6 Spectacular Places in Spain that You May Not Know

Every country has its defining traits and iconic traditions, and Spain is no exception. As the birthplace of paella and Picasso, conquistadores and flamenco, sangria and la siesta, Spain's heritage is undeniably rich.

On top of its history and culture, Spain is full of magnificent natural beauty and marvels of human achievement. From La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the Prado Museum in Madrid, the country's bustling cities are brimming with must-see and do sights. As with any destination, Spain also has many treasures to explore outside its great city centers.

Panoramic view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Navada mountains in the background. — The Alhambra, a palace of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, is one of Spain's greatest sights.

Granada

View into Patio de los Leones in the interior of the Alhambra — The stone carvings in the central Patio de los Leones typify the intricacy of the Alahmbra's construction.

The Andalusian city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains is one of Spain's most visited sights. Granada boasts over a thousand years of recorded history, shaped by its Jewish, Christian, and Muslim inhabitants. Their influences are evident in the varied districts of this walkable city.

The UNESCO World Heritage Alhambra is a mammoth palace built in the 13th century for the Nasrids, rulers of the Emirate of Granada during the latter centuries of Muslim control in Andalucia.

The Alhambra functioned as a residence and fortress for the sultans, ranking officials, elite soldiers, and their servants into the 14th century. It later served as the royal court of Isabella Ⅰ and Ferdinand Ⅱ.

This elaborate construction of "lace in stone" is surrounded by sumptuous gardens that afford stellar views of Sacromonte, the Old Quarter, and the Sierra Nevadas.

Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar, one of two Pillars of Hercules, is a British Overseas Territory on Spain's southernmost tip. The 1400 foot tall promontory towers over the Strait of Gibraltar near the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The rock served as a military fortress that passed hands many times throughout the centuries because of its prized strategic location.

Gibraltar is home to the famed Barbary Macaques monkeys, Europe's only wild primates. Over 40% of Gibraltar is a nature preserve, and many visitors choose to hike up the .86 mile trail and take the 6 minute Gibraltar Cable Car ride back. You can also ride the cable car in both directions of your visit.

Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour, which will take in some of Gibraltar's historical and natural sights, such as St. Michaels Cave and the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels. The summit's magnificent views sweep across the southern Iberian Peninsula and over the ocean to Morocco.

Málaga

Málaga, one of Europe's oldest cities and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is a hub of contemporary art and culture. Fashion boutiques, tapas bars, and art galleries intermix on its colorful streets. Antigua Casa Guardia, Málaga's oldest bar was Picasso's favorite watering hole.

Over 300 days of sunshine grace the city each year, and the golden-sand beaches of the Costa del Sol are near at hand. Playa de la Malagueta, popular with tourists and locals, is a brief ten-minute walk from the city center.

For some local cuisine, sample a tapas dish like Aloreña olives flavored with anchovies and herbs.

Montserrat

View of monastery with rocky peaks behind. — Tucked into a Catalonian mountain range, Montserrat is a destination for religious pilgrims as well as hikers.

Just an hour from Barcelona by train, Montserrat is an impressive mountain range in Catalonia and a beautiful Benedictine monastery retreat set amongst its rocky crags.

The monastery is a place of pilgrimage tied to a 9th-century sighting of the Virgin Mary in Santa Cova, one of the mountain's caves. The Basilica houses the Black Madonna, a wooden sculpture believed to have been carved in Jerusalem in the earliest years of Christianity.

The Basilica is also known for its boys' choir, L'Escolania, which participates in daily liturgical services. Over 50 boys ages 9-14 from across Catalonia and other parts of Spain comprise the choir, one of Europe's oldest.

Toledo

The "city of three cultures" sits just 45 miles outside of Madrid. A melting pot of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influences, Toledo is one of Europe's most unique and fascinating walled cities. The historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains its medieval layout.

Torremolinos

A row of beach chairs and umbrellas face the ocean with the city in the background. — Torremolinos is a destination for sun and sand on Spain's Costa del Sol.

Grab your sunscreen and spend a leisurely day on southern Spain's Costa del Sol or "Sun Coast" to unwind with the locals. Enjoy endless sandy beaches, shop along Calle San Miguel, or play a round at Costa del Sol's first golf course.

Reach out when you are ready to experience one (or more) of these exceptional destinations!