Spain: Thrilling History, World-Class Football and Enchanting Dances to the Tunes of Flamenco

Spain: Thrilling History, World-Class Football and Enchanting Dances to the Tunes of Flamenco

Spain has become one of the most interesting places in the world, having managed to turn every inch of it into a fantastic tourist destination, from its history dating back to the Middle Ages to its famous style of football that attracts hundreds of thousands throughout the year.

Whether it is the green heart of Madrid, the finest restaurants of Barcelona, the golden-age landmarks of Valencia and Seville, or the lively beaches of Ibiza, you will always find a wonderful place to visit and an even better activity to do, so we have designed for you a tour you should not miss among the most famous tourist landmarks in the 5 most beautiful cities in Spain.

1. Madrid

A tour around the corners of Madrid will certainly change your outlook on life, from the Prado Museum, which nourishes your soul with the most beautiful paintings in the world, to the depths of the city inside Retiro Park, or as it is called, the green heart of Madrid, followed by the Royal Palace, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, full of rare murals and royal weapons we only see in films.

If you want to get to know Madrid life, a visit to the famous El Rastro market will be one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences of your life, as will a walk along the Gran Vía, considered the center of entertainment, shopping and culture in Madrid, which stays alive until the early hours of the morning. And to breathe in the true splendor and magic of Madrid, have your coffee at an open-air table in the Plaza Mayor.

Agree or disagree, a single tour of the Bernabéu stadium and the history of Real Madrid as the best football team in the world may be enough to change your allegiance.

2. Barcelona

In Barcelona, although for many around the world it is famous first for Lionel Messi and the Camp Nou, these are certainly not its most wonderful features: La Rambla will dazzle your eyes with its simple beauty as you pass living statues, street performances and bird and flower sellers under the shade of its trees in summer.

Do not miss the experience of dancing around the enchanting Sagrada Família to the tunes of Spanish music and taking souvenir photos in front of Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. If you are a food lover, dinner at the restaurants Lasarte, Enoteca and Moments should be on your dream list, and for the best end to your tour, pay a quick visit to Barcelona's beachfront promenade.

3. Valencia

Right on the Mediterranean coast, you will find that relaxing on Valencia's wide sandy beaches and enjoying delicious food will not be your only source of enjoyment, as a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is usually a must for families, to enjoy the magic of the advanced Oceanogràfic aquarium and see about 45,000 enchanting aquatic animals of 500 different species.

Continuing the heritage tour of Spain, there is La Lonja de la Seda, one of the finest monuments of Valencia's golden age, as well as the Gothic cathedral, inside which you will find its most wonderful and controversial part, the Chapel of the Holy Grail, which houses one of the chalices claimed to have been used by Jesus to institute the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

On the southern side of the old city, you can explore the Neo-Mudéjar bullring, then head to the Plaza de la Virgen for a cold glass of horchata, a drink made from ground almonds, tiger nuts and a variety of grains, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

4. Seville

In the Andalusian capital, Seville, you will feel touches of vibrant Moorish heritage in every corner, made more beautiful by the scent of jasmine and orange blossom in the air. You can see this clearly in the bell tower of La Giralda, formerly the minaret of the Andalusian mosque; inside, the tower has 34 ramps instead of stairs, and on the way up you can enjoy some archaeological exhibits. Next to it is Seville Cathedral, whose beautiful architectural details and historical relics will dazzle you.

In the Plaza de España, your eyes will immediately be caught by the large palace along the curving canal, a wonderful place to walk and see busts of national figures and small structures for each province of Spain made of painted tiles. Your trip will be complete with flamenco shows, found everywhere at any time of year, or with the tastiest Spanish tapas in any of Seville's streets next to the cathedral.

5. Ibiza

Despite its few tourist landmarks, Ibiza attracts many party lovers every year to enjoy its beaches and clubs. The Playa d’en Bossa resort is a party paradise for young people in summer, and on the west coast you will find San Antonio, the second-largest town on the island, where you can enjoy the beauty of its sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear sea water.

But if you love tranquility, Talamanca beach is what you are looking for, to relax on the white sand stretching along the beach beside small hills covered with pine trees, or you can visit Dalt Vila, the oldest and highest part of the town, which was fortified to repel attacks by pirates and French invaders in the 16th century, or enjoy the heritage of Ibiza Cathedral, which directly overlooks the sea.

Tags:#Spain#Madrid#Barcelona#إشبيلية