The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in spain"
Named by 5 of 81. GranadaAndalusia, SpainHome to the Alhambra, a Moorish palace overlooking the city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.Alhambra tickets sell out on most days, so book before you arrive.
Named by 4 of 82. BarcelonaCatalonia, SpainKnown for Gaudi buildings, the Gothic Quarter and several UNESCO sites; best seen on foot.Capital of Catalonia, with Gaudi architecture, shopping and lively nightlife.Best time to visit Barcelona
Named by 4 of 83. SevilleAndalusia, SpainHas three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies.Seville Cathedral is described as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world; Feria de Abril brings flamenco.Best time to visit Seville
Named by 4 of 84. MadridSpainThe Prado Museum and the Royal Palace are the main sights, with the Thyssen Museum for art lovers.Called a place with some of the best museums in Europe; Toledo and Salamanca make day trips.Best time to visit Madrid
Named by 3 of 85. San SebastianBasque Country, SpainA coastal city on the Bay of Biscay known for beaches and pintxos.La Concha bay has golden sand, and Monte Urgull offers panoramic views.
Named by 3 of 86. BilbaoBasque Country, SpainThe largest city in the Basque region, mixing a medieval Old Quarter with the modern Guggenheim Museum.Known for pintxos in the Casco Viejo, the old town.
Named by 2 of 87. ValenciaSpainMore laid back than Barcelona, with one of Spain's largest historic centres and the City of Arts and Sciences.Paella comes from Valencia, and the city is a strong city break.
Named by 2 of 89. GironaCatalonia, SpainLess than an hour north of Barcelona, founded by the Romans and known for Game of Thrones filming and cycling.Named among the magnificent Catalan cities with Barcelona and Tarragona.
Named by 2 of 810. ToledoCastilla-La Mancha, SpainListed as another of Spain's best cities in a city guide.Toledo and Salamanca make interesting day trips from Madrid.
11. CordobaAndalusia, SpainThe Mosque-Cathedral and the Alcazar are close together, so most of it is easy on foot.Close to Seville and Malaga, which suits a short weekend.
12. TarifaAndalusia, SpainA laid-back surf town at the southern tip of mainland Europe with views of Morocco.Known for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and early September is a good beach time.
13. Costa BravaCatalonia, SpainA Catalan coastline with coastal walks, bike rides, beaches and food.
14. CadaquesCatalonia, SpainA Costa Brava town with rocky beaches and links to Salvador Dali, near Cap de Creus natural park.
15. PrioratCatalonia, SpainA rural wine region about an hour from Barcelona, best visited by car from village to village.
16. RiojaLa Rioja, SpainA northern wine region known for red wines made from Tempranillo grapes.
17. Malaga provinceAndalusia, SpainHas white towns and traditional villages beyond Marbella and the Costa del Sol; Picasso was born in Malaga city.
18. Picos de EuropaAsturias, SpainA 2,650m mountain range in Asturias, about 10 km from the Costa Verde.
19. Camino de SantiagoSpainA trail across northern Spain that draws pilgrims, with more comfortable lodging now available along it.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to June and September to October as the best time to visit Spain.
Named by 5 of 81. GranadaHome to the Alhambra, a Moorish palace overlooking the city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.Alhambra tickets sell out on most days, so book before you arrive.
Named by 4 of 82. BarcelonaKnown for Gaudi buildings, the Gothic Quarter and several UNESCO sites; best seen on foot.Capital of Catalonia, with Gaudi architecture, shopping and lively nightlife.Best time to visit Barcelona
Named by 4 of 83. SevilleHas three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies.Seville Cathedral is described as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world; Feria de Abril brings flamenco.Best time to visit Seville
Named by 4 of 84. MadridThe Prado Museum and the Royal Palace are the main sights, with the Thyssen Museum for art lovers.Called a place with some of the best museums in Europe; Toledo and Salamanca make day trips.Best time to visit Madrid
Named by 3 of 85. San SebastianA coastal city on the Bay of Biscay known for beaches and pintxos.La Concha bay has golden sand, and Monte Urgull offers panoramic views.
Named by 3 of 86. BilbaoThe largest city in the Basque region, mixing a medieval Old Quarter with the modern Guggenheim Museum.Known for pintxos in the Casco Viejo, the old town.
Named by 2 of 87. ValenciaMore laid back than Barcelona, with one of Spain's largest historic centres and the City of Arts and Sciences.Paella comes from Valencia, and the city is a strong city break.
Named by 2 of 88. MallorcaThe seventh largest Mediterranean island, with small villages, coves and clear water.Mallorca and Menorca are named as the best Balearic islands to explore away from party resorts.Best time to visit MallorcaBest beaches in MallorcaBest places to visit in Mallorca
Named by 2 of 89. GironaLess than an hour north of Barcelona, founded by the Romans and known for Game of Thrones filming and cycling.Named among the magnificent Catalan cities with Barcelona and Tarragona.
Named by 2 of 810. ToledoListed as another of Spain's best cities in a city guide.Toledo and Salamanca make interesting day trips from Madrid.
11. CordobaThe Mosque-Cathedral and the Alcazar are close together, so most of it is easy on foot.Close to Seville and Malaga, which suits a short weekend.
12. TarifaA laid-back surf town at the southern tip of mainland Europe with views of Morocco.Known for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and early September is a good beach time.
13. Costa BravaA Catalan coastline with coastal walks, bike rides, beaches and food.
14. CadaquesA Costa Brava town with rocky beaches and links to Salvador Dali, near Cap de Creus natural park.
15. PrioratA rural wine region about an hour from Barcelona, best visited by car from village to village.
16. RiojaA northern wine region known for red wines made from Tempranillo grapes.17. Malaga provinceHas white towns and traditional villages beyond Marbella and the Costa del Sol; Picasso was born in Malaga city.
18. Picos de EuropaA 2,650m mountain range in Asturias, about 10 km from the Costa Verde.
19. Camino de SantiagoA trail across northern Spain that draws pilgrims, with more comfortable lodging now available along it.
