Must-visit Places in Spain

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, an autonomous community of Spain. It has its own flag and language known as Catalan. With a population of 1.7 million, Barcelona is the second most populous city after Madrid. From the dozens of sacred churches and architectural marvels, this bustling city by the sea has something for all types of travellers. Much of the activities revolve around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant market.

An attraction not to be missed in Barcelona is the masterpieces of Anton Gaudi: Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and La Sagrada Familia. Casa Batllo is one of the most popular Gaudi’s houses in Barcelona. The famous balconies on the building’s facade are reminiscent of Venetian masks. The Sagrada Familia (Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family) is Antoni Gaudi’s best-known work and has become an iconic symbol of Barcelona. The unique structure has been under construction since 1882, and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Toledo is where you’ll encounter the richness of Spain’s history and heritage up close. An ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain, it was once the capital of Spain until 1560 when Philip II of Spain moved his court to Madrid. Over the centuries, different cultures have occupied Toledo, including the Romans, the nomadic tribes of the Visigoths, and the Moors from North Africa. Evidence of these diverse inhabitants can be seen in the representations of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam throughout the city. Here, you can find their lasting architectural marks in the well-preserved synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals. Because of this unique historical background, most of Toledo's attractions are cultural.

Some of the sights that you can’t miss in Toledo include El-Alcazar, Mezquita Cristo De La Luz, Catedral Primada, Monasterio De San Juan De Los Reyes, and Convento De Santo Domingo El Antiguo.

The capital of Spain is an exciting and dynamic metropolis with plenty of things to do and lots of places to enjoy. Madrid is Spain’s largest city and is also the third-largest city in Europe after Londo and Berlin, with a population of around 3.3 million people. This capital city has a wide variation of attractions, from great monuments such as the Royal Palace and classic and modern museums to big flea markets. For art lovers, you can find some of the most famous collections of Spanish artists such as Velazquez, Goya and El Greco (in Museo Del Prado) or Picasso, Miro and Dalí (in Reina Sofia or Thyssen). Madrid also offers everything from skiing during the winter to golf all year around. You’ll feel like Madrid is a fairytale because many buildings here have a confectionary, castle-like look to them.

You can enjoy countless musicals; some of the most popular are El Rey León (The Lion King), Sonrisas y Lágrimas (The Sound of Music), and Forever King of Pop Michael Jackson. In addition to great musicals, there is also plenty of opera, plays, and dance performances for you to choose from. Be sure to explore world-class museums like Museo Nacional del Prado, take a stroll at Buen Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace, and discover an ancient Egyptian temple, Temple of Debod.

Meaning “White Coast” in Spanish, the Costa Blanca runs some 240km along the Mediterranean Sea between the towns of Denia and Pilar de la Horadada, all within the province of Alicante. From Valencia city, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Denia, where the Costa Blanca begins. Take a relaxing stroll with the sounds of the gentle rippling waves in the background and the sea breeze brushing against your face.

Head towards the interior of Costa Blanca and be amazed by its charming municipalities and magical castles, like Villena, Sax, Biar, Novelda, Alcoy and Cocentaina, all of which preserve a rich artistic and cultural heritage. The city of Elche is known for its impressive Palmeral, the largest palm orchard in all of Europe, and for the iconic Misteri d’Elx.