It’s a Land of Amazing Architecture
Spain has had a varied history and has been inhabited by many different civilizations over the centuries. The legacy of this mish-mash of different cultures is some of Europe’s most interesting architecture.
The country boasts a mix of ancient Roman classical inspiration, which is mixed with intricate Moorish medieval designs. This has resulted in some of Europe’s most unique and colorful architecture that is both distinctly Mediterranean and classical at the same time.
Even in modern times, there are plenty of grand, new designs to marvel at across the country. From the almost organic creations in the 19th and 20th century by Antoni Gaudí found across Barcelona and more recent edifices like the Norman Foster-designed skyscrapers located in modern Madrid.
Spain is Home To Marvellous Mountain Ranges
Almost anywhere you go in Spain, you’re never very far from the mountains. With the Pyrenees in the northeast of the country, the Sierra Nevada mountains in the south, and the Cantabrian mountains in the northwest, there are plenty of spectacular sights to see.
Strangely, the country’s tallest mountain is not found on the mainland. Mount Teide is instead located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
However, the Canaries alone offer a great range of mountain vistas. The volcanic activity on the islands also adds a great sense of adventure to a mountain hike in these locations.
Of course, aside from the great views and hiking possibilities this plethora of peaks offers, Spain is also great for Skiing. Ski season falls between December and February, with some exceptional pistes and resorts to enjoy when the snow is at its best.
The Country Boasts Europe’s Best Beaches
In stark contrast to the sometimes mountainous central plateau of the country, the coastline (all 4964km of it) offers sun, sea, and spectacular vistas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
Whether you head to one of the many “Costas” along the east coast of the country or explore one of the Balearic or Canary islands on a getaway you’ll be able to enjoy some amazing beach getaways.
The locals know a good thing when they have it. This is why the country’s many beach destinations are just as popular with Spaniards when they want to relax and unwind as they are with international tourists. After all, why would they go anywhere else when they have the best seashores in Europe?
Spain Has Some of Europe’s Most Historical Sites
As stated before, Spain is a nation with a long and rich history. The country is home to 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is 2nd in Europe, only to Italy, and 3rd in the world, behind Italy and China, both of which have 55 sites.
Spain is also home to some of the world’s oldest art. The famous Nerja caves near Malaga and the caves of Altamira in Cantabria feature cave paintings created tens of thousands of years ago. These are some of the best-preserved examples of Neolithic and Neanderthal art found anywhere in the world.
Aside from this, the country boasts many glorious remnants of its Renaissance and medieval past. There are around 2,500 castles that still stand across the country, dotted in locations all over the land, not to mention many fantastically maintained old town locations in the cities.
It Is Home to 15 National Parks
People often think of Spain as a dry, dusty nation. Whilst that is true in some parts of the country, that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Nothing attests to that quite so well as the 15 national parks found across the land.
These 15 locations across the mainland and islands offer a broad view of just why Spain should be anyone’s pick for the most beautiful country in Europe. They give a complete view of all the natural wonders, such as mountains, rivers, forests, waterfalls, wetlands, and even deserts, that can be discovered on a trip to Spain.
Better yet, they allow you to get closer to many of the peninsula’s most interesting animal inhabitants. Tourists should keep a close lookout for exotic local wildlife such as the Iberian lynx, Cantabrian brown bears, ibex, and the Spanish imperial eagle on their travels.
Spain is a great place to enjoy a brilliant combination of natural and man-made beauty that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. Whatever you plan to see on your next trip to the Iberian Peninsula, you can be sure that you will be met with local sights that will dazzle you.
When Travelling To Spain From Outside the EU
Please remember that when travelling to Spain, there are currently around 60 eligible nationalities that will need to think about ETIAS to travel to Europe. The system is expected to be fully operational by May 2023.
