malaga is a city that’s very near Africa. On a good day, you can see Morocco from the coast. Malaga, like Ibiza, is very popular with people who go only to party. However, the tourist population is not as large as that of Ibiza, mainly because it’s such a large city. Many of the people you’ll find partying there are locals. Along the shoreline that stretches from Malaga to Marbella, you can find beach resorts and small towns, all perfect for partying.
Marbella
Marbella is not too far from Malaga. Most people who go to Malaga in fact go to Marbella, but since Malaga is the airport that people must undergo to get to Marbella, they spend a few days in Malaga and then travel to Marbella. Marbella is a really popular party destination with other Europeans. As with Ibiza, during summer it can get very busy. This means that it can be very expensive to find a hotel there. However, you can save money by staying in one of the small beach towns located in and around the Marbella area.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a controversial place. This is a British colony, but… it’s located on the territory of Spain. The Spanish government and the United Nations both agreed that it should be returned to Spain, but Britain disagreed. Regardless of your position on the matter, one thing is definite: Gibraltar is an excellent place to get away. The weather is charming and there are many things to do. You can even take a ferry to Tangier in Morocco from Gibraltar. So if you want to see North Africa then Gibraltar is the best place to base yourself. The ferry normally runs once a day, so you will need to spend the night in Morocco before you can return.
Pamplona
Pamplona is a large city located in the province of Navarre, Spain, in the north. The city’s architecture is outstanding and it has some very interesting historical sights. However, the main reason people visit Pamplona is to see the running bulls. The bull run is an event where bulls are let loose in the mown streets of the city center. People can then run in front of these bulls. Unfortunately, however, people have died during bull runs in the past, and the Spanish government is under lots of pressure to stop further bull runs. If you want to see it, then you must go before bull running is banned for good.
Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain. As is to be expected from a fast-growing European capital city, traveling to (and then living in) Madrid can be prohibitively expensive. However, despite the high cost, this is a place that everybody should visit at least once. The city streets are lined with small cafes, restaurants and amazingly designed churches. There are also diverse museums and galleries that you can visit, in addition to some very famous historical monuments.
Barcelona
Barcelona is just as attractive a city as Madrid, although it tends to be more popular with tourists because a number of low-cost European airlines fly there. Barcelona can be very expensive during the summer, and it isn’t really a party city in the same sense as Ibiza and Marbella. So if you do want to visit, you might have the ability to save lots of money by visiting during the winter, when there are fewer tourists. Prices tend to be much lower during this period.
Seville
Seville is a really interesting city. It is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain, famous for its hot weather. Just this summer, Andalusia experienced an unprecedented heat. It is also the fourth largest city in Spain. The main reason most people visit Seville is to visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, an old palace located in the city. However, there are also many other sites, castles and cathedrals worth visiting. If you are planning to visit then it does not really matter when you do, as it’s a popular destination all year round. It’s also not an expensive city to visit, compared to some of the other cities featured on this list.
Granada
Granada is probably the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, mainly because Alhambra Palace, among the best designed Islamic buildings in the world. It was built when Andalusia was under the control of the Nasrid dynasty, an Islamic empire with roots in the Iberian Peninsula. It was also the last Muslim dynasty to rule the area before being turned over by them. Granada also has lots of other things for you to see, and places for you to visit. The weather is charming all year round, making it the perfect place to get away during the winter.
The cities and destinations listed in this post are just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more that you can see in Spain. If you are planning to visit, make sure to consider the destinations listed here, because while they’re just the tip of the iceberg, they’re also some of the most popular.