Best Spain restaurants, 10 Beautiful Places+Cities to visit -Travel Guide 2022
Best Spain restaurants, 10 Beautiful Places+Cities to visit -Travel Guide 2022
When we think of traveling to Spain, we imagine the beautiful beaches, wellness and health treatments, the beautiful cities that are waiting to be explored with breathtaking tourist attractions, but also the islands of Spain are recognized worldwide for the entertainment and fun offered to tourists. But in addition to all this, Spain also has many possibilities for relaxation, tasty spain restaurants, wellness and spas that are an oasis of health.
Table of Contents
Spain Map
Informations
In this blog post we will first present the main tourist attractions that must be explored. After that, we will share the best places for wellness, relaxation and spa – some wonderful places that will offer you after the work done for a few months.
Temperature: Spring and fall are the best times of the year for visiting Spain. The only possible exception would be the Atlantic Coast which experiences heavy downpour in October and November.
Language: The official language is Spanish.
Spring and fall are the best times of the year for visiting Spain. The only possible exception would be the Atlantic Coast which experiences heavy downpour in October and November.
Currency: Euro aprox. 1$=0.82 EUR
Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=11 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=40 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Alhambra
The Alhambra is an important city castle on the Sabikah hill of Granada in Spain, which is considered to be one of the most important examples of the Moorish style of Islamic art. The Alhambra is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe and has been a World Heritage Site since 1984. The castle complex is about 740 m long and up to 220 m wide. In the east, the Generalife Summer Palace is in front.
Nerja caves
The Nerja Cave is a stalactite cave in Spain that was discovered by chance in January 1959. It consists of a series of cave galleries that stretch for almost 3 miles. Located near the city of Nerja in the Spanish province of Málaga, it was declared a protected cultural asset in 2006 and is therefore part of Spain’s historical heritage. The cave is divided into two main parts known as Nerja I and Nerja II. Nerja I contains exhibitions open to the public and is accessible via stairs and concrete paths. One of the chambers forms a natural amphitheater in which concerts are held regularly.
Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey (freely translated ‘King’s Path’) is a three-kilometer-long via ferrata (since 2015: hiking trail) near Álora in the province of Málaga in southern Spain. At a height of around 100 meters, it leads along steep walls through two narrow gorges up to 200 meters deep. For a long time it had fallen into disrepair and was banned and during this time it was described in the press as the most dangerous route in the world. In 2015 it was released to the public again. The area is known among climbers as El Chorro as an excellent winter climbing area.
Santa Iglesia Catedral
Basílica de la Encarnación
Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación is the cathedral of the diocese of Malaga in Malaga. It is located near the port in the city center.
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba in Málaga, Spain is a Moorish fortress and palace complex above the city.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
The Castillo de Santa Bárbara is a landmark of the city of Alicante and is located in the city center on the mountain Benacantil, which with a height of 166 msnm and its border with the sea has a great strategic value for the city. The so-called “la cara del moro”, the icon of the city, is depicted on the silhouette of the mountain. This can be viewed from the beach and the harbor,
Seville
Seville is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and the Seville Province of Spain. With almost 690,000 inhabitants, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain. According to a legend, the city was founded by the Greek hero Heracles. The inhabitants are known as Sevillanos. The city is an important industrial and commercial center and a tourist center. Seville’s old town is the largest in Spain and, alongside Venice and the old town of Genoa, one of the largest old towns in Europe. (Seville cheap tours/Viator and Get Your Guide)
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Spanish for “Palace of the Christian Kings”) in Córdoba (Spain), built from 1328 under Alfonso XI. in place of an older Arab castle, it served as a residence for the Catholic Kings until Granada was reconquered. The Moorish Caliph Boabdil was also imprisoned here. Inside the palace are very beautiful Arabic baths, as well as Roman mosaics and a 3rd-century marble sarcophagus. Originally there were towers at the four corners of the building, three of which remain: the oldest, Torre de Los Leones, also the entrance to the Alcázar, the octagonal Torre del Homenaje and the round Torre del Rio. The fourth tower, Torre de la Vela, was destroyed in the 19th century.
At the east end of the gardens are ramparts and the Gate of Seville.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea, about 120 kilometers south of the Pyrenees and on the border with France. Barcelona is the administrative seat of the province of the same name and the comarca of Barcelonès. About 1.62 million people live within the urban area. This makes Barcelona the eleventh largest municipality in the European Union, after Hamburg the second largest that is not the capital of a member state, and after Paris the second most densely populated metropolis in Europe. With more than seven million tourists from abroad every year, Barcelona is also one of the three most visited cities in Europe. In a ranking of cities according to their quality of life, Barcelona was ranked 43rd out of 231 cities worldwide in 2018. According to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2020, Barcelona has a European top position in terms of value for money for luxury living. (Barcelona cheap tours/Viator and Get Your Guide)
Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain and the autonomous community of Madrid. With around seven million inhabitants, the Madrid metropolitan region is one of the largest metropolises in Europe. Madrid is (without suburbs) with over 3.2 million inhabitants after Berlin the second largest city in the European Union and the largest city in southern Europe. Madrid has been the geographical, political and cultural center of Spain (see Castile) and the seat of the Spanish government for centuries. The king, a Catholic archbishop and important administrative and military authorities also reside here. As a commercial and financial center, the city is of national and international importance. There are six public universities in Madrid, as well as various other colleges, theaters, museums and cultural institutions.(Madrid cheap tours/Viator and Get Your Guide)
SHA Wellness Clinic-a good reason to travel to Spain for your health.The SHA Wellness Clinic offers a complete package of treatments and services grounded in medical innovation and natural therapies.
This includes healthy nutrition, fitness, aesthetic therapies, regenerative medicine and anti-aging treatments. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, not far from Benidorm , the clinic is surrounded by natural parkland.
In Andalusia-Suryalila,Shanti Som
The Suryalila Retreat is one of the most peaceful yoga rooms in Europe and from the outside resembles a Nepalese temple. Retreats include daily yoga practices and organic, vegetarian meals as well as access to the outdoor swimming pool.
At Shanti Som you have the chance to sign up to energising yoga classes as well as get personalised detox recommendations from the nutritionist. Massages and treatments include ayurvedic, Thai and deep-tissue massage as well as aromatic facials and Oriental pedicures.
If you are in Madrid and after exploring the city you want to have a few days of relaxation, we recommend the following Spa centers:Madrid-Urso Spa,Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid.
These are some wonderful places in Spain that will offer you a relaxing holiday,are good for your health and that will recharge your batteries.So we wish you a safe and relaxing travel to Spain!
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Spain offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Spain’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
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Top hotels we recommend in Seville : Hotel Colón Gran Meliá, Eurostars Torre Sevilla, Radisson Collection Hotel.
Top hotels we recommend in Madrid : Barceló Torre de Madrid , Melia Madrid Princesa, Barceló Imagine.
Top hotels we recommend in Barcelona : Ohla Barcelona, Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento, Nobu Hotel Barcelona.
Traditional Food
Traditional Spanish food is delicious and served in all corners of the world and although there are many types of traditional food in Spain, we will present the most famous ones: Paella, Tapas, Spanish Tortilla, Gazpacho, Croquetas, Chorizo, Jamón
Patatas Bravas– fresh potato cut into tiny squares, deep-fried, and topped with spicy tomato relish.
Calamares – deep-fried squid rings with a squeeze of lemon. These make for a perfect tapa dish.
Pan con Tomate is toasted or grilled bread rubbed with garlic, topped with tomato relish, and drizzled with olive oil and salt.
Pimientos de Padrón – Tiny green peppers from Galicia that are fried with their stem and covered in salt.
Albondigas – Meatballs covered in tomato sauce that makes for a good tapa dish.
Bocadillo – Cheap but filling baguette like sandwiches that can have any number of toppings from cold cuts, fish, cheese, or vegetables.
Pulpo a Feira – A boiled octopus dish from Galicia drizzled with olive oil, bell pepper powder and salt.
Empanadas – A filled doughy delight that can be sweet or savory and is deep-fried until golden. Typical fillings include meat, vegetables or cheese.
Pisto is often called the Spanish version of the classic French dish Ratatouille.
Leche frita – which translates to fried milk – is a popular dessert across the north of Spain, and a firm favorite with kids. Milk pudding is encased within a warm, crunchy batter and dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
FLAN – Spanish creme caramel NATILLAS – Classic Spanish custard FRISUELOS – Spanish crepes
Brazo gitano – Spanish Swiss roll MAGDALENAS – Spanish lemon cupcakes
Culinary Tours in Spain
Spain Restaurants
Unique restaurants in Spain
Ojalá has a cosmopolitan and fresh menu formed by brunch, homemade cakes and sweets or fresh juices. But their strong point is the atmosphere: shared tables, fluoride tones in the woods, hanging gardens and fairy lights.
El Diablo is a restaurant located in Lanzarote, the Canary Islands. It is one of the most extraordinary restaurants in Spain to have lunch or dinner. The place is specialized in barbecues and all kinds of cooked on the grill food. Nothing unusual in that. Why is on this list? Well, their gimmick is that the food is cooked over the heat of the lava of the Timanfaya volcano. Enjoy a steak cooked in the bowels of the earth. The BBQs in your back garden won’t look as cool as they used to after visit El Diablo.
Coco Atapuerca restaurant decided to pay an homage to our antecessors by creating a menu that connects directly with their diet. Fruits, branches and game meat are the base of their original menu. The place is decorated with cave paintings and life-size reproductions of our ancestors, which will make you feel like you were living in the year 10.000 B.C.
The Ice Bar Madrid allows you to taste your food with a temperature of 8 degrees below zero, in a totally iced restaurant.
The restaurant of the Oceanographic museum is under the water, so you can have your meal surrounded by the immensity of the sea and some of the fish and seafood that live down there.
In La Cueva del Túnel everything is carved in the rock or made of clay and stone.
The Sublimotion restaurant by Paco Roncero is an Ibiza restaurant that mixes cuisine with technology. The tables and walls are interactive screens; you must use virtual reality glasses to order your food. It’s not a cheap restaurant, to the point that the cost of the meal is almost 1,500 euros per person, the most expensive restaurant in Spain.
“Dans le noir”, translated as “in the dark”, is a restaurant that enhances all your senses, except the vision. – Because you eat your meal in pitch black darkness.
Top 10 luxury restaurants: Asador Etxebarri, Arzak, Azurmendi, El Celler de Can Roca, Akelaŕe, DiverXO, La Castela, La Barraca, Nerua , Botín ( the oldest restaurant in the world )
Saving Tips
- Booking your hotel in advance will not only save the hassle and stress of trying to find accommodation when you arrive, it will be cheaper.
- When it comes to booking trains and buses in Spain its always best to book as far ahead as you possibly can. As with flights, the seats get booked up pretty quickly and the price goes up when there is less availability.
- Spain all hotels have free wifi and most airports, bars and cafes will do to. You might have to sign in with your email address and accept the terms or ask the staff for a password but it’s worth it.
- Do not come to Spain during the high season, if you can do so. The high season is July and August in Spain, when the majority of tourists come.
- Do not drive in the big cities of Spain because parking is expensive. Commercial garages charge from 18 to 30 euros a day for parking. At hotels, expect to pay about 12 to 17 euros a night for hotel parking.
- Many museums and cultural attractions will give a discount to senior citizens who are 65 or over. Bring an identification that show your age. Children may be given discounts also.
- Menu of the day- The menu of the day will be posted outside the restaurant, so one can see if it is interesting before entering the restaurant. For tourists who are on a budget, this is a very good deal and one can save money by having lunch at these restaurants that offer the menu of the day.
- Instead of having dinner, eat some tapas
- Chose a Travel Card or a City Card to see more attractions and to use public transport for free
- Do not ask for butter to go with your bread because the Spanish do not eat butter and the restaurant will charge you for it, instead you can ask for olive oil, that is free of charge
- At good restaurants, you can order a glass of house wine for 2 euros or less. There is no need to order a full bottle.
- Tipping is not a custom in Spain. If you go to a bar to get coffee or a soft drink, there is no need to leave a tip. If you go to a good restaurant, you can leave a tip if this is your custom.
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours or Big Bus tours and you will see a lot on main attractions for a reasonable price
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do, we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
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Shopping
Madrid and Barcelona, can easily be compared with any other fashion capital in Europe, boasting a fabulous range of shopping opportunities.
Equally lively, Valencia’s shopping scene greets the aficionados with an abundance of options and styles, whether you’re looking for the latest trends in clothing, fresh food, antiques, or authentic local goods. Granada stands out for its lovely Moorish marquetry and high-quality leather products; Seville for Triana’s fabulous pottery and handicrafts; and Toledo for its gorgeous marzipan, damascene items, and swords.
Spain’s top fashion brands : Stradivarius , Bimba y Lola , Adolfo Dominguez , Zara , Massimo Duti , La Potegna , Loewe , Mango , Tous , Intropia .
Portal De L’Angel is one of Barcelona’s most visited streets and is home to a variety of international fashion brands. It is also well known for being the most expensive streets in Spain, with incredibly high rental prices.
La Maquinista is an indoor-outdoor shopping mall with an expansive range of shops. As the largest shopping center in Catalonia, you can find anything here from gifts and accessories to clothing and footwear, as well as several restaurants and a cinema.
La Boqueria is an open-air market selling food and fresh produce. The market is one of the city’s top tourist hot spots
Within El Corte Ingles in Madrid you are guaranteed to find almost anything you need or want, from high-end products and souvenirs to those everyday essentials that you might have forgotten to pack for your vacation.
El Rastro – is one of the most popular open-air flea markets in Spain’s capital city and is recorded to have been around since 1740. Set in the La Latina district of Madrid, the market is spread across several streets and can feature up to 3,500 stalls with an incredible variety of products available for purchase, including antiques and local crafts.
Puerto Banús in Marbella is home to over 100 luxury brands, boasting the latest collections of clothes and accessories from a range of famous designers.
Transport
Transport in Spain – an extensive network of roads, railways (including the world’s second longest high speed rail network), rapid transit, air routes, and ports. Its geographic location makes it an important link between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Major forms of transit generally radiate from the capital, Madrid, located in the center of the country, to link with the capitals of the autonomous communities.
The three major modes of land transportation in Spain include; Taxi Services ➧ Bus Transportation ➧ Railroads
Almost all buses in Spain are equipped with state of the art equipment which ensures that the passengers enjoy a convenient and reliable travelling experience. In Spain, public transport by bus is operated locally, which means that bus fares vary from city to city. In general, a single ticket costs around €1.40 to €1.60, though some cities (such as Barcelona) charge over €2 for a ticket.
There are modern, well-connected metros or underground trains that allow travelers to cross major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia. Hundreds of stations covering most popular destinations are used by millions of locals and tourists daily. Three Spanish cities also have their own metro systems: Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid. Another have trams, mostly running at street level: A Coruña, Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Parla, Sevilla, Tenerife, València, Zaragoza.
In addition to trams, the Spanish railroad system also includes speed rails and metro trains. Trains are quite honestly the best way to travel around Spain. There are different train services in the country that offer unique and competitive services. You can even find train rides for as low as 20 euros and you can also find trains that would ask you hundreds of euros for the same ride.
The quickest way to get around major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia is through metros underground railway systems. These trains become crowded during rush hours, but help travelers reach their destinations easily.
Ticketing for Spanish trains was once complex, but Renfe has at least simplified the fares on offer:
Básico (basic): Standard ticket with added costs for extras such as seat selection, pets, and changes and cancellations.
Elige (pick & mix): Standard or comfort ticket with discounts for missed trains, changes, and cancellations. Seat selection, pets, refreshments, and extra seats for a smaller charge than the Básico ticket.
Prémium (premium): Comfort ticket with free seat selection, ticket-holder change, changes and cancellations, missed trains, pets, and refreshments. 30% discount on extra seats.
To reach different ports and Spanish islands, ferries are used. In Spain, the biggest ferry operators are Naviera Armas, Balearia, Transmediterranea, FRS, Fred Olsen Express, Grimaldi, and GNV.
High-speed ferry links are available to reach the Spanish mainland, Ibiza, and the Balearic Islands. Ferries are accessible from Barcelona and Valencia, going to Ibiza. Transportation in Spain, such as ferries, comes with standard to luxurious service, depending on the seat class.
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Getting here
Often the cheapest way to get to Spain is to find the cheapest flight to Europe and then to take a budget airline from there. But beware – budget airlines’ extra costs can take you by surprise, especially Ryanair.
If flying transatlantic, the best prices are normally found around three months before flying. Direct flights to Spain from the United States are available from American Airlines, Delta, US Airways, United, and Air Europa respectively. The international carrier list ranges from British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Norwegian, LAN Airlines, and SAS.
What is the cheapest city to fly into in Spain? The cheapest is Madrid, followed by Barcelona, Seville, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Málaga, Alicante and Murcia.
Which airline is best for Spain? Iberia Airlines, Spain’s national airline and part of the One World Alliance (which includes American Airlines and British Airways) is the go-to airline for many travelers searching for flights to Spain.
The best company that is offering flights to the beautiful islands of Spain is Balearia.
Getting to and from major airports
Madrid Barajas Airport
The Madrid airport is located in the district of Barajas and is 5.5 miles from Madrid’s financial district.
Metro: The metro is the most popular way to get to and from Barajas. There are stations in Terminals 2 and 4. The fare is between €4.50 and €6.
Renfe (Train): There is a train station on the first floor of Terminal 4. You can get to the station using a free shuttle that connects the airport terminals. The trip to Chamartín station takes 11 minutes and the fare is €4.50. During the day, the trains run every 5–8 minutes.
Bus: There are several bus routes serving the airport that can get you anywhere in Madrid. The fare is €1.50 or €5 for Express Line 203.
Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona’s airport, El Prat, is 8.5 miles southwest of the city.
Metro: The station is outside the arrival section of Terminal 1. Just follow the red M sign. The fare is €4.60.
Renfe (Train): The train departs every 30 minutes and it takes 30–40 minutes to get to and from the city center. The station is in Terminal 2, so you’ll have to use a shuttle bus from Terminal 1. The fare is €4.50.
Bus: This is the cheapest (but slowest) option. Buses leave every 20 minutes and take 50 minutes to get to the city. The price is just €2.20 one way (€4.40 for a return).
Valencia Manises
Airport Valencia’s airport is about 5 miles west of the city in the town of Manises.
Metro: There are two subway lines that link Valencia’s airport, city center, and port. The station is on the ground floor of the regional flight terminal. The trip takes about 25 minutes and the fare is €4.90
AeroBus: has direct service to the city center and leaves the Departures Hall on the first level of Terminal 1 every 20 minutes. The trip takes about 25 minutes and the fare is €2.50.
Line 150 Valencia-Airport Bus: operates every 26 minutes during the week (every 35 minutes on Saturdays). This bus does not run on Sundays or public holidays. The fare is €1.45, and the trip time varies from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.
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Getting to Spain by train and bus
Renfe has been working to change that, however, with many high-speed services to France now in service and collaborates with SNCF, France’s national railway company, to provide high-speed trains between France and Spain from Madrid and Barcelona to French cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Paris, and Toulouse.
A high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris takes about 6.5 hours. Rail connections between Spain and Portugal are few and far between, however. There is a daytime connection between the Galician city of Vigo and Porto. C
Neighboring Andorra and Gibraltar have no railway networks of their own, so you’ll have to take the bus or drive to get there from Spain.
Morocco, which borders the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, has a rail network of its own, but there are no train services connecting the two. To reach provinces and coastal cities, travelers can ride the domestic long-distance trains or Combinado Cercanias. There are three major long-distance trains to ride in order to reach Seville, Malaga, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Cadiz, Huelva, Granada, and others.
There are many different business companies in Spain. Some of the major players in the market are Avanza , Alsa, Eurolines, Flixbus and Monbus. All these are high quality and cost-effective bus services. In addition to these amazing bus services, you can also find FlixBus for international travel to other countries in Europe. The bus is the cheapest and the most common mode of transportation in Spain.
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