We’re just going to go right ahead and say it: Spain is insanely beautiful and an absolute must for travellers looking for a taste of seriously great food, Moorish influences and impressive history.
Obviously, the added bonus of the sun-soaked shoreline of the Med are enough to convince you to pack your bags ASAP, but if you’re in need of further reasons to jet to Spain, Topdeck Travel has compiled 17 reasons why you need to go. Vamos!
1. Gaze at the Seville Cathedral and Alcazar
Seville’s lust-worthy display of Moorish influences is enough to get anyone excited. Start with the Alcazar castle complex and the Seville Cathedral and see for yourself why the capital of Andalusia is on everyone’s radar.
2. Feast on paella
Really, this goes without saying but just in case you are yet to experience the deliciousness that is paella, a serving of this rice dish is guaranteed to make you one happy traveller. With each region offering a different take on the recipe, we would suggest eating at least one serving of paella every day.
3. Shop at the vintage stores in Madrid
In Madrid, it’s all about the vintage stores and flea markets. Check out the La Mona Checa, Magpie Vintage, Biba Vintage on Calle Velarde in Malasaña or hit up El Rastro Market in La Latina.
Do you want to travel through Spain being part of a small group tour? Check our options here.
4. Become a surfing pro in San Sebastián
Known for the famous La Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián is the place to grab a board and ride those waves like the pro that you are. Is this the most beautiful beach in Spain? It’s definitely a contender. Or, if beach life just isn’t for you, make the most of a visit to San Sebastián to see what the legendary nightlife is all about.
5. Marvel at the work of Gaudí in Barcelona
Stained glass? Check. Crazy structures? Check. Impressive beauty? Check. For a taste of some of the wildest architecture you might ever encounter, the Gaudí experience is nothing short of breathtaking with the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Milà and the Casa Batlló standing out as a must for architecture fanatics. Not to be missed.
6. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
The Guggenheim in Bilbao is undisputedly one of the best museums this side of the world, and its groovy exterior will make your jaw drop.
7. Check out Camp Nou
Where else can football fanatics get up close and personal with one of the most impressive stadiums in the world? Football fan or not, you are almost guaranteed to be blown away by the size and structure of Camp Nou – Barcelona’s football stadium. Catch a game inside the stadium or head to one of the local bars nearby.
8. Discover why patatas bravas is the best
Not your average potatoes, these bad boys are mostly fried and covered in spicy tomato sauce and aioli. Lucky for you, they can be found on almost every menu in Spain.
9. Sail through paradise in Ibiza
Forget about the shenanigans of Playa d’en Bossa and sail your worries away in the Mediterranean. With idyllic islands and hidden coves to explore, expect to discover a blissful side to Ibiza that’s not always written about in the guide books.
10. Stroll along Las Ramblas in Barcelona
You wouldn’t go to Barcelona and not strut along the Las Ramblas at least once. Whether you’re sitting down to watch the world go by during the day, or sipping sangria preparing for a night out, there’s something for everyone on Las Ramblas.
11. Explore Córdoba
Andalusia has a lot of gems, includingCórdoba which was once a very important Roman city and an Islamic centre in the Middle Ages. Stroll through this unique city and make sure you visit the Great Mosque for a visual feast.
12. Consume endless amounts of sangria
When it comes to sangria, always say “YES”! This red wine-based punch is served in a massive jug packed with fruity bits and is the perfect side to accompany one of the million servings of tapas you will be consuming when in Spain. Some would say you haven’t really lived until you’ve sipped on sangria…
13. Wander through the orange tree-lined streets of Valencia
Stop and smell the famous orange trees when in Valencia. Be sure to also check out the sci-fi vibes at the planetarium and futuristic architecture that line the streets in this third-largest Spanish city by the ocean.
14. Watch a flamenco show in Barcelona
Shall we dance? The only way to end an evening in Barcelona is with a traditional flamenco show (to make you regret not taking those dancing lessons at school way back when).
15. Visit the Alhambra in Granada
Not visiting the Alhambra would be a serious crime. Do yourself a favour and check out this gigantic 14th-century palace.
16. Admire the Royal Palace in Madrid
For a glimpse into the lives of the royals, look no further than the Royal Palace in Madrid, of course. If you don’t get a chance to navigate your way through the palace walls, the outside is just as Insta-worthy as the interior.
17. Search for the best tapas
Feast until you drop on bite size pieces of local goodness, guaranteed to make you drool and ignite instantly culinary delight.
