Do you know which are the best places to go on vacation in Spain? These are destinations where you can find a variety of attractions to enjoy a few days of fun or rest. Beautiful and cozy places with a multitude of options for plans, activities and experiences, whatever lifestyle you like; with the permission of the country’s best known major tourist cities, let’s go there!
The 5 best places to go on vacation in Spain
1 – Pontevedra, the capital of the Rías Baixas and of the Portuguese Way of Saint James
Pontevedra is a monumental city, the capital of a province full of holiday attractions. It has more than 20 km of trails and routes for nature walks without leaving the city, night routes such as the visit to the bridges and unexpected places like the Island of Sculptures.
It is famous for its gastronomy based on the quality and exquisiteness of its local products, as well as for the charm of its historical and patrimonial buildings such as the Royal Basilica of Santa María A Maior and the Convent of San Francisco, among others.
Strolling through the historic center is the best plan to take a trip to the past, accompanied by delicious tapas and Galician wines. One of the emblematic places that is a must when visiting Pontevedra is the Mercado de Abastos, a building of patrimonial value famous for the quality of its food. As it could not be otherwise, there are also magnificent accommodations, such as our apartments in Pontevedra.
2 – Bilbao, one of the best places to go on vacation in Spain if you are an art lover
Also in the north, but almost at the opposite end, is Bilbao, the city that in three decades has gone from being one of the great industrial cities of the country to a modern city of services, friendly to citizens and tourists.
In addition to its best known cultural attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Sacred Art, we must add its gastronomic offer. With an infinite number of proposals for both traditional and modern dishes and six restaurants awarded with a star by the Michelin Guide 2024.
The city is only 14 kilometers from the Cantabrian Sea and close to tourist sites such as the Portugalete Suspension Bridge or Bizkaia Bridge, the Old Port of Getxo or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a hermitage known for its appearance in the well-known series Game of Thrones.
3 – Vigo, beaches, nature and great gastronomy in Spain’s most famous Christmas city
Vigo is one of the best places to go on vacation in Spain at any time of the year. In the months of good weather, its main attraction is its 45 sand beaches, such as Samil beach or the paradisiacal and impressive beaches of the Cies Islands. For swimming, surfing, sunbathing and water sports, it is a magnificent destination, although its beauty makes it a must-see at any time of the year.
The good food and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city has its peak around Christmas. Christmas in Vigo is a whole display of lights, figures, parades, shopping areas, attractions, light and sound shows and much more. Every year millions of young people and families choose Vigo to experience Christmas. In 2023, from the turning on of the lights until its end, the city received 5.3 million visitors.
Vigo is very close to Pontevedra, only 28 kilometers away, and the trip is very short and comfortable. As the latter is much cheaper and quieter, many travelers choose to stay in Pontevedra. Remember that you can make your reservation for holiday apartment rentals in Pontevedra at apartamentosturisticospontevedra.com.
4 – Cádiz, Atlantic City, Mediterranean city to visit in Spain
Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean is the city of Cadiz, capital of the southernmost province of peninsular Spain. It is not only one of the best places to go on vacation in Spain, but also the oldest city in the West. It was founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago and still bears traces of past civilizations.
Historical sites such as the Tavira Tower or the Cathedral of Santa Cruz de Cádiz are essential visits. Also, its beaches and nearby cities like Jerez are an attraction to spend a few days in the area. The climate is very warm in summer, but more pleasant at other times of the year. Its carnivals and chirigotas are very famous and loved.
5 – Tarragona, sport and culture at the Golden Coast
South of Barcelona is Tarragona, a city with ten coves and beaches on 15 km of coastline to enjoy.
Its historical remains, such as the Amphitheater, the Praetorian Tower and the Roman Circus, are much visited by tourists. Also, the Cathedral of Tarragona and the medieval hospital, nestled in its historic center.
These are some of the best places to visit in Spain, although we have the privilege of living in a country full of culture, monuments and incredible places to visit, where are you going to start?