If Spain is the country that inspires you – do not miss my Ultimate Spain Bucket List for beginners. I hope that this article will give you a global view of top Spanish travel destinations and help you decide on where to set off for your next Spanish vacation.
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Top Destinations for Your Spain Bucket List
Visiting Spain for the First Time
This post serves as a preview to the upcoming in-depth article The Extended Spain Bucket List for Each Province. This Spain Bucket List for Beginners is designed for those planning their first trip to Spain, though I hope it will be useful for everyone. You can use it to check how much of Spain you’ve already explored and to set new travel goals across the Iberian Peninsula.
If you’re not yet a Spain travel expert, don’t miss my posts on a 3-week Spain itinerary, virtual tours, famous Spaniards and their house museums, unique Spanish legends, local food souvenirs, Spain packing list, top landmarks, popular TV shows, major festivities, quotes about Spain, and essential travel tips. These will immerse you in the cultural context and help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Spain!
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How much time do you need in Spain?
While Pinterest is full of 7- to 10-day itineraries for all of Spain, it’s important to remember that Spain’s most unique landmarks are spread widely across the entire Iberian Peninsula. Many regions have their own language, cuisine, and distinctive festivities. While you can find itineraries on the blog to suit all tastes and preferences, and customize any trip, I usually recommend spending at least five to seven days in a single region. For the whole of Northern Spain, you’d need at least 10 days, and for Southern Spain, anywhere from 7 to 10 days. For cross-country routes 2-3 weeks are fine (check out this 3-week itinerary by car or this 2-week one by train).
The Spanish are known for their siesta and relaxed approach to time, so don’t expect to travel in a hurry or be highly efficient in your sightseeing (as this goes against the local culture). Less is more. The best way to explore the Iberian Peninsula is to take your time, focus on one region (or two at most), and work your way through the rest of your Spain bucket list gradually.
Spain Bucket List: Top Spain Travel Destinations
1. Barcelona and the Gaudi Architecture
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What you can not miss in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime. However, experiences of the city can differ greatly: some people fall in love with it instantly, while others leave feeling unimpressed, unable to fully appreciate its charm. In another article, I compared Madrid and Barcelona, and found that those who favor Barcelona often do so for emotional reasons rather than logical ones. They simply love it – no further explanation needed. There’s no denying that the city possesses a unique allure. You can check out my 4-day itinerary for the city here, and if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids, head to this post.
Barcelona is home to architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí, one of Spain’s most famous figures. Although George Orwell famously called La Sagrada Familia “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” in one of his books, it is widely recognized as one of Spain’s most distinctive cathedrals. As showcased in Woody Allen’s romantic film Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Gaudí’s fantastical creations continue to captivate millions of visitors who flock to the Catalonia region.
If Barcelona is your top destination on your Spain bucket list, you can also plan a few unique day trips to explore more of the Catalonia region. In fact, while based in Barcelona, you can easily plan an entire road trip across Catalonia. Be sure to check out my article Top Barcelona Weekend breaks and visit the Catalonia section of the blog for more ideas.
Must-do experiences to book in Barcelona
- Park Guell Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (check availability)
- Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour (check availability)
- Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket (check availability)
- Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (check availability)
- La Pedrera Night Experience (check availability)
- Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History (check availability)
- From Barcelona: 8-Hour Costa Brava Kayak and Snorkel Tour (check availability)
- From Barcelona: Penedés Vineyards Tour (check availability)
Another must-have experience in Barcelona is attending an FC Barcelona soccer match (make sure to get tickets in advance). Since my husband is a fan, I’ve already been to Camp Nou stadium a few times: once for El Clásico (the most popular match in Spain between FC Barcelona and FC Real Madrid), and once for the final match of the Copa del Rey (when FC Barcelona played against FC Atlético Madrid).
2. Madrid and The Spanish Royal Heritage
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What you can not miss in Madrid
As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a must-visit destination on every Spain bucket list. Over my 15+ years as an expat in Spain, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Madrid – whether for a new temporary exhibition, an art or theater performance, or even a new restaurant. Last December, we made a spontaneous getaway to Christmas in Madrid and enjoyed it so much.
The two most iconic landmarks in Madrid are the Royal Palace and the Museo del Prado. Typically, you can see the top sights in Madrid in three days. However, if you add several day trips from Madrid to your itinerary, you can easily spend a few weeks in the city. You can check out a full list of things to do in Madrid in this post. For more tips and itineraries, head to the Madrid section of the blog.
One of the reasons I’ve always enjoyed Madrid more than Barcelona is that its surroundings are home to countless jaw-dropping landmarks, like my favorite Toledo, the fairytale-like Alcázar of Segovia, Salamanca with its oldest university in Europe, the Escorial Monastery, the Valley of the Fallen, and the medieval walls of Ávila. You can even add a few off-the-beaten-path places to your Madrid itinerary, like Cuenca. Nature lovers will also enjoy adventurous activities at Guadarrama National Park.
Must-do experiences to book in Madrid
- An ultimate Madrid City Pass (check availability)
- Royal Palace Tour with Optional Royal Collections (check availability)
- Wine and Tapas Madrid Walking Tour (check availability)
- Skip-the-Line Prado Museum Guided Tour (check availability)
- “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance (check availability)
- FC Real Madrid Tour Bernabéu Entry Ticket (check availability)
- Avila and Segovia Day Trip (check availability)
3. Andalusia and The Moorish Architecture
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What you can not miss in Andalusia
Andalusia (or Southern Spain) typically ranks right after Madrid and Barcelona on most Spain bucket lists, thanks to its iconic landmarks from the Arab era in Spain: the Alhambra in Granada, the Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba, and the Alcázar of Seville.
The Caminito del Rey in Andalusia is one of the top hikes in Spain, and the Bridge of Ronda is a must-see for anyone looking to explore Spain’s fairy-tale locations.
Then there’s the Las Tabernas Desert, one of the most unique landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula and an unmatched filming location for Game of Thrones. Located in the province of AlmerIa, it’s globally famous for its vast, dry expanses and Wild West Town experiences.
To explore all the unique landmarks and experiences in Southern Spain, check out my post on the Best Places to Visit in Andalusia. And don’t forget to grab my 7-day itinerary for Southern Spain.
Must-do experiences to book in Andalusia
- Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces (check availability)
- Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus (check availability)
- Jerez de la Frontera: How the Andalusian Horses Dance (check availability)
- Seville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater (check availability)
- Seville: Alcázar Skip-the-Line Tickets and Guided Tour (check availability)
- An Ultimate Seville City Pass (check availability)
- Pueblos Blancos and Ronda Full-Day Trip (check availability)
4. Don Quixote Route and Central Spain
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What not to miss in Castile La-Mancha
If you could pick only one thing to represent Spain internationally, what would it be? I know your mind might immediately jump to fiesta, siesta, sangria, or even bullfights. But hear me out: there’s nothing more authentically Spanish than Don Quixote, the world-famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes.
One of the top experiences on any first-time Spain Bucket List should be a book-themed road trip through the Spanish region of Castile-La Mancha, following in the footsteps of Don Quixote. While you can visit some of the key Don Quixote locations on a day trip from Madrid, ideally, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore everything and fully immerse yourself in the rural atmosphere of Castile-La Mancha. This is the very same region that inspired Cervantes to create one of the best-selling books of all time (over 500 million copies), which is often considered a prototype of the modern novel.
You can easily extend your trip by spending another week exploring the major landmarks of Castile-La Mancha, including my Cuenca road trip, or visit any other notable sites along the route from Madrid to Valencia.
For more bookish inspiration on Spain, check out my posts on Top Spanish Novels, Spain Coffee Table Books, Spanish Cookbooks, Spain books for kids, and Top Wanderlust Books.
Must-do experiences to book in Castile La-Mancha
- From Madrid: Don Quixote de la Mancha Windmills & Toledo Tour (check availability)
- From Madrid: Toledo, Windmills & Alcala de Henares Day Trip (check availability)
5. Valencia and The Authentic Spanish Paella
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What you can not miss in Valencia
Even though I may be a bit biased toward Valencia (having called this region home for over 15 years), I genuinely believe the city deserves all the international acclaim it’s receiving. I’ve written numerous articles about the Valencia region and its hidden gems, which you can find on the blog under the hashtag #Valencia.
Valencia is world-renowned as the birthplace of Spanish paella, which remains a favorite meal for locals on Sundays. While paella can be found all over Spain, Spaniards will insist that to experience an authentic version, you need to go to Valencia. There’s simply no substitute.
Valencia is also the birthplace of several famous historical figures, including painters Joaquín Sorolla and Vicente Benllure, writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, film director Luis García Berlanga, and composer Vicente Martín y Soler. Don’t forget the architect Santiago Calatrava, who designed the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, and the Borgia family.
Another fascinating fact: Valencia is home to the Holy Grail – the legendary cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper, one of Christianity’s most elusive relics.
Must-do experiences to book in Valencia
- Traditional Paella Cooking Class and Dinner (check availability)
- Valencia: Oceanogràfic Entry Ticket (check availability)
- Valencia Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas (check availability)
- Valencia City Highlights Guided Bike Tour (check availability)
- Orange Farm and Orchard Trip with Tastings (check availability)
- Boat Tour Little Venice Portsaplaya (check availability)
6. Camino de Santiago and A Spiritual Journey to Spain
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What you need to know about El Camino de Santiago
El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, is an extensive network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe, all converging at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain.
While some refer to it as one of the oldest hikes in the world, the Camino de Santiago is much more than that. It embodies a long-standing Catholic tradition in Spain, a personal challenge, a connection with nature, and a unique spiritual journey. Many travelers have written books about the Camino, sharing how walking the Way of Saint James changed their lives forever.
The Camino de Santiago has existed for over twelve centuries, dating back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle St. James in 820. The earliest known pilgrims were the kings of Asturias, as well as French and German monks. In 1214, the pilgrimage was undertaken by the followers of Saint Francis of Assisi, a moment often referred to as the “resurrection of Western spirituality.” Over the centuries, Spanish monarchs established numerous hostels along the Camino routes to demonstrate the Crown’s support for Christian virtues. Walking the Way of Saint James – whether in full or just part of the journey – has become a top item on the bucket list for many Catholics and adventure seekers worldwide.
The most popular route, the French Way, begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Some people choose to start from Roncesvalles, as this section of the trail is easier. The full French Way spans 772 km and takes around 30 days to complete. However, most people I know walk the Camino in segments, typically completing a 7-day portion per trip (referred to as an etapa in Spanish).
Must-do experiences related to El Camino de Santiago
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela: Tour and Portico Option (check availability)
- From Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre and Muxía Day Trip (check availability)
- From Oviedo: Half-Day Camino de Santiago Hike (check availability)
7. Pamplona and the San Fermin Celebrations
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What you need to know about San Fermin
One of the most well-known Spanish festivals around the world is definitely San Fermin. I bet even people who have never visited Spain have heard about the famous celebration where people run in front of bulls. Yes, this is the very same fiesta from Ernest Hemingway’s novel.
The San Fermín celebrations take place every year from July 6 to July 14 in the city of Pamplona, located in the northern region of Navarra. Among older generations (and even younger Spaniards from more traditional and rural areas of the country), it is still popular to watch the encierro (i.e., the bull run) every morning during the Festival of San Fermin (as I’ve already mentioned in my post about the almuerzo culture in Valencia).
Visiting San Fermín is not easy, as many visitors book hotels almost a year in advance (and prices can go sky-high during these two weeks of celebrations). Nevertheless, you can still visit Pamplona year-round, walk along the famous bull-running street, Calle Estafeta, and even plan a road trip to explore all the landmarks of the Navarra region.
If you don’t want to focus your trip exclusively on Navarra, you can easily include Pamplona in any Northern Spain road trip itinerary.
Must-do experiences to book in Pamplona
- Pamplona – Private Historic Walking Tour (check availability)
- From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour (check availability)
- Pamplona: Interactive Tour El Sadar, CA Osasuna’s Stadium (check availability)
8. La Rioja and The Most Iconic Spanish Wineries
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What you can not miss in La Rioja
La Rioja is the smallest region in Spain, yet it is an absolute must on every Spain bucket list. This tiny Spanish autonomous community is synonymous with world-class wine. You simply can’t visit Spain without experiencing some of the best wineries in the world.
Within the La Rioja region, you’ll find hundreds of bodegas (wineries) where you can explore the traditional Spanish winemaking process in detail: from strolling through the vineyards and harvesting grapes to purchasing beautiful bottles and enjoying wine-tasting tours.
During my recent weekend in La Rioja with the kids, we had a great time and visited Bodegas Franco-Españolas. Even a few days in La Rioja make for a perfect romantic trip to Spain. If you enjoy high-quality wine, wandering from vineyard to vineyard in search of your perfect sip is ideal for you. In La Rioja, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that might remind you of the Italian Tuscany (though much less touristy).
Some of the most iconic wineries in La Rioja include Marques de Riscal, Ysios, Baigorri, Amaren, Viña Real, Solar de Samaniego, Torre de Oña, Valdemar, Bodegas Franco Españolas, and Muga.
If you plan to visit La Rioja, don’t miss my quick guide to the La Rioja region. The famous place to stay in La Rioja is Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry and located right by the famous Marqués de Riscal vineyards.
Unique experiences to book in La Rioja
- Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Wineries from Bilbao (check availability)
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour (check availability)
- Rioja Wine Route with winery owner (check availability)
- Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa Wine Tour (check availability)
- Rioja Like A Native Wine Tour (check availability)
9. The Spanish Islands for Every Taste
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What you need to know about the Spanish Islands
It’s no secret that for many travelers, an island getaway represents the best vacation choice. Every Spain lover should visit the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic at least once in their lifetime. Both are incredibly different in terms of landscapes and atmosphere. For more details, you can check out my full article about the best islands in Spain.
So far, I’ve visited all of the Balearic Islands quite a few times: I’ve enjoyed a few weekend breaks in Ibiza, had an off-season getaway to the paradise of Formentera, enjoyed Mallorca with kids, and made a daily stop in Menorca during one of my Mediterranean cruises.
As for the Canary Islands, they are one-of-a-kind – full of unique landscapes and adventurous things to do. I’ve only visited Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura so far.
However, if I had to choose one island from each Spanish archipelago to place on my Spain bucket list, I’d stick with Mallorca for the Balearic Islands and Tenerife for the Canary Islands. Don’t get me wrong – the rest are just as impressive. It’s simply that Mallorca and Tenerife offer the most unique things to see and do.
Must-do experiences to book in the Spanish Islands
- Teide National Park Night Sky Star Safari & Dinner (check availability)
- Tenerife Siam Park Entry Tickets (check availability)
- Tenerife Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles (check availability)
- Guided Off-Road Volcano Buggy Tour in Lanzarote (check availability)
- Lanzarote Real Submarine Dive with Hotel Pickup (check availability)
- Mallorca Island Tour with Boat, Tram & Train (check availability)
10. The Spanish Pyrenees for Nature Lovers
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What you need to know about The Spanish Pyrenees
The Spanish Pyrenees is one of my all-time favorite destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. This mountain range is a must-visit spot in Europe for nature lovers, and to fully explore its treasures, I recommend this two-week itinerary.
Some of my most unforgettable hikes in Spain were discovered during my mountain getaways to the Spanish Pyrenees. You can follow my ongoing trips and itineraries to the Pyrenees under the #Pyrenees hashtag.
Also, right within the Pyrenees, you’ll find Andorra – one of the smallest countries in the world, nestled between Spain and France (you can check out my posts under the #Andorra hashtag). While it can be visited on a day trip from Barcelona, Andorra is also a fantastic travel destination that pairs perfectly with any trip to the Spanish Pyrenees.
Mist-do experiences to book in the Pyrenees
- Pre-Pyrenees Hot Air Balloon Tour (check availability)
- From Barcelona: Pyrenees Mountains Day Tour (check availability)
- Barcelona to Vall de Núria: Pyrenees Mountain Wander Tour (check availability)
- Pyrenees: A-day Hike with a Choice of 3 Levels (check availability)
- Balneario de Panticosa : 75´ Thermal Circuit (check availability)
- Pyrenees Villages and Trails Full-Day Tour (check availability)
11. Asturias or Where it all started
Those who do not include Asturias on their Spain bucket list are missing out on some of the most significant historical insights of the Iberian Peninsula.
Asturias holds great symbolic significance for Spaniards, and its importance goes beyond being home to one of the country’s most iconic national parks, Picos de Europa. The famous Reconquista, when the Christians reclaimed Spain from the Moors, began in Cangas de Onis town of the Asturias region. After the famous victory at Covadonga in 722, the Hispano-Visigoth nobleman Pelagius made Cangas de Onís the first capital of Asturias. As he continued to conquer new territories on the Iberian Peninsula, Cangas de Onís could be considered the first capital of Christian Spain. To learn more, check out my list of Top Spain Documentaries.
To this day, the heirs to the Spanish throne are given the honorable title of Prince or Princess of Asturias, following this revered tradition dating back to the 1300s. You can check my trips to this wonderful Spanish region under the #Asturias hashtag.
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Map of the Spanish bucket-list destinations
Within my article on how to plan a trip to Spain, you can find other exclusive maps of the top landmarks, castles, towns, and beaches across the Iberian Peninsula.
Planning your trip to Spain:
- 10 Epic Reasons to Visit Spain (read it)
- Inspiring Spain Documentaries to Watch Before Your Trip (read it)
- An Ultimate A to Z Spain Packing List (read it)
- Cool Spain Captions for Instagram (read it)
- Top Spain Virtual Tours to Enjoy Right Now (read it)
- Best Luggage for European Travel: My Honest Review (read it)
- My Travel Beauty Essentials & Hacks On The Go (read it)
- Favorite Clean Makeup for Traveling (read it)
- What to wear in Spain: My Favorite Spain Outfits (read it)
- Favorite Carry-On Essentials: What I Never Travel Without (read it)
- Unique Spain Coffee Table Books You’ll Enjoy (read it)
- Best Way to Learn Spanish on Your Own (read it)
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
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- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
This guide is perfect, I’m looking forward to visiting Spain soon
I’ve been using your blog for inspiration for our next trip to Spain so of course I had to check your bucket list!! It’s not really a huge country, geographically but there is so much to see and do. Might need more than one visit to get it all marked off the list!