Join us on a virtual tour of Spain’s 10 most beautiful places in 2023 – you’ll be mesmerised! From La Sagrada Familia’s architectural grandeur in Barcelona to Alhambra’s Moorish marvels in Granada, this diverse country dazzles. We’ll unwind on Playa de La Concha’s azure shores, immerse in Prado’s masterpieces, and marvel at Lanzarote’s volcanic Timanfaya National Park. Vibrant cities, stunning scenery, and hidden gems await – come discover Spain’s splendours with Unhotel Global!
1. La Sagrada Familia
In the heart of Barcelona, Spain, you’ll find the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. This modernist architectural masterpiece is the work of the legendary Antoni Gaudí, and despite over a century of construction, it remains a testament to his unique vision and unwavering dedication.
Here are two fascinating facts about La Sagrada Familia: it’s been under construction longer than the Great Pyramids of Giza, and it’s set to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s passing.
When visiting, make sure to ascend one of its towers for breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. The Passion Tower and the Nativity Tower provide stunning vistas. Take a moment to bask in the beauty of the interior, where sunlight through stained glass windows creates a mesmerising play of colours.
A captivating tidbit about La Sagrada Familia is Gaudí’s meticulous attention to detail; he studied real bones to design the basilica’s columns to resemble the human skeleton.
You can reach La Sagrada Familia via Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat, just 30 minutes away by taxi. The Barcelona Metro links the airport to the city centre, with the Sagrada Familia station on the L2 and L5 lines being the nearest stop.
While you’re in the area, explore the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, another modernist marvel. For dining options, consider El Nacional, a popular gastronomic space. Hotel Barcelona 1882, located a short walk from La Sagrada Familia, offers comfortable accommodation.
2. Alhambra
Perched atop Assabica Hill in the southern region of Granada, Spain, the Alhambra stands as a breathtaking palace and fortress complex, providing an enchanting window into the Moorish history of the country. With its intricate architecture, lush gardens, and sweeping city panoramas, it’s an essential stop on any Spanish journey.
When exploring the Alhambra, be sure to visit the Nasrid Palaces, once the royal residences of sultans. Their every nook boasts exquisite carvings and tilework. Another must-see is the serene Generalife gardens, an oasis of plants, fountains, and viewpoints.
A fascinating tidbit about the Alhambra: its name, “The Red One” in Arabic, pays homage to the distinctive red clay that graces its walls.
Aeropuerto Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén, just 30 minutes away by car, is the nearest airport to Alhambra. Opt for the C3 bus line to reach the Alhambra directly from the city centre.
While in the vicinity, explore the magnificent Renaissance cathedral, Catedral de Granada. Satisfy your taste buds with delicious tapas at Bodegas Castañeda. Hotel Alhambra Palace offers opulent rooms with stunning city views for a luxurious stay.
3. Park Güell
Nestled atop Carmel Hill in Barcelona, Spain, Park Güell is a public park system composed of gardens and architectural elements designed by Antoni Gaudí. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of nature and architecture, making it one of the top places to visit in Spain.
When visiting Park Güell, one must-do activity is to explore the Monumental Zone, where you’ll find the iconic dragon stairway and the serpentine bench. Another must-do is to take a leisurely stroll through the Austria Gardens, a green space filled with local and exotic plants.
An interesting trivia about Park Güell is that it was originally intended to be a housing development. However, the project was unsuccessful and was eventually converted into a public park.
The nearest airport to Park Güell is Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat, which is approximately 30 minutes away by car. The best way to get to Park Güell from the city centre is by bus, with the 24 and 92 lines stopping near the park.
Nearby, you can visit the Gaudí House Museum, which was once the residence of Antoni Gaudí. For a bite to eat, consider Restaurant El Jardí de l’Abadessa, known for its Mediterranean cuisine. For accommodation, Casa Fuster Hotel offers luxurious rooms in a historic building.
4. Casa Batlló
In the heart of Barcelona, Spain, stands Casa Batlló, another architectural gem designed by the celebrated Antoni Gaudí. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vibrant masterpiece is a must-visit on any Spanish journey.
When you explore Casa Batlló, make sure to visit the Noble Floor, once the Batlló family’s residence. Don’t miss the roof terrace, known as the Dragon’s Back, offering a sweeping city view.
A fascinating fact about Casa Batlló: Gaudí’s design of the facade tells the tale of Saint George and the Dragon, with the roof resembling the dragon’s back and the balconies representing the skulls of its victims.
Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat, about 30 minutes away by car, is the nearest airport to Casa Batlló. To reach it from the city centre, take the metro, with the Passeig de Gràcia station on the L2, L3, and L4 lines being the closest.
Explore another of Gaudí’s creations nearby, Casa Milà. Satisfy your appetite at El Nacional, a popular gastronomic spot. For accommodations, consider Hotel Sixtytwo, conveniently located just a short stroll from Casa Batlló.
5. Museo del Prado
Located in the heart of Madrid, Spain, the Museo del Prado is renowned globally as one of the most prestigious art museums. It possesses an extensive compilation of European art spanning from the 12th to the early 20th century, making it an essential visit for art enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.
When exploring the Museo del Prado, it is highly recommended to admire the masterpieces crafted by Spanish artists such as Velázquez and Goya. Additionally, taking a guided tour is a must-do activity as it allows for a more profound understanding of the museum’s most iconic works.
It is interesting to note that the Museo del Prado was initially intended to be a natural history museum, but it was repurposed to house the royal art collection and officially opened as an art museum in 1819.
The nearest airport to the Museo del Prado is Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, which can be reached by car in approximately 30 minutes. The most convenient way to access the Museo del Prado from the city centre is by utilising the metro, with the Atocha station on Line 1 being the closest stop.
In close proximity, one can also explore the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, known for its impressive assortment of art ranging from the 13th to the 20th century.
For a delightful culinary experience, consider dining at Estado Puro, renowned for its innovative tapas. As for accommodation, Hotel Ritz offers opulent rooms in a historically significant building.
6. Catedral de Sevilla
The Catedral de Sevilla is a remarkable landmark in the lively city of Sevilla, representing the city’s abundant history and cultural legacy. Being the world’s third-largest and the largest Gothic church, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an essential destination for any traveller exploring Spain.
When you go to the Catedral de Sevilla, it is essential to partake in a couple of activities. Firstly, you should ascend the Giralda, the bell tower of the cathedral, to experience breathtaking views of the city. Secondly, you must visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which stands as one of the cathedral’s most remarkable attractions.
A fascinating fact about the Catedral de Sevilla is that it was constructed where a magnificent Almohad Mosque once stood, and the Giralda originally served as the mosque’s minaret.
The closest airport to the Cathedral of Seville is Seville Airport, which is around a 20-minute drive away. The most convenient method to reach the Cathedral from the city centre is by tram, with the closest stop being the Archivo de Indias.
Close by, you have the opportunity to explore the famous Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a majestic palace celebrated for its remarkable Mudejar design. If you’re looking for a place to grab a meal, you might want to consider El Rinconcillo, the oldest bar in Seville which is famous for its authentic tapas. As for lodging, Hotel Alfonso XIII provides opulent rooms within a historic establishment.
7. Playa de La Concha
Situated in the heart of San Sebastián, Playa de La Concha is a widely acclaimed urban beach in Europe. Boasting exquisite golden sands, serene waters, and breathtaking views of the bay, it is an absolute must-see for all beach lovers.
Exploring the promenade that runs alongside the beach is a highly recommended activity as it provides awe-inspiring views of the bay. Additionally, taking a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Cantabrian Sea is another must-do experience at Playa de La Concha.
An interesting fact about the beach is that it is named “The Shell Beach” due to its shell-like shape. The closest airport, Aeropuerto de San Sebastián, is approximately a 30-minute car ride away.
As it is located in the heart of the city, the best way to reach Playa de La Concha from the city centre is on foot. There are also nearby attractions such as the Ayuntamiento de San Sebastián, a stunning city hall building, and the renowned Bar Nestor, which is known for its delicious pintxos. For those seeking lavish accommodations, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the bay.
8. Timanfaya National Park
The Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, located on Lanzarote Island in Spain, is a one-of-a-kind destination that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers.
It is famous for its moon-like landscapes and volcanic characteristics. When visiting this national park, a must-try activity is taking a guided bus tour, allowing you to traverse the park’s awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes. Additionally, you should make sure to dine at El Diablo, a unique restaurant that utilises geothermal heat from the volcano to cook its dishes.
An interesting fact about Timanfaya National Park is that the last volcanic eruptions occurred from 1730 to 1736, resulting in the distinctive landscapes we see today.
The nearest airport to the park is the Aeropuerto de Lanzarote, which is approximately a 30-minute car ride away. The most convenient way to reach Timanfaya National Park from the airport is by car, as public transportation options are limited.
In close proximity, you can also explore the Jameos del Agua, a series of lava caves that have been transformed into an art, culture, and tourism centre by renowned local artist César Manrique. As for accommodation, the Hotel Volcán Lanzarote is a recommended choice.
9. Cuevas del Drach
Located on the picturesque island of Mallorca in Spain, the Dragon Caves, also known as Cuevas del Drach, are an awe-inspiring natural wonder. These four magnificent caves, reaching depths of up to 25 metres, are adorned with stunning stalactite formations and boast one of the world’s largest underground lakes, Lake Martel.
When exploring Cuevas del Drach, a must-try activity is the guided cave tour, where visitors can marvel at the astonishing geological features. Another must-experience is a unique classical music concert performed on a boat floating on Lake Martel, which is included in the tour.
A fascinating fact about Cuevas del Drach is that they were first documented in 1338 and extensively explored in the late 19th century.
The nearest airport, Aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca, is about an hour’s drive away from Cuevas del Drach. It is recommended to rent a car for transportation as public transport options are limited.
For those who wish to explore the surrounding area, Porto Cristo, a charming fishing village with a beautiful beach, is just a short distance away. Sa Sivina d’en Pep is a recommended restaurant for delicious seafood. For accommodation, Hotel THB Felip offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the sea.
10. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in the historic city of Córdoba, is a remarkable architectural wonder. Its captivating array of columns and colourful arches make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city’s Islamic past and its subsequent conversion to Christianity.
A must-see at the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is the stunning hypostyle hall, which boasts 856 columns made of various materials such as jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. Another highlight is the intricately decorated Mihrab, a prayer niche that is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art.
An interesting fact about the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is that it was originally constructed as a mosque in the 8th century before being transformed into a cathedral in the 13th century, resulting in a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architectural styles.
The nearest airport to the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is Aeropuerto de Sevilla, which is about a 90-minute car ride away. The best way to reach the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba from the city centre is on foot, as it is located in the heart of the city.
Close by, visitors can explore the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress with beautiful gardens. Bodegas Mezquita is a recommended choice for delicious tapas, and for accommodation, the Hotel NH Collection Amistad Córdoba offers comfortable rooms in a historic setting.
We hope this virtual tour of Spain’s best places to visit has inspired you to experience Spain’s top destinations firsthand. At Unhotel Global, our team crafts luxury journeys to bring these marvels to life. Let us guide you on an indulgent Spanish adventure curated to your taste. From world-class art to stunning scenery, we’ll uncover Spain’s hidden corners. Connect with the Unhotel Global team today to start planning your dream itinerary!
