Spain Travelers Recommend

Five times larger than Ibiza or Menorca and dominated by a rugged mountain range, the island of Mallorca seems made for outdoor adventure, both on the coast and further inland. Many of the island's 10 million annual visitors head straight for the beachfront resorts, but there's a whole lot more to see in addition to the beaches. Here are some of our favorites. In the Water The Palma Islands are famous for their beaches and beautiful waters, so they are must-have items on any itinerary. One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the sights is on a sailing trip along the coast—whether aboard a single hull or catamaran, sailing adventures cover a lot of the island in just a short amount of time, with ample opportunity for swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling and dolphin watching.

History is alive in Granada's narrow streets, riotous gardens and spectacular monuments, reverberating with echoes of the city's grand Islamic past and its medieval Renaissance. With the majestic Sierra Nevada as its backdrop and the mighty Alhambra and Generalife as its principal calling cards, this Andalucían beauty has captured the heart of many a traveler. Nothing quite prepares you for the magnificence of Granada's Moorish heritage. The beauty and craftsmanship of the Alhambra…the Generalife’s hilltop tranquility…the winding alleys of Albayzín…But don’t stop there! Delve a bit deeper, and you’ll discover Granada is a city of many charms. Set aside a day (and book your ticket well in advance!) to explore this astonishing UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Spain's most visited monuments. Built by Moorish kings in the 13th century to reflect their concept of paradise on earth, the Alhambra combines lovely pools and gardens, architectural ingenuity.

An architecture tour is a fun way to navigate Barcelona’s byways and sights, highlighting some of the city’s most extraordinary and iconic sights. Along with buildings by Gaudi, you’ll see similarly outlandish Art Nouveau designs by his contemporaries Domenech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch. Throw away your set-square and ruler and get ready for wobbly outlines and organic shapes as you take in Casa Batllo, Casa Lleo Morera and Casa Amatller, known as the Mansan de la Discordia on elegant Passeig Gracia. Other memorable Modernist highlights include Casa Mila, the Palau de la Musica Catalana and the apartment buildings of Eixample.

Famous for its modernist architecture, legendary football club and long sandy beaches, Barcelona has long been one of Spain’s top tourist magnets. But with millions of annual visitors, the Catalan capital can get crowded, especially during the busy summer months. Planning ahead is essential to make the most of your trip and pre-booking skip-the-line tours to some of Barcelona’s top attractions is a good idea, especially for those short on time. With priority access, you’ll not only avoid the long queues, but save precious time that you can spend visiting other sights, shopping for souvenirs or relaxing on the beach. Most first-time visitors make a beeline for La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s modernist masterpiece, but the queues for the iconic cathedral are notoriously long. Instead, pre-book a guided tour including skip-the-line entrance, either with or without a visit to the tower. Gaudi fans can also enjoy skip-the-line access to several of the architect’s other works.

Barcelona's most photographed landmark, a UNESCO-listed monument and Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic masterpiece, La Sagrada Família is a must for every itinerary. The modernist cathedral is a work of fantasy so immense and rich in detail that it isn't even finished yet, but it's still Spain’s most-visited monument, averaging over 3 million annual visitors. The best way to visit La Sagrada Família is by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets, ensuring you head straight to the front of the queue and enjoy priority access. With multiple options available, there’s a tour to suit all budgets and itineraries. Short on time? Opt for a 1.5-hour skip-the-line tour, with or without entrance to the tower, and make your own way there by public transport. First time in the city? Combine your visit with a Best of Barcelona tour and see highlights like the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc Hill and Casa Batlló, too.

The most atmospheric time of year to visit Santa Cruz is during the vibrant annual Carnival, but even if you miss out on the festivities, you can still learn about the islands’ unique history at the Museum of Man and Nature, admire the landmark Auditorio de Tenerife and Church of the Immaculate Conception, and tuck into traditional Spanish cuisine at one of the many restaurants. The capital is also linked by tram to neighboring La Laguna, where you can marvel at the colonial architecture and historic churches that line the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Take in the best of Tenerife’s rugged scenery with a trip to the top of the El Teide volcano, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718m and one of the most iconic attractions of the Canary Islands. Whether you brave the steep hike or hop on the cable car, the views are spectacular, looking down over the surrounding Teide National Park, a UNESCO World heritage Site, and the neighboring Pico Viejo volcano.

Day 1: Barcelona Sightseeing Explore La Ramblas for a fabulous taste of Barcelona’s eccentric character with its restaurants and funky late-night bars. Hop on a bus, bike, or a scooter for an alternative approach to sightseeing or take the classic One Day Tour. On the Barcelona Gourmet Tapas Evening Walking Tour visit La Boquiera to see the amazing fresh food markets. Day 2: Art from Gaudi to Contemporary Discover Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces like the Casa Calvet, Sagrada Familia and Parc Güells. Other cultural highlights include The Picasso Museum, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (Romanesque art), Fundació Joan Miró, the CCCB and MACBA for contemporary art. Day 3: Day Trips from Barcelona Take a trip out of the city to Montserrat or discover the glamorous Costa Brava and its sparkling beaches.

Barcelona is beloved by generations of artists all of whom left their unique imprint on the city, from the sculptural architecture of Gaudí and the mythical paintings of Picasso, to surrealist icon Salvador Dalí. Antoni Gaudí is Barcelona's most internationally renowned and emblematic architect. His buildings are gorgeously ornate and whimsical, eccentric grooves and rich colours with no straight edges. Begin your artistic journey on Paseo de Gracia to famous apartment buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, and Parc Güell's undulating seating, mosaics, and a dragon fountain! The Sagrada Familia church is the masterpiece of Gaudí's intricate and organic architecture. The Gaudí Museum located in the crypt, traces the life and career of the architect. Barcelona Modernism Walking Tour takes you into "modernist" Barcelona in the Eixample district. Admire Catalan art Nouveau buildings by Gaudí and his contemporaries.