Granada
Granada is a city in the region of Andalusia in southern Spain, on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It is famous for its great examples of medieval architecture dating back to the Moorish occupation, in particular the Alhambra. This extensive hilltop fortress includes royal palaces, courtyards and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty and fountains and orchards in the gardens of the Generalife.
The Alhambra in Granada is one of Spain's most iconic monuments and a stunning example of Islamic architecture.
The Cathedral of Granada is a majestic example of Renaissance architecture in Spain. A visit to it is of great cultural and architectural interest. The Royal Chapel is one of Granada's most emblematic monuments and is famous for being the resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel.
Places you can't miss in Granada:
The Mirador de San Nicolás is one of the most emblematic places in Granada, famous for its spectacular view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. This viewpoint has become a meeting point for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique visual experience.
FOTO DE LA ALHAMBRA
The Granada Science Park is a unique space that combines education, science and fun in a natural setting.
The Arab Baths of El Bañuelo are a jewel of Granada's historical heritage and an ideal place to immerse yourself in the city's Arab culture. This ancient bath, dating back to the 11th century, offers visitors the opportunity to experience history through its architecture and relaxing atmosphere.
The Albaicín, Granada's old Arab quarter, is a place that can be explored entirely for free. Its narrow cobbled streets and white houses offer a unique experience, steeped in history and culture.
Córdoba
Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century.
The city was stormed and sacked by the French in 1808 for its part in fomenting the rebellion against Napoleonic French rule.
Córdoba remains a typically Moorish city with narrow, winding streets, especially in the older quarter of the centre and, farther west, the Judería (Jewish quarter). A Moorish bridge with 16 arches on Roman bases connects Córdoba with its suburbs across the river.
The bridge is guarded at its southern end by the Calahorra fortress. West of the bridge, near the river, lies the Alcázar, or palace, which was the residence of the caliphs and is now in ruins. Other important buildings include several old monasteries and churches, the city hall, various schools and colleges, and museums of fine arts and archaeology.
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Islamic mosque in Córdoba, Spain, which was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century.
The city is also noted for its textile manufactures, traditional medieval handicrafts, and its manufacture of gold and silver ornaments and products in copper, bronze, and aluminum. Córdoba’s other significant industries are brewing, distilling, and food processing (especially olives), as well as the manufacture of machinery parts and metalworking.
Segovia
A World Heritage Site located half an hour from Madrid by AVE high-speed train, in the province of Castile and León, Segovia will captivate you at first sight with its fantastic old town that will transport you back to medieval times.
Essential places to visit in Segovia
In addition to visiting architectural gems such as the Aqueduct, the Cathedral and the Alcázar, it is worth climbing the ancient walls that surrounded the city, losing yourself in the Jewish quarter, reaching the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos viewpoint and, of course, trying the famous roast suckling pig.
Acueducto de Segovia: Located in Plaza del Azoguejo, this aqueduct, which carried water to the city from a spring located 17 kilometers away, is impressive for its more than 28 meters in height and 167 arches.
Mirador del Postigo del Consuelo (Postigo del Consuelo View Point) : from this point, located at a considerable height, where the aqueduct joins the old wall, you will have fantastic views of the aqueduct, the Plaza del Azoguejo, and the Sierra de Guadarrama in the background.
Casa de los Picos, one of the places to visit in Segovia, it dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most original buildings to visit in Segovia, thanks to its façade decorated with more than 617 granite spikes.
Plaza Medina del Campo is surrounded by important historical buildings such as the beautiful Church of San Martín, the Lozoya Tower, the Casa de los Porres and several 16th-century Renaissance mansions. Plaza Mayor de Segovia (Main Square of Segovia)
Casa Museo Antonio Machado (Antonio Machado House Museum)
Iglesia de San Esteban, otro de los lugares que visitar en Segovia (Church of San Esteban, another place to visit in Segovia). Iglesia de la Vera Cruz (Church of the True Cross)
Barrio Judío, uno de los lugares que ver en Segovia (Jewish Quarter, one of the places to visit in Segovia). Barrio de las Canonjías (Canonjias neighbourhood). Jardín de los Poetas (Garden of Poets)
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a tourist city located in the mountainous Spanish region of the Basque Country. It is known for La Concha Beach and Ondarreta Beach, which stand out for their picturesque promenade facing the bay. It has a population of almost 200,000 inhabitants.
Places you can't miss in San Sebastian
La Concha, the most beautiful urban beach in Europe. There are numerous activities to enjoy here, such as water sports or visiting the nearby island of Santa Clara. Admire the Belle Époque-style La Perla spa or stroll along the promenade to see the famous white railing that is over 100 years old.
Mount Urgull, the true lung of San Sebastián. There are four different routes, with numerous viewpoints from which to admire the old town, La Concha Bay, Mount Igueldo and the Cantabrian Sea.
Mount Igueldo, the highest green spot. Climb up to Mount Igueldo on the funicular railway with wooden carriages, one of the oldest in the Basque Country, inaugurated in 1912.
The Old Town: don't miss the heart of the city. It is entirely pedestrianised and there is a key route that you should not miss.
The San Telmo Museum, preserving the memory of the Basque people. The museum houses over 35,000 pieces, divided into sections on archaeology, ethnography, fine arts and photography.
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, an example of the golden age.
The Victoria Eugenia Theatre, a century of history.
Basilica of Our Lady of Coro
More beaches in San Sebastián. In addition to the well-known La Concha Beach, we can enjoy Ondarreta Beach,
Zurriola Beach and Santa Clara Island Beach.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia region in north-western Spain. It is known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and is believed to be the site where the remains of St James the Apostle lie.
These are said to be located in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborate stone-carved façades open onto large squares within the medieval walls of the old city.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, built between 1075 and 1211 to house the tomb of the Apostol Santiago, located at the back of the Cathedral's High Altar. This cathedral blends Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic elements, giving it an imposing yet beautiful appearance. The cathedral's greatest treasure is the Portico of Glory.
Once you have admired the impressive façade from the Plaza del Obradoiro, you can enter through the Platerías Gate or the Holy Door (if it is a Holy Year) to visit some of its 16 chapels and, above all, marvel at the botafumeiro.
Among the most beautiful spots in Santiago de Compostela that you cannot miss are:
The historic centre, located around the Plaza de Obradoiro and declared a World Heritage Site
Plaza de Platerías (Platerías Square), located in the southern part of the Cathedral and overlooking the only Romanesque façade remaining from the 11th century.
Plaza de la Quintana is the place to sit down for a drink and watch the pilgrims enter the Cathedral through the Holy Door during the Jacobean years.
The Pazo de Fonseca, with its Renaissance façade, was built in the 16th century and is considered the origin of the University of Compostela.
Plaza de Cervantes: this square, covered by arcades, has several iconic buildings. Known in the 12th century as the ‘Forum’, as it was a meeting point and the place where the town crier read out municipal agreements.
Other places to visit that are not to be missed are the Museo do Pobo Galego (Galician People's Museum), a stroll through the San Domingos de Bonava Park, the Monastery of San Martín Pinario, the Convent of San Francisco, Plaza de Toral, Alameda Park, the riverside walk along the River Sarela, City of Culture of Galicia and Monte Pedroso.
Salamanca
In north-western Spain, is part of the Castile and León region. Its history dates back to Celtic times and it is known for its ornate sandstone architecture and the University of Salamanca.
It was founded in the 12th century and was a key intellectual centre in the 15th and 16th centuries. The university continues to contribute to the city's vitality with its population of international students.
The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218, gaining great academic and cultural prestige outside Spain.
Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. It was built in the Baroque style according to the design by Alberto Churriguera. On the north side is the Town Hall building.
When we talk about Salamanca Cathedral, we are referring specifically to two churches joined together. On the one hand, there is the Old Cathedral, dating from the 12th-13th centuries, and on the other, the New Cathedral, dating from the 16th century.
The Casa de las Conchas is Gothic in style. Its construction began at the end of the 15th century, although it also features Renaissance and Mudejar elements. It catches the traveller's eye with more than three hundred shells covering its exterior walls.
La Clerecía de Salamanca, construction of this historic building began in the early 17th century. The church has an immense three-storey Baroque cloister. This monument is currently the headquarters of the Pontifical University.
Convent of Las Dueñas, the Dominican nuns founded the convent in 1419, settling in a Moorish-style palace.
Arzobispo Fonseca Hall of Residence, founded by Alonso de Fonseca, Archbishop of Toledo, began construction in 1521.
Burgos
Burgos, capital of the Spanish autonomous community of Castile and León, is renowned for its medieval architecture. Its most famous monument is the French Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa María, whose three main entrances are flanked by ornate bell towers.
Inside is the Condestable Chapel, decorated with figures of saints, and the tomb of El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar), a military commander from the 11th century.
Places of interest to visit in Burgos
Museum of Human Evolution (MEH) An educational centre for understanding the evolution of our species based on the Atapuerca archaeological sites and scientific studies.
Altarpiece Museum, the Altarpiece Museum is unique in Spain. It brings together altarpieces from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Burgos Museum brings visitors closer to the historical and cultural evolution of this province of Castile and León. It consists of two 16th-century noble houses.
Museo Catedralicio (Cathedral Museum) It is located in the Chapter House and in the open chapels of Burgos Cathedral, a monument declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Cartuja de Miraflores, the finest architects, sculptors and painters were hired to construct it. Among them were Simón de Colonia, Gil de Siloé and Pedro Berruguete. The monastery became one of the jewels of late 15th-century Gothic architecture. Before being ceded to the Carthusian monks, the building was the holiday residence of King Henry III.
Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain. It’s best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July. During this legendary multiday festival, bulls are led through the city streets by daredevil runners.
A major stop along the Camino de Santiago, a medieval-era pilgrimage route, Pamplona is also home to Gothic-style churches including fortresslike San Nicolás.
The bullring is where you will find the Centro Temático del Encierro y los Sanfermines - a space dedicated to the city’s traditions.
After exploring the bullring, take a stroll to the Palace of Navarre, seat of the regional government. To really feel like a local, try to arrive around midday to hear the anthem of Navarre played from the palace clock.
After admiring the neoclassical facade of the palace, head to the Plaza del Castillo, a Pamplona must-see, where you will step into the heart of the city.
Another must-see in Pamplona is the old town, where you can explore picturesque cobbled streets lined with surprisingly tall and multicoloured buildings.
The city walls, dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, are also located in this historic neighbourhood and are one of the interesting places to visit in Pamplona for history lovers.
Another iconic site that catches the eye is the Ciudadela (Citadel), which was once a military fortress and is now a protected cultural space.
Take the time to admire the Cathedral of Santa María, The 14th-century building is a captivating blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical design and, in addition to being a cathedral, it is also a religious museum.
The Mirador de Cabello Blanco, offers fabulous views across the city and the Arga River. It is also close to the footpaths used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago route.
The Museum of Navarre houses the ruins of the city's first Romanesque cathedral, an impressive mosaic depicting the Triumph of Bacchus, dating from the 1st century, and a Moorish ivory chest from the year 1000.
Toledo
Toledo, a city steeped in history, is located in central Spain, in the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha. The historic center is located on the right bank of the Rio Tajo (Tajo River), on a hill surrounded by a sharp meander.
The city was an important Carpetanian centre until the Roman conquest in 193 BC. Toledo would later become the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom.
It is known as ‘the imperial city’ for having been the main seat of the court of Carlos I and also as 'the city of three cultures' for having been populated for centuries by Christians, Jews and Muslims.
Currently, the vast majority of the population works in the service sector, although there is a local tradition of sword making.
Places you can't miss in Toledo:
Toledo Cathedral, an excellent example of Spanish Gothic architecture. The temple has ancient origins, although construction of the Christian church began in the 13th century.
Alcázar of Toledo, currently home to the city's Army Museum. Its construction dates back to Roman times. During the reigns of Alfonso VI and Alfonso X the Wise, it was rebuilt, giving rise to the first square-shaped fortress with towers at the corners.
Museo del Greco (El Greco Museum), this space houses an extensive collection of paintings by this artist from the Golden Age.
Sinagoga del Tránsito (Transit Synagogue), home of the Sephardic Museum.
Museo del Ejército de Toledo (Toledo Army Museum), located in the Alcázar, it has important collections gathered from the early 19th century to the present day.
Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz (Mosque of Cristo de la Luz), dating back to 999, it remains intact since its construction. Legend has it that King Alfonso VI discovered a Christ figure illuminated by an oil lamp hidden behind a wall to prevent it from being desecrated.
Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal (Church of Santiago del Arrabal), the church tower dates back to the 12th century and has a square floor plan. The church itself dates back to the 13th century.
Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes (Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes), it was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in thanksgiving for their victory in the Battle of Toro.
Girona
Girona is a city in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, beside the River Onyar. It’s known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter’s medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views.
10 essential sights to see in Girona
Catedral de Gerona (Girona Cathedral), undisputed symbol of the city. The building took several centuries to complete, but resulted in one of the widest Gothic naves in the world. However, Romanesque elements can also be seen, such as its cloister, or Baroque elements, such as its ornate façade.
Museo de Arte de Gerona (The Gerona Art Museum), located next to the Cathedral, is one of the most valuable exhibitions in the province.
La Basílica de San Félix (The Basilica of San Félix) was the most important church in Gerona until the 10th century. The monument is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest and stands out for its slender bell tower, visible from many points in the old town. Inside, there is an impressive collection of Roman and early Christian sarcophagi from the 3rd and 4th centuries.
Baños árabes (Arab baths), between the Basilica of San Félix and the Cathedral, we find the Arab baths of Gerona, which served as public baths between approximately the 12th and 15th centuries.
Monasterio de San Pedro de Galligants (The Monastery of San Pedro de Galligants), located in the heart of Girona's old town, is a unique monument on the Catalan Romantic Route.
El Call, the Jewish quarter of Gerona, is one of the best preserved in the world. It is characterised by narrow, winding streets and steep stairways.
Murallas de Gerona (Gerona City Walls), from here, you can enjoy excellent views of the main monuments, such as the Cathedral, the Gironella Tower, and the Sobreportes Gate. The origins of the first defensive walls in Gerona date back to the 1st century BC.
Escenarios de Juego de Tronos (Game of Thrones locations), the cathedral steps, the Arab baths, the Plaza de los Jurados and the Pujada de Sant Domènec, among many other places, became a real film set.
Cádiz
Founded some 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, Cádiz is the oldest city in the Western Europe.
Cádiz is an ancient port city in southwestern Spain, built on a strip of land surrounded by sea in the region of Andalusia. The port is home to the Spanish Navy and grew in the 16th century as a base for exploration and trade.
It has over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, traditionally used to spot ships, and the 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral on the coast.
The different peoples who settled here left a cultural mark, whose influence still lingers in the character of the people of Cadiz.
This peninsula, on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, has managed to preserve an important historical legacy as a result of its commercial importance, along with excellent beaches and exquisite regional cuisine.
Places you can't miss in Granada:
Museum of the Cortes of Cádiz, the collections of this museum are very varied in nature, with special attention given to the Cortes and the Constitution of Cádiz of 1812.
Cádiz Museum, the museum's galleries offer a journey from Phoenician and Roman culture to 20th-century Spanish painting.
Cádiz Cathedral, the resting place of Falla. It took 116 years to complete, so the mixture of styles is evident.
Yacimiento de Gadir (Gadir archaeological site), essential for discovering the way of life of the Phoenicians. A place with almost 3,000 years of history to learn about the first traders who inhabited Cadiz.
Cádiz boasts magnificent beaches such as:
Playa: La Caleta, it has two fortifications: Santa Catalina Castle and San Sebastián Castle, each at one end of the cove. It has a pleasant promenade lined with palm trees and street lighting that runs along the coast.
Playa La Victoria, a huge beach that stretches to the end of the city. It is very wide for the most part, narrowing as it reaches Santa María del Mar beach.
Playa Cortadura. leaving Cádiz, you arrive at this idyllic beach. Its characteristic dunes form on an excellent stretch of sand, serving as a barrier between the road and the beach.
