Top 10 Destinations in Spain

If you are planning a visit to Spain, but are wondering where the most popular destinations are, TripAdvisor have put together the Travellers' Choice and come up with the top 10 destinations in Spain during 2013 to provide some inspiration for your next holiday.

Set out below are the destination in order of preference together with a short description of what you can expect from your holiday.

1.  BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of Spain in the region of Catalonia.  Probably the most popular attraction here is Las Ramblas where you can stroll down the mile-long promenade and be entertainment by street performers, meander around the market stalls, take a break in one of the many cafes and bars and then end up at one of he beaches this city has to offer.  Other places are Gaudi's Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia and for the sports enthusiast Nou Camp stadium.

2.  MADRID, SPAIN

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is located in the centre of Spain and is known to be the highest capital city in Europe.  Although the city doesn't have a beach, it does have a river and plenty of museums, art collections and alleys packed with tapas bars and restaurants.
Whilst in this city, the most popular places to visit are the 3 museums [include the Prado] located in Paseo del Prado, Puerta del Sol, Palacio Real and, of course, Plaza Mayor.

3.  SEVILLE, SPAIN

Seville is located in the southeast of Spain in the region of Andalucía where, in its Gothic Cathedral, famous explorer Christopher Columbus has been laid to rest.  Seville's Barrio de Santa Cruz is a great place to start your tour.  Other places you need to see are Callejon del Agua, Real Alcazar, the Plaza de Toros [the bullring] and the Torre del Oro.  Nightlife in Seville goes on until the early hours and you may be luck to find an authentic tapas bar offering traditional flamenco nights.

4.  GRANADA, SPAIN

Granada is located in the region of Andalucía, approximately 200km to the east of Seville.  You will find the old centre packed with narrow streets where you can begin to explore this historic city.  Of course, no visit to Granada is complete without a visit to the Alhambra and Generalife to the northern end of Alhambra where you can find a country estate with patios and gardens.  Other places to see are the Arab baths El Banuelo, Casa de los Tiros and the Museo Arqueologico.

5.  VALENCIA, SPAIN

Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain in the region of Valencia and Murcia and is a city where medieval meets modern.  Made up of 3 distinct regions, The Old City, New City and the Port, Valencia has historic architecture, stunning new buildings, tapas bars and restaurants, shopping and sandy beaches.  Things not to miss include La Seu Cathedral topped with an octagonal bell tower, Mercado Central, La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencas, and of course the beaches.

6.  PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN

Palma de Mallorca is located on the island of Mallorca.  Made up of different areas, this city is most famous for its Cathedral featuring the great rose window.  Wander around the historic streets and then just around the corner you can walk along the promenade by the marina, do some shopping, or just sit for a while in a square, and have some lunch in one of the many restaurants.  Other places to see include Bellver Castle, Palau de l'Almudaina and the Joan Miro Foundation.


7.  MALAGA, SPAIN

Malaga is located on the south coast of Spain in the region of Andalucía with its history dating back to when it was a thriving port under Roman and Moorish rule.   During the 19th century the city flourished when Malaga wine became one of the most popular drinks in Europe.  Places to see include the Cathedral dating back to 1528, the Casa Natal de Picasso [the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation], and the fortress - the Alcazaba - built between the 8th and 11th centuries. 

8.  MARBELLA, SPAIN

Marbella is again located on the south coast of Spain in the region of Andalucía and is probably best known as the resort for the rich and famous.  Often frequented by film stars spending their summers here, this stylish resort has luxury hotels and villas.  During the day, life is based around one of the 28 beaches and Marbella comes to life during the evenings.   One main attraction is the number of excellent golf courses that are in the area.   Of course, Marbella does haver other attractions including the Museo de Grabado Contemporaneo where you can see many of Picasso's lesser known works of art and the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion with its panelled ceiling.

9.  SALAMANCA, SPAIN

Salamanca is located in the northwest part of Spain in the region of Castilla y Leon.  The majority of places to visit are located in the centre of the city including the Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nueva [old and new Cathedrals], the University, Torre del Clavero and, of course, the Plaza Major. 
Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe dating back to 1218 and the city is packed with Renaissance architecture.


10.  BENIDORM, SPAIN

Benidorm is located on the southeast coast of Spain in the region of Valencia and Murcia and is packed with high-rise hotels and two very long beaches.  Visit Benidorm and you will not be surprised to learn that this resort offers more hotel accommodation than any other resort in the Mediterranean.   However, Benidorm also offers interesting places to see such as the Parque de l'Aiguera and the Balcon del Mediterraneo from where you can have some wonderful views of the town.

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If you need some more help in deciding which city or resort to visit in Spain, just give us a call or complete our enquiry form and we will be delighted to give you some advice.