Spain is the second country in the world that receives the most visitors per year, only behind France. And it is no coincidence, in addition to an enviable climate, it is full of places that are worth a visit: natural environments that leave your mouth open, picturesque towns in which to get lost, spectacular monuments…
The prestigious National Geographic Travel magazine has selected those that you have to visit at least once in your life, and they are good proof of the great natural, historical and urban diversity that the country enjoys.
1. Doñana Park
Located between the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cádiz, the Doñana National and Natural Park It is one of the most important protected areas in Europe, especially for its wetlands, shaped by seasonal floods and drought. has a spectacular variety of ecosystems: extensive marshes, dunes (mobile and fixed), beaches, lagoons, pine forests, holm oak forests… that house some rich flora and fauna.
More than 1400 species of plants and about 400 species of birdsmany of them migratory, live in the park, along with a wide variety of other animals (terrestrial and marine mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish). In fact, it is a sanctuary for endangered speciessuch as the Iberian lynx, the Iberian imperial eagle or the Moorish tortoise.
2. Altamira Cave
iStock
Located near Santillana del Mar, in Cantabria, the Altamira Cave is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world and one of the oldest examples of human art.
He spectacular paleolithic rock art What is inside, discovered in 1879, is extraordinarily well preserved. Its most famous element is the polychrome ceiling, where you can see herds of bisonhorses, deer and other animals, drawn with great realism.
Although the cave It closed to the public in 2002 To preserve the paintings, you can visit a replica in the museum right next door.
3. The Alhambra in Granada
iStock
walk through the Alhambra It is like traveling back in time to the time when the Nasrids reigned in Granada. Built mainly between 1238 and 1358, it served as a royal city and citadel, with palaces, gardens, mosques, baths, craft workshops and a sophisticated water supply system.
Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1984, it is one of the most emblematic monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best preserved palace complexes in the historic Islamic world.
4. The Mosque of Córdoba
iStock
Symbol of the cultural fusion between the Islamic and Christian worlds In medieval Spain, the Mosque of Córdoba has been a World Heritage Site since 1984.
Built from the year 785 AD. c. by Abd al-Rahman I on an ancient Visigoth church, was expanded over the centuries by successive rulers, resulting in a vast prayer hall supported by a forest of columns with the characteristic red and white striped archesas well as an ornate mihrab and a large courtyard of orange trees.
After the Christian conquest of Córdoba In the year 1236, the mosque became cathedral and later additions were made, such as a Renaissance nave and a bell tower, although much of the original Islamic architecture remains intact.
5. The Holy Family
iStock
Gaudi’s masterpiece It began to be built in 1882, when in the area where it is located there was nothing but deserted land. Today, more than 140 years after the first stone was laid, this Barcelona icon is surrounded by buildings and it is still to be finished. In fact, it is estimated that it will not be finished until 2033.
Maximum exponent of Catalan modernist architecture, the Sagrada Familia was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The brilliant Catalan architect, who was killed by a tram in 1926, poured all his interest in the organic architecture inspired by nature.
6. Cadaqués
ISTOCK
This picturesque coastal town in Empordà It is known for its beautiful natural environment and for having served as inspiration for numerous artists, including Salvador Daliwho lived in nearby Portlligat, where you can visit his birthplace.
Located in a small bay of the Cap de Creusthis small town with a fishing tradition captivates with its rugged landscape, its whitewashed housesits cobbled streets, its bohemian atmosphere and the intense blue of the sea frames it.
7. Tramuntana Mountains
iStock
The Tramuntana mountain range It runs parallel to the northwest coast of Mallorca and extends from Andratx, in the southwest, to Cap de Formentor, in the far north. Famous for its rich biodiversity and for its landscape beautywith steep mountains and lush forests, It also houses beautiful townslike Valldemossa or Deià.
Thanks to its exceptional combination of natural and human influences, it has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Cultural Landscape category.
8. Timanfaya National Park
iStock
Located southwest of Lanzarote, the Timanfaya National Park is a impressive volcanic landscape which extends over more than 50 square kilometers. Despite its arid appearance, it houses a great diversity of lifewith more than 100 species of lichens, invertebrate animals, birds and flora.
This park, symbol of Lanzarotedefines the identity and history of the island and is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
9. Merida
iStock
Merida is famous for its exceptional archaeological complexwhich preserves the remains of Augusta Emerita, founded in the year 25 BC. C. by the Roman emperor Augustus. As the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, Mérida had monumental public buildings such as a theater for more than 6000 spectatorsan amphitheater, a circus, temples and a large water supply system, with impressive aqueducts and a large bridge over the Guadiana River.
The good state of conservation and the diversity of monuments in Mérida earned it being declared UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
10. Cathedrals Beach
iStock
Its official name is Praia de Augas Santasbut this spectacular natural monument located on the Cantabrian coast of Galicia (near Ribadeo) receives the popular name of Playa de las Catedrales because its rock formations are reminiscent of the buttresses of Gothic cathedrals.
They can only be seen at low tide.when you can walk among the arches, corridors and sea caves sculpted by centuries of wind erosion and waves (by reservation in summer and Easter). At high tide, much of the beach disappears under the sea.
11. Obradoiro Square
iStock
The square that marks the end of the Camino de Santiago It is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic squares in all of Spain. Surrounded by imposing buildings (the Cathedral of Santiago, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Pazo de Raxoi and the Colexio de San Xerome), the Plaza del Obradoiro is the monumental heart of Santiago de Compostela.
It has been, for centuries, the point of arrival and place of reflection and celebration of pilgrims from all over the world, as well as a meeting point for Santiago residents.
12. Irati Jungle
iStock
Located in the Navarrese Pyrenees, between the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys, and with more than 17,000 hectares of almost virgin forests, the Irati Jungle is he second largest and best preserved beech-fir forest in Europe.
With extraordinary biodiversity, it is a refuge for fauna and flora of high ecological value and is home to emblematic and threatened species (such as the white-backed beak).
If you were interested in this article and would like to receive more about a healthy lifestyle, join the Bodymente WhatsApp channel.
Download the free eBook «Weekly Plan. Anti-inflammatory Recipes» and discover delicious preparations with anti-inflammatory ingredients prepared by our experts.