Spain is one of the most influential and exotic countries of Europe and is considered to be the sleeping Giant of tourism industry in Europe. Smooth lifestyle to Vibrant nightlife to Delicious cuisines there is each and everything a traveler dreams of in Spain. From tourism point of view Spain is amongst the top 10 most visited countries in the World and is second only to Italy in terms of number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here you will explore some of the best exaggerating views of the steep valleys along with the ancient heritage monuments left by the Romans and Moors and one of the craziest festivals of the Earth Running of the Bulls.
Let’s explore: Top Tourist Attractions in Spain
11) Running of the Bulls
Running of the Bulls is a Bull Race that takes place in Pamplona city of Spain from July 6th to 14th. It is an activity in which you run in front of a dozen of Bulls who are desperately running and knocking down whoever comes in his way. Thrilling and Entertaining but can get dangerous at times. The origin of the race goes way back to in the 14th century when men used to hurry up the cattles in order to sell them in the markets through tricks of excitement and fear. As years passed this practice became a tradition and at present running of the bulls is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.
10) La Concha Beach
La Concha is one of the most popular and beautiful beach in Europe with almost all necessary services available on the coast. It is a sandy beach where you can go surfing, walking and enjoy the best scenic views. The Beach is protected from powerful blow of winds by strong valleys that surrounds the beach. Sometimes the fluctuation of waves can get you frighten up but don’t worry and just chill out as it happens every now and then. The beach has been rated as one of the top 10 beaches of Europe and is probably the top most tourist attraction in Spain.
9) Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid officially called as The Palacio Real de Madrid, is the residence of Spanish Royal Family but the family do not live inside the Palace. The Palace at present is the property of Spanish State and is used to State Ceremonies and National Functions. The construction of the Palace started in 1738 and finished in 1755 with a total of 3,418 rooms spanned across 1,35,000 square metres. The palace has been listed in the list of Spanish Property of Cultural Interest and is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.
8) Cuenca
Cuenca is situated between Madrid and Valencia and is one of the best example of how a middle age city should be. The climate, the location and the views are just incomparable and unique. The houses are hanging on the edge of the hills is an amazing sight and treat to watch out. The town in itself is a Gem and it strikes tourists the most. Several attractions and landmarks in Cuenca are Cathedral Cuenca, Cathedral Organs, Seminary, Bridge of Saint Paul and many more. You can’t miss out Cuenca when you are mentioning top tourist attractions in Spain.
7) Ibiza
Ibiza is an Island in Mediterranean Sea and the third largest of the Balearic Community Islands. It is a very popular tourist destination in Spain and people from all over the World arrive here to have some fun and especially during summer, the island is flooded with tourists. It is popular in whole of Europe for its parties, nightlife and electronic music. Ibiza Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an attractive tourist attraction, is located in Ibiza where you can go to explore some unique attractions.
6) Park Guell
Park Guell is a Garden Complex created from a Rocky Hill and situated on the hill of El Carmel in Barcelona, Spain. The park was designed by Antoni Gaudi and the construction was planned and completed in between 1900 to 1914. At present, Park Guell is a World Heritage Site described by UNESCO and is among the largest architectural works in South Europe. Within the park, there are several works of Antoni Gaudi inside his house where he lived and is called as Gaudi House Museum.
5) Aqueduct of Segovia
Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most significant ancient monument in Spain and is considered to be the symbol of Segovia. The Aqueduct, built around the 1st century AD, is used to transport water from Fuente Fria River to a region known as La Acebeda. The water is transferred through a definite route which in all comprise of 16 kms. One interesting fact about the Aqueduct is that Mortar was not used at all during the time of construction instead unmortered, brick like Granite Blocks were used. At present, Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.
4) Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba also known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba is a Roman Catholic Christian Cathedral and one of the most precious monument of Moorish Architecture. Originally, it was built as an Islamic Mosque but later on it was converted into a Church. Muslims have often started campaigns to allow them to pray inside the Cathedral but each time their plea has been rejected. UNESCO has described this as a World Heritage Site and is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain. Undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.
3) Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is an incomplete large Roman Catholic Church situated in Barcelona. Construction started in 1882 and in 1883 Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan Architect took over the project. He devoted almost 40 years to the project and during the time of his death in 1926 the construction was still incomplete. Afterwards, the construction went on steadily but till today it is not completed. The estimated date of the completion of the Church is said to be 2026. Sagrada Familia is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Spain.
2) El Escorial
Currently functioning as a monastery, Royal Palace, Museum and School, El Escorial is the residence of King of Spain and one of the Spanish Royal Sites. The Royal Monastery and La Granjilla de La Fresneda are the two architectural complexes in the Escorial of important significance. The Architect of the Palace was Juan Bautista de Toled, who had also worked on St. Peter’s Basilica of Rome. King Philip and Juan Bautista together planned El Escorial as a witness to Spain’s role as a center of Christian World.
1) Alhambra
Founded as a small Fortress in 889, Alhambra now is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. It was converted into a Royal Palace by then Sultan of Granada Yusuf 1 in 1933. After disappearing for centuries, the palace was rediscovered by European Scholars and Travelers in the 19thcentury. At present, Alhambra is on top on the list of top tourist attractions in Spain and is one of Spain’s most significant Islamic architecture. It is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.