There are so many beautiful places in Spain I haven’t seen yet, but after visiting most regions, I’ve decided to share my ultimate Spain bucket list.
It’s no secret that this country has my heart. The views, the culture, the language, the food, and the people always make me feel at home. And if there’s one thing to know about Spain, it’s that it’s full of surprises and hidden gems.
It’s a diverse destination with so much to see, from gorgeous cities and villages to stunning mountains and beaches (that will make you want to take a Spanish road trip), so here are 70+ must-visit places.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
MY ULTIMATE SPAIN BUCKET LIST (REGION BY REGION)
My bucket list is a good place to start, but if you’re craving more of Spain and its hidden gems, dive into my other posts or keep reading.
I bought a map of 500+ off-the-beaten-path spots in Spain, and it blew me away. As a huge Spain fan, I thought I knew it all, but I was wrong.
While a few spots are famous, 97% are undiscovered treasures—towns, landmarks, viewpoints, and more you’ve probably never heard of. With lifetime access, updates, itinerary ideas, and travel tips, purchasing this map will make your Spain trips unforgettable!
1. Community of Madrid
Obviously, the most famous city in this region is Madrid, and I’m head over heels for it. But there are also beautiful towns and villages here, some of which are easily reachable by public transportation from Madrid, and some require renting a car.
Apart from these small yet charming towns around Madrid like Chinchon and Buitrago de Lozoya, here are a few famous places you should also consider visiting.
Madrid
Although it’s getting more touristy, visiting Madrid is still one of the best things to do in Spain. It combines modern and traditional so well together that anyone can find something to enjoy about it.
From wandering through the Royal Palace (aka Europe’s largest functioning royal palace) and admiring art at the infamous Prado Museum to strolling through the picturesque Retiro Park and roaming the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, the Spanish capital will win you over.
Whether you only have a couple of days in Madrid or some extra time for less touristy attractions, this city is a must-visit in Spain. To have the best trip, read:
- Madrid travel tips
- Best breakfast and brunch spots in Madrid
- What to pack for Madrid
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Free museums to visit in Madrid
- Facts about Madrid
- Landmarks in Madrid
- 4 days in Madrid
- Towns and cities to visit near Madrid (in and outside the region)
- Is Madrid worth visiting
Aranjuez
The Royal Palace in Madrid is not the only royal residence you need to see in this region.
The 16th-century Royal Palace of Aranjuez, along with the many jaw-dropping gardens surrounding it, is one of the best things to see in Spain and the main reason why Aranjuez was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city also has an old town where you can discover many other historical buildings, and it will only take you 45 minutes to get there by train from Madrid.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Dating back to the 16th century, the impressive complex of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is an important historical royal residence.
Commissioned by King Philip II, it’s the world’s largest Renaissance building, so you can understand why it has to be on this Spain bucket list. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region and a popular half-a-day trip from Madrid.
Alcala de Henares
Have you by any chance heard of a writer called Cervantes? You know, the one who wrote a little book called ‘Don Quixote.’ Well, how would you like to visit his hometown?
Besides a museum dedicated to him and a beautiful main square named after him, the city even hosts an annual Cervantes festival around his baptism date (October 9th).
This city was also home to a Jewish community, and its university and historic center were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read here about all the best things to do in Alcala de Henares.
2. Catalonia
Catalonia is one of the main tourist places in Spain thanks to the city of Barcelona and the beaches of the Costa Brava coastline. However, there is more to this region than just one city and beaches.
There are literally dozens of insanely enchanting coastal and inland towns and villages that are well worth a road trip like Cadaques, Peratallada, and Besalu.
Here are several must-see places in Spain’s Catalonia region.
Barcelona
I know it has become extremely touristy, but no one can deny that Barcelona is well worth a visit.
It’s home to countless quirky landmarks designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi (including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell), foodies will surely enjoy its culinary scene, its Gothic Quarter is irresistibly enchanting, the museums are world-class, and you’ll love its hidden gems.
You should also take a Montserrat tour from Barcelona to visit one of the most unique mountainous monasteries in Europe.
Girona
With Roman, Arab, and Jewish history, exquisite medieval architecture, and ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations, Girona is a popular day trip you can easily take from Barcelona.
Its highlights include the Cathedral of Girona, the 9th-century Walls of Girona, and the Jewish History Museum.
Tarragona
Often overlooked, the city of Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site priding itself in its Roman ruins like the Tarragona Amphitheatre and Roman walls.
Figueres
I LOVE the Spanish Netflix show ‘La Casa de Papel.’ Although the artist Salvador Dali doesn’t need any introduction, I’m pretty sure this series has made him even more popular (if you haven’t seen it and don’t know what I’m talking about, go and watch it now!).
If you want to visit Dali’s birthplace and a unique museum dedicated to him (that was also designed by him), you shouldn’t miss Figueres.
The Pyrenees
Possibly the most famous mountain range in Spain, the Spanish Pyrenees are a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, extreme sports lovers, and skiers (as they are also a popular winter destination in Europe).
The Pyrenees stretch beyond the region of Catalonia, but many travelers love to visit the region’s Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park which offers mountainous landscapes dotted with lakes and waterfalls, vast green valleys, and more.
There are actually more than 15 parks in Catalonia, so there’s no shortage of stunning natural scenery to explore here.
3. Valencian Community
The Valencian Community is another region that’s famous for its coastline, food, towns, and its capital – Valencia. Here’s what you can’t miss.
Valencia
Valencia has both modern and traditional sides to it, and although it’s getting more and more popular, it’s still quite underrated.
You might have heard of the Fallas festival, one of the coolest experiences in Spain, but this colorful city offers a variety of things to do and see all year round including some amazing hidden gems (if you’re planning a trip, check out all my tips for visiting Valencia).
Amongst its must-see are the Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the neighborhood of El Carmen, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There are also plenty of places you can visit as day trips from Valencia like the Albufera National Park (where the rice dish paella was born) and the town of Sagunto.
Alicante
Sitting on the lovely Costa Blanca, Alicante is the second-largest city in the region. Besides its port and beach, it’s known for its castle and charming old quarter.
Altea
Who doesn’t love strolling through a maze of cobbled streets with white-washed houses? Throw some beaches and a beautiful old church into the mix, and you’ve got yourself one visit-worthy town called Altea.
Guadalest
Guadalest is a small mountain town with a Moorish history. It’s home to quite a few landmarks and museums, but if there’s one thing you can’t miss there, it’s the panoramic view over the turquoise Guadalest Reservoir.
Xativa
Mostly known for its impressive ancient castle, Xativa is an easy and popular day trip from Valencia.
Denia
With a Moorish castle overlooking the city and a diverse cultural influence of Greek, Islamic, Napoleonic, and other cultures, Denia is a coastal city that belongs on the ultimate Spanish bucket list.
4. Andalucia
Andalucia is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain. Located in the southern part of the country, this region is the perfect definition of Mediterranean charm.
With big historical cities packed with UNESCO sites, enchanting villages, stunning beaches, and views of vast olive tree fields, you should definitely consider taking a southern Spain road trip. Here are some of the main places to see in Andalucia:
Malaga
Celebrating both the modern and the traditional at the same time, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world (and Picasso’s birthplace!). Don’t miss the Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and Roman Theatre, though you’ll find dozens more things to do and see here.
It’s also where you can visit the Caminito del Rey, one of the most famous trails in Spain.
Seville
Seville is a vibrant city with a rich Moorish heritage and several UNESCO sites like the Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic church in the world) and the Royal Alcazar.
You can find many ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations in the city, as well as colorful neighborhoods, stunning landmarks, amazing flamenco shows, and some of the best tapas bars in southern Spain.
Cordoba
A bit underrated but certainly one of the coolest places in Spain, the visit-worthy Cordoba is a beautiful city that preserves the heritage of three cultures (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim). It was home to a thriving Jewish community, and you can visit many Jewish landmarks in the city.
It’s also the only city in the world with four UNESCO sites, which include its historic center (home to remarkable buildings like the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and Mosque-Cathedral) and the Moorish complex of Medina Azahara.
Marbella
Although it has its traditional side, the coastal Marbella is mostly known for being a beloved resort city and luxury destination.
Granada
If you’re planning a trip to Andalucia, you absolutely cannot skip out on Granada. I was first inspired to visit the city by ‘The Return‘ – an incredible novel set in Spain during the Spanish civil war.
It did not disappoint, and I fell in love with Granada. The city itself is filled with historical landmarks and enchanting old streets, but its crowning glory is the iconic Alhambra Palace, one of the most famous royal complexes in the world, which dates back to Moorish times (I recommend visiting it with a guided tour to learn more about it).
White-Washed Villages
With all due respect to Andalucia’s cities, the traditional white-washed villages are a must-visit in the region. Most of them consist of an old cathedral or a ruinous castle surrounded by countless houses painted in white, hence the name ‘white-washed villages’ (pueblos blancos).
Each and every one of them is extremely enchanting, and amongst the ones you should add to your itinerary are Ronda, Mijas, Zahara de la Sierra, Frigiliana, and many others.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
With a mix of lesser-known villages, dreamy beaches, and vast natural landscapes, this coastal park is filled with magical spots to discover.
Cadiz
Cadiz is an irresistibly charming city sitting on the Atlantic coast. It’s the oldest city in Western Europe (and one of the best cities to visit in Spain), and it’s well-known for its exquisite cuisine.
While in Cadiz, you’ll get to enjoy its beaches, charming old town, and landmarks like the Cadiz Cathedral and Tavira Tower.
5. Castilla Y Leon
Castilla y Leon is the largest region in Spain, spreading over most of the lands that used to belong to the Kingdom of Castilla and the Kingdom of Leon.
Offering both World Heritage Sites (more than 60% of Spain’s heritage sites) and natural landscapes, this surprising region should not be missed. Here are some places to travel in Spain’s Castilla y Leon region:
Avila
If you want to visit a must-see World Heritage City, head to Avila, Spain. Known for its well-preserved medieval walls and its Gothic cathedral (built in the 11th-15th centuries), it’s well worth the 1.5-hour train ride from the Spanish capital.
Segovia
Taking a day trip from Madrid to Segovia is a must. This gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage City is famous for three main landmarks – its Roman aqueduct, its cathedral, and its fairytale-like castle (which inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle), so you’ll easily feel like you’ve been transported to the past.
Overlooking these monuments and the entire city center, you’ll find quite a few scenic viewpoints. About 10 km away from Segovia, you can also visit the 18th-century Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, the Spanish monarchs’ summer residence.
Salamanca
As a World Heritage City, there are many things to do in Salamanca, including visiting its stunning Cathedral (which dates back to the 16th-18th centuries), parts of the university (one of the world’s oldest universities), art and history museums, and the main square, Plaza Mayor. You can easily visit it as a Spanish long-weekend getaway from Madrid.
Burgos
The famous pilgrims’ route, the Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago (aka one of the best multi-day hikes in Europe), passes through Burgos. The city is only a 2.5-hour bus ride away from Madrid.
It’s home to plenty of museums and monasteries (and even the remains of an old castle), but its main focal point is the incredible Burgos Cathedral. Dating back to the 13th century, it is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leon
As a part of the Camino de Santiago, the city of Leon is like a big open-air history museum.
It’s packed with beautiful streets, squares, museums, and amazing Spanish landmarks like the Cathedral of Leon, Palacio De Los Guzmanes, and Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Botines.
It’s also not as touristy as other cities in the country, which is another big reason why visiting it is one of the best bucket list experiences in Spain.
Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa National Park offers mesmerizing views of enchanting hamlets, mountains, rivers, and lakes, as well as activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The park also spreads to two other regions – Asturias and Cantabria.
Las Medulas
Spain is full of surprising landscapes, and Las Medulas is one of them. It is a Roman gold-mining site with unique rock formations that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Castilla-la Mancha
Does the name Castilla-La Mancha sound familiar to you? Let me give you a hint: I’ve already mentioned a book about Don Quixote (de La Mancha).
Besides being the setting to one of the most famous books taking place in Spain, this region also offers a combination of World Heritage Cities and natural areas. Here are some of the main places to visit in Castilla-La Mancha:
Toledo
With rich Jewish, Christian, and Arab heritage and countless historical landmarks including Toledo‘s cathedral, castle/fortress, and synagogue, this UNESCO World Heritage City is a must-take day trip from Madrid.
You can also visit a museum dedicated to El Greco, wander through the 15th-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, try some Marzipan of Toledo, and see some beautiful medieval city gates.
Cuenca
You must have come across some photos of Cuenca’s iconic ‘hanging houses’ (which are literally built on the edge of a cliff), but the World Heritage City is home to many other landmarks like the Cuenca Cathedral and the remains of an ancient Arab castle.
From Cuenca, you can also take half a day trip to the park of La Ciudad Encantada, home to unique prehistoric rock formations that will blow you away.
Consuegra
With its famous windmills, Consuegra is THE place to feel like you’ve been transported to Don Quixote’s book. They are situated on a hill overlooking the town, near the Castle of Consuegra, so the scenery is full of charm.
You can also find windmills in several other towns in the region like Campo de Criptana.
Cabañeros National Park
Castilla-La Mancha also prides itself on the natural areas you can visit. In the Cabañeros National Park, you can see more than 1,000 plant species, dozens of endangered animal species, and more than 500-million-year-old fossils.
7. Basque Country
The Basque Country is a Spanish bucket list item that is heaven for lovers of high-quality food, art, architecture, coastal villages, and beaches. It’s also another region where the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) passes.
The weather in this region is a bit cooler than other areas (as well as the rest of northern Spain), making it an excellent European destination for spring and summer. Here are some places to go to in Spain’s Basque Country:
San Sebastian
A foodie’s heaven, San Sebastian is the capital of Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxo bars (pintxos = a type of tapas consisting of a piece of bread with different toppings). It is also home to a stunning old town, scenic viewpoints, and one of the best beaches in Spain – La Concha.
Bilbao
This is the queen city of architecture and art. One of the main things to do in Bilbao is to visit the infamous Guggenheim Museum, but there are dozens of unique buildings and museums in Bilbao to satisfy any culture lover’s needs, including the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao Cathedral, and Arriaga Theater.
Hondarribia
This coastal town is known for its unique and colorful old-town buildings, walls, and castle.
It sits right on the border with France, which means you can overlook the French town of Hendaye and even take a boat ride to visit it.
Guernica
The Germans bombed this town in the ’30s as an ‘experiment.’ The act inspired Picasso’s creation ‘Guernica’ which is found in Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum, but in the heart of the town, you’ll find a mural with a replica of the piece. Guernica is now considered ‘a symbol of peace.’
8. Cantabria
If you’re wondering what to do in Spain besides seeing the touristy areas, consider visiting Cantabria. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in northern Spain and a more peaceful area in the country.
Vast green landscapes, prehistoric caves, famous monuments, and charming towns and villages are what you can find in this fantastic region. Here are some great places to visit in Cantabria:
Santillana Del Mar
Many people consider Santillana del Mar as one of the most enchanting medieval towns in Spain, and you can wander around it for hours.
It is also known as ‘The Town of Three Lies’ since it is neither holy (Santa), nor flat (Llana), nor is it by the sea (Mar).
Comillas
This cute coastal town is rich with beautiful architecture. In Comillas, you’ll find the famous building of ‘El Capricho,’ one of the few creations of Antoni Gaudi outside the region of Catalonia.
Santander
If you’re looking for an alternative Spanish city break, Santander might be the destination for you.
Apart from many fantastic beaches, it’s also home to quite a few points of interest such as the impressive Magdalena Palace, Botin Center of art, Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, and Cathedral of Santander.
Cueva de Altamira
The Cave of Altamira features prehistoric drawings and paintings of human hands and fauna. That’s why it was, of course, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Picos de Europa National Park
As I’ve mentioned, this park spreads over three different regions, and Cantabria is one of them.
ID 83228252 © Werdeco | Dreamstime.com
9. Asturias
Asturias is a paradise in northern Spain for anyone who loves nature and coastal towns. It’s also home to several historical monuments and archeological sites. Some of the main places to visit in Asturias:
Gijon
This coastal city often gets overlooked, yet there are plenty of reasons to mark it as your next weekend getaway destination.
It offers a diverse mix of things to do and see like going to the beach, exploring the old town (Cimavilla), wandering through the Atlantico Botanical Garden, visiting the old Roman Baths, learning about local history at the Museum of the People of Asturias, and the list goes on.
Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital of the region. With old churches, palaces, and museums alongside shopping streets, parks, and Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s an intriguing city you don’t want to miss.
Cangas de Onis
This small town was actually the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias back in the 8th century, and its most famous landmark is the Roman bridge, though the current one is a medieval bridge dating back to the 14th century.
Cudillero
Cudillero has to be one of the most unique fishing villages in Spain. It’s pretty difficult not to fall in love with its small port, colorful houses (that seem to be built one on top of the other), and laid-back atmosphere.
Picos de Europa (And Lagos de Covadonga)
Asturias is the third region in which this national park is situated. The Lakes of Covadonga are an absolute must-visit in this part of the park, which feels more like Switzerland, Austria, or Ireland rather than Spain.
Somiedo Natural Park
Forested mountains and valleys dotted with lakes and rivers, hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and unique stone cabins used by herdsmen are exactly what makes this park a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
10. Galicia
The incredible coastline, green landscapes, big gorgeous cities, and adorable villages are the essence of Galicia. It’s also home to some lesser-known wine regions and several UNESCO Sites. Some of the main places to visit in Galicia:
Santiago de Compostela
The capital of the region and the endpoint of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), Santiago de Compostela is one of the most visited and religiously important cities in northern Spain. Its crowning glory is the cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century.
Vigo
With a beautiful historic center, relaxing beaches, and plenty of museums, the coastal city of Vigo is worth a visit.
That said, my favorite activity was taking a day trip to the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (the Cies Islands). The islands are an exotic paradise where you can soak up the sun but also take some scenic yet easy hikes.
Lugo
Lugo is extremely unique because it is the only city in the entire world that is completely surrounded by perfectly intact Roman walls! It’s no wonder why these 3rd-century walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Combarro
Combarro has to be one of my favorite fishing villages in Spain. Its streets and alleys are full of beauty, and it knows how to celebrate and preserve traditional Galician architecture.
A Coruña
A Coruña is a laid-back city where I instantly felt at home. Its highlights include historical landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Tower of Hercules and San Anton Castle along with modern attractions like the National Museum of Science and Technology and Fenosa Museum of Contemporary Art.
It also has lots of scenic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, incredible restaurants, and relaxing beaches like Playa del Riazor and Playa de las Lapas.
ID 80731334 © Satur Pérez | Dreamstime.com
11. Navarra
From natural landscapes and wine regions to historical towns and vibrant traditional Spanish festivals, it’s obvious why Navarra is the ‘land of diversity.’
You’ve probably heard about its most famous festival San Fermin, which is a bull-running festival that takes place in Pamplona (that I, personally, don’t encourage attending).
However, there’s a lot more to this region, so here are some places to visit in Navarra:
Pamplona
Ernest Hemingway wrote about Pamplona and the cruel San Fermin festival in his book ‘The Sun Also Rises,’ which made the city famous.
However, Pamplona is also known for its historic quarter and parks, so you can visit it without attending the festival.
Olite
Spain is home to some pretty gorgeous castles and palaces. But if you want to see a medieval royal palace that will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale, go to Olite, and pay a visit to the Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite.
Tudela
Tudela is a historic city that was home to one of the most important Jewish communities in Navarra. It also preserves Arab and Christian heritage, so there are plenty of exciting corners to explore.
The Navarran Pyrenees
Nature lovers, as well as rural tourism lovers, will appreciate this vast green area. Forested mountains and striking valleys hiding medieval villages could be a great destination for an off-the-beaten-track trip to Spain.
Bardenas Reales
I told you Spain is full of surprises, and the Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve is one of them.
It is a semi-desert natural park with unusual sandstone formations, uniquely shaped hills, plateaus, and canyons, and it was also a filming location of the ‘Game of Thrones,’ so it’s pretty impossible to be intrigued by this unusual place.
12. La Rioja
When you hear the name ‘La Rioja,’ the first thing that probably comes to mind is wine. This region is home to over 500 wineries, and it even hosts an annual wine festival in the town of Haro.
Apart from world-famous wines, La Rioja is also home to historical and cultural landmarks, and several nature reserves.
Some of the main places to visit in La Rioja:
- Logroño: The capital city of the region, known for its exquisite culinary scene.
- Ezcaray: A charming and quiet small town.
- Sierra Cebollera Nature Reserve.
13. Aragon
Offering a mix of nature, history, and culture, Aragon is a Spanish hidden gem.
It’s the birthplace of the famous painter Francisco de Goya, home to several UNESCO Sites, and renowned for its ski resorts. Some of the main places to visit in Aragon:
Zaragoza
As the capital of the region, there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza, including admiring the Basilica del Pilar, visiting the medieval Aljafería Palace, exploring the city’s museums, and wandering through its old town.
Teruel
The mountainous medieval city of Teruel is famous for its Mudejar-style landmarks. This architectural style is essentially referring to Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles combined with Moorish elements.
Albarracin
As a former capital of a Moorish kingdom, this medieval small town preserves both Christian and Islamic heritage. It’s also a popular rock-climbing spot, thanks to its surrounding rocky hills.
Ordesa Y Monte Perdido National Park
As a part of the Spanish Pyrenees, this national park is another amazing place to enjoy outstanding natural views and outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, and rafting.
14. Extremadura
Another region in which both history and nature are the main characteristics is Extremadura. It’s a lot less touristy than other areas, so it’s perfect for anyone who likes to travel off the beaten path.
Some of the main places to visit in Extremadura include:
- Caceres: A city with a medieval historic center that is a UNESCO Site.
- Hervas: A small town with a famous Jewish quarter.
- Merida: The capital city of the region and home to a significant Roman archeological site.
- Monfragüe National Park.
- Tajo International Nature Reserve.
15. Region of Murcia
The Region of Murcia can be a perfect destination in Spain for whoever wants to relax on sandy beaches and enjoy a variety of wellness centers and spas. Due to their relatively high salinity, many of the beaches of Murcia are considered natural spas.
Places to visit in the Region of Murcia:
- Murcia: The capital of the region.
- Cartagena: A coastal city that has many museums and archeological sites.
- Los Alcazares: A coastal spa town.
16. Canary Islands
Although these islands’ location is near Morroco, they are European territories.
Due to their incredible beaches (both white-sand and black-sand), unique volcanic views, and mild temperatures, they are a perfect destination all year round.
If you’re not sure if the Canary Islands are worth it, here’s a quick introduction to the seven main islands:
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. It’s mostly known for its volcanic landscapes and its Carnival, which provides one of the most unique Spain experiences.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes place in February and March, and it is the second-largest Carnival in the world (after Rio de Janeiro).
Another amazing thing to do in Tenerife is to visit the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park, where you can see the volcanic Mount Teide.
Lanzarote
Due to its extensive and unique volcanic scenery, Lanzarote is always described as having ‘lunar’ landscapes. Thanks to these unusual formations, it is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Lanzarote is suitable for families, couples, girls’ trips, and any other group of travelers. Its highlights include the Timanfaya National Park, Los Volcanes Natural Park, and the black-sand Ciclos Beach.
Gran Canaria
Apart from more than 200 km of coastline, this island is a great place to engage in water sports and hike in nature reserves. Diving in Gran Canaria is a must, though you’ll find countless other outdoorsy things to do here.
Some of the island’s highlights include the Tamadaba Natural Park, the capital city of Las Palmas, and the Maspalomas sand dunes.
Fuerteventura
This island offers a mix of white-sand beaches, water sports, and nature reserves. You should visit places like Jandia Natural Park, Betancuria Rural Park, and Lobos Island.
La Palma
From black-sand beaches to wide green national parks, this island is a paradise for nature lovers.
La Gomera
Although it is a small island, it features many different types of scenery like black-sand beaches, forests, and canyons.
El Hierro
El Hierro is another small island with diverse landscapes. It’s a perfect place to visit in Spain if you like diving, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities.
17. Balearic Islands
With such dreamy turquoise beaches, it’s no wonder that the Balearic Islands are a popular Mediterranean summer travel destination.
Besides sunbathing on the beach, you can enjoy a variety of water sports, visit some enchanting villages, and feast on stunning natural scenery. The Balearic Islands consist of five islands:
Mallorca
It is the largest island of the Balearic Islands and one of the most significant places of interest in Spain.
Boasting a fantastic coastline, mountains, and hiking trails, you’ll discover lots of things to do in Mallorca. You can also visit cities and towns like Palma, Deia, and Valldemossa.
Related posts:
- 7 days in Mallorca
- Hidden places in Mallorca
- Breakfast and brunch places in Palma de Mallorca
- Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Is Mallorca worth visiting
- Mallorca packing list
Menorca
Slightly quieter and more peaceful than Mallorca, this island is famous for water activities (especially diving), archeological sites, traditional fishing villages, and of course, mesmerizing beaches.
Ibiza
Ibiza can be a great European girls’ trip destination. Its nightlife and beaches are what make this island so famous, but it’s also home to several UNESCO Sites and natural parks.
Formentera
Little fishing villages, water activities, and turquoise coves are what you can expect to find on this small island, which is usually visited on a day trip from Ibiza.
Cabrera Archipelago National Park
It is the smallest of the islands and a protected area. You can visit this inhabited island on a day trip from Mallorca.
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