Check this ultimate list of famous landmarks in Spain. Here you´ll find everything from historical monuments to natural wonders – all the unique sights you simply can´t miss across the Iberian Peninsula.
Before Spain has turned into my home country, it used to be my all-time favorite travel destination. I still remember those times when I was searching for new landmarks in Spain and discovering the unknown across the internet. So, I gotta admit – if you´re reading this article and Spain is a relatively new travel destination for you – I´m a bit jealous. Because you´re about to discover some authentic architectural marvels and historical gems.
Nevertheless, despite my 15 expat years in Spain, I´m still daydreaming of new Spanish hidden gems and unique experiences to cross off my Spain Bucket List. There´s no shortage of beautiful landmarks in Spain.
Even though most of the Spanish landmarks blog posts I found so far, mainly focus on all the Gaudi sites and Madrid museums, let me assure you – Spain´s cultural heritage goes far beyond that.
For your convenience, in this post, I tried to collect the most iconic national landmarks in Spain while sometimes leaving you similar alternatives and nearest top sights within the same section. This way we´ll be able to leave no stone unturned!
Top 30 famous landmarks in Spain
1. The Historic City of Toledo
While most travelers admit without any second thought that Toledo was a highlight of their Spanish vacation, I´ll go further by calling the city one of my favorite places in Spain.
The city of Toledo is a real-life open-air museum, full of ancient art, glorious history, and vibrant medieval architecture. The Spanish TV show Toledo (2012) portrays this unique Spanish town as the “City of Three Cultures” – the Islamic, the Jewish, and the Christian. Consequently, Toledo´s 3 main neighborhoods are the Jewish Quarter, the Christian/Roman Quarter, and the Muslim Quarter. So, you can´t give me an argument on the fact that this unique multicultural heritage gives the city a unique look and feel.
Toledo is conveniently located 30min away from Madrid. The fastest way to get from Madrid to Toledo is by train from the Atocha station. Alternatively, you can travel by car or by bus.
Top main sights in Toledo you can’t miss: El Alcázar, La Catedral Primada, Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes, Museo de Santa Cruz, Puerta de Bisagra, Mirador del Valle, Sinagoga de Santa Maria Blanca, Puente de Alcantara, Iglesia de Santo Tomé, Plaza de Zocodover, Iglesia de los Jesuitas, Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, Museo del Greco.
Also, Toledo is home to one of the most famous Spanish Love Legends – The Story of the bitter well of Toledo.
2. The Alhambra of Granada
The Alhambra of Granada needs no introduction for any passionate traveler. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the top wonders of the modern world, and subsequently one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
No wonder this unique sight literally opens every list of the top places to visit in Andalusia.
Granada´s Alhambra is an extremely elegant and unique example of Moorish architecture, the memorable evidence of Arab presence in Spain for more than 700 years. While it was built on the ruins of a Roman fortress, the modern look of the palace could be traced back to the times of the Nasrid Dynasty (XXII century).
The only warning here – book your ticket in advance, as the number of daily entrants is limited. Your sightseeing tour of Granada´s Alhambra will depend on your ticket. It will include Palacios Nazaries: the Royal Palace, the Palace of Ceremonial Rooms, and the Palace of the Lions, but you might also pay a visit to Palacio de Carlo V, Generalife Gardens, and Fundacion Rodriguez-Acosta.
3. La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain and Barcelona´s international visiting card. While it is a must stop on every Spain Bucket list, you can currently visit this Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece virtually at sagradafamilia.org. Very much like in Woody Allen´s movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona(2008), the enchantment with Gaudi´s fantastical creations keeps attracting millions of visitors to Catalonia. Blog subscribers don´t forget your Free Gaudi Checklist pdf.
Other impressive Gaudi landmarks in Barcelona are: Park Guell, La Pedrera, Las Farolas del Pla de Palau, Puerta de la Finca Miralles, Colegio de las Teresianas, Casa Calvet, Bellesguard, Casa Vicens, Palacio Guell, Pabellones Guell, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Casa-museo Gaudi.
Even though you might already have enough locations for a Gaudi-themed weekend in Barcelona, keep in mind that Catalonia has even more architectural landmarks created by the famous genius, like Misterio de Montserrat, Cripta Guell, Estandrte de Sant Feliu de Corines, Cooperativa Obrera Mataronense, Bodegas Guell de Garrf, Jardines Artigas (La Pobla de Lillet).
Not to mention Mallorca´s Cathedral and Casa de los Botines, El Capricho de Comillas, and Palacio Episcopal de Astorga (in the Spanish province of Castile and Leon).
Even though no one can possibly deny the artistic significance of Gaudi´s artworks, I find that Sagrada Familia is a lot like The Portuguese Sintra – people either love it or completely dislike it. Like George Orwell once called the cathedral “one of the most hideous buildings in the world”. So, which side are you on?
4. The Royal Palace in Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest one in the whole of Western Europe, with its 3418 rooms and 135 000 square meters of territory. As one of the top European monarchies, Spain is known for its far-reaching history of royals and a huge number of dreamy castles across the whole country.
Even though the Spanish royals do not currently reside in the palace, it is still one of the most famous landmarks in Spain. The Royal Palace in Madrid attracts almost 2 million visitors every year.
Madrid´s Palace is used by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain for audiences and official events. There are not so many official residences of Kings in Europe constantly open to the public. So, don´t miss your chance to visit this amazing Spanish landmark!
5. Museo Del Prado in Madrid
Museo Del Prado in Madrid is one of world´s top cultural gems. Its unique collection of art could be traced back to the Catholic Kings of Spain, even though the museum itself was open in 1819 as Museo Real de Pinturas.
All the way back to its opening, the Prado National Museum had only 311 art pieces, but over the next decade, the collection kept growing, while gathering exclusive paintings from lavish royal properties. In 1827 the museum was already housing more than 4000 paintings. Although the current exposition encounters around 1700 art pieces, the museum’s warehouse holds more than 27000 objects of art and history.
The main artistic names of Museo Del Prado are Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, Titian, and El Greco. You can enjoy the virtual tour of Rubens exibition at museodelprado.es
6. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Another one of the epic landmarks in Spain is San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a beautiful ancient monastery built back in the 15th century. Besides unique architectural styles and decorations, the monastery covers an area of 33 327 square meters and sits in the Guadarrama mountain range at an altitude of 1028 meters.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and within its territory you can find quite a few unique spaces like Los Panteones, Claustro Principal, Basilica, Salas Capitulares,Palacio de los Austrias, Palacio de lod Borbones, Sala de Batallas. However, as the bookworm that I am, my favorite is definitely the Library with its 400 000 unique ancient texts (including ancient manuscripts in Greek, Latin, Arab, and Hebrew).
Nearby San Lorenzo de El Escorial you can also visit La Herreria Forest and the Valley of the Fallen.
7. The Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba
Famous for its unique mix of architectural styles, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba ranks globally as one of the best places to visit in Andalusia.
The distinctive red and white arches take you back to the times when Muslims ruled Al-Andalus (modern Andalusia), including most of Spain and Portugal. It is impressive to see the two major religions increasing their footprint in the same place for hundreds of years. Not to mention the numerous fascinating Spanish legends surrounding the Cordoba´s Mosque.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is definitely one of the most unique and beautiful cathedrals in Spain.
8. The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most important religious structures in Europe and one of the top Spanish cathedrals. No wonder it is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Spanish region of Galicia.
Its construction began in 1075 and went on throughout the 12th century with constant additions of new architectural styles and decorations.
This unique Spanish cathedral is the main pilgrimage destination on the famous 790 km-long Camino de Santiago (or “Way of St James” in English) route. Many believe that walking this path could cause miracles and heal illnesses, so Catholics from all over the world walk hundreds of miles towards the cathedral each year in order to visit the tomb of Apostle Saint James the Elder.
According to the statistical data around 348 000 pilgrims have made their walk towards The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral back in 2019.
This unique Spanish landmark is also available at turismo.gal for a virtual tour, which is quite awesome considering the fact that there´s often a huge line to access the Cathedral, as well as a limited number of entrants during the religious services.
The last time my husband was doing the part of Camino de Santiago route, he literally waited for almost 1h in a line and a few people before him the max limit of visitors was reached, so he couldn´t get in.
9. The Walls of Avila
The Walls of Avila are considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval walls in Europe and the city itself is one of Spain’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While many castles and medieval villages in Spain are surrounded by walls, most of them honestly pale in comparison with those of Avila.
Built in the end of the 11th century Avila´s walls were aimed to defend the local population against the Moorish threat. They look massive while stretching for 1,5 miles, with their 12m of height.
The Walls of Avila belong on the list of fairytale places in Spain. The picture you see was made at the Cuatro Postes viewpoint, which offers a fantastic view of the city and its walls. You can’t miss it because of the tourist buses around, but the stop is worth it anyway.
10. Ancient Roman Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most famous Roman ruins in Spain. Built around the 1st century A.D., the remains of the initial structure are 28,5m tall and 16km long. Archeologists claim that the Aqueduct of Segovia was once one of the biggest and most ambitious projects of its kind. It supplied water from the nearest Frio River source, 18 km from Segovia.
While it is definitely the most impressive one of the Spanish aqueducts left from the times of the Roman Empire, the remnants of smaller watercourses can be found across the Iberian Peninsula. For instance, while hiking near Valencia last time, I had a chance to walk over the Aqueducto Romano de Peña Cortada. Also, Tarragona´s aqueduct is quite impressive.
While The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the top national landmarks in Spain, according to an ancient Spanish legend its creation was more than a Roman masterpiece – it was an evil project of the all-mighty Devil. So, even fans of mysterious places in Spain would have to place this unique landmark on their Spain Bucket list.
11. Alcazar of Segovia
The Alquezar of Segovia is one of the dreamiest Spanish castles, as well as an easy day trip from Madrid. It is said to have inspired Cinderella´s Castle, the eternal symbol of Disney. And there’s even more to the story here. Unlike many other Spanish castles that simply served as fortresses, Alcazar de Segovia was home to the Spanish Royalty and has never been defeated.
Also read: The Most Colorful Villages in Spain
The first written records of the Alcazar date back to the beginning of the XII century. This place was one of the favorite residences for the Crown of Castille in the Middle Ages before the Spanish Royal court moved to Madrid.
Alcazar of Segovia also has the oldest active military academy in the world.
12. The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the top modern landmarks in Spain and the best tourist sights of Valencia city. It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 1998.
The cost of this unique futuristic structure has exceeded its initial budget four times, elevating the government´s investment to 1,282 mln euros.
The architectural marvel of The City of Arts and Sciences is located in the old riverbed of the river Turia. The City of Arts and Sciences is composed of six different buildings: El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, Ágora, El Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía, L’Umbracle, Oceanografic, and L’Hemisfèric.
Numerous movies and TV shows were filmed inside The City of Arts and Sciences, including Tomorrowland: A World Beyond (2015), Westworld (2016) Season 3, and BBC´s Doctor Who.
As the region of Valencia has been my home for more than 15 years, I really suggest you set your eyes on Valencia day trips and follow my blog series Valencia Hidden Gems in order to explore more of this unique Spanish region.
13. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Another famous Spanish landmark in the artsy world is Bilbao´s Guggenheim Museum, open to the public in 1997. Even if you´re not a fan of modern and contemporary art, you can´t possibly deny the eye-catching shapes and forms of this avant-garde museum, created by the genius architect Frank Gehry.
Some of the biggest art pieces of Bilbao´s Guggenheim Museum include names like David Salle, Eduardo Chillida, Jeff Koons, Louis Bourgeous, Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenheim. The good news is that this Spanish landmark makes virtual travels possible with their online tour.
Guggenheim Museum is one of the most visited museums in Spain and a must-stop on every Basque Country Itinerary.
14. Don Quijote Windmills / Campo de Criptana
If you could pick only one thing that represents Spain internationally it would definitely be “Don Quixote”, a worldwide-famous Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Who’s not familiar with one of the world’s best-selling books of all times (500 million copies), an emblematic prototype of a modern novel.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is an iconic read many of us might have underrated back at school. So, in case this tale of a Spanish knight driven mad and the story of his incredible adventures simply didn´t get under your skin before, now is about the time you should reconsider adding Don Quixote to your list of wanderlust books.
The windmills of Campo de Criptana or the Don Quixote Windmills are often included on the list of the most famous landmarks in Spain. In the book, these were the gigantic knights Don Quixote was fighting with.
The next best thing I suggest to you is a Don Quixote road trip across the Spanish region of Castile-La Mancha, one of the most authentic Spanish Road Trips.
15. Abbey of Montserrat
Montserrat is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain and one of the best places to visit in the Catalonia region. The Abbey of Montserrat is a perfect Barcelona day trip. This place is all in one – beautiful, magical, and peaceful. Your visit is especially worth it if you take into consideration the otherworldly Spanish landscapes surrounding Montserrat.
The monastery was founded by Oliba, the Abbot of Ripoll and Bishop of Vic, back in 1025. Through centuries it kept growing and receiving more and more pilgrims searching for the miracle performance of the Virgin Mary ( or “La Moreneta” in Spanish). Many believe that if you touch the statue of the Virgin and ask for a wish – it will be granted to you.
16. Salamanca
You can hardly find another beautiful Spanish city that would equally combine a youthful environment with historical beauty. Salamanca is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a town full of students (its university is one of the oldest in the whole of Europe).
Salamanca´s university was founded by King Alfonso IX in 1218 and was Spain´s first institution for higher education. Back in 1254, it was acknowledged by Pope Alexander IV as one of the world´s four greatest universities along with Oxford, Paris, and Bologna.
Also read: Historical Valencia – The Borgia Route
The Cathedral of Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain. In fact, it is composed of two churches joined together: The Old Cathedral (12th-13th centuries) is in the Romanesque style, and the New Cathedral (16th century) with Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance elements.
On a more personal side, the city of Salamanca with its unique historic charm had partially impacted my future move to Spain. As a student, I lived in Salamanca for a month for my DELE exam preparation course.
17. The Cathedral of Burgos
The Cathedral of Burgos is one of my favorite landmarks in Spain and one of the top Gothic architectural gems in the whole of Europe. Its full name in Spanish is Catedral de Santa María de Burgos.
The Burgos Cathedral was built from 1221 to 1260, although there once was a medieval Romanesque Church in its place (since the XIth century). Despite the record-long time of construction of Burgos Cathedral, the addition of the new structural elements and chapels went on till the XVIII century.
The Cathedral is known for its unique Gothic architectural style and the tomb El Cid or Cid Campeador ( Spanish legendary knight Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar).
Currently, the Burgos Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain and one of the main stops on the Way of Saint James (or Camino de Santiago in Spanish).
18. San Sebastian
San Sebastian is an authentic gem of the Basque country, one of the most romantic places in Spain, and a must-stop on every Northern Spain Road trip.
Also, San Sebastian is one of Spain´s top foodie destinations, known for its numerous Michelin restaurants and pintxos (diverse mini-bites all laid out in front of you). Every year there´s a local competition – Euskal Herria pintxo championship, with local bars and restaurants battling for the best yummy creations.
The panoramic views of San Sebastian from Monte Igeldo, Monte Urgull, and Monte Ulia are simply to die for.
San Sebastian gets a fair share of tourists in Spain – its allure is undeniable. No wonder that historically, the Spanish monarchy used to spend their summers at Palacio de Miramar in San Sebastian.
San Sebastian is one of my favorite places in Spain, so you might often see it on my IG Stories, as I simply can´t miss a chance to visit.
19. The New Bridge of Ronda
While Ronda is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and the third most visited place in the province of Andalucia, The New Bridge of Ronda absolutely belongs on the list of fairytale places in Spain. It is one of those epic constructions you simply need to see with your own eyes to believe it exists in reality.
Ronda´s 98m high bridge was built in 1793. A local legend claims that the bridge’s architect Jose Martin de Aldehuela committed suicide on the New Bridge of Ronda because he realized he´d never be able to make another project as stunning and ambitious as this one.
The New Bridge of Ronda is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spain and one of the must-see places to see in Andalusia.
20. Plaza de España, Seville
While Seville is one of the most vibrant and romantic places in Spain, Plaza de España is definitely the heart of the city. It was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo in 1928.
The square exposes many tiled alcoves, representing different provinces in Spain. Plaza de España has been used as a filming location in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Star Wars II – Attack of the Clones (2002).
Plaza de España is especially magical during the blue hour or if you´re catching a glimpse of the setting sun. You should not miss Parque de Maria Luisa nearby with its quiet fountains and pretty gardens.
21. The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza
The Baroque Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady Pilar is definitely the symbol of Zaragoza city and one of the most famous cathedrals in Spain. It was constructed in 1872, while three of its four towers were finished later in 1907, 1959, and 1961. Each of them has a height of 92 m.
What has surprised me about this Spanish landmark is that inside the cathedral no photos are allowed. Although in every other Spanish cathedral I´ve been to it is always a usual no-flash policy.
22. The Altamira Cave
While Santillana del Mar is on the list of the most beautiful small towns in Spain, it is globally known for the Cave of Altamira. This cave houses magnificent prehistoric paintings and engravings, some of which are more than 14000 years old.
The Altamira Cave was discovered in 1876 by a local hunter Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola. The ancient drawings of bison, deer, and horses of Altamira Cave look simply spectacular – it´s hard to believe their actual age. Scientists claim that around 13000 ago the cave entrance collapsed and it provided thousands of years of complete isolation for the paintings inside it. This is the only reason the Altamira Caves paintings are so well-preserved while being protected from the outside world for thousands of years. Nowadays we still know nothing about the people behind Altamira´s drawings and the message they wanted to deliver.
While since 2001 visitors can enjoy the replica of the cave, only a small number of people is allowed inside the original caves every year in order to preserve this unique Spanish landmark. There´s a 3-year waiting list for those aiming to cross The Altamira Cave off their Spain Bucket List. Another option you might consider is to enjoy the original cave on a virtual tour.
23. Hanging Houses of Cuenca
The city Cuenca, located in the region of Castile-La Mancha, is one of the Spanish big unknowns. Even though it borders with a few well-known Spanish regions, like Madrid, Toledo, or Valencia, Cuenca is still quite in the shadow.
One of the top things to see in Cuenca are the Hanging Houses of Cuenca ( or Casas Colgadas in Spanish). It is one of the most unique landmarks in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only three of the Hanging Houses remain nowadays, carefully restored in the 20th century. You get the best view of the Hanging Houses from the San Pablo bridge (especially impressive at night).
Artsy visitors can check the Spanish Abstract paintings at Museo de Arte Abstracto Español, located inside one of the Hanging Houses.
Also, you simply can´t miss the Enchanted city of Cuenca, located within a 30mins drive from the city of Cuenca.
24. Gaztelugatxe
During my trip to the Basque Country, Gaztelugatxe for sure was a bucket list number one. It is one of those places you should definitely experience at least once in a lifetime. 241 steps (dating back to the Xth century) will take you to the Church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, sitting on the top of the hill.
This place is surrounded by myths, legends, and historical events, starting from the saint San Joan (after whom the church was named) to the pirates, wars, and times of witch-hunting during the Spanish Saint Inquisition (witches would unite in the area to cast their spells).
Keep in mind that it is actually quite a hike all the way to the top. Influencers wearing pretty dresses might look good in photos, but the truth is that you’d better be wearing comfortable shoes ( it rains quite often and the path might be slippery). Also, as the place has become very touristic lately, you should book your entrance online in advance.
Gaztelugatxe has been recently on the radar a lot, as one of the most epic Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain.
25. Roman Theatre in Merida
Roman Theatre of Merida is one of the Top Roman Empire landmarks in Spain. It was built between the XVI and XVth centuries BC and used to hold up to 3000 citizens. Merida´s Theatre still hosts performances and you can see it lit up on a nighttime tour.
The Roman cultural heritage of Merida and Extremadura province is so huge that you´ll have a whole separate list of epic landmarks in Spain nearby. Must-see Roman historical sites of Merida: Amphitheatre of Merida, San Lazaro Aqueduct, Los Milagros Aqueduct, Roman Circus, Roman Bridge, Arch of Trajano, House of Mithraeum, Roman Art National Museum, Proserpina Reservoir, Cornalvo Reservoir, Roman Thermae in Alange, Temple de Diana. Not to mention the nearest Region of Caceres with its Caparra, Coria, Alcantara, Garovillas de Alconetar, and Temple of Trajan.
Also, the other two major Spanish destinations with unique Roman Heritage are the cities of Tarragona and Cartagena (one of the top gems of the Murcia Region).
26. Lovers of Teruel
You can’t find Teruel on the lists of most romantic travel experiences around the world to explore with your loved one. But it really belongs there. Mausoleum of the Amantes de Teruel is your ultimate proof. If you’re a fan of Spain you just can´t ignore one of the romantic Spanish legends – the story of the Lovers of Teruel. Visiting the tomb and learning more about the Spanish Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular things to do in Teruel.
The story of Amantes de Teruel or Lovers of Teruel has inspired Spanish artists and poets since the XIIIth century. Two tragic deaths united by one eternal love story, isn’t it poetic?
Fans of the places off the beaten path can´t ignore Teruel´s beautiful villages worth planning a separate Spanish road trip around them.
27. Mudejar Architecture
Spanish Mudejar Architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of my favorite artsy landmarks in Spain. If you ever visited the Southern region of Andalusia you might know what I’m talking about. The Real Alcazar of Seville, Cordoba´s Sinagogue and Capilla de San Bartolome are some of the most popular Mudejar gems.
Also read: Medieval Fairs in Spain
Although the Spanish region of Aragon, and especially Teruel, holds some of my favorite Mudejar art works – The Cathedral of Teruel, San Pedro Church, Escalinata Neomudejar, and the Towers of San Pedro, San Miguel, and Salvador, Zaragoza´s Palacio de la Aljaferia, Colegiata de Calatayud.
Also, don´t miss Santa Maria La Blanca and Sinagogue in Toledo, San Tirso in Sahagun, Puerta de Toledo in Cuidad Real.
28. The Basilica and the Holy Cave of Covadonga
While there are so many great things to do in the Spanish region of Asturias, some of its top Spanish landmarks are definitely The Basilica and the Holy Cave of Covadonga.
Covadonga has a huge place in Spanish history. It was where Christian forces in Iberia defeated the Moorish army, setting the beginning of the famous Reconquista. There’s a historical legend describing that the statue of the Virgin Mary from this cave has miraculously helped Christians to defeat their enemies.
Also read: The Most Beautiful Villages in Asturias
The Covadonga Basilica dates back to the XIIth century and is one of the top Spanish spiritual and iconic buildings.
The Holy Cave of Covadonga is the historic Cristian holy place nestled within a spectacular natural cave. Nowadays, the Holy Cave of Covadonga is still a place for religious pilgrimages.
Another epic Spanish landmark nearby is the Picos de Europa National Park with some of the best hiking trails in Spain.
28. El Teide, Tenerife / The Canary Islands
No list of landmarks in Spain could be complete without a few of the national otherworldly beautiful landscapes.
While you currently can virtually travel to the moon, The Canary Islands might give you a similar experience in real life. The impressive and unique landscapes of these exotic Spanish islands deserve a separate post. But if I´m to pick one epic national gem it would definitely be Teide National Park in Tenerife.
Teide is Spain´s highest mountain (over 3,718 m). The most popular way to enjoy the unforgettable views of the area it to take a cable car to La Rambleta station (3 555m). Another option is a 9km hike via Montaña blanca, which usually takes 6-7 hours.
But note, in order to climb higher than La Rambleta station and reach the Teide peak itself you´d need to ask for special permission at Parque Nacional Teide web (in the peak season it might take up to 3 months).
Another similar location in The Canary Islands is Lanzarote´s Timanfaya National Park. Both Teide and Timanfaya National Parks have volcanic origins and will struck you with their surreal lunar landscapes.
29. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is another amazing UNESCO World Heritage site in Spain. This Royal historical site is surrounded by 111 23 hectares of gardens and it´s been the country residence of the Spanish kings and queens for centuries.
The bourbons, starting with Charles V and Philip II in 1564, kept decorating the Royal Palace of Aranjuez in order to spend their springs around the property (from Easter to June). The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is full of unique art pieces, like for instance its Chinese Room, decorated with 200 paintings given to Queen Isabella II by the Emperor of China.
The gardens of The Royal Palace of Aranjuez are often listed among the most beautiful gardens in Spain. Philip II put a special effort into their unique design while being an ultimate lover of beautiful gardens in Europe.
30. Caceres
The region of Caceres in the Spanish province of Extremadura is known for its unique medieval old town, epic Roman historical sites, and the gorgeous Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe.
The Old Town of Caceres is full of unique architectural features with elements of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, Anf Italian Renaissance styles. This town was the first one in Spain to become a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 (alongside Toledo).
31. The Spanish Wild West in Almeria
While the wide and dry expanses of the Almeria Region are rarely mentioned on any list of top landmarks in Spain, I do believe it´s a must on every Spain Travel Bucket list.
Almeria is internationally famous for its unique Wild West Town experience in Spain. You´ll be surprised to find out that many of the top Hollywood Westerns were actually filmed in Spain, including The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968).
Aside from being the Game of Thrones filming location in Spain, Almeria appears in many other big Hollywood movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Cleopatra (1963), Trinity Is Still My Name (1971), Dance of the Vampires (2001), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and others.
So, this is the only place in Europe you could channel your inner cowboy while walking the streets of a Wild West Town. Additionally, there are many more cool things to do in the Region of Almeria.
32. The Palm Groove of Elche
The largest palm grove in Europe is located in a small Spanish town of Elche, Valencia Province. With 200 000 palms, El Palmeral has been a part of Elche´s unique urban landscape for over 1000 years.
The origins of the Palm Grove of Elche date back to the X century when the Arabs relocated the city to its current site. The Moorish cultivation methods employed in Elche centuries ago have survived to the present day. El Palmeral was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
You might expect to come across an oasis while heading to the Middle East, but seeing with your own eyes 200 000 palms in Elche, Valencia is not something easy to forget. Also, Parque Municipal in Elche is one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain.
33. Alcala de Henares
Located only 30km from the Spanish capital of Madrid, Alcala de Henares is globally known as Cervantes birthplace (Spain´s main litterature figure and the author of “Don Quixote”).
Moreover, it was the first city in the world designed as a university town. Back in 1499 Cardenal Cisneros founded the Alcala´s Univercity or Universidad Complutense de Alcala in Spanish.
Aside from its gorgeous streets, like Calle Mayor, and central square Plaza de Cevantes, you can visit Cervantes birthplace – Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes. Also, since 1977 Spain´s biggest literature award Premio Miguel de Cervantes de literatura is celebrated in Alcala de Henares.
You can easily download a free local guide with maps at turismoalcala.es.
34. Mallorca
While the Balearic islands are globally known for the island of Ibiza and the Caribbean-like beaches of Formentera, it´s Mallorca´s Sierra Tramuntana which is considered one of Spain´s top cultural landscapes. Subsequently, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, the very same one you simply can´t miss once in Spain.
The views from Cap de Formentor will reveal in front of you some of the most unforgettable cliffs in Spain, while Sierra Tramuntana is known for its magical villages like Soller, Escorca, Pollenca, Valldemossa, Deia, and Fornalutx.
Also, Mallorca ranks globally for its capital Palma de Mallorca, Palma Aquarium (with the largest collection of live coral in Europe), Cuevas del Drach, and some of Spain´s best beaches. Mallorca is definitely one of the best Spanish islands everyone should consider visiting.
For more Spain travel ideas check my Pinterest Boards – The Ultimate Spain Travel Collection and Travel to Spain.
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Great post – have not travelled through Spain extensively like you have but left my heart there years ago so hope to come back one day!
Spain looks absolutely incredible! I can’t wait to visit these landmarks someday!
So much beauty! Love this ultimate list of famous landmarks in Spain!
I really enjoyed reading your list of the top famous landmarks in Spain. I’d like to see the Canary Islands and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Someday, we would love to walk the Camino de Santiago.
I need to visit more of Spain! It looks full of so many beautiful landscapes and architecture: I’ve been to Barcelona and Majorca but there looks so much more to see!
Such a lovely ide about the famous landmarks in spain thanks sharing this article
Thank you! I’m saving this for my upcoming trip to Europe
I have been to few of these places and Sevilla is on the top of my list! Loved Cadiz as well… saving it for my future travels to see more of Spain!
Having visited only 3/34 in this list despite visiting Spain probably 5 or so times, is simply unacceptable for a country I love so much! I must return immediately!! :’) Thanks for reminding me just how incredible Spain is!
There are so many incredible landmarks in Spain! I’ve only really explored Barcelona so I still have a lot to check off this list! I’d especially love to see the Don Quijote Windmills! They look so charming! Thanks for the great guide!