Most Unusual Attractions in Spain

1. Spanish Islands

The Spanish Islands comprise the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The Balearic Islands comprise Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca. While Ibiza is a known party destination, Mallorca is the best-known and largest Balearic Island. The Canaries, located off Morocco’s southern coast are known for their mild climate and beautiful beaches. Be sure to visit Gran Canaria to see the Maspalomas Dunes and Tenerife for the Teide Volcano. Obtain a Schengen tourist visa to visit the beautiful Spanish Islands and party the night away.

2. San Sebastian

Deep in the Basque country of North Spain lies the best of Spain attractions, San Sebastian. San Sebastian graces the lovely Bay of Biscay, housing some of Spain’s beautiful beaches. If you’re propelled by your taste-buds, be sure to explore San Sebastian’s outstanding culinary tradition. Visit this city if you love great beach life – San Sebastian boasts some of the very best beaches in Europe. The best beach around here is the Playa de la Concha, where you can go water skiing, swimming, kayaking and enjoy sunbathing.

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3. Seville

Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain, the capital of Andalusia and one of the most historic places to visit in Spain. Visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites – General Archive of the Indies, the Reales Alcázares Palace and the Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral where Christopher Columbus’s remains are housed. It’s an old city with narrow cobbled streets, old-fashioned courtyards with tinkling fountains and towers. Seville has a lively social life. People like to eat and drink outdoors; you’ll likely be serenaded by a lone flamenco guitarist as you eat. Enjoy the city’s local beer, Cruzcampo and delve into its vibrant cuisine. If you’re there during Easter, do participate in the Holy Week, or Semana Santa, where magnificent religious artworks are paraded. During April, you can enjoy the Feria de Abril where the residents dress up in flamenco finery and parade on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in carriages.

4. Barcelona

5. Pamplona

If you’re looking for a city steeped in history, full of baroque and neo-classical buildings, gothic churches and medieval walls, you’re in the right place. If you’re in the city during the first week of July, join the week-long Fiesta de San Fermin. The famous running of the bulls happens during this festival. The festival sees plenty of parades, dances, food, and pyrotechnics, and people go crazy throwing eggs and wine at each other. Book your Spain travel to Pamplona early so as not to miss this festival.

6. Granada

This beautiful Spanish city is famous for its Moorish palace the Alhambra, declared a World Heritage site. The surrounding woodlands and the intricate carvings of the palace have inspired many Moorish poets. Exploring the Alhambra should be top of your list, with its geometric motifs, peaceful gardens, rectangular fountain-ed courtyards, and tree-lined walkways. Take a stroll up the winding streets of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Albaicín facing the Alhambra. Here you’ll find old churches built on the ruins of older mosques and simply mind-blowing views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

7. The Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada to the east of Granada houses the highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula. The entire Sierra Nevada range is a national park, with exceptional flora and fauna, such as the Spanish ibex. In 1986, this range was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Be sure to visit Las Alpujarras, which has several thermal springs and spas. This region is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Here’s what to see in Spain’s Sierra Nevada region – tiny white houses clinging to the hillsides, scampering bell-wearing goats, and almond trees in full bloom.

8. Toledo

Toledo is at times referred to as the ‘City of Three Cultures’ because it housed Jews, Christians, and Muslims for many centuries. Explore this city to enjoy its wealth of historic art and architecture which date back to the ancient Roman Empire. Stroll along the cobbled medieval streets and take pictures of the incredible old architecture. Toledo is a city that inspires historians and literary pundits with its incredible architecture, including a lovely old mosque, a stunning cathedral, and a Jewish synagogue.

9. Valencia

Valencia is an important Spanish city which is known as the preserver of art and culture. Be sure to visit its most impressive landmark, the huge City of Arts and Science, a cultural and entertainment complex. Here you’ll find a planetarium, an aquarium, and a science museum that is themselves works of art. If you’re in Valencia during March, be sure to attend the Fallas Festival where huge papier-mâché figures are paraded. These figures are burned ceremoniously at the end of the week and there’s a night-long party to culminate the festival.

10. Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a coastal town that stretches for 214 km (133 miles). This coastal paradise comprises of lush nature, soaring cliffs, beautiful little villages, sandy beaches, lovely hidden bays, and rocky coves. Be sure to visit Cadaques and Begur for interest. The famous painter Salvador Dali and his wife Gala lived and worked in Port Lligat. Further inland is Dali’s birthplace, Figueres, and the famous Dalí Theatre-Museum which houses several of his works. There’s a castle that Dali bought for his wife in Púbol as well. Visit Ampurias where you’ll find Spain’s most important Greek archaeological site.

Conclusion

Spain represents red-hot passion – passion for food, passion for music, dance, art, and life itself. Every destination in Spain is marked with this vibrant passion for life, including Spain’s many festivals. If you’re looking for the kind of vacation that’ll jolt you out of your doldrums and re-awaken the passion in you, head straight to Spain.