Spain is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. However, most travelers tend to flock to major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, and think they’ve seen “Spain.” While those cities are nice and definitely worth seeing, there is so much more that Spain offers that unfortunately, many visitors miss out on. If you want to see other cities in Spain besides Barcelona, then take a tour here and see it all!
1) Toledo
If you want to explore a Medieval town that features unique architecture from when the Romans ruled here, then Toledo is where you want to go. El Greco’s painting View of Toledo was inspired by the beauty of this town, and you’ll feel like you’ve gone through a time machine when you visit here. Some things you can do: See this original painting of El Greco in addition to his other works, sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch, or even buy a sword.
2) Granada
In the southern part of Spain in Andalusia is the city of Granada. Granada was one of the capitals of the Moorish empire and there are still many remnants of it here today. For example, spend a day exploring the Alhambra palace, where you can check out the gorgeous interior, hang out in the enormous garden on the grounds, or take in a view of the city. Granada also has thermal baths as well as Arabic neighborhoods where you can get delicious tea, smoke hookah, and take some time to relax.
3) Nerja
If you want to get away from the cities and spend some time at the beach, then head to southern Spain to visit the less-touristy beach town of Nerja, which lies on the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. During the summer, these stone beaches host locals and tourists alike. Go for a swim, then dry off at a restaurant or cafe. When night rolls around, you can watch the sunset, then grab some tapas and sangria on one of the balconies. And, no matter how many balconies you visit, don’t miss the Balcony of Europe, where you can get an awesome view of the beach.
4) Ronda
The small, picturesque town of Ronda in Malaga province may not have as much to offer as these other cities, but if you’re looking for a taste of Spanish culture mixed with some peace and quiet, you’ll find it here. In addition to one of the original bull-flighting stadiums, you can also do some hiking here around the gorge. Take some photos from the Puente Nuevo bridge, where you can get an incredible view of the town below.
5) Valencia
Valencia is a pretty well-known city in Spain, and for a good reason. Each year, the city hosts a festival called Las Falles, where they burn large figures in celebration of Saint Joseph. And, though Valencia has enough to see just by going for a stroll through the city, you don’t want to miss out on a day exploring City of Arts and Sciences, which is an architectural complex that’s one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
Sure, cities like Barcelona and Madrid are nice, but when you can go on a tour that will take you to other areas of Spain, why not? You may find you like them much better!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
