Top 8 Must-See Attractions In Spain For First-Time Visitors

Spain attracts tourists with its rich history, lively culture, and gorgeous scenery. Spain has something for every tourist, from architectural marvels and exhilarating outdoor excursions to gastronomic pleasures and colorful festivals. Spain offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, adrenaline addict, foodie, or beachgoer.

Visit La Sagrada Familia

Construction on this stunning Holy Family cathedral started in 1882 and continues today. It may take so long to build Gaudi’s masterpiece because legend says the world will end once it’s finished! A visit to Spain is complete with this. The cathedral is open every day; however, mass hours are restricted. Dress accordingly, and know that cathedral work may restrict certain areas.

Recommended Activities:

• Admire the Sagrada Familia’s beautiful façade. Each façade reveals a distinct aspect of Christ’s life.
• For stunning Barcelona views, climb the buildings or take an elevator. The Nativity and Passion facades feature public towers.
• Learn about La Sagrada Familia’s history and construction at the basilica’s museum.

Best Time To Go: You can visit La Sagrada Familia any time of year, but we suggest going early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Conquer The Caminito Del Rey Hike

The El Caminito del Rey walkway, or ‘the King’s small pathway,’ spans the El Chorro canyon near Ardales in Malaga. This is no easy feat! Adrenaline addicts may walk 3 km on a 1-meter-wide walkway 100 meters above the canyon bottom.

The path, created for hydroelectric power plant workers, now draws thrill-seekers from throughout the globe. After four years, the trail reopened in 2015 after multiple fatalities. Traveling the Caminito is safer now, but the exhilaration remains. This is one of Spain’s scariest attractions!

Recommended Activities:

• History of Caminito del Rey. Information boards on the trails explain its construction and importance.
• Watch for local birds. Griffon vultures, golden eagles, and mountain swifts live in Caminito del Rey’s natural environment.

Best Time to Go: From March to June, when the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is favorable, is the ideal time to visit Caminito del Rey.

Complete The Camino Trail

If you’re looking for adventure, consider hiking one of the several Camino pilgrimage pathways to Santiago de Compostela. Ancient pilgrimage paths have been traveled for generations. You don’t need to be religious to feel accomplished and adventurous on these long-distance pathways in Northern Spain.

Whether you walk the entire route or just a few days on parts of the path, you’ll find the task worthwhile. After all, you’ll be following thousands of others. Follow the white shells to the destination!

Recommended Activities:

• Along the way, visit the many churches, monasteries, cathedrals, and religious institutions. Many are historic and contain magnificent paintings.
• Taste the local delights of the regions you traverse. Wines, cheeses, and foods like pulpo a la gallega vary by location.

Best Time To Go: May, June, and September are the best times to hike the Camino Trail. These months are pleasant and rainy.

Eat Tapas

Authentic Spanish tapas vary significantly from the bland versions seen at home. This traditional serving method, known as ‘cover’ or ‘lid,’ lets you taste small portions while sipping classic sangria. Almost every Spanish tavern and restaurant serves tapas. Order many calamari dishes, patatas bravas, or churros and enjoy sharing Spanish meals.

Recommended Locations:

• San Sebastian is the tapas capital. The old town contains several pintxos bars serving Basque-style tapas. Famous bars include Bar Nestor and La Chuchara de San Telmo.
• Seville is another tapas destination. Many pubs provide free tapas with beverages. Visit El Rinconcillo, one of the city’s oldest bars.
• Popular destinations include Los Diamantes and Bodegas Castañeda in Granada, as well as Barcelona, Castile, Leon, and Valladolid.

Best time to go: Anytime is a good time to eat tapas!

Hike The Picos De Europa

A Picos de Europa trek shows you another aspect of Spain.

A vacation in Spain can include something other than beaches or ancient sites. Walking in the Picos de Europa is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain range is 20 kilometers from Spain’s north shore. The highlights are highlights of the mountains and Europe’s deepest caverns, such as Torca del Cerro (1589 meters).

Recommended Activities:

• See chamois, ibex, eagles, and vultures. The Picos de Europa include rich vegetation and wildlife.
• Guided tours of Cueva del Sidron and Cueva del Soplao are recommended. Its extensive cave systems are famous.

Best Time to Go: Picos de Europa is at its best in the summer, from June to September. Warm sunshine and a few raindrops make distant mountain peak treks accessible.

Be A Part Of La Tomatina

While the Spanish are famed for partying, Bunol locals in Valencia are recognized for throwing a unique type of fiesta. This is a massive food battle with la Tomatina. Starting with a paella celebration the night before, thousands march with tomatoes the following day! This is hardly a relaxing aspect of Spanish tourism. This event is for those who like hurling tomatoes at strangers.

Recommended Activities:

• Participate in the parade to feel festive. The procession begins with music, dancing, and bright costumes.
• Taste authentic Spanish cuisine and beverages from local vendors. Popular dishes include sangria, paella, and tapas.
• La Tomatina includes live music performances and celebrations at several Buñol pubs and restaurants. It is an excellent way to relax after the tomato struggle.

Best time to go: The event takes place every year in August.

Hit The Beaches

Spain has numerous world-class beaches with unique characteristics in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Canary, and Balearic Islands. Genoveses Beach in Andalusia, Spain, offers a romantic break in a palm tree-filled paradise, a family-friendly beach with beauty and comfort, or a wild, unknown beachfront!

Recommended Locations:

• Gran Canaria, a mountainous island closer to Africa than Europe, offers numerous thrilling activities, like swimming in blue seas, sailing through gigantic dunes, and snorkeling with exotic marine life.
• For stunning blue seas and on-land excitement, visit Alicante, a Spanish favorite. The famous destination has world-class beaches, lovely scenery like Reina Sofia Park and Alfonso XIII Park, and dozens of great eateries to refuel after a day in the sun.
• Malaga’s first-tier beaches, such as Playa de la Malagueta, with breathtaking scenery and plenty of entertainment, are second behind Mallorca and Tenerife for Spanish visitors.
• You’ll enjoy more than just a great tan in Malaga. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga. Thus, the Picasso Museum is a must-see.

Best time to go: June through August is Spain’s summer season, and this is the best time to enjoy the beaches in nice weather.

Ski In Spain

Spain is not known for skiing, but the Spanish side of the Pyrenees has superb snow conditions year-round and calmer slopes than the Alps. Bernasque, in the Posets-Maladetas natural reserve, offers excellent cross-country skiing, while Masella, 90 minutes from Barcelona, is a popular location for families and day-trippers.

Recommended Places:

• One of Spain’s most popular skiing locations is Sierra Nevada. It has almost 100 kilometers of ski slopes and a lengthy season from late November to early May.
• Baqueira-Beret resort is famous for its beauty and amenities. This Catalan Pyrenees ski resort is one of Spain’s most significant.
• Cerler has terrific vistas and fewer people. It suits beginners and specialists.
• If you like night skiing, Masella has several alternatives!

Best Time to Go: If you want to go skiing in Spain, the best time is between November and March.

Discover even more Destinations and Tours & Activities to fuel your travel dreams! From hidden gems to iconic sites, our guides are packed with tips, insights, and unforgettable experiences tailored for every traveler.