Spain attracts with its hot climate, friendly people and an atmosphere of celebration and general relaxation. The country is very popular with tourists from Europe and Russia, but many consider this country, like Italy, only for a beach holiday. In high season, they fly like hot cakes. But needless to say, there are a lot of interesting cities in Spain, each of which has interesting sights or its own peculiarities, which are unforgivable to pass by. We present 10 interesting and beautiful cities in Spain that you should pay attention to.
- Barcelona
Granada and its Alhambra
Granada (photo: @jillweare)Grenada in Andalusia is without doubt one of the country's gems. Particularly noteworthy are the city center and the architectural and park ensemble of the Alhambra, as well as the Generalife gardens.
Salamanca and its university city
Salamanca (photo: @herbesdolses) Salamanca has two universities and a charming city center with pretty streets that are a pleasure to walk through. It is best to enjoy the beauty of Salamanca in the evening, when the sunset rays of the sun beautifully illuminate the walls of the city in an ocher shade.
Malaga - sea and amphitheater
Malaga (photo: @manualdub) Malaga, like Granada Almeria, has its own Arab palace located in the city center. From there you can see an amazing view of the sea, the port and, most importantly, the Roman amphitheater. Once in the center of Malaga, be sure to look for restaurants serving local Spanish and Latin American dishes and try Cuban cana soup.
Caceres and his Middle Ages
Caceres (photo: @gabriela_sak) If you are keen to immerse yourself in history on your trip to Spain, be sure to visit the city of Caceres. It is famous for its buildings, streets, pavements, churches and chapels that will take you back to that era, leaving an indelible mark on your memory.
Cadiz and its bay
Cadiz (photo: @jasonernestoscanlon) Cadiz is a peninsula city in the south of Spain, and to get to it, you will need to travel about 120 km from Seville, a major tourist city, if suddenly it is included in your itinerary. Cadiz has a beautiful cathedral, a bay, stunning sea views, beautiful old streets, Spanish squares and castles worth visiting. Plus, in Cadiz, you can have a great vacation on the shores of the Gulf of Cadiz.
Almeria and its Alcabasa
Almeria (photo: @jaimelopezlara) Almeria is not very popular with tourists. It is located in the very south of Spain, on the shores of the bay of the same name. The main thing that is remarkable about this city of Andalusia is the giant Alcabasa, a fortress. There is an interesting view of the bay and the city that looks like a toy.
Burgos and its medieval center
Burgos (photo: @nico_argentino) Burgos Cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This city attracts tourists with its historical past, above all, a stunning architectural ensemble with a majestic castle located in the center of Burgos.
Zaragoza and Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar
Zaragoza (photo: @erichaus) Zaragoza is located in the northeastern part of Spain and its architecture is typical of this area. Zaragoza is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, Cathedral of Our Lady of Pilar, which is surrounded by equally impressive streets and surroundings. In addition to the cathedral, there is also a beautiful Arab castle, which is worthy of a traveler's attention.
Madrid and its Austrian architecture
Madrid (photo: @ econde92) The capital of Spain has several luxurious palaces that will remind avid travelers of the greatness of architecture major cities Austria. This makes Madrid a great city for long walks.
From the northern mountains to hot Seville and the distant Canary Islands: which places are worth visiting to fully capture the splendor of sunny Spain.
Gaudi masterpieces, Barcelona
The Catalan capital has no shortage of merit: vibrant nightlife, long beaches and plenty of shopping make it one of the most popular tourist destinations Europe. However, its main pearls are undoubtedly the phantasmagoric buildings erected by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. The most visited of his creations (and, concurrently, the symbol of the city) is, of course, the still unfinished Sagrada Familia with its carved turrets and bizarre columns. Other must-see masterpieces by the architect are the Casa Mila apartment building and the gingerbread houses in Park Guell.
Pueblos Blancos, Andalusia
The snow-white villages that humiliate the hilly region in central Andalusia have not so long ago experienced a period of decline: young people left these farming settlements en masse, heading to work in large cities. However, now the villagers have clearly decided to attract more tourists and are busy restoring buildings and pavements. Narrow alleys winding between snow-white houses, old churches and grounds entwined with variegated flowers have regained their medieval charm. The most picturesque of the villages are Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera.
Alhambra, Granada
The Alhambra is an architectural and park complex located on a hilly terrace in the eastern part of the city of Granada in southern Spain. Courtyards, walkways, fountains and water bodies go well together. Ceramic tiles, stone and wood carvings, bizarre floral ornaments and Arabic script form a lush decoration of arches, vaults, graceful columns, slender columns and carved patterned windows. The Alhambra is considered by many to be the highest achievement of Moorish art in Western Europe.
Mountain beauty, Picos de Europa
Spanish landscapes are great everywhere, be they long sandy beaches or wide plains. But the country's most impressive natural views are concentrated in the mountains. natural park Picos de Europa. Rocky slopes, emerald green valleys and swirling rivers make this area in northern Spain ideal for trekking, rafting and other outdoor activities.
Cathedral of Saint Jacob, Santiago de Compostela
The Cathedral of Saint James is the Catholic shrine of Santiago Matamoros in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, where his relics rest. The largest pilgrimage center of medieval Catholicism, the final destination on the way of St. James. The historical part of the city, formed around the cathedral, is included in the list of World Heritage Sites.
The whimsical facades of the cathedral (all four are completely different) and the fractional decoration of the Churrigueresque towers are the result of the rebuilding of the temple undertaken by the Habsburgs and Bourbons in the 16th-18th centuries. The outer walls and interior of the temple are lavishly decorated with sculptures from different times, but mostly from the Middle Ages.
The very relics of the saint rest in a silver reliquary in a crypt that survived from the temple of the time of Alphonse the Great. In 1589 they were hidden from the English "anti-Armada", but so carefully that later it was not possible to find them. The relics were discovered only in January 1879; five years later, their authenticity was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII himself.
The main attraction of the cathedral is the censer suspended from the ceiling, the largest in the world - the size of a man. It weighs 80 kg and is rocked by eight attendants in crimson robes. This censer (known as botafumeiro) takes 40 kg of coal and incense to fill.
Volcano Teide, Tenerife
Teide is a volcano on the island of Tenerife, the highest point in Spain. Tenerife is the third largest volcanic island in the world.
The mountain is a major tourist attraction, on its slopes - the first national park in Spain. The crater area, sometimes covered with snow, is connected to the highway by a cable car. From the top of the ascent, you can see all the Canary Islands.
Formentera beaches, Balearic Islands
The most popular beaches for Formentera are the six-kilometer sandy crescent of Playa de Migiorn in the south, Playa Illetes and Playa Llevan in the north, and Cala Saona, a bay in a secluded rocky bay overlooking the "mystical" mountain Es Verda and the island of Ibiza. These are the cleanest, longest and most deserted beaches in all of Spain.
Formentera is considered one of best places for a beach holiday in the Mediterranean. Moreover, in 2010 she took the fifth line in the Top 10 best beaches Europe according to the popular website TripAdvisor.com. At the same time, during the "peak" months of rest (in July and August), it is difficult to find an overnight stay in Formentera, and it is forbidden to put up tents on the island.
There is no developed tourist infrastructure - bars, sun loungers and scooter rentals. The main asset of these beaches is the green-turquoise sea, white sand and clean air, saturated with the scent of herbs and the scent of the surrounding pines.
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural complex of five structures on the drained bottom of the Turia River in the city of Valencia (Spain). Designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, construction began in 1996. The complex is one of the outstanding examples of modern architecture.
The "city" consists of five buildings, usually named after their Valencian (Catalan) names:
El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía - opera house and stage for other theatrical productions
L'Hemisfèric - IMAX cinema, planetarium, laser theater
L'Umbracle - gallery / garden
El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe - Science Museum
L'Oceanogràfic - open air oceanographic park
The complex is surrounded by parks, streams and swimming pools, this area is a popular recreation place for residents and guests of the city, bars and cafes work here.
Plaza of Spain, Seville
Plaza de España is a neo-Moorish-style urban ensemble that emerged in the south of Seville on the eve of the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition.
On the eve of the exhibition, the southern part of Seville was rebuilt and landscaped under the direction of the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Forestier. For half a mile, the Marie Louise Park stretches with tiled fountains, pavilions, benches, and Mudejar-style verandas punctuated by ponds and stylized flower beds.
At the edge of the park, the architect Anibal Gonzalez designed a semicircular Plaza de España, to which figured bridges were thrown across a channel. There is a large fountain in the center of the square. The surrounding buildings have niches dedicated to certain provinces of Spain, following in alphabetical order. The décor of the square combines fabulously transformed Moorish elements with the art deco style popular in the 1920s.
Today, the exhibition buildings are occupied by the Seville City Hall and museum institutions. Plaza de España is one of the filming locations for Star Wars. Episode II: Attack of the Clones ".
Old town, Toledo
Ancient Toledo, located in the heart of Spain, was the country's capital until the 16th century. For many centuries, Jews, Christians and Muslims lived here side by side, for which Toledo received the nickname "City of Three Cultures". Narrow cobbled streets, historical buildings, architectural monuments, majestic temples and cathedrals - this is a must for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the rich history of the country.
Spain is a country endowed with many beautiful cities. In this article, I suggest you familiarize yourself with 15, possibly the most beautiful cities in Spain.
The capital of the province of Aragon is the least populated province in Spain. The city has an important Moorish artistic heritage, including the famous Lovers' Mausoleum. Part of this heritage has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Located in autonomous region Castilla y León, Burgos has a great monumental heritage, among which is the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is crossed by the famous old road Camino de Santiago. Also less than 15 km from Burgos is the Sierra de Atapuerca archaeological site.
Located in Castilla y León, Segovia is known for its famous aqueduct, a work of Roman civil engineering, and for its beautiful Alcazar castle. The aqueduct, together with the beautiful historic city center, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 and is undoubtedly worthy of being part of the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
The city of San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is located in the Bay of Biscay in the province of Guipuzcoa and is one of the best tourist cities in Spain. It is famous not only for its famous film festival, but also for the beauty of the streets, which attract many tourists every year.
The beautiful city of Caceres is located in the largest municipality in Spain - Extremadura. Old city Caceres was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Its legacy of Medieval and Renaissance architecture is one of the most important in the world.
Toledo is located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, on the sidelines of the Tagus River. The city has been inhabited for centuries by Jews, Christians and Muslims. This city of artists such as Garcilaso de la Vega and El Greco is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Some of its sites have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela is located in Galicia. Its old part was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. Santiago de Compostela, similar to Rome and Jerusalem, is one of the main centers of Christian pilgrimage in the world. In his beautiful cathedral is the tomb of St. James.
The capital of Cantabria, Santander is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In the 19th century, the city became a favorite vacation spot for the king, which contributed to the creation of the resort area of \u200b\u200bEl Sardinero, which was consolidated as a summer holiday destination for Spanish high society at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it remains one of the main tourist destinations in northern Spain.
Located in Castile and Leon. It is one of the oldest and most important university cities in Spain and Europe. Salamanca has a large and beautiful historical heritage, its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Zaragoza is located in Aragon, along the Ebro River. The city is known not only for its beauty, but also for the famous Pilar festival, which attracts a large number of tourists.
Cordoba is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Andalusia. In the 10th century, this city was one of the largest and most luxurious in the world. Some of the magnificent buildings of the Caliphate era have survived to this day. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and in the world.
The capital of Catalonia is the most visited city in Spain and the second most populous. Barcelona is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and a cultural, financial, commercial and tourist symbol. There are many beautiful sights to visit in Barcelona! For many tourists, it is the most attractive city in Spain and one of the most beautiful.
The capital of Spain is the country's most populous city and the third most populous in Europe. The city's beauty, amazing cultural sites, including some of the most important museums in the world (among them Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen) and many other attractions make Madrid worthy of this list.
Granada is definitely one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in Spain. There is the Moorish Alhambra Palace, the most visited monument in Spain and one of the most visited in the world. It is also considered a World Heritage Site and is one of the 15 Wonders of the World. But Granada is not just the Alhambra - the whole city is a miracle. It is located next to ski resort Sierra Nevada and is one of the main student cities in Spain.
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and for many it is the most beautiful city in Spain. Walking through its streets, it is a real pleasure to admire its architectural landmarks such as the Giralda, Cathedral of Santa Maria or Torre del Oro. In spring, the smell of orange envelops everything here. Like Granada, the whole city is a delight.
Spain is not just jamon, excellent wine and stunning beaches. On cultural heritage modern Spaniards were greatly influenced by the dominion of many peoples who inhabited these lands. Therefore, Spain is a bizarre mix of styles and traditions in absolutely everything: from architecture to cuisine. Accordingly, a lot of interesting things await tourists here. The country's turbulent past is reflected in the numerous museums, ancient castles and majestic temples that abound in the sunny land.
The best cities in Spain
The most interesting and beautiful places for recreation and cultural tourism! List with titles, photos and a short description
Barcelona
There are a lot of interesting things here. From architectural monuments: Gothic temples, ancient minarets and squares to modern monumental buildings, such as the famous Barcelona stadium. You should definitely visit the colorful Boqueria market, a giant Mediterranean aquarium, the famous singing fountains and dozens of different museums: dedicated to Picasso, military, football, chocolate, archaeological and others.
Madrid
The most famous museum in Madrid is dedicated to the symbol of Spain - the jamon. In addition to the "tasty" institutions, there are also marine, national, decorative arts, and a number of others. As a seaside city, Madrid has a luxurious oceanarium and a zoo. Two more huge botanical gardens and a couple of giant amusement parks: Casa del Campo and Disney's analogue from Warner Brothers.
Valencia
In addition to ancient castles, cathedrals, buildings with a long history, Valencia is famous for its Oceanographic Center, which has gathered hundreds of representatives of the deep sea from all over the world. Fans of ecotourism visit Albufera Park - a swampy reserve that has sheltered millions of rare species of birds. The Prince Philip Science Museum with unique collections also delights visitors.
Palma de Mallorca
A coastal tourist town is impossible without a dolphinarium or oceanarium. Mallorca has both. The region is also rich in caves, the most famous: the Dragon, so named for the stalactites that resemble teeth, and the huge cold Arta. Tired of cultural recreation with viewing architecture and visiting museums, you can look into the entertainment park "Kathmandu" with many extreme attractions.
Seville
A great place for leisurely cultural tourism. Visitors here are majestic religious buildings, such as the Seville Cathedral, the Church of St. Luigi, the Hospital of the Five Sacred Wounds and high ancient towers: Harald and Golden. You should definitely see the Marie Louise Park, which is also the city botanical garden, which is home to African and European flora.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
A small town in the Canary archipelago that grew out of a fishing village. There are few special attractions here, the settlement is a resort, a traditional Spanish coastal town. Therefore, it is appreciated by tourists as a calm place for a quiet beach holiday. It is worth looking here at the ancient temples: Francis of Assisi, the Immaculate Virgin and the Masonic. And be sure to visit the Auditorio de Tenerife - a grand concert hall.
Granada
The pearl of Granada is the magnificent brick fortress of the Alhambra, located on the cliff of the Sierra Nevada. In addition, it is interesting to wander through the real labyrinth of narrow streets of Albazina - the Moorish quarter. And in the caves-cafes you can enjoy the real rhythms of the famous flamenco, sipping icy sangria and admiring the grace and genuine passion of sultry Andalusian dancers.
Cordova
The main attraction is the ancient Alcazar, founded by the Romans. The castle has absorbed the architectural preferences of all its owners: Visigoths, Arabs and Andalusians. The former capital of the Cordoba Caliphate is one of the most "Moorish" cities in Spain, which is fully reflected in its appearance. It houses the Flamenco Museum, the ancient synagogue of Cordoba and the Mesquita Cathedral-Museum, a former mosque that became a Catholic church after the Reconquista.
Zaragoza
Another colorful city with a complete mix of styles. Among the sights there are Moorish buildings like the Aljafería Castle, which has survived almost without restoration, to Christian basilicas and cathedrals. There is a museum of the sculptor Gargallo and a local analogue of our local history - dedicated to the history of Zaragoza. Tourists are attracted by the Expo-2008 exhibition pavilion with the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe.
Malaga
The main attraction rises above Malaga - the Alcazaba fortress of the 11th century, rebuilt by the Berbers in the traditional Arabian style. But fans of extreme sports value the city for something else: the local Plaza de Toros, "Bulls Square" - a grand arena for bullfighting, with a restaurant serving horned participants defeated by brave matadors. In addition to bullfighting, there are a number of interesting museums here: automobile, Picasso, botanical park.
Segovia
A small Castilian town with a history of more than two millennia. Its entire historical center is included in the UNESCO lists. So, as a sightseeing tour, an ordinary walk through the heart of the ancient settlement is quite suitable. Here is the Alcazar castle in the shape of a ship, several ancient churches and the Segovia Museum, literally overflowing with works of art collected from Spanish monasteries.
Alicante
Overlooking the city is Santa Barbara - a huge fortress at the top of Bencantil, majestic cliffs... This is not the only castle of Alicanet, there is also San Ferdinando: a rather fresh fortress from the era of the Napoleonic wars, which turned out to be completely useless. Tourists must visit the Mercado Central, a huge food market and local museums, including the archaeological and art museum.
Benidorm
Spanish Manhattan, so nicknamed for the abundance of skyscrapers. Exceptionally tourist town with a lot of entertainment. From traditional bullfighting to ultra-modern nightclubs. Fans of a relaxing holiday should prefer the outskirts of Benidorm: there are many quiet national restaurants, amazing beaches, and various antiquities with cultural attractions are within easy reach, for example, the village of Guadalest with its ancient castle.
San Sebastian
A seaside town with a glorious military history. Accordingly, most of the attractions are dedicated to the Spanish fleet. A feature of the architecture is the assimilation of the building to the French style, for which San Sebastian was nicknamed the Spanish Paris. Here is the Ayate Palace, the former residence of Franco, the Spanish dictator. The prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival of European Cinema is also held here.
Bilbao
The heart of the city is the historic Casco Viejo quarter with architectural sights. In addition to interesting antiquities, such as churches and the collection of archaeological finds from the local museum, the town is famous for its modern wonders. For example, the Guggenheim Museum dedicated to contemporary art, the Subisuri Bridge and the "flower dog" - a living sculpture of seventy thousand plants.
Avila
The main attraction of the Castilian city is the longest mixed fortress wall in Europe. Its 87 towers and kilometers of fortifications are made in different styles and materials: gray stone and sandstone. In addition to walking along the wall, it will be interesting to visit the ancient Catholic basilicas and the center for the interpretation of mysticism, dedicated to the preservation of local folklore about the supernatural.
Caceres
The city is entirely on the UNESCO list. A kind of "Spanish Prague", preserved in the medieval form to this day. Inhabited museum with traditional narrow cobblestone streets, trampled by caligas of Roman legionnaires and boots of Spanish pikemen. Here, absolutely every house is a landmark. It is a favorite filming location for films about medieval Spain, so many of the views will seem familiar to tourists.
Cuenca
It was founded by the Iberian Celts and changed many owners: from the Romans to the Moors. Cuenca is often called the standard of the Spanish province, a quiet town that seems to have fallen asleep for centuries. Main attraction: Kasas Kolgadas - hanging houses, old buildings adhered like nesting places of swallows on a sheer cliff. Another attraction is the Science Museum with the famous time machine model.
Valladolid
Once - the capital of Spain, now - the industrial center of the state. Here is the oldest long-term construction - the cathedral, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1582, and the construction is in progress and now. The main attraction is the house of Columbus, where the famous navigator ended his life. Now it is a museum of the discoverer with a rich collection of his personal belongings.
Ibiza
Capital worldwide famous island Ibiza. Clubbers and party-goers from all over the world come here, but the city has something to show, besides crazy parties. The city is very ancient, founded by the Carthaginians, the sworn enemies of the Romans, already 2500 years ago. The main attraction is the castle-museum with a collection archaeological antiquities, Phoenician ruins and the majestic Hill of Mills necropolis.
Salamanca
The cultural center of Spain, the main attractions are architectural, represented by ancient religious buildings. In addition to temples, you can visit the Diocesan Museum, the most famous exhibit of which is a statue of the Virgin Mary entirely made of ivory and an art museum with a collection of works by Spanish painters. The visiting card of the city is the House of Seashells, a 16th century mansion decorated with hundreds of shells.
Cartagena
There are many attractions here, some of them are the legacy of the Romans and Carthaginians, a little got from the Moors and are carefully preserved by the Spaniards. Among them are the Roman amphitheater, combined with the museum, the ruins of the Punic fortress, the castle of Concepcion depicted on the city coat of arms, the ruins of the church of St. Mary. Relatively new: the school of midshipmen and the maritime museum with unique exhibits.
Marbella
A fashionable resort not devoid of historical sights. Among them are Roman baths, ancient towers and the governor's house. The Municipal Museum of Marbella has a rich collection of archaeological wonders, and the Bonsai Garden is also popular. Women come here to walk around the statue of Don Juan: according to legend, within a year after this simple ritual, unmarried ladies find their betrothed.
Santiago de Compostela
The main attraction is the grandiose Romanesque cathedral with an adjoining museum, which collected archaeological finds from excavations during its restoration. Access to the cathedral towers is open, there is a special tour of its roof. The hotel "Shelter of Catholic Kings" of the 16th century is notable, where you can stay or, for a modest fee, walk through its halls with an excursion.
Tarragona
The city is known for its perfectly preserved Roman buildings: the aqueduct (aka Devil's Bridge), the amphitheater, the palace of Augustus and the ruins of the ancient citadel. Tourists also have access to the Poblet Abbey, the Santes Creus Castle Monastery and the Cathedral. The fishing quarter of El Serallo with its huge market and the Rambla Nova, a popular tourist shopping destination, are worth a visit.
Girona
The main attraction is the former 9th century Ile-Kall Jewish quarter built in its original form. The city is surrounded by well-preserved fortifications, built by the Romans, including fortress walls and towers. Part of the shaft is suitable for walking. There are several old churches and cathedrals, tourists visit the famous "Arab baths" at the Capuchin nunnery.
Alcala de Henares
This suburb of Madrid has been fully recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Cervantes' hometown naturally acquired a museum dedicated to him, which tourists must visit. Besides him visit the Comedy Theater and the local university. The town is famous for its frequent and grandiose festivals, during which costumed processions and abundant fairs are held.
Toledo
The city is dominated by the Alcazar, a huge medieval castle, a must-see on any tour. In addition to it, there is the San Servando bastion, an example of the classic Spanish fortification. They also visit the house-museum of the painter El Greco in the Jewish quarter and the Church of St. Thomas. Of particular interest are the expositions of the Toledo Museum of the History of the Inquisition with real antique torture devices.
Burgos
In the bowels of the local Gothic cathedral is the tomb of the national hero of Spain, the hero of many romances and literary works of Sid Compador. In addition to numerous temples and the old bastion of the Reconquista times, tourists are attracted by the modern museum of human evolution. Here are kept artifacts testifying to the development of the human race: tools of labor, the first samples of art objects, and so on.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In addition to the traditional Spanish abundance of old temples, La Palmas boasts modern attractions. For example, the Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art and the Alfred Kraus Hall, which hosts the annual film festival. The Canary Museum contains many wonders from the archipelago: from mummies, ceramics and antique weapons to rare items of pagan cults of the ancient owners of the islands.
Spain is the westernmost country in Europe, located on the Iberian Peninsula. This country is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Europe. Here everyone can find something for themselves: Spanish cuisine, folklore, architecture and local flavor attract and fascinate.
If you prefer to rest in popular places, then among the cities of Spain you will definitely have plenty to choose from. Large-scale events and festivals are held throughout the country every year, and local architecture will forever enter your heart. We, in turn, present you with the ten most famous and beautiful cities of Spain, each of which deserves to be visited.
Top 10 most famous and beautiful cities in Spain
Barcelona - favorite place recreation of thousands of tourists, the business and cultural center of Spain. The city is the second largest with a population of about 5 million inhabitants.
The true heart of Barcelona is La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter. The city could be called an open-air museum due to its stunning architecture. Barcelona boasts two thousand years of history, its own Catalan language and a unique culture. Barcelona is the capital of modernism, there are 5 masterpieces of the UNESCO World Heritage: Park Guell, Palau Guell, Casa Mila, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Hospital de la Santa Cruz.
While in the city, you should definitely visit the Sagrada Familia, which is a kind of symbol of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthe Picasso Museum, and the Tibidabo amusement park.
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. Madrid is a lively and welcoming city and is said to be a city that never sleeps. Located in the geographical center of Spain, Madrid is bordered by Castilla and Leon to the west and Castilla-La Manch to the south and east. Madrid is a city of kings with its own cultural and artistic history. Here, for example, is the world famous Prado Museum. About 50 million tourists visit the Spanish capital every year.
The city has many beautiful parks and squares, it is also distinguished by the presence of a large number of outdoor cafes (Terrazas) and taverns with excellent food.
The best way to get to know the city is by walking. The most famous sights of Madrid are the main square Plaza Mayor, royal Palace 18th century, one of the most visited Prado in the world, the wonderful Retiro Park, La Almudena Cathedral, the Reina Sofia Museum of Contemporary Art, the Rastro open market.
Most big City southern Spain and the capital of Andalusia Seville was founded in the 8-9th century BC. The city is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and simply mesmerizes visitors with hundreds of orange blossoms and magical nights. This is the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is famous for its festivals, but the city is also the center of commercial and industrial activity.
In Seville, it is worth visiting the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower, located in the Virgen de los Reyes square, are some of the most famous architectural monuments in Spain. Also popular with tourists is the Plaza de España, located on the edge of the northeastern part of the Maria Luisa Park; Alcazar - Moorish palace of the 14th century; the museum fine arts Seville, Torre del Oro - 13th century tower.
The Andalusian cuisine of Seville is worth a separate mention. Here you can taste flamenco eggs, kidney sauté with sherry, stuffed artichokes.
Valencia - a vibrant city in the middle of the Spanish coast Mediterranean Sea... Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. Along with magnificent beaches, Valencia boasts a unique look, which gives it ancient structures, futuristic architecture, famous museums and galleries. The most famous Spanish dish, paella, was prepared in Valencia.
To see the city in its entirety you will need at least a week, as its architectural and cultural monuments are so numerous. One of the most famous buildings in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, which is a huge futuristic educational complex. Also famous are the Valencia Biopark, the Turia Garden.
Many tourists come to Valencia for the opportunity to relax on magnificent beaches with soft, golden sands, sparkling waters and cool Mediterranean breezes.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Mallorca region. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In recent years, many Europeans have chosen the city for a weekend getaway. There are many boutiques, designer and cheap shops here. The city's architecture is unpredictable, with rustic streets combined with ultra-modern Vogue-style buildings.
The most impressive building in Palma de Mallorca is the La Seu Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in the world. Bellver Castle and the Royal Palace are also beautiful and interesting. Palma de Mallorca is a nightlife paradise with many bars and nightclubs.
Ibiza is a city of entertainment and parties. However, it should be noted that not only active life is the hallmark of the city. For example, there is the Old Town (Dalt Vila), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets and charm of the city will not leave you indifferent.
The most popular museums in the city are the Archaeological Museum, the Puget Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Also in the Old Town, a Dominican monastery founded in 1500 is open to the public. Lovers of unusual structures will love the Necropolis of Puig de Molins - a cemetery with more than 3,500 underground burial chambers with a thousand-year history.
And, of course, Ibiza is famous for its beach holidays with the possibility of sailing trips and many parties.
Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in the center of Andalusia.
Cordoba is a charming city that attracts with delicious tapas, flowers, flamenco, great jewelry and fine wines. In addition, Cordoba is famous for its architectural and cultural monuments and museums.
La Mesquita (Mosque-Cathedral) is the most popular place in Cordoba. It is the largest mosque in Spain, built in the 8th century, which was reconstructed into a cathedral in the 13th century. The mosque-cathedral is surrounded by old Jewish and Moorish quarters, which are very interesting in themselves. Also in Cordoba it is worth seeing the famous gardens of the Alcazar (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos), the episcopal palace, the palace complex of the 10th century Medina Azajara, the Roman bridge.
8. GRANADA
Granada is one of the most spectacular and important cities in Spain and the last refuge of the Moors. Granada is located in southeastern Spain in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city is a meeting place for Christian and Muslim cultures. The most famous and emblematic monument of the city is the Alhambra Palace, which is a must-see for all travelers in Andalusia. The name of the palace in translation means "red", he got it thanks to the outer walls of red-brown bricks.
Pamplon is located between the Pyrenees and the Embro and is the capital of the autonomous region of Navarre in northern Spain. The city is famous for the annual festival of San Fermin with bullfights. This food and dance festival attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year from 6 to 14 July.
Like other cities in Spain, Pamplona has a lot to see. It houses the Museo de Navarre, famous for its Roman mosaics, 14th century murals and art collections from various artists. Also, tourists should visit the Pamplona Cathedral, Taconera Park, the Church of San Satumino.
Excursions in Pamplona include visits to the world famous beaches of San Sebastian, the famous vineyards of La Rioja and the Pyrenees.
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol region. It is the largest and most visited city in this region Spain. Malaga is also an international port - one of three international ports in Spain.
While in Malaga, you should see with your own eyes the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral and the Gibralfaro citadel. The latter is interesting for its history. Gibralfaro was built in 1040 to defend against pirates. Later, the fortress was repeatedly completed and was not inferior in size to the royal residence.
Malaga is famous for its fish and seafood, which are prepared according to unique recipes. Here you can taste a dish called Pescaito Frito (mixed fried fish), marinated fish, squid and anchovies.
