Places to Visit in Spain

Although, not a capital city that will bowl you over with masses of sites and attractions, Madrid is however considered to be one of the most Spanish cities you can visit in the country. Make a beeline for La Latina on a sunday morning between 9:00 and 14:00 and join the hustle and bustle of el Rastro fleamarket. Rummage through antiques, books and clothes, but most of all savour the Madrileño spirit. Then head into the heart of La Latina and join the locals on the street for Sunday afternoon cañas (small beers) and tapas. More things to do in Madrid

One of Spain’s best kept secrets is the Isla Cíes National Park – a short boat trip off Galicia’s west coast. Listed in several polls as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, expect a spectacular contrast of white sands and turquoise waters on the land-facing side of the island, with a dramatic rugged coastline and crashing waves on the Atlantic side. Mallorca, the biggest of the Balearic Islands is a Mediterranean paradise with crystal clear waters and tranquil coves to relax within.

The island of Ibiza boasts one of the most hedonistic party places on the globe, with world class DJs swarming to the island each year. Your rail pass allows you discounted ferry journeys from Spain to Italy, so stop off on the way through! Visit between June and September and go wild in Ibiza’s legendary clubs, including big names like Space and Amnesia. Barcelona also has a lively night scene. Start at Las Ramblas for drinks and tapas, then move on to Plaça Reial, with its Gaudí-designed street furniture and try Jamboree with great live music.

Tarifa, a strip of sandy white beaches on the southernmost coast of Spain, is a favourite place for both windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to its strong and regular winds. The relaxed vibe also adds to its popularity, along with the views of Africa’s Rif mountains. If you prefer a surfboard to glide you through the waves, San Sebastián’s Playa de Zurriola is Spain’s surfers’ paradise. Sierra Nevada, as well as being a stunning backdrop in Spain’s enchanting student city of Granada, usually has sufficient snowfall each year for some winter sport.

There are historical gems scattered across the whole of Spain. Seville (Sevilla) is one of them – a truly Spanish city, that has clung onto traditional values and a simple way of life. Seville’s cathedral is the largest gothic example in the world and is supposedly home to Christopher Columbus’ remains. To the north is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city, Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia, wouldn’t be so self-confident and charismatic, without Antoni Gaudí’s influence on the city’s aesthetic beauty. See examples of his work across Barcelona, most notable of course is the unfinished Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familía.