21 Best Places To Visit In Spain For First-Timers (2023)

Are you looking to go to Europe for the first time? Want to have an absolutely incredible time while having the best cuisine? learn fascinating history, and look at stunning landscapes? you cannot go wrong with Spain!

21 Best Places To Visit In Spain For First-Timers (2023)

I love traveling! I have traveled for some time now, but my spark began when I decided to go on my first Europe trip to Spain. Trust me! You will fall in love as much as I did. There are so many awesome places for different things:

Best Places To Go In Spain For Couples

One of my favorite things about Spain, there is a huge variety of unique and amazing places. My boyfriend and I love traveling here, not only do we have a blast but it is definitely a great romantic spot if you are looking for one. 

Whether you are wanting to have a relaxing beach getaway, indulge and learn about the culture, or even have a blast partying. Spain has it all! Personally, I like a combination of EVERYTHING!! These are some of my favorite places to go in Spain for couples! I included a variety of relaxation and a more upbeat vacation!

1. Ibiza

This is an excellent destination if you are looking for that relaxing/fun experience. Ibiza is known for its beautiful clear beaches and its nightlife. While it is more of a party destination, there are sooo many activities! 

My all-time favorite activity is always having that prime relaxation time, and Ibiza is perfect for this! There is nothing more relaxing than sitting by the beach and drinking cocktails! But if you are not a beach fanatic like me, they do have a lot of other things,  you can enjoy hiking, going to wineries or doing a little bit of shopping. 

2. Palma de Mallorca

Just like Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca is located in the Balearic islands. It has beautiful white sand beaches and crystal water! When I first arrived here, I was absolutely amazed. Definitely a must.

I would make this stop a priority. This destination is definitely a ROMANTIC one, a great place to visit with your partner for a great vacation or even a honeymoon. 

3. San Sebastian

This is more of a unique itinerary. Definitely not like your typical Spain adventure. San Sebastian is basque, so you will not be able to brush up on all the new Spanish you learned online. 

This city is truly unique with a lot of rich history and absolutely mind-blowing food!! If you are a huge foodie, this is a great place you will enjoy as a couple. This is more of a city adventure and less of a beach destination. 

4. Marbella

Another great beach destination! I think we have a bit of a beach pattern. But when I think about a romantic getaway, I always picture a relaxing beach vacation. 

Marbella is home to the most amazing beaches Spain has to offer. This is a charming older town, their nightlife is outstanding and they have a lot of high-end restaurants. For a special anniversary vacation, I recommend going here and dining at one of their many Michelin Star restaurants.  

5. Cadiz

Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain! So there is a lot of history to see. This city is great to explore and has a high variety of different tapas and bars that are great to visit after going to the cathedrals or visiting the plaza. 

Cadiz has a great port nearby, so a lot of restaurants have a huge variety of ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE seafood. I particularly recommend you try the lobster!

6. Torremolinos

This is a great tourist spot. This location offers what I usually look for when going on a vacation, great food, adventure, and outstanding views! You can go to its neighboring towns and explore the beaches or visit all the landmarks and walk through the town. 

Torremolinos is a great couple destination for its nightlife! They hosted quite a few world pride parades and they are known for their vibrant nightlife that caters to a lot of the LGBTQ + community. 

Best Places To Visit In Spain On A Budget

This is music to my ears! I am a huge budgeter that loves to travel and I am always surprised how there is soo many places or things to do that are budget-friendly. Sure, flights might be more expensive, but you will end up spending less in the long run. These places are the best places to visit in Spain on a budget, they are less than $900 for a week’s vacation. 

7. Vigo

Vigo is a great destination that is really budget-friendly. There are a ton of activities to do and a lot of them are low-cost. One of the best things, it is right next to Portugal, you can always cross over and get to know Oporto. Definitely a great adventure!

If you are going to Vigo, I also recommend you go to the Cies Islands. This island is off the coast of Galicia, and you can only access them by ferry or by boat. 

This is a great destination to go to all year round but I recommend you go during Christmas time. They have an incredible light show that is absolutely beautiful and the whole city is just lit up!

8. Tenerife

Tenerife is part of the canary islands. This is 100% one of my top best places to visit in Spain on a budget.  This is a tropical destination! It has everything you need to have an absolutely spectacular stay!!

Tenerife not only has a variety of beaches but it actually has a lot of mountains and national parks!! Which means it is one of those destinations that has it all. If you want to go hiking, go to the beach or stroll through the town, this will be your perfect getaway and it is really budget-friendly! 

9. Sevilla

I fell in love with Sevilla! This was the second city I ever visited in Spain and I recommend it without a doubt! 

This is a city that is not as big as Barcelona or Madrid. Everything is walkable and I rarely used a bus or a train. The food is absolutely incredible!!! I loved the tapas there, but really the food is generally always great in Spain :). 

Sevilla is more of a sightseeing tourist place that has great food. Definitely a good price for everything you get to see!! If you are planning a visit, 3 days to see everything is perfect!! 

10. Las Palmas

Capital of Gran Canaria! This has the best all-year-round weather in Spain, the spring lasts a lot more and it is not as cold in the winter. 

If you are an adrenaline seeker or like a more adventurous time, This location is known for its coral life, so snorkeling or going scuba diving will be a fun day! You can also surf, parasail, or even go paragliding! 

11. Tamariu – Costa Brava

When it comes to budget-friendliness. A good beach vacation is best! Beaches are free and you do not need to pay a lot to get there, everything is within walking distance in Tamariu. 

Tamariu is a small coastal town that is on the outskirts of Barcelona. The waters are really clear! This is definitely a perfect beach getaway! Hotels right by the beach might be more expensive, but you will not need to pay a lot for activities or food. 

If you are staying in Barcelona or nearby, this is a great fun day trip! 

12. Santiago de Compostela

Galicia is HUGE! There are so many cities within Galicia and so many great places to see! This is why I recommend this as a great place to visit on a budget overall! 

Galicia has a lot to offer, a lot of rich history, natural parks, and beaches. Another great location that has it all. Santiago de Compostela is the capital, and it has a lot of sightseeing activities. 

A lot of Spain’s tourist attractions like castles, churches, plazas, etc. Are free! So definitely a great budget-friendly activity is to walk around and visit each monument and learn about its history. Santiago will have plenty to see and a lot to offer. 

Unique Places To Visit In Spain

13. Malaga

I actually just came back from a trip to Malaga. I was expecting Malaga to be a small cute beach town, but it is actually a big city. Malaga’s artistic culture, climate, and location make this a unique place to visit in Spain. 

One of the most unique places I saw was the castle! it is located toward the top and as you climb towards what feels like an endless hike, you will get to see the most breathtaking view of Malaga. 

When you are done sightseeing, Muelle Uno is a great place to walk around. Not only will you hear live music in each corner, eat by the docks, and shop by the market, but you will get to experience another great view at night and absorb the amazing energy. 

14. Barcelona

For me, this is a staple! A must-see and cannot miss location in Spain. Among the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers, I would say Barcelona is in my top 5!! 

I loved Barcelona for many reasons. It definitely has great history, beautiful beaches/piers, and great nightlife. I absolutely fell in love with the unique culture. I do have to say, this is a place where a lot of crazy/unique experiences happen (In a good way). This is a great place to come with friends or even on a couples trip.  

I went for about 3 days and had the best time. Although it did feel too short! If you are planning a trip and would like a detailed list of everything I did, check out my 14-day itinerary for Europe. I included all the restaurants and attractions I recommend you go to. 

15. La Rioja

If you are a wine fanatic! You will love La Rioja as it is predominantly known for its wineries. But if you are not into wine, La Rioja also has sooo many unique places to see. 

This magical place has a variety of sunny valleys and a lot of mountains. They are known as historic sites as they have a lot of cultural value. A fun fact about this city, it is actually very big on paleontology and it has one of the biggest and richest paleontology sites.

This can also be a great couple’s or family’s location. I recommend you do a day visit to a winery, it is a great experience.                                     

16. Nerja

I know I keep saying this about every place. But Nerja is beautiful!! Nerja is a beach town that has really cute white houses and awesome nightlife (pretty much all of Spain does)!  It is great to visit during the summer and when you want a calmer vacation. 

If you are there for a short time, I recommend you start in el balcon de Europa. It is a great place where you can see the awesome views, and walk through the town to the main beach, Burriana. This will be a great way to see the town quicker. 

For an awesome adventure! I highly recommend you rent a kayak on the beaches of Maro and go explore the caves. This is a truly unique experience with great memories. 

17. Granada

Granada is a city in southern Spain. This is a great place if you are looking for a sightseeing adventure, as Granada has a lot of Medieval architecture and masterpieces from the Spanish renaissance.  

One of my favorite things about Granada that makes it so unique is the main cathedra! it is known to be one of the biggest in the world. They have a lot more monuments, castles, parks and plazas to see! I do recommend you try to go for at least 4 days as it is a bigger city with lots to see!

Granada is known to be a student city. It has a massive university, so this does create a pretty vibrant nightlife. You will have plenty to see and do during the day and night! If you want to mix it up and not go to another beach town, this is a great place to learn more about the culture and indulge in what they can offer. 

18. Segovia

It is a historic city that is near Madrid. If you are staying in Madrid, this is a great day visit you can get there in just a 1-hour train ride and the fare is really inexpensive. 

Segovia is a very small town but the history within makes this place truly unique! There are 3 historic buildings you will want to see: Roman Aqueduct, Gothic Cathedral, and Alcazar Castle. 

One of my favorite things to do is just go through the town and get to see all the amazing architecture that surrounds it.  Make sure you stay in Madrid 1 more day just to do this!!

Best Places To Visit In Spain For Families

19. Madrid

I love Madrid! Another of my top 5 best places to visit in Spain for first-timers. This was the first city I ever visited in Europe, so I am definitely a little bit sentimental about this amazing city. I have visited 4 times after that, so you can say I enjoyed my time there!!!

Madrid has a lot to offer. It has a great history, great tapas, and is a great place for shopping. Since it is a large city, public transportation is awesome and very accessible! Which is another reason why I think this is a great family destination. The city is very safe and you feel very comfortable walking around

If you are going with your family or kids, this is definitely a city I recommend. There are a lot of family-friendly activities, you can go to a hugeeee park called El Retiro and rent a scooter or a small boat for the lagoon. You can also go to Plaza Mayor and have great tapas and do some shopping en la gran via. There is a lot more to see!! You can refer to my post on what I did in Madrid day by day. If you are visiting, try to be here for at least 4 days. 

20. Valencia

Valencia is one of the cities in Spain with the most tourism. This is not surprising as it attracts mainly for its vibrant art, architecture, and science. Valencia is a pretty big beach destination that has great sandy clear beaches. 

This destination has a lot of modern attractions to see and it also is known for its Paella. If you are going to Valencia, do not leave without trying Paella. For families, this is the perfect city!! You will get to experience a lot of the historic architecture but also wine down in the markets or plazas. 

As there is a lot to see, I recommend you stay for at least 4 days!! Make sure you visit all the prized landmarks and enjoy the food. For a fun adventure, you can always rent a scooter or a bike!

21. Alicante

Alicante is a great beach destination, while it does have a lot of rich history, this is a great place if you want to experience a more tropical vacation. 

For a fun day excursion, you can visit Isla de Tabarca. This is a fun day for a family as it has a great story and you can enjoy a beach setting. You can also walk through el Paseo de la explanada! 

Visiting Spain For The First Time: FAQs

At this point, you have learned about the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers! I know you are very excited to start your journey, BUT! Make sure you see below for some additional information and tips before your trip. 

What Is The Nicest Part Of Spain To Visit?

Any part of Spain is beautiful! Very rarely have I gone to a place I do not love or enjoy spending time there. Each city, town, and even the streets have its own charm. 

If I had to pick from my travels, the northern area of Spain near San Sebastian is the most glamorous and beautiful. 

For a tropical/beach location, the south of Spain by the mediterranean sea has the best beaches. But overall! Any part of Spain will have great food, history, and culture.

What Should I Avoid In Spain?

There are soo many great cities and they are really accessible. But a mistake I see many people make is not using local transportation. Spain has an excellent metro/bus system and it is a really great way to get to know each city/town. 

When not to travel to Spain: Another thing you should avoid is going in the midst of summer. This really applies to any part of Europe! The heat is INSANE!! I live in a very tropical and humid climate and I still have a hard time whenever I travel during that time. The best time to travel is before June or after the middle of September. Beat the heat and it is cheaper!

Avoid getting caught in touristy areas: I do not mean to skip all the “ tourist attractions”. I am all for having a perfect local experience, but I do think it is important to get to know the main tourism in each city, but try to avoid eating in restaurants right in tourist attractions as they are more expensive and you want to avoid tourist scams too!

How Many Days In Spain Is Enough?

How long you should stay in Spain really depends on the type of vacation you are looking to take. I always recommend 2- 3 days in each city or at least 4 days in the bigger cities! 

If this is your first time in Spain, I recommend you go for at least 7 days and you visit 2-3 cities. You want to make the most out of your vacation, and if you are traveling far for your visit, try to stay as long as possible. 
For a truly perfect and complete trip, 14 days! If you are looking for a 7 or 14-day itinerary for Europe, there are so many awesome places to see.

What Are 3 Things A Traveler Should Know About Traveling To Spain For The First Time?

Getting around Spain: Public transportation in Spain is really good and traveling to each city is only a short train or flight away. Make sure you take advantage of the metro/bus system. I always use google maps and it tells me exactly how to get to my location. You can also rent a car, but parking is extremely limited!! And tolls/gas are more expensive. 

Temperatures vary: During summertime, temperatures can be really high and the heat waves are too extreme, which can be dangerous. This can vary by city, so make sure you check the weather and pack light for summer. Winters can also be very chilly! 

Spain Safety: Spain in general is very friendly and the economy grows from its tourism. It is very safe! Of course, always be careful and avoid street scammers. But I feel very safe in Spain and have not had a bad experience. 

Conclusion: 21 Best Places To Visit In Spain For First Timers (2023)

Spain is a great place overall! Whether you are going with a family, partner or friends. You will have an awesome time!

There are a lot of historic monuments, art, great nightlife, shopping, and amazing food. Spain has a lot of different things to offer, so I recommend you go to a city based on the experience you are looking for!! 

This post covered each place I recommend based on expenses, destination, things to do, etc. But again! Any place you go, I am sure you will fall in love. 

There are a lot of places I recommend as the Best Places To Visit In Spain For First Timers, but I also recommend it if you are going to Europe for the first time as well!! So get to planning and get ready for an awesome vacation.