Spain is known as the ultimate vacation hub only because it happens to be one of the few European countries that has just about everything a vacationer may possibly need to rejuvenate from – fabulous beaches, distinctive architecture, high spirited nights to unexplored wonders of Spanish culture and Spain.
As for me, I was officially introduced to this exceptionally amazing country and it customs in just three hours through Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ be it the ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ type stunts, ‘Ola’ saying hello in Spanish, tomatina festival, flamenco with Senorita, or running with the bulls; there is more to Spain than just these. Well, isn’t travelling all about being mesmerized with sheer beauty of the place that you’re in and, maybe, rediscover yourself? Just the thought is so exciting.
I have jotted down the 25 must visit places in Spain which obviously has all the true essence of being a vacationing spot.
1. Barcelona
Barcelona equals tourists. Simple equation! Barcelona is the most happening cities to be on earth. It has ground breaking architecture, art, style, zeal and high spirits with oomph! Eh! Obviously, because it is Barcelona.
2. Madrid
Madrid is a city with music in its soul and a strong spring in its step. There is no other city as alive as Madrid. There is a famous saying in Spanish – “De Madrid al cielo y un agujerito para verlo”. Well, that means once you have seen Madrid the only thing better would be heaven, but you’d want a “little hole” to be able to still see Madrid. Undoubtedly!
3. Toledo
Toledo is known as the “Imperial City” and “City of Three Cultures”, because it is influenced by a historical co-existence of Christians, Muslims and Jews. Yeah, I know. Unbelievable!
4. Sevilla
Sevilla has become the most visited cities in Spain as it is believed to offer something for everyone owing to its rich history and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
5. Granada
Granada is the city with an edge.
Picture by Harshal Pattni
6. Malaga
With the sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, Malaga has a modern touch to the charismatic majestic side of the city.
7. Marbella
Marbella is the city of magnificence when it comes to beaches, archaeological heritage, and cultural events.
8. Costa Barava
Costa Barava is a north-eastern costal region with excellent beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages and mountain scenery and much, much more. This is where they came to pull off a stun of deep sea diving in ZNMD.
9. Bilbao
Bilbao is an exciting and cultured city of Spain that is become the major European Art centre.
10. Santander
Santander is popular among the tourists for its city beaches and few cultural attractions. But most importantly, the beaches!
11. Donostia / San Sebastián
Donostia / San Sebastián is a fabulous coastal city that is amazing by night, amiable and courteous by day, but is pretty serious when it comes to food and drinks. Of course! Serious in a good way. :D
12. Santiago de Compostela
Awe-inspiring historical city Santiago de Compostela is a pilgrimage site known for its baroque architectural monuments.
13. Valencia
Valncia is Spain’s political capital as well as an effervescent, gracious, tad bit chaotic place with two stupendous fine-arts museums. It is Europe’s newest educational and scientific complex – and one of Spain’s most lively nightlife.
14. Bunõl
Bunõl is the city where the la tomatina festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August each year. Okay! That’s like 9 days from now.
15. Zaragoza
Basically, Zaragoza is super famous for its tradition, local gastronomy, and beautiful landmarks like the one in the picture.
That’s Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Ebro River.
16. Ibiza
Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea in eastern Spain. It is always bustling with tourists throughout the year. Need I say more?
17. Mallorca
Mallorca too is an island and Europe’s celebrated summer destinations owing it to the wonderful coast line with a blend of cultural roots.
18. Burgos
Burgos is known for Cathedral of Burgos. It is the historical capital of Spain.
19. León
León is a magnificent city in northwest of Spain, uniting spectacular historical architecture with great vigor.
20. Pamplona
If you’re high spirited, Pamplona is the place to you should be in the first week of July every year where you can “run with the bulls” during the San Fermin festival.
21. Salamanca
Rooted into folklore, Salamanca is the stunning old city of Spain.
22. A Coruña
A Coruña is full of beaches, a hot tourist spot and a port city.
23. Cordoba
Cordoba has the medieval charm. It is the ideal way to describe the city.
24. Girona
Northeast of Barcelona is Girona, a tight cluster of antique walkway houses, majestic churches, climbing cobblestone streets and medieval baths that is combined with energetic nights, art and music festivals.
25. La Manga
La Manga is a seaside strip that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor (Minor Sea) in Spain. Known as ‘the Sandbar of the Minor Sea’, it is famous for leisure vacation spot.
If you have any other spots in Spain which I missed, I’d love to know in the comment section below. Meanwhile, Spain, here I come!
Written by Kashmira Pattni
