Breathtaking Places in Spain to Visit Before You Die

Designed by world famous architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao has one of the most unique designs in the world. The exterior, which is covered with giant sheets of glass and titanium, is waved and curved to catch the sunlight. This modern art museum was built in 1997, and its permanent collection includes work by Rothko, Richard Serra, Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, Louise Bourgeois and Jeff Koons. Located on the banks of the Nervión river, capturing the museum’s spectacular architectural design from different angles is almost as much fun as seeing the art inside of it.
Insider tip: After a day filled with art at the museum, make sure to chow down on some pintxos, which are gourmet tapas Bilbao is famous for – join our four-day foodie Mini Trip to the Basque Country for a pintxos tour.

The Alhambra is one of the most unique palaces in the world. Constructed in 889 by the Moors and later changed and renovated by the Christian kings in the 16th century, the palace is a grand example of many different styles of architecture and art. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle, which sits perched upon a hill, is not only exciting to explore, but also features stunning views of the city of Granada and the countryside and mountains that lay beyond. The picturesque gardens are a must-see, complete with blooming flowers and Mudéjar–style fountains at every turn.

Insider tip: Buy tickets online well in advance to ensure you get to visit the Alhambra, as only a certain number of visitors are allowed per day. A guided tour of the Alhambra is included on our four-day Mini Trip to Andalucia.

Towering above the Picos de Europa mountain range, the Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga rises out of the greenery with its pink and red steeples. The Neo-Romanesque church is constructed entirely from pink limestone, and if you’ve never seen a pink church before this will more than satisfy your curiosity. The church is really just the beginning of all the beautiful things you can see in this National Park. The Santa Cueva de Covadonga is a sanctuary carved into the side of a cave and mountain with a waterfall, where the Virgin Mary has been said to appear to worshipers. Two spectacular glacial lakes, Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, are located in the park and definitely warrant a visit too.

Insider tip: Be careful when visiting the park during inclement weather, as the lakes may be closed due to difficult curves and poor visibility.

Thanks to Córdoba’s hot, dry climate, the city’s very first inhabitants (first Romans, then Moors) created homes around a central courtyard, often with a fountain in the middle or a well. Still common today, this style of home is typical in Córdoba, and these small courtyards—now called patios—are world-famous for their stunning decoration and blooming flowers. Whereas you can view many patios year-round, the best time to see them is during the yearly patio festival each May.

Insider tip: Checking out the patios in the early evening is a great way to avoid crowds, especially during the festival, when many go in the morning or afternoon.

Insider tip: Once you’ve snapped the gorge from every direction possible, head into town to eat some rabo del toro (oxtail), Ronda’s speciality.

Spain is full of incredible cathedrals, but the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela has a very special component. Not only is the Cathedral the burial spot of St. James, one of the 12 apostles, but it’s also the ending point of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a pilgrimage of about 800 kilometers (500 miles) that many take through northern Spain. Completed in 1211, this Baroque and Romanesque church features 80-meter (260-foot) high bell towers that rise above the city.

Insider tip: Pay the extra few euros to take the rooftop tour. It’s worth it to see the grand views of Santiago de Compostela.