There is so much to see in Spain and so little time. When we planned our trip in 2019, we didn’t know where to start. We wanted everything… Beaches, food, sun, culture and history. But with 17 regions to choose from, Spain just seemed too big to fit in 1 trip.
To make your life easier, I have compiled a selective list of the best regions of Spain for a beginner in the Iberian Peninsula. Each region includes attractions, important dishes to taste and the best accommodation options.
No two regions in Spain are alike. It is therefore a serious mistake to visit only one or two cities and to believe that we have done justice to the earth. I must emphasize that this List is not complete, but only a starting point. I hope that once you have learned Spanish hospitality, you will come to the same realization as me… there are not too many trips to Spain.
Catalonia
Located in the north-east of Spain, between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, Catalonia is the most visited region in Spain. And for good reason. You will find beaches, architecture, nightlife, Art Nouveau masterpieces and Roman ruins, and this without trying. Catalan culture and identity are expressed as a language different from the rest of Spain. So try to refresh a word or two before your visit. The 2 most famous cities in this region are Barcelona and Girona.
What to do:
Architecture lovers will be in heaven with The influence of Antoni Gaudí throughout Barcelona – from the legendary Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Explore the shady paths and the eccentric architecture of Park Güell or take a walk along the shopping street La Rambla. Art lovers should also visit the Picasso Museum and the Museu Nacional d’art de Catalunya on the Montjuïc hill.
Take a day trip to the picturesque city of Girona to explore the cobbled streets. Then, venture to the characters to see the Dalí Theater Museum, dedicated to one of the most famous modern artists in the world, Salvador Dalí
Where to sleep:
Barceló Raval-182 Rooms. Central location, very close to Las Ramblas. (see)
Occidental Diagonal 414-100 Rooms. Boutique hotel near the Casa de Les Punxes. (see)
What to eat:
Catalan cuisine is strongly influenced by the neighboring countries, Italy and France, and is inspired by the land and the sea. Be sure to try Escalivada (blackened tomatoes, peppers and eggplants), Suquet de Peix (fish stew) or Mongetes amb Botifarra (Local version of sausages and beans).
Madrid
Located on the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid is the beating heart and capital of Spain. As one of the cultural centers of Europe, the city is full of high-end fashion boutiques that compete with Italian Milan and art galleries that make Florence a race for money. You might think that this city never sleeps, because nightclubs often start swinging at 3 a.m., while the Spanish Tradition of napping is less widespread.
What to do:
Culture lovers visit the 3 art museums of the “art triangle”: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Among the European artists presented are El Greco Bosch, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Pablo Picasso, Goya and Velazquez. Get a “Paseo del Arte Pass” for about for reduced access to the 3 museums.
Visit the Royal Palace, built on the site of the Moorish fortress Alcázar, which was burned down in 1734. It is the largest royal palace In Western Europe (3,000 rooms!), and shows Art and other collections.
Sports fans will book a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, one of the most successful football teams in Europe.Shopping-A-Holics crowd the Gran Via, a center with restaurants, shops and enjoyment venues. During Christmas, Madrid hosts some of the most popular seasonal markets in Europe.
Where to sleep:
Barceló Imagine-156 Rooms. He focused on music, from Rock to Jazz and Flamenco. Near the Plaza Castilla. (see)
Barceló Torre De Madrid-258 Rooms. 10 minutes walk from the Royal Palace of Madrid. Opened in 2017 and recognized as “one of the best hotels in the city” according to Wallpaper. (see)
What to eat:
Most of the classic Spanish dishes can be found in Madrid. Don’t miss the crispy but soft Churros dipped in melted chocolate and found in chocolate shops in quiet alleys. Take part in the culture and have a drink on the Terrace of one of the 6,000 Bars in Madrid. Try the Spanish sparkling plonk (Cava) or the famous Sangria plonk cocktail. The best Tapas restaurants can be found in the Chamberi district, around Calle Ponzano.
Valencia
This region has been occupied by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century, and this heritage is still visible today in the area of palm groves and The architecture such As The Lonja de la Seda.
Christians reconquirent the city in 1238 under king James I of Aragon, announcing a new era for the region. Its influence is apparent in the gothic architecture in two entrance gates to the old city – Torres del Quart and Torres del Serrano.
Take a self-guided tour of the cathedral of Valencia, which houses the relic regarded by the pope as the true Holy Grail. The cathedral was built over a period of 750 years and includes 3 types of architectural styles such as baroque, gothic and Romanesque.
What to do:
Explore the modern complex and is emblematic of the city, the City of arts and sciences. These include: Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Opera house state of the art in the shape of a helmet spartan), Museo de les Ciencies Principe Filipe (science Museum in the shape of a cetacean skeleton) and Oceanographic (an Aquarium with exhibits such as seahorses, sea stars, beluga cetacean, sharks, and more).
Step back in time in the old town of Valencia, Museo del Almonia, where the ruins date back to the roman foundations of 138 av j.-c.
Visit the plonk caves of the Utiel-Requena region and discover a fascinating heritage from the 1800s, when large quantities of plonk were stored in the ancient Moorish caves.
If you just want to put your feet up, relax on the sandy beaches of Alicante, a coastal city popular with British tourists. Or if you are looking for a vigorous hike, visit the Santa Barbara Castle at the top of Mount Benacantil.
Where to sleep:
Barceló Valencia-187 Rooms. Overlooking the emblematic city of arts and sciences. (see)
Western Alicante-80 Guest Rooms. Recently renovated, this hotel is located close to the old city and the castle of Santa Bárbara. (see)
What to eat:
The Paella, one of the most famous dishes Of Spain, comes from the wetlands of the lake Albufera in Valencia. It was originally prepared with venison and rabbit, but the seafood and varieties of vegetarian dishes have been created for tourists.
Sip Orxata, a sweet and vegan milk made from potatoes traditionally served with a long donut-like bread called Farton. You will find them in the central market in the heart of the old town of Valencia.
Many other popular dishes revolve around seafood, such as Arròsa Banda, originally from Alicante – rice with aioli, served with a seafood side dish.
Andalusia
Andalusia is located at the southernmost point of Spain and has a culture and architecture very different from those of the northern regions. It was the last region reconquered by the Christians. The Muslim Moors ruled for 500 years in the Middle Ages, leaving behind many magnificent landscaped gardens, such as The Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Alcazar in Seville.
Known for its bright colors, Andalusia is also the birthplace of famous Spanish traditions, bullaction and flamenco dancing.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize places such as the Royal Alcazar of Seville (Martell’s house in Dorne), the Onsuna Bullring in Seville (action pit in Meereen), the ruins of Italica (dragon pit in Kings Landing) and Castillo Almodovar del Rio (Tyrell’s house in Highgarden).
What to do:
walk through the Moorish castles with landscaped gardens such as The Alhambra and the Nasrid palaces of Granada or the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Attend an authentic Flamenco show in a historic cave in the gypsy neighborhoods of Granada or explore the Picasso Museum in Malaga, birthplace of the eccentric artist Pablo Picasso.
Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, Seville Cathedral, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Immerse yourself in nature and explore the mountains of the Sierra Nevada National Park, the southernmost ski resort in Europe. Take a walk on the recently restored Caminito del Rey (Royal Path) in Malaga, located 100 meters above the river.
There is no shortage of chillaxers at the beautiful (and historic) Playa La Caleta beach in Cadiz.
Where to sleep:
Barceló Málaga-221 Rooms. The hotel has direct access to the AVE high-speed train station and is within walking distance of many places of interest
