There’s a lot for first-time vacationers to this enchanting nation in southwestern Europe to see and expertise—from bustling cities and quaint seaside villages to sun-soaked seashores and unimaginable golf equipment and eating places, and a lot extra—that deciding the place precisely to begin will be overwhelming.
Listed below are some must-visit locations for first-time guests to Spain.
1. La Sagrada Familia
Designed by the famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an outstanding attraction for first-time guests. Below building since 1882, the unfinished Gothic- and Artwork Nouveau-style basilica was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1984, and is slated for completion in 2026.
It’s one of the distinctive and awe-inspiring works of structure on this planet, that includes intricately detailed sculptures, spectacular stained-glass home windows, and towering spires. Guests may even climb its towers for breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona.
The town is famend for its Mediterranean delicacies as properly, so you should definitely strive some flavorful and mouth-watering tapas, paella, sangria, and way more—whether or not at considered one of its many Michelin-star eating places, or by becoming a member of a neighborhood meals tour.
Because you’re new to the nation, both possibility will allow you to expertise a large assortment of the distinctive culinary delights Spain is so well-known for till you uncover your private favorites!
2. The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid, also called Palacio Actual de Madrid, is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Household. Its extraordinary structure and inside design make it a must-visit for first-timers within the artwork, historical past, and tradition of Spain.
Constructed within the 18th century, this is among the largest royal palaces in all of Europe, taking design inspirations from Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo influences. Marvel at its throne room and staterooms, or get pleasure from a leisurely stroll by means of its attractive gardens to witness the sheer great thing about its many fountains, statues, and multi-colored flowers.
Admire the wonderful Madrid skyline from the palace’s balconies and fake you’re a member of the royal household!
Whereas in Spain’s capital metropolis, you merely should go to a few of its unimaginable nightlife areas—from the vigorous music and late-night lounges, golf equipment, and gastrobars of Princesa to the nonstop flamenco, belly-dancing, and DJ classes of Lavapiés, Madrid is house to a melting pot of rhythms and flavors from around the globe.
3. The Seashores of Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol in southern Spain alongside the Mediterranean coast is famend for its lovely seashores and vibrant nightlife.
Playa del Cristo is a small, family-friendly seashore with calm waters, excellent for a soothing swim. Playa de la Malagueta is a big and vigorous seashore within the metropolis of Malaga boasting loads of nice eating places, bars, and retailers to get pleasure from close by. Playa de Burriana is a well-liked seashore within the city of Nerja, identified for its crystal-clear waters and ideal for enjoyable water sports activities and actions comparable to kayaking and paddleboarding.
Take your decide—every of those will guarantee your trip is filled with solar and enjoyable!
4. The Alhambra
This fortress and palace advanced in Granada is among the hottest vacationer points of interest within the nation.
Constructed within the ninth century and transformed right into a palace within the thirteenth and 14th centuries, the Alhambra has a wealthy and storied historical past. Its beautiful design options Islamic and Christian influences, with fantastically carved archways, intricately detailed tile work, and beautiful courtyards to peruse. Take a look at the romantic and exquisite gardens of the close by summer time palace Generalife, with fountains, swimming pools, and plush greenery artfully organized in a sequence of eye-catching terraces.
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and thought of one of the essential examples of Islamic structure on this planet—one thing first-time guests is not going to wish to miss.
5. The Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor within the coronary heart of Madrid’s historic middle is a favourite hotspot for photographers and sightseers alike. This public sq. is a shocking instance of Spanish Baroque structure, with grand arcades, lovely balconies and cobblestone streets, and ornate facades.
Constructed within the seventeenth century, the sq. has served all kinds of capabilities, from internet hosting markets and festivals to bullfights and public executions. Presently it’s a preferred vacationer attraction for locals and guests alike, house to quite a few cafes, eating places, and retailers, in addition to road performers and artists.
Whether or not stopping for a soothing drink, snapping a couple of selfies, trying out a neighborhood occasion, or just taking within the sights, a go to to the Plaza Mayor is to not be missed.
6. Park Güell
Park Güell is a novel public park situated on a hill overlooking the town. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it options a lot of his signature design components, together with colourful mosaics, spiral stone pillars, and undulating shapes.
Park Güell gives a peaceable and serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the encircling metropolis. Its foremost terrace is lined with lengthy benches and coated in colourful tile work that pulls the attention, whereas at its highest factors guests can get pleasure from breathtaking views of the town and mountains past.
The park is designed to mix seamlessly with its pure environment, with winding paths, lush greenery, and quiet corners the place guests can chill out and take within the tranquility of nature. Whether or not you’re a fan of basic structure, a nature lover, or simply on the lookout for a peaceable and stress-free escape, Park Güell is the spot!
7. Puerta del Sol
This public sq. in central Madrid dates again to the fifteenth century. One of many oldest and hottest areas of the town, it’s loaded with retailers and boutiques, eating places, road distributors, and way more.
Tour its well-known landmarks, together with the enduring sculpture El Oso y el Madroño, or “The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree,” and its well-known clock tower on the Casa de Correos—which conducts the official countdown for New 12 months’s Eve celebrations within the area.
Botin, the oldest restaurant on this planet in steady operation, is close by, so after gazing in amazement in any respect of Puerta del Sol’s many cultural points of interest, you should definitely get pleasure from a tremendous meal steeped within the metropolis’s wealthy and enchanting historical past.
From Castilian-style specialties comparable to suckling pig and roasted lamb to grilled shrimp, stewed partridge, and a lot extra—this legendary restaurant serves unforgettable feasts assured to make your first-time go to to Spain a reoccurring journey! Its eclectic menu gives a diverse collection of scrumptious meals for any palate, particularly these new to Spain and its big selection of numerous flavors.
8. The Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
These awe-inspiring examples of Gothic structure present an unforgettable glimpse into the distinctive tradition and id of the wonderful metropolis of Seville.
The most important Gothic cathedral on this planet, Seville Cathedral was constructed within the fifteenth century on the positioning of a former mosque. Giralda Tower was initially the latter’s minaret, but now homes the previous’s bells.
Each have performed vital roles in Seville’s historical past and tradition—their inside paintings and exterior design offering valuable snapshots of the wonder and majesty of this particular area.
InteleTravel Will Guarantee Your Trip in Spain Is Really Unforgettable
Spain is an outstanding vacation spot for first-time guests and frequent vacationers alike, and one of the simplest ways to make sure you get probably the most out of your trip is by working with true journey professionals comparable to InteleTravel.
Our skilled and educated crew of InteleTravel Advisors will assist you to obtain your dream trip to Spain, and supply help each step alongside the way in which.
We’ll customise your perfect journey itinerary to your exact preferences, ebook all the assorted elements of your journey, and can be out there for assist and help all through your journey.
Contact InteleTravel in the present day to plan the journey of a lifetime!