The top destinations in Spain to explore and accommodations to consider.

It is common knowledge that Spain is a fantastic vacation spot, thanks to its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, rocky islands, and popular beach resorts that attract travelers from all around the globe.

Although places such as Barcelona and Mallorca have been popular among tourists for many years, there are still many major cities in the country that have not been fully explored by visitors.

Many people are unaware of the abundance of artistic and cultural attractions, as well as luxurious hotels and renowned restaurants, in the capital. Despite gaining popularity, the stunning beaches and exceptional cuisine found in cities such as Valencia and San Sebastian are often overlooked.

Given the challenge of organizing a trip to a country with such diverse and beautiful regions, we have compiled a list of the top cities to visit in Spain and a suggestion for lodging.

It won’t be long before you notice that Barcelona is a one-of-a-kind city in Spain, known for its blend of both Catalan and Spanish influences, and a determination to stand out.

th-century plazas.

The city’s unique architecture is exemplified by its main landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell, all designed by one man, Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi’s support for the Catalan modernisme style is evident throughout the region. The most sought-after neighborhoods, including the Gothic Quarter and the Old Town, have a distinctively different feel compared to Madrid’s 17th-century plazas. ^th

In the city centre of the historic district, there is a unique feature of having beaches nearby, which is not common in Spain.

The art of Catalonia is known for its eccentricity, as demonstrated by the works of Dali and the city’s most renowned resident, Pablo Picasso. This progressive mindset has been present in the city for generations, as evidenced by pieces showcased at the Museu Nacional d’Art and the Picasso Museum. The main festivals in the city are also unique; for instance, La Merce in September features performances throughout the city and the famous building of human towers.

The city has many great hotels, but the Iberostar Paseo de Gracia is likely the top choice for its perfect balance of comfort and location. Positioned at the end of Paseo de Gracia, known as Barcelona’s version of the Champs-Elysees, and at the top of La Rambla, it is conveniently situated for exploring the city by foot. The hotel boasts contemporary and chic rooms, as well as a stunning rooftop terrace with a pool, providing a comfortable and enjoyable setting to relax in the evenings while sipping on a cocktail and taking in the panoramic views of the city.

Spain travel:

Valencia may not currently be as popular as cities such as Seville or Malaga for tourism, but this is expected to change soon. The city is full of Spanish charm, with its main focus on the Old Town and three beautiful plazas, including the expansive Ayuntamiento Square and the charming Plaza de la Virgen, which is next to the well-known Carmen neighborhood.

Along with Ruzafa in the south, Carmen is one of the city’s nightlife centres and a popular place for locals to eat, drink and peruse various shops. Out of town, the El Cabanyal neighbourhood marks the beginning of Valencia’s beachfront, with the nearly two-mile walk up to Patacona showcasing the best of the city’s beaches and chiringuitos.

One of the top features of Valencia is how easily you can traverse it on foot. Many tourists enjoy riding bikes through the five-mile Turia Park, which leads to the City of Arts and Sciences. This modern landmark is known for its futuristic buildings, spacious gardens, and the largest aquarium in Europe.

The Vincci Palace is situated in the heart of Valencia’s historic district, offering a perfect combination of lavishness and convenience at a reasonable cost. Its prime location allows for easy access to the majority of the city’s top attractions. The interior boasts a sophisticated design, featuring a mix of contemporary elements in the rooms and art deco influences in the bar and shared spaces.

The capital of Spain is often overshadowed by the popular destinations of Barcelona and Mallorca. However, it offers an authentic Spanish experience without the effects of mass tourism. This city is home to many of Spain’s prominent cultural establishments, including the Reina Sofia art museum and numerous tapas bars.

th-century buildings

The central hub of the city is Gran Via, a one-mile avenue lined with striking buildings from the 20th century.^thth-century Plaza Mayor

Madrid’s main shopping area is surrounded by 16th-century architecture and the historic core of the city, including the Plaza Mayor.^th

The Plaza Mayor of the 16th century leads to the expansive Royal Palace.

On the other side of the central area lies the sprawling Retiro Park, a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike and a gateway to the city’s famed ‘Golden Triangle’ of art museums, where aficionados can see works from Picasso, Goya and Velazquez at the Reina Sofia and El Prado. In between these areas lies ‘local’ Madrid, in the neighbourhoods of Malasana, Chueca and La Latina, where madrilenos gather for long lunches, evening drinks and tapas crawls.

Located at the base of Gran Via, the Dear Hotel Madrid boasts a prime position for tourists and those eager to discover all that the city has to offer. This hotel features tastefully minimalist and contemporary designs, along with roomy and cozy accommodations. Its competitive pricing, outstanding breakfast choices, and rooftop pool distinguish it from other hotels in the area.

San Sebastian possesses numerous traits that have contributed to Spain’s appeal to foreigners. However, with the recent rise of its renowned culinary scene and one of the nation’s most renowned beaches, it is increasingly gaining attention from tourists.

This city is unique in that it centers around its beach, extending along the La Concha Bay and stretching into the nearby mountains with a mix of architectural styles, including Belle Epoque and Baroque. The Old Town boasts narrow streets and a selection of pintxo bars, where the Basque version of tapas is served with exceptional quality.

Despite being easily accessible on nearly every street, the budget-friendly Spanish dishes have greatly influenced the city’s growing recognition as a top food destination. However, the most remarkable aspect of San Sebastian is likely its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, with the city holding the second highest number of stars per person compared to any other city globally.

Lasala Plaza boasts a picturesque setting on La Concha Bay, with a rooftop that offers stunning vistas of the golden beaches and clear blue waters of the Bay of Biscay. This makes it the perfect accommodation for those looking to conveniently explore the Old Town and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Despite being housed in a grand structure from the 20th century, the hotel’s rooms and decor exude a contemporary feel, featuring subtle colors and impressive outlooks of both the Old Town and the Bay.

Seville has always been a popular destination for tourists seeking sun during the off-season. It continues to appeal to a diverse group of travelers, ranging from those interested in cultural experiences to those looking for a lively nightlife. Despite having to address some behavior issues among tourists, Seville is far from being a cheap and overcrowded spot for intoxicated British visitors.

This city successfully combines Moorish influences with its significant place in Spanish history and culture. It is home to notable landmarks such as the beautiful Alcazar palace, one of the largest functioning bullrings in Spain, and the impressive Cathedral and Giralda tower. The Old Town may be bustling like other cities in Spain, but for good reason. Its charming streets are filled with quaint squares and delicious tapas bars, and a short stroll will lead you to plazas filled with locals enjoying an evening drink.

Exploring beyond the immediate area will lead you to either the shores of the Guadalquivir River or the Maria Luisa park, home to the stunning Plaza de Espana and remnants of the 1929 Iberian-American Expo. These serve as a powerful reminder that this city values its rich cultural history and boasts some of the most exquisite architectural marvels in the nation.

Select the H10 Casa de Plata for a peaceful lodging experience in the heart of the city, conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Alcazar and other popular sights. Similar to Seville, this hotel combines traditional Spanish decor, such as courtyards and white walls, with a touch of Moorish influence, including ceramic tiles and water elements. The newly constructed terrace and rooftop pool add the finishing touches to this hotel.

Malaga provides equally remarkable cultural attractions as well as extensive stretches of sandy beaches, such as Malagueta and Caleta.

The primary attractions of the city include the Alcazaba, a grand palace that originated in the Moorish era, and the Gibralfaro Castle, both situated on the hills above the city. These landmarks provide stunning views of Malaga and also offer a chance to discover its past.

The heart of the city, the historic center, is the perfect starting point for discovering the town. It has a blend of wide avenues and narrow alleys lined with churro stands, cozy cafes, and significant landmarks such as Picasso’s childhood home and a museum in his honor. Calle Larios, the main street, is the bustling hub of the city, surrounded by roads that lead to significant churches, palaces, and convents.

The Only You hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and the Cathedral, making it easy to access both the beach and the city center. The hotel’s rooftop terrace on the eighth floor is a standout feature, but the modern rooms are also a highlight. Some rooms even come with their own stunning terraces, allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail while taking in the coastal views.

Palma is the pulsating center of the island. It boasts a diverse array of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, including the grand La Seu cathedral and the striking Almudaina palace. Its charming pedestrianized old town adds to its character, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore in the evenings.

In addition to strolling through well-known streets in the Old Town such as Calle Apuntadores, Via Veri, and Paseo del Borne, top sights to see include the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art and the Miro Foundation, which is a companion exhibition to the artist’s museum in Barcelona. Locals and tourists alike often visit the food markets at Santa Catalina and Olivar, while a walk along the marina at Paseo Maritimo is a must-do activity.

One of the reasons why Palma is so attractive is its convenient accessibility for day trips, with various coastal areas and towns located within a 30-minute car ride. Some of the top choices for day trips include port towns like Pollenca and Andraxt, as well as beaches like Cala Mayor, Palmanova, and Cala Comtessa.

For the ultimate combination of city and beach life, consider staying at the Portixol Hotel located just west of the city center. It’s a short 30-minute walk from the Old Town and boasts a beachfront setting with a pool and terrace resembling a beach club, a high-end restaurant, and a spa and wellness center. The rooms have a nautical vibe and feature balconies that overlook the harbor and mountains.

Zaragoza is home to a labyrinthine Old Town that provides an insight into the city’s history at every turn. Start at the Zaragoza Museum in Plaza de los Sitios if you want to learn more, before getting lost in a maze of Mudejar architecture, Roman ruins – including the archaeological remains of the Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta – and the customary tapas bars and watering holes (El Tubo is the place to go for the best eateries and most lively bars).

The town is famous for being the former residence of Francisco Goya, a highly esteemed artist in the country. A variety of his pieces, ranging from etchings to frescoes, can be found throughout the town, particularly in the Museo Goya-Coleccion Ibercaja.

The NH Ciudad de Zaragoza is situated near the banks of the Ebro river and just a short 10-minute drive from the Basilica. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of these iconic landmarks. While the interior design is simple and understated, the large rooms and convenient location make for a comfortable stay with easy access to the city’s highlights.

I have a strong preference for pintxos and a variety of ordinary-looking eateries that offer what will probably be the most delicious meal you’ll have all year (check out the stalls in the covered Ribera market for a good place to begin).

Bilbao has an advantage over its rival in its atmospheric Old Town, which has one of the largest cobbled streets in Spain. The best time to visit is during the ‘Semana Grande’ festivities in August. The heart of the area is made up of Bilbao’s original seven streets, dating back to the 1400s, and is now home to numerous bars and tapas restaurants.

The Barcelo Bilbao Nervion is located north of the Casco Viejo, peacefully situated on the Nervion river and in close proximity to the Guggenheim. The rooms are modern and uncomplicated, and the hotel’s restaurant offers the chance to taste authentic Basque dishes.

The top hotels in Spain.

Source: independent.co.uk