30 Bucket List Destinations In Spain That You Simply Must Visit
Read on for the ultimate bucket list guide to destinations in Spain!
In my opinion, Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and is full of incredible bucket list destinations. If you don’t have much knowledge of Spain however, then knowing where to go and what to do can be tricky.
I’ve visited Spain extensively over the years, having lived for almost a year in Madrid and Seville. Also, I’ve walked the Camino de Santiago and consider Spain as quite possibly my favourite country I’ve ever visited.
I’ve visited almost all of these 30 bucket list destinations, making me the ideal blogger to give you all the expert info you need on how to experience the very best destinations and activities that cannot be missed.
Plan Your Trip With My Recommended Resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I always use Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Discover Cars has the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Kiwi.com has the best prices on flights
📱eSIM: Airalo has a fantastic range of eSIMs
30 Bucket List Destinations In Spain
So let’s crack on and dive into my bucket list of the 30 most unmissable destinations in Spain:
1. Walk the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain
For me, walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain is one of the most special travel bucket list things to do not only in Spain but the entire world!
If you don’t know, then the Camino comprises of several walking routes that lead to what is believed to be the burial place of the apostle St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (a city I’ll be discussing later).
Although for centuries it has been a religious pilgrimage, the Camino in recent times has become a popular bucket list must do activity. People from all over the world take part and it is especially popular with students and youngsters.
As mentioned, there are several different routes you can take to reach Santiago de Compostela. Here are the three most popular ways:
- Camino Francés – the most popular route. Also known as ‘the French Way’. It officially starts in France on the other side of the Pyrenees mountains. You’ll walk through the beautiful countryside of northern Spain.
- Camino Portugués – an increasingly popular route to Santiago de Compostela. This takes you from the south of Portugal all the way north. It starts in Lisbon and takes you through the stunning Portuguese coastline.
- Camino del Norte – this route goes through the very northern coastline of Spain. It features stunning scenery of the coast through the Basque Country as well as beautiful spots such as Asturias and Cantabria.
I walked the Camino de Santiago alone several years ago over a 5 week period. It remains the most special, rewarding and spiritual journey of my life.
That may sound like hyperbole and the Camino is often overhyped. But there is something undeniably magical about it that makes it a top travel bucket list item.
It’s not for everyone however. If you don’t like hiking for long distances every day then it’s definitely not for you. And you need to prepare well in advance in terms of exercise and having an essential packing list too.
2. Discover the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
In terms of architectural monuments, then the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is without doubt the number one bucket list destination in Spain.
Although still unfinished (amazingly!), this Roman Catholic temple is unlike any other church or building in the world. Designed by Gaudí, work began back in 1882 and it remains one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions.
I’ve seen it up close and personal a couple of times (though only from outside) when visiting Barcelona. It never fails to amaze and impress – it is simply unmissable.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to tour the inside of this incredible church, then make sure to book your tickets in advance online. With ticket prices starting from 26 Euros for adults, it may sound expensive. But it is a must do activity when in Barcelona.
3. See Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ in Madrid
If you’re an art lover then visiting the Spanish capital is an absolute must! There are a lot of art museums in Madrid, but the main three are what’s known as: ‘the golden triangle’.
Depending on your taste when it comes to art, you may prefer visiting the impressive Prado museum or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Especially if you’re into more classical, historical art.
But if you’re like me and you enjoy more modern art then you cannot miss a trip to the Reina Sofía Museum. This is full of Spanish contemporary art, and the museum’s centrepiece is Picasso’s magnificent: ‘Guernica‘.
Seeing this huge black and white ode to the Spanish Civil War which many say is Picasso’s greatest artwork was honestly a dream come true for me (I had a poster of it hanging in my bedroom for several years!).
So yes, if you have an interest in Picasso or art in general then a visit to see ‘Guernica’ should most definitely be at the top of your Spain travel bucket list.
4. Be in awe of the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba
I can say with my hand on my heart that the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba ranks as the most impressive building I have ever stepped foot inside of in my whole life!
It may not look all that impressive on the outside, but this UNESCO World Heritage site features the most stunningly beautiful interior architecture you’ll ever see.
Dating back to ancient times and featuring a mix of both Islamic, Moorish and Christian architecture, the Cathedral is full of endless red and white tiled columns that simply has to be seen to be believed.
Although I said that the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Spain’s most impressive architecture site, the Mosque-Cathedral is a very close second and a tourist attraction that I highly recommend.
5. Go running with the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and want to experience one of Spain’s weird but wonderful annual traditions, then the San Fermin festival should be top of your list when planning your next trip.
Based in the delightful city of Pamplona, the San Fermin festival takes place over a week every July. It consists of literally bulls running through the city’s streets chasing after brave (or foolish) runners.
I visited Pamplona during San Fermin and the whole city feels like one big party. Everyone dresses in red and white clothing and it is very much a celebratory atmosphere.
I watched the running of the bulls and it’s a crazy and unique thing to witness, and definitely a lot of fun. But I certainly wasn’t brave enough to participate!
👉 Pro tip: if you really want to run with the bulls then I advise speaking with the locals who are also participating to learn the ropes as this is a very dangerous activity. You should only participate if you’re a confident runner and in good shape.
6. Be amazed by Ronda’s Puente Nuevo bridge
Ronda is a beautiful small city in Andalusia which is easily reachable from bigger cities close by, such as Malaga.
The city’s main attraction is the very impressive ‘Puente Nuevo’ bridge. The bridge was built over a 120 metre deep chasm in the 1700’s and also has to be seen to be believed.
It is an iconic and stunning piece of engineering. It left me totally in awe when I visited Ronda on a day trip from Malaga. The views of the Andalusian countryside surrounding Ronda from the bridge are equally awe-inspiring too.
7. Have fun at the Carnival of Cadiz
Cadiz is an exceptionally beautiful port city in Andalusia. It is famous for holding one of Spain’s most famous and honestly quite bizarre festivals every February.
The Carnival of Cadiz takes place over an 11 day period and is a celebration that has been a tradition since the 16th century.
The festival celebrates all things humorous and sarcastic, and as a result all the party-goers dress up in some of the most random, strange and quirky costumes you’ll ever see.
I visited Cadiz during carnival time and it was a bizarre but fun experience. Some of the costumes range from the sublime to the ridiculous!
8. Explore Granada’s beautiful Alhambra Palace
Another extraordinarily beautiful architecture site in Spain is the Alhambra Palace, in the equally gorgeous city of Granada in Andalusia.
This palace and fortress complex is known to be one of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world. It dates back to the Zirid dynasty in the 9th century.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Alhambra on two occasions. Both times I’ve been absolutely blown away by the breath-takingly beautiful intricate architecture on display. Another totally must see bucket list experience in Spain.
👉 Pro-Tip: like all of the world famous monuments on this list, the Alhambra palace always experiences a high demand of tourists regardless what time of year or day that you decide to visit.
So once again, I strongly recommend booking your tickets online well in advance to save time from waiting in long queues.
9. See a flamenco show in Seville
Flamenco shows are one of Spain’s most famous traditional activities. Seeing a show is a great way to experience what Spanish culture is really all about.
Seville, the Andalusian capital is also the home of Flamenco and is the perfect place to witness the passion and intensity that a flamenco show provides.
I saw a live flamenco show during my stay in Seville and was wowed by the performances I saw. It’s a great night out and certainly unforgettable.
10. Appreciate some art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Bilbao in northern Spain is another culturally rich city that is definitely well worth a visit.
It is home to one of the most iconic and spectacular modern buildings in the whole world – the Guggenheim Museum.
This is a modern and contemporary art museum that opened back in 1997 and looks like it belongs in New York rather than Spain!
The design of the building by Frank Gehry is an absolute masterpiece of modernity and has become the symbol of the city.
👉 Pro Tip: if you plan on seeing some art inside the Guggenheim then don’t make the same mistake that I did and visit on a Monday. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays and closed on Mondays!
11. Explore Valencia’s city of Arts and Sciences
On the east coast of Spain you’ll find the country’s third largest city behind Barcelona and Madrid – Valencia. This is another lovely city with loads to do and places to explore.
But if you only have time to visit one place when in Valencia then you simply cannot miss the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias).
This is an incredible looking cultural complex surrounded by water. It looks like something from a futuristic sci-fi film (it has actually been used as a location in several Hollywood movies and TV series).
Again, this is another site in Spain where I was totally blown away by the architecture on show. The place is a great family day out, especially for youngsters. Here’s what you can expect to find at the City of Arts and Sciences:
- Oceanogràfic – this is the largest aquarium in Europe where they also have dolphin shows.
- Hemisfèric – this is inside the strange beetle shaped building. It houses an IMAX cinema as well as a planetarium and laser show.
- Palau de les Arts – another strange futuristic building that exhibits concerts, operas and the like.
- Museu de les Ciències – a fun science museum that is very interactive and perfect for kids.
- Umbracle – this is a free space that houses palm trees, botanical plants and beautiful sculptures. I absolutely loved walking around this area!
12. Enjoy the beauty of Santiago de Compostela
As mentioned at the top of this list, Santiago de Compostela is the finishing line for the Camino de Santiago. It is an absolutely gorgeous city to visit in its own right.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage city and it is honestly no surprise when you spend time walking around there. The place is full of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and feels totally out of place in the 21st century.
The centrepiece of the city is of course the towering Cathedral of Santiago in the main square. This is where you’re likely to see many celebratory pilgrims who have completed the Camino – especially during the summer months.
13. Experience Galician culture in La Coruna
Just an hour or so north from Santiago de Compostela is another absolutely beautiful city that I recommend visiting; La Coruna.
La Coruna (A Coruña to the local Galicians) is a historically maritime city on the extreme northwest of Spain. It is the second largest city in Galicia after Vigo.
Here you can discover the best of Galician culture, including culinary dishes like ‘pulpo‘ (boiled octopus with paprika and potatoes), as well as breath-taking landscapes and coastal scenery on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
I spent two weeks in La Coruna several years ago and absolutely fell in love with the city, the dramatic ocean scenery and the local people.
👉 Pro Tip: I recommend a trip to the ‘Tower of Hercules‘ if you do visit La Coruna. This is the only preserved Roman lighthouse left in the world. The views of the Atlantic Ocean from the very top of the tower are just unbeatable.
14. Discover the unique villages of Alpujarras
Alpujarras is a mountainous region near Granada. It is famous for several charming timeless villages known as ‘the white villages’ as nearly all the houses are painted white.
This is a completely off the beaten track area away from the typical touristy places in Spain. These villages here are so very picturesque and surrounded by spectacular scenery.
15. Walk Malaga’s Caminito del Rey
The Camino del Rey (which translates as ‘the King’s little path’) is a really cool walkway. It is known as the most dangerous path in the world.
The pathway is situated alongside a narrow ravine in El Churro in the province of Malaga. Nowadays safety is of primary concern for hikers. You can take a tour with expert guidance who provide helmets and safety equipment.
This is an awesome route that is perfect for thrill seekers looking for an adventure!
16. Enjoy the chilled vibes of Ibiza
Ibiza is well known as Spain’s party island. While that is still very much the case these days, it is also an island full of magnificent beauty, nature and stunning beaches.
I spent a week in Ibiza a few years ago and really loved the relaxed chilled vibe there. I recommend going to see Es Verde Island. This is a small uninhabited island that is famous for various myths, legends, UFO sightings and more.
Check out this FREE GUIDE to my Top 10 Underrated Cities in Spain:
17. Sample sherry at a bodega in Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is a really nice, interesting city in the province of Cadiz. It is full of history and rich cultural heritage. It is most famous for producing sherry wine and the city has plenty of wine cellars known as ‘bodegas’.
I spent a day exploring Jerez on my way to Cadiz and was surprised by the city’s beauty and culture. If visiting then I definitely recommend going on a tour to several of the city’s bodegas to sample some of the best sherries it has.
18. Visit the ancient city of Toledo
Less than 40 minutes by train from Madrid is the historical city of Toledo. I wholeheartedly recommend Toledo if you’re looking to go on a day trip from the capital.
Toledo is a truly fascinating city that is steeped in history, with a mix of different architecture known as ‘mudejar style’. The historic centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
I visited Toledo on a day trip from Madrid and loved walking through the old cobbled streets and discovering its past. I recommend visiting the impressive Cathedral of Toledo, which is simply unmissable.
19. Be impressed by Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct
Another city that is easily reachable from Madrid and worth visiting on a day trip is the fascinating city of Segovia. The city is full of amazing monuments, most notably the incredible Roman Aqueduct.
Dating back to the 1st century, the aqueduct is another mind-blowing feat of engineering. It is one of the most impressive sites in all of Spain, which is saying a lot.
I went on a day trip to Segovia and was really impressed with the city. I also recommend visiting the Alcazar of Segovia. This is one of the best castles in all of Europe and offers stunning views of the city and beyond.
20. Relax on a beach in southern Spain
Spain is of course very famous for having fantastic weather pretty much all year round, as well as some exceptional beaches.
So if you’re wanting to experience a typical beach holiday then I recommend heading to the south of Spain. Here are my top 3 beach destinations in Spain:
- Playa de San Juan – based in the lovely city of Alicante. This is a 4 mile beach with very clear waters and is a popular place for water sports.
- Playa de la Barrosa – situated in Cadiz, this beach is totally immaculate and is very popular with families.
- Nerja – if you want to avoid crowded beaches then I recommend the delightful city of Nerja. This is a more serene location with equally beautiful beaches.
21. See Cuenca’s amazing hanging houses
One of the most iconic, strange and quirky architectural sites in Spain is the amazingly impressive hanging houses of Cuenca.
Situated extremely close to the edge of a cliff gorge overlooking the Huécar river, this complex of houses are a truly wonderful example of gothic architecture. They are totally unmissable when visiting Cuenca.
22. Wander around Avila’s castle walls
Yet another fascinating historical city in Spain is Avila, based around 70 miles north of Madrid. What makes Avila such a special place is the fact that the entire city is surrounded by castle walls dating back to the 11th century.
Unsurprisingly, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered to be one of the most culturally significant cities and tourist destinations in the country.
The medieval walls are believed to be the best preserved in all of Europe. A day trip here (or longer) is simply a must when visiting Spain.
23. Experience the gothic city of Burgos
Burgos in the north of Spain is another incredible historical city that is full of gothic architecture.
Most notably, the Cathedral of Burgos in the historic centre is one of the most striking pieces of architecture you’ll ever see and a total masterpiece.
I spent a day exploring Burgos while walking the Camino, and was so impressed with the city’s beauty. It is a beautiful place to visit when in the north of Spain.
24. Discover the Cave of Nerja
As mentioned, the city of Nerja is a delightful place full of lovely beaches and it is also home to an incredible bucket list site – the Nerja Cave.
Only discovered as recently as 1959, the cave is believed to date back to an astonishing 40,000 years.
It’s possible to buy a ticket and go inside the huge cave area to discover the site for yourself. I was totally in awe of this place and it is a must do activity in Nerja. It is absolutely spectacular!
25. Experience the beauty of Asturias
Often overlooked by tourists but a popular destination for Spaniards, Asturias in northern Spain is something of a hidden gem which is well worth discovering.
Full of gorgeous natural landscapes, breath-taking coastlines, medieval towns and a rich culture, Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain. It is totally unspoilt from mass tourism which is a rarity in this country!
26. Go on a day trip to Montserrat
If you’re looking for a day trip from Barcelona to escape the heaving crowds, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to the incredible Montserrat.
Just one hour away by train from Barcelona, Montserrat is a quite extraordinary rugged mountainous area. It is also home to a must see monastery – the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
I visited Montserrat several years ago and was in a state of awe because of the incredible views here. It is without a doubt a bucket list destination in Spain and makes for a very memorable day trip from Barcelona.
27. Go on a wine tour at a vineyard
Spain is also well known for producing fantastic wines. There are a huge number of wineries throughout the country (especially in Rioja).
So going on a wine tour to a typical vineyard is a must do activity to experience another aspect of Spanish culture. And to sample several different types of wines of course!
28. Relax on a visit to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is a unique archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands boast pretty much perfect year round sunny weather, as well as some of the best beaches and landscapes you’ll ever visit.
It’s no surprise that these islands are a popular destination with tourists as well as Spaniards. Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote offer the perfect getaway for young families throughout the year.
29. Take part in a food fight at La Tomatina
Arguably Spain’s most bizarre but enjoyable annual festival is La Tomatina. This festival takes place on the last Wednesday in August every year in Buñol, Valencia.
It is simply the world’s biggest food fight involving tonnes and tonnes of tomatoes! Popular with locals and tourists, this hilariously fun festival dates back to the 1940s when a food dispute broke out and escalated.
Nowadays the festival is limited to 20,000 ticketed attendees. So make sure to book your ticket online early if you fancy getting covered in tomatoes!
30. Take a Spanish cooking lesson
And last but most definitely not least on this list is an unmissable activity when visiting Spain – learning all about Spanish cuisine by taking a cooking lesson!
Spanish cuisine is world famous and boasts fantastic gastronomy, with the likes of paella and tapas hugely popular everywhere you go.
Learning how to cook a typical Spanish dish while visiting Spain is another great opportunity to discover an important aspect of Spanish culture and way of life.
Map of Spain
Check out this interactive map of Spain that has pins for each of the must do bucket list destinations mentioned in this blog post:
Spain Bucket List FAQs
If you’re still wondering about some of the bucket list items mentioned in this blog post, then let me answer those queries for you:
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Spain?
Anytime during the winter months, typically November through to February is considered to be the cheapest time of year to visit Spain.
As it’s the off peak season you’ll be able to find cheap deals in terms of flights and accommodation. And winter can be a wonderful time of year to visit Spain, especially during the Christmas season in Madrid for example.
Where do most Spaniards like to visit in Spain?
That’s a very good question! Locals who prefer to have a staycation within Spain rather than travel abroad tend to head towards the north, especially during the summer season.
This is because the south of Spain experiences very hot temperatures during this season. Whereas the north is somewhat cooler and less busy with tourists. Asturias is a popular destination for many Spaniards.
What is the richest part of Spain?
Madrid, Spain’s capital is undoubtedly the richest part of Spain and is considered such an expensive place to live compared to other parts of the country (especially Andalucia).
A lot of Madrid locals have been forced to move out of central neighbourhoods in the city in recent years. This is because of the rising cost of living in terms of rent and housing.
Conclusion: 30 Bucket List Destinations In Spain
So that concludes my extensive list of 30 bucket list destinations in Spain that are totally unmissable. I could have included more destinations to be honest! Spain is so rich in terms of cultural, historical and scenic places.
Whether you want to be in awe of architectural wonders such as the Sagrada Familia or the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, or you fancy an adventure such as walking the Camino de Santiago, you are completely spoilt for choice.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this post and that it’s inspired you to discover some of the must do travel bucket list activities and destinations in what I believe to be the best country in Europe; wonderful Spain!
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➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
