Landmarks of Spain. What is worth seeing?

What to see in Spain? A selection of interesting places and attractions with photos and descriptions by cities and regions. Useful information: prices, how to get, map of attractions in Spain.

Spain is a country rich in history and culture. It ranks third in terms of the number of UNESCO cultural heritage sites - only China and Italy have more. Many of them can be viewed both independently and as part of excursion groups.

There are also many beautiful and interesting places where tourists like to travel on their own. Let's start with the capital.

Attractions of Spain on the map

Madrid

A beautiful metropolitan city where old buildings are combined with new quarters and business centers. Its main place is considered Puerta del Sol square - "Gate of the Sun". Tourists are advised to be sure to visit the capital of Spain "Golden Triangle of Arts": Prado National Museum (14 euros), Reina Sofia Center for the Arts (8 euros), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (10 euros). Also visit Royal Palace with silk and porcelain rooms.

You can get to almost any attraction in Madrid by metro - it's quick and cheap. Buses with comfortable cabins and air conditioning are also popular. Travel in the listed public transport costs 1 euro.

Toledo

Located in the center of the country and presents a whole collection of Christian, Arab, Jewish architectural buildings. It was founded by the Iberians and Celts, then conquered by the Romans and Arabs. Then the Inquisition came. Each culture and faith has its own buildings. In this city, among the attractions of Spain, tourists are advised to see:

• the medieval and rebuilt after 1936 Alcazar fortress;
• Cathedral;
• Sokodover square;
• house-museum of El Greco, museum of the Inquisition and Santa Cruz.

You can get to Toledo from Madrid by train in half an hour, the ticket costs about 20 euros. Every 30 min. there are buses from Plaza Eliptica to the old town for 10 euros.

Basque Country

It is autonomy in the northeastern part of Spain with its own dialect (unlike any other European language and is necessarily studied in local schools), nationality and three provinces. The largest cities are Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Lovers of hiking and mountain tourism come to the Basque Country - there are many national parks and very beautiful cliffs near the coast San Sebastian... IN Salinas de Anyana Salt mines are still operating, where the mineral is mined according to ancient Roman technologies. Unique transporter bridge by architect Palacio (a student of Eiffel himself) since 1983 connects Portugalte and Las Arenas. And by river Guernica you can ride on gondolas - boats leave every 8 minutes. Segura will surprise you with old mansions, and Vera de Bidasoa village - historical stone buildings dating back to the 16th - 19th centuries.

Bilbao

It is a large industrial and port city of the Basque Country. Here, medieval architecture is surprisingly combined with ultra-modern buildings. If you are interested in the unusual sights of Spain, then there is something to see in Bilbao:

• Guggenheim Museum from titanium plates, glass and waterfalls. It is surrounded by unusual sculptures (a metal spider and a flower terrier), entrance costs 6-10 euros (children are free);
• cultural and entertainment center Alondiga Bilbao;
• Isozaki towers.

The Old Town has a beautiful cathedral of santiago in the Gothic style, also open the doors to tourists churches of St. Anthony and San Nicolas... The city has a unique glass Subisuri bridge (Campo Volantin) across the Nevion River. The creation of the architect Santiago is made in a futuristic style and allows you to quickly get from hotels to the famous Guggenheim Museum. Works Archaeological Museum with artifacts from the Roman, medieval and modern periods (1.5-3 euros).

From the airport in Bilbao, you can take a bus to the Central Bus Station for 1.45 euros or a taxi for 25 euros. In the city itself there are shuttle buses for 1.25 euros, a metro (1.6-1.9 euros) runs, high-speed trams run (1.5 euros each), and a funicular (0.95 euros).

San sebastian

During its history, the city burned down several times, while ancient architectural monuments have survived. The history of Basque culture is represented by ethnographic Museum of San Telmo and a port aquarium designed as a palace. It will also be interesting to visit the baroque Church of Santa Maria del Coro and neo-gothic - St. Vincent... From Constitution Square, where bullfights are now held, you can see an old library, Ayete palaces and Miramar... The city has a beautifully furnished La Concha promenade, decorated with balustrades and lanterns.

Rioja

It occupies the north of Spain and is famous for its winemaking. It is divided into 3 zones, the largest of which is the Rioja Alta. There are a lot of vineyards here, as well as the production of light and aged wines. There is a constant wine festival in Haro with a tasting of a heady drink.

Narrow cobbled streets are visited in this area. Logroño, temples, cathedrals, history and art museum. The architecture stands out for the Puente Piedra stone bridge, which connects the center with the old quarters. Excursions to the Cantabrian mountains with caves where beautiful crystals grow, there are underground rivers and waterfalls are organized separately. BUT San Vicente de la Barquera belongs to the TOP of the most beautiful Spanish towns. People come here to see the mountain landscapes, the royal castle and try a variety of seafood dishes - they are prepared in all city restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

You can get there from Santander airport by bus for 2.5 euros. A taxi from the terminal will cost 15 euros.

Santiago de Compostela

Not sure what to see in Spain? Tourists in the reviews are advised to go to the capital of Galicia and the city where St. Jacob - Santiago de Compostela. Believers from all over the world come here for paraphernalia to venerate the relics and visit the famous cathedral of the same name. The city has a large number of architectural buildings that belong to heritage of UNESCO: the Rajoy palace, the Benedictine monastery of San Martino Pinario, the mesmerizing beauty of the Cathedral, the 12th century church of Santa Maria Real do Sar, the first royal hotel in the world, the Ostal de los Reyes Catholicos.

A tourist train runs around the city, which has an audio guide. The ticket costs 5-8 euros, and the excursion program takes 45 minutes. Cheap buses run for 0.55-1- euro. You can rent a bike for 40 euros or pay the taxi driver almost the same so that he can comfortably take you to the right place.

The airport is located 11 km from the city, you can get there by bus for 3 euros or by taxi for 20 euros. Long-distance flights from Madrid have been established - they will cost up to 55 euros (8 hours on the way), from Barcelona up to 90 euros (17 hours on the way). You can come by train from Madrid for 41-62 euros.

Navarre

It is the northern province of Spain. There are many castles and beautiful monasteries, historical buildings with high stone walls, towers and suspension bridges - connoisseurs of architectural monuments have something to see in this province of Spain. Popular locations include:

• Olite palacebuilt in the Gothic style;
• Javier castlethat looks like a fortress;
• an old winery with a tasting room.

Interesting facts about the cities of Spain

Pamplona

It is the capital of the northern region of Navarre (and in the 8th century - the kingdom of the same name). It is in this city in the second week of July, from 6 to 14, that the famous bull races are held - a holiday San Fermin... Moreover, the animals are released directly into the streets, along which you can rent housing and watch the extreme show from a safe distance. Also during this period, bright festive festivities are held on the streets of the city, in which adults and children take part.

Of the sights stands out gothic cathedral buildings of the early 16th century with its 50 m high towers and the largest bell in Spain. Also worth a visit Royal Palace with a beautiful throne room and an old archive building where national historical documents are kept.

It is better to get to Pamplona from the airports of Madrid or Barcelona by regular buses, tickets cost up to 40 euros. There is a fast AVE train for 23 euros, which will run in 3-4 hours.

Mallorca (Mallorca)

An island resort, which attracts fans of diving, rock climbing and fun beach holidays. The island with a highly developed infrastructure is distinguished by beautiful beaches with white fine sand and clear water. However, those who are tired of resting and having fun can find a lot of interesting things: the old city Valldemosa, sights of the capital Palma de Mallorca (Almudaina Palace, Bellver Castle, Cathedral).

You can get there by plane from Madrid or Barcelona to Palma - the central city on the island. Here is the Son San Juan airport, from which taxis (20 euros) and regular buses (3 euros) run. They travel by sea from Barcelona by passenger catamarans or ferries in 4 or 8 hours, respectively. Tickets will cost from 40 euros.