The most famous Spanish cities. Cities of Spain - a list of the most beautiful resort towns for tourists. What to see in Seville

Spain is a country that exalts itself to everyone. Whether it's its historical extravaganza, mesmerizing beauty, many colorful festivals, or wonderful funny people - Spain's most beautiful cities ensure that you won't get bored while traveling. They are so picturesque that they are literally created for a romantic dream. “I would rather be a foreigner here than in most other countries. How easy it is to find friends in Spain! ' said George Orwell. I invite you to travel, exploring the mysterious wonders of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Bilbao and modern architecture

In absolute contrast to other Spanish cities, Bilbao stands out for its modern architecture. The gem of this old port city is the Guggenheim Museum, which is a colossal titanium structure where exciting contemporary art awaits. Don't forget to try pintxos with local wine as you travel through Bilbao.

Valencia - modernity and history

Recognized as the birthplace of Paella, Valencia perfectly combines modernity with the archaic of the past. The structure that attracts most people is the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences by architect Santiago Calatrava. The city has many areas dedicated to sports, which are idyllicly surrounded by trees and plants. The Valencia beach certainly adds to the appeal of this already beautiful Spanish city.

Huesca and music

Huesca is a charming town in the Aragon region, very close to the Pyrenees. In addition to many old churches and castles, this city is also known for its musical activities. El 21 is considered one of the best concert halls in the country. While in Huesca, don't forget to try Somontano wines and Pollo al chilindron (chicken and pepper dish). Fiesta Mayor is also a vibrant festival that you should definitely visit.

Jerez de la Frontera - the birthplace of Flamenco

Do you want to feel like a real Spaniard? You can go straight to Jerez de la Frontera. It is a beautiful 3000 year old city with cobbled streets, numerous old castles and ruins, medieval churches and many wine cellars where you can immerse yourself in the history of winemaking. And if you love horses, don't miss the most interesting annual 500 year old horse fair, the Feria del Caballo. The sights of Spain are evenly distributed over all the most beautiful cities in the country.

Logrono. Wine and tapas

This beautiful Spanish city has historically been a place of pilgrimage on the way to the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela and is definitely on the list of must see cities in Spain. It is famous for its delicious Spanish cuisine (drilled on the streets of Tapas tasting) and the famous Spanish Rioja wine.

Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is called the city of three lies. In case you're wondering what the trio is, this city is not holy (Santo), flat (llana), not maritime (Mar), as its name implies. But it is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Spain for tourists.

Food & Attractions in Burgos

On the banks of the Arlanza and Duero rivers, Burgos is located - a historical masterpiece among the most beautiful cities in Spain. Burgos Cathedral is a magnificent monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for its blood sausages, which you can try in any of the amazing cafes around the city.

Malaga - Picasso's hometown

Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, this beach town is a great place to relax. It has a vibrant bohemian culture centered on the SOHO area. Malaga also has its fair share of old fortresses and churches: the Alcazaba and the baroque cathedral.

Pamplona and the running of the bulls

Pamplona is known mainly for the wild and adrenaline-rich San Fermin Bull Festival. But there's so much more to this beautiful Spanish city - old historic churches, the Museum of Navarre displaying exquisite Roman artefacts, and Renaissance paintings complemented by beautiful parks.

Seville

The next in the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain is Seville - the capital of Andalusia. It boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar Palace, the Cathedral (containing the remains of Christopher Columbus), and the General Archives of the Indies. This vibrant city can amaze your senses with its riot of colors and the scent of orange blossoms. Seville is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

Consuegra and her babies

The windmills of Consuegra are framed by the blue Spanish sky, an integral symbol of this beautiful Spanish city. Apart from these superbly preserved windmills next to the old castle, Consuegra is also famous for its saffron. In October, at the Saffron festival, you can see the brightly lit windmills.

Cuenca and houses of Casas Colgadas

Cuenca is also known as the Eagle's Nest, where the first Gothic cathedral in Spain was built. In addition to its historical significance, this walled city has the unique “hanging houses” of the Casas Colgadas, perched precariously on the cliffs overlooking the Jucar River Gorge.

Cordoba and its courtyards

Cordoba is a truly beautiful city in Spain to visit, and its artistic patios and picturesque courtyards are a sight to behold for aesthetes. Cordoba throughout its history has been one of the greatest cities in the world, and fragments of this distant past still survive today: the Palace Fortress and the Great Mosque.

The beautiful city of Segovia

This beautiful city lies north of Madrid and legends say it was founded by the son of Noah, or even by Hercules himself. Regardless of the veracity of these legends, this city inspired Walt Disney to create the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Do you need more reasons to visit Segovia?

Granada and Alhambra

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain and is known for the legendary citadel and palace of the Alhambra in the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The most magical sight is the Alhambra shining with a red glow at the setting sun. The best view of it opens from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Of course, delicious tapas and lively nightlife definitely won't hurt you!

Madrid. Capital of Spain

As they say: "If you are in Madrid, you are from Madrid." Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Its nightlife is legendary, with merry crowds in the streets and dancing all night long. It is also known for its marvelous museums, the Prado Museum, the Center de Arte Reina Sophie and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, among other attractions in Madrid. The atmosphere of the city is cosmopolitan.

The most beautiful city in Spain - Barcelona

The colorful Catalan capital is adorned with architectural marvels. Among

Spain is a country blessed with many beautiful cities. In this article, I propose to get acquainted with 15, perhaps, the most beautiful cities in Spain.

The capital of the province of Aragon is the least populated province in Spain. The city has an important Moorish artistic heritage, including the famous Mausoleum of Lovers. Part of this heritage has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Located in the autonomous region of Castilla y León, Burgos has a great monumental heritage, among which is the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is crossed by the old and famous Camino de Santiago road. Also less than 15 km from Burgos is the archaeological site of the Sierra de Atapuerca.

Located in Castilla y León, Segovia is known for its famous aqueduct, a work of Roman civil engineering, and for its beautiful Alcázar castle. The aqueduct, together with the beautiful historic center of the city, was inscribed in 1985 on the World Heritage List and undoubtedly this city deserves to be part of the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

The city of San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is located on the Bay of Biscay in the province of Gipuzkoa and is one of the best tourist cities in Spain. It is known not only for its famous film festival, but also for the beauty of the streets, which attract many tourists every year.

The beautiful city of Caceres is located in the largest municipality in Spain - Extremadura. The old town of Cáceres was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. His legacy of medieval and renaissance architecture is one of the most important in the world.

Toledo is located in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, on the sidelines of the Tagus River. The city has been inhabited by Jews, Christians and Muslims for centuries. This city of artists such as Garcilaso de la Vega and El Greco is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Some of its places have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela is located in Galicia. Its old part was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. Santiago de Compostela, similar to Rome and Jerusalem, is one of the main Christian pilgrimage centers in the world. Its beautiful cathedral houses the tomb of St. James.

The capital of Cantabria, Santander is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In the 19th century, the city became a favorite holiday destination for the king, which contributed to the creation of the El Sardinero resort area, which consolidated as a summer holiday destination for Spanish high society at the beginning of the 20th century. It currently remains one of the top tourist destinations in northern Spain.

Located in Castile and León. It is one of the oldest and most important university towns in Spain and Europe. Salamanca has a large and beautiful historical heritage, its historic center was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988.

Zaragoza is located in Aragon, along the Ebro River. The city is known not only for its beauty, but also for the famous Pilar Festival, which attracts a large number of tourists.

Cordoba is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Andalusia. In the 10th century, this city was one of the largest and most luxurious in the world. Some magnificent buildings from the Caliphate era have survived to this day. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and in the world.

The capital of Catalonia, is the most visited city in Spain and the second most populous. Barcelona is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and a cultural, financial, commercial and touristic symbol. There are many beautiful sights that you can! For many tourists it is the most attractive city in Spain and one of the most beautiful.

The capital of Spain is the most populous city in the country and the third most populous in Europe. The beauty of the city, amazing cultural sites, including some of the most important museums in the world (among them the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen) and many other attractions make it worthy of this list.

Granada is definitely one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Spain. It has the Moorish Alhambra Palace, the most visited monument in Spain and one of the most visited in the world. It is also considered a World Heritage Site and is one of the 15 wonders of the world. But Granada is not just the Alhambra - the whole city is a miracle. It is located next to the Sierra Nevada ski resort and is one of the main student cities in Spain.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and for many it is the most beautiful city in Spain. Walking along its streets, it is a real pleasure to admire its architectural landmarks such as the Giralda, the Cathedral of St. Mary or the Torre del Oro. In spring, everything is enveloped in the smell of orange. Like Granada, the whole city is a delight.

Now, I think it will be easier to decide where to go in this beautiful country, so go ahead, most beautiful cities in spain waiting for you!

Places where, if the hiking trail leads, it is completely inconspicuous, unknown to most travelers. It runs through the smallest villages, quiet and deserted - kilometers of silence around, but the pristine nature of Spain. A rare extreme tourist will wander here in search of the best angle for camera shooting of some Spanish grasshopper or masonry of a centuries-old cathedral. And once in such a place, it will go into full "off" and will load the camera with impressions caught in a moment until the battery runs out. And after all, there is nowhere to put it on charge - it’s not a fact that there is electricity in the village.

There are many such corners once inhabited, but now frozen in time, throughout the kingdom. And among them there are real ghost villages, with a population of less than 10 people.

The locality of Illan de Vacas, occupying an area of ​​9 km² - the absolute record holder for the smallest number of inhabitants. Only one (!) resident is registered here - the mayor of this town, Julián Renilla Bru.

Following him and making up the ten smallest villages in terms of population in Spain are secluded corners in Teruel, Guadalajara, Burgos, Soria and La Rioja. These zones are traditionally considered sparsely populated in the country. Demographers cite several factors as the reason for this: the Civil War of the last century, numerous economic crises that forced provincials to look for work in capital cities, and the natural aging of residents who remained in their usual places.

Salcedillo (Teruel), for example, in 1930 had 170 inhabitants, now - 10. Villarroya (La Rioja) - in 1900 had more than 400 "registered" inhabitants (against 8 today).

The smallest settlements in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), are as follows:

• In Burgos: Jaramillo Quemado (4*), Villamedianilla (10),
• In Guadalajara: Valtablado del Rio (10), Castilnuevo (7)
• In Soria: Villanueva de Gormas (9), Estepa de San Juan (7)
• In La Rioja: Valdemadera (9), Villarroya (8)
• In Teruel: Salcedillo (10)

(*)– number of registered residents

Illan de Vacas - a village without owners

This place will definitely surprise you. A trip here feels like a real journey through time. The roads are not paved, there are only three streets paved with stone, a small church of Romanesque architecture at the entrance to the village and several houses - green doors in each, a symbol of orderliness of life and harmony among neighbors who observed a single "image". The buildings continue to look quite lived in and are well maintained. It seems that the village is inhabited, but you will not meet residents here, no matter how much you wander through the streets, which do not carry a touch of desolation at all. According to legend, this village was founded by a certain wanderer named Ilyan (possibly Jan) in the 16th century - and since then, either the ancient roots feed this place, preventing it from dying, or some other coincidence - only the smallest village in Spain is kept with all his might, perhaps the last.

Doorbells do not give signals, although they are in complete safety and are ready even now to report with a loud trill about a guest on the threshold. But here's the thing: there are guests - there are no hosts ... And on the large village mailbox there is an inscription of invincible optimism: "Daily seizure of correspondence." Some residents who were born in Ilyana and moved to the villages in the neighborhood come here to cultivate the fields and take care of the olive groves.

The local temple, where there are no parishioners and the priest comes to the service only on holidays, is standing - that's amazing! - without traces of vandalism, without graffiti, restored in 2008 and since then carefully maintained by the modest efforts of former Ilyans. Even 15 years ago there was life here. Because there was a railway station nearby. Simple crafts developed, carpentry workshops were noisy, blacksmiths and mechanics knew their business, a school worked. The railroad has now been removed. And the last vein that fed the village with social significance disappeared. Ilyana has about 900 hectares of land, 650 of which belong to the Renilla family, who bought most of the municipality many years ago - since then the tradition has begun to appoint a mayor from this family clan.

However, the places here are magnificent - despite the hermitage status of tiny settlements (or maybe because of it), their seclusion only emphasizes that Spain can be a country of unexpected contrasts and "white spots". And in some villages, where the fingers of both hands are enough to count the inhabitants, amazing architectural monuments have been preserved, which not every big city can boast of. Interesting? Pack your backpack!

What does "holiday in Spain" mean to you? Probably - the clear sea, the dazzling sun, the freshness of the breeze, delicious seafood, acquaintance with numerous historical and natural attractions. But especially, it is worth mentioning the stunning and incredibly picturesque cities on the coast of Spain - real paradises, colorful and incredibly hospitable, attracting numerous tourists from all over the world, with their authenticity and beauty.

Catalonia, Costa Brava - Cadaques town. It is located near the city of Barcelona on the shores of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. This coastal town is incredibly beautiful, cozy and attractive, because once you visit it, you want to come back here again and again. Cadaqués, at one time, became a place of magical attraction for many creative personalities: Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Gabrieli Garcia Marquez, Mick Jaeger, Walt Disney - here they were inspired to delight the whole world with their grandiose works. Cadaqués used to be called the "Spanish Saint-Tropez", but despite the loss of its popularity among the rich and famous people of the world, the small seaside town has not lost its mysterious charm. This settlement is distinguished by the magnificence of nature, picturesquely combined with human creations: neat white houses, narrow cobbled streets, moored along the coast with bright fishing boats. It is in the area of ​​​​this seaside Spanish town that the Pyrenees mountains smoothly descend into the waters of the endless sea, and majestic mountain landscapes coexist with amazing sea views. In addition, in the Catalan beach town of Cadaqués, you will get acquainted with the wonderful gastronomy of this Spanish region and acquaintance with its art. Most of the locals are engaged in fishing, it is thanks to them that tourists and guests of the city have the opportunity to order amazing and freshest seafood dishes in the restaurants of Cadaqués. The nature of this seaside town is also beautiful, attracting travelers from all over the world, with its stunning sea surface and amazing landscapes that are not at all typical of Mediterranean Spain, because the cliffs of the coast in Cadaqués look more like Norwegian or Scottish mountain cliffs.

Catalonia, Costa Brava - Calella de Palafrugell. This incredibly charming place of the Spanish Mediterranean is famous for its beautiful coastline, replete with picturesque cliffs and cliffs, which in turn create cozy bays and lagoons, many of which can only be reached by water. The city still has the sweet charm of a fishing village: low white houses of the “old town”, with bright orange roofs, stand on the very shore of the sea, from their windows you can watch stunning sunsets on the Mediterranean Sea. And yet, there is nature completely untouched by modern civilization: amazing beaches with golden sand, bright azure bays and magnificent bays filled with numerous longboats, ships, yachts, boats, and kilometers of fishing nets dry on the shore. Is it worth mentioning the fresh sea air, mixed with the aroma of centuries-old pine trees growing along the mountain slopes?! In the evening, lanterns light up along the embankment and colorful seaside restaurants open their doors to tourists. What could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner to the sound of the surf? On the mountain slopes of this Catalan resort, a beautiful castle rises, surrounded by a botanical garden, whose multi-colored terraces cascade down to the sea. During the summer, Calella de Palafrugell hosts a music festival where representatives of various musical genres perform.

Canary archipelago, island of Isla Graciosa, in the Atlantic Ocean - city of Caleta de Sebo. It is located on a small island of volcanic origin, Isla Graciosa, with a predominantly flat landscape, and occasional small volcanic craters. In this small cozy town, connected by water to the larger island of the Canary archipelago - Lanzarote, there are only six hundred and fifty people of local residents who exist thanks to the tourism business. In addition to the dark volcanic rocks, on this Atlantic coast, you will find stunning natural beaches covered with pinkish sand. There are especially many such paradise beaches between the resort towns of Caleta de Sebo and Casas de Pedro Barba, there is enough space for everyone, both for sunbathing and for swimming in the clear waters of the ocean. The best beaches: Playa de La Cocina, Playa Francesa, Playa de Las Conchas, Playa Lambra, Playa de Pedro Barba. Since the water is very clear, this is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Canary Islands for lovers of snorkeling and scuba diving. There is no road infrastructure in Caleta de Sebo, instead of the usual asphalt, all roads are covered with golden sand: the fact is that the entire island of Isla Graciosa is an officially protected territory, the movement of vehicles on which is strictly prohibited. The buildings of the town are snow-white, with bright blue doors and windows, their height does not exceed a couple of floors. Tourism on this Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean thrives precisely thanks to the tranquility, ecological cleanliness, natural beauty of the paradise on our planet. Here you can stay in small family hotels or private houses. This year-round tourist destination becomes especially popular in December, when the Christmas and New Year holidays come, as well as in summer, when Europeans traditionally go on vacation.

Galicia, Atlantic coast - the city of Combarro. This town grew out of a small fishing village located in the province of Pontevedra. The town of Combarro can be called an “open-air fishing museum”, because any tourist has the opportunity to observe all the processes associated with this: how fishermen weave nets, sort and repair them, then load them into boats and ships, go out to the open sea, to bring back a rich catch. Along the shore there are special barn houses for drying fish or storing nets. Be sure to visit one of the local restaurants to appreciate the amazing taste of dishes prepared from freshly caught fish and seafood. Tourists travel to the town, named a site of cultural and historical significance, to get acquainted with its unique orreos - granaries built along the coast of the ocean to the Martin River. And yet, visitors to the city are attracted by interesting authentic elements of architecture - stone crosses or "cruceros", as well as the building of the ancient Chapel of San Roque, in the very center of Combarro. Along the streets of the city there are houses with interesting balconies, decorated in the Baroque style, which is traditional for Galicia. The building of the library, built in the eighteenth century, is also interesting. A kilometer from the city of Combarro is the Benedictine monastery of Poio, built in the seventeenth century, and immediately behind it are the largest orreos of Galicia. The port of Combarro is not inferior in size to the entire town, and this is understandable, because all the locals are engaged in fishing and each family has at least one boat. On June 23, the city hosts the “Sardine Festival”, on this day tourists can taste this delicious fish, which the locals fry right on the ocean. If you like to have fun, then come to Combarro by the sixteenth of July for the "Feast of Our Lady of Carmel", on that day all fishing boats are decorated with flowers and decorated with flags so that they take part in the solemn procession. That boat, which will be decorated more interestingly than others, will have the honor of carrying the image of Our Lady of Carmel.

Asturias, the coast of the Atlantic Ocean - the city of Lastres. The town grew out of a modest fishing village located in the eastern part of Asturias. In general, the locals say that Asturias is a vertical land stretching to the sky, because it is formed by huge mountains, making their way through which the rivers flowing to the ocean formed gorges and picturesque valleys. In the area of ​​the city of Lastres, the mountains are as close as possible to the Atlantic coast, as a result, this seaside settlement practically hangs over the shore, standing surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests. The village was known as early as the seventeenth century for whale hunting, but when the Biscay whale was banned, the inhabitants of Lastres quickly shifted to salting and marinating fish. Nevertheless, even centuries later, the inhabitants of this picturesque seaside region retain the character traits inherent in brave whalers. All the houses of the city of Lastres are located on a rock, from there it is very convenient to survey the ocean expanses. The settlement is one of the most beautiful in Asturias, there are interesting sights: the ancient watchtowers of Atalayas, beautiful fountains, unusual stairs, traditional small fishermen's houses covered with orange tiles. The most popular dish that travelers visiting this corner of Spain should definitely try is grilled sardines served with traditional Galician apple cider and cabrales blue cheese.

Basque country, Atlantic coast - city of Getaria. This wonderful fishing seaside town is located in the province of Gipuzkoa in northern Spain, on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea or the Bay of Biscay. There is a picturesque rocky coastline, stunning and cleanest beaches, mountains completely covered with greenery, a formidable raging ocean. The city has a small port, a beautiful promenade with cafes and restaurants. There are many narrow old streets, with ancient churches and Roman ruins being excavated. This Basque town is famous for Mount San Anton, an unusual shape that looks like a mouse. In general, everything in Getaria is imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages, it is really a very old settlement, the first mention of which can be found in the documents of 1209, but, as a result of numerous archaeological excavations, scientists have proved that Getaria existed during the Roman Empire. Until the fifteenth century, Getaria was an island city, but it was attached to the mainland with the help of an artificial isthmus. Resting in Getaria, tourists, in addition to getting acquainted with fish dishes, are sure to taste the wonderful young wine “chakoli”.

Basque country, Atlantic coast - city of Hondarribia. The modest Spanish coastal town is located on the border with France and is one of the most charming places in the Basque Country, as well as a real "open air museum". The city has perfectly preserved its historical medieval part to this day: formidable fortress walls, powerful bastions, chic facades of old houses with family coats of arms and very cute balconies decorated with flowers. The main attraction of Hondarribia is the "Arms Square", which houses the "Castle of Emperor Charles V" or "Castillo del Emperador Carlos V", built in the tenth century, with traces of cannonballs on the facade. Today, the castle houses the Parador de Turismo hotel. Despite the external severity of the building, inside the medieval castle there are magnificently decorated halls. Walking along the cobbled streets of the seaside town of Hondarribia, you can admire the old houses and feel the spirit of this amazing place in Spain. Be sure to take a look at the colorful fishing quarter, where the fishermen's houses, according to ancient tradition, are painted in bright colors: green, red, yellow, blue. There are many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in this quarter.

Cantabria, Atlantic Coast - City of San Vicente de la Barquera. This picturesque seaside town in Spain is nestled in a small, enclosed cove, and its people make a living from tourism and fishing. The city, often called "the priceless pearl of Cantabria", became famous for its rich cultural heritage. It stands in the heart of the natural park "Parque Natural de Oyambre", with a length of five thousand eight hundred hectares. Throughout this territory there are coniferous and eucalyptus forests, magnificent sand dunes and steep rocky shores break into the turquoise ocean. The city of San Vicente de la Barquera, formed back in Roman times, experienced a peak of prosperity during the Middle Ages, during the reign of King Alfonso VIII: military and merchant ships were equipped from here to Mediterranean Andalusia and Newfoundland. The city has many monuments of architectural heritage: the Cathedral of St. Mary or "Iglesia de Santa Maria de los Angeles", built in the thirteenth century; the Sanctuary of Barker or "Santuario de la Barquera", mentioned in the annals of the fifteenth century; the beautiful Palacio Corro or "Palacio del Corro", a Renaissance mansion where the local municipality is located; The Royal Fortress or "Castillo del Rey", built in 1210, is the centuries-old residence of the Castilian kings; Tower of the Head of the Community or "Torre del Preboste"; Monastery of Saint Louis or "Convento de San Luis"; The Pont de la Masa or "Puente de la Maza" is a marvel of medieval engineering, consisting of thirty-two spans. Within the boundaries of this resort town in Spain, there are the most magnificent ocean beaches of Cantabria, covered with fine sand: Playa El Tostadero, Playa de Oyambre, Playa La Gerra.

Asturias, Atlantic coast - the city of Cudillero. The “city of contrasts”, which looks like a large amphitheater, whose bright and colorful houses seem to hang one above the other, going down a steep slope to a beautiful embankment. This “city of stairs”, with steps of different steepness, will make tourists walk more than one kilometer on foot, since transport practically does not go here, because any of the city stairs that go past the houses is a street. A small Spanish seaside town - very calm and quiet, but with its own unique character. It is better to get acquainted with him from below, from the embankment and La Marina Square: first, by running through the fish restaurants and tasting various fish and seafood delicacies there. At Plaza de la Marina, in the premises of the former fish market, you can get acquainted with models of ships, ancient mechanisms, as well as watch a film about the work of fishermen. Near the port there is a tourist center where you can get important information about the city and its surroundings. Climbing higher, you will see the Church of San Pedro, dedicated to the heavenly patron of fishermen, built in the sixteenth century and is the oldest building of Cudillero. There are other churches here - "Iglesia de San Martín de Luiña" and "Iglesia Jesús del Nazareno", however, the latter belongs to the palace complex "Selgas-Fagalde" - "Asturian Versailles". This palace was built a century and a half ago, so it is not an ancient monument, but a unique collection of tapestries and paintings is kept within its walls. The palace park is also beautiful. You can visit this complex by prior agreement with the owners, but no longer than two hours.

Alicante, Costa Blanca - the city of Altea. This beautiful town on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the beautiful Spanish coast of the Costa Blanca, despite its small size, it is the most picturesque city in this part of the country. Altea is located on a hill and is famous for its numerous paved paths, stairs, narrow streets tangled like labyrinths, snow-white houses decorated with flowers - and all of them lead to the top, where the symbol of the city stands - the Church "Nuestra Señora del Consuelo", which is often called "dome of the Mediterranean". Around this church is the old, historical part of the city. The city embankment is no less attractive, with modern houses, small restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and a craft market open every Thursday. This magnificent Spanish seaside city has been admired by many artists and writers who have dedicated their work to it. The beaches in Altea are stone or pebbly, so they are not as crowded as in the neighboring resorts of the Costa Blanca - in Benidorm and Calpe. But swimming here is quite good if you first put on special shoes.

Today we reviewed ten of the most picturesque seaside resort towns and fishing villages in Spain on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We hope that you liked them and you decide to visit them.

Spain is a country located in the southwestern part of Europe. Spain occupies the Canary and Balearic Islands, 80 percent of the Iberian Peninsula. You can guess that a beach holiday in this region can leave vivid impressions and be remembered for a long time.

However, not only the beaches attract tourists from all over the world. Spain, which is the embodiment of the sunny side of Europe, attracts travelers with its ancient cities, unique architecture and worthy cultural potential. So, which are the most beautiful Spanish cities to visit?

Madrid is the capital of Spain, reflecting the history of the royal city and the whole country. Today, many tourists can still appreciate not only the Royal Palace, but also other monumental buildings, large cathedrals, charming churches. Madrid attracts with buildings that were built in the Middle Ages and have survived from the era of the reign of monarchs. The architectural appearance will certainly cause vivid impressions.

Tourists can also appreciate the narrow themes of local museums. For example, you can visit museum centers dedicated to aeronautics, fire fighting, and railway transport. This fact contributes to the fact that everyone can spend their time in Madrid in a special way.

Barcelona is one of the most attractive cities in Spain, which is divided into 10 administrative districts.

At the same time, the main attractions are located in the following areas:

• The Old Town (Gothic Quarter) is the historical center of Barcelona.
• Eixample (New City). This area was created in the XIX century. It is here that you can appreciate the unique works of Antoni Gaudí.
• Montjuic. This area is located on the hill of the same name.

It is important to note that it is impossible to visit all interesting places and museums in one day. The best solution is to plan your trip for at least a week.

The heart of the city is Plaça Catalunya, from which runs La Rambla, a local landmark and one of the best boulevards in Barcelona. La Rambla goes to the sea, so many travelers regularly walk along this street.

Around Plaza Catalunya there are numerous attractions, each of which is a kind of hallmark of Barcelona.

Tourists should also take the opportunity to visit the unique Gracia area, where students and local artists can be seen. The Gracia area is characterized by a chaotic layout and numerous cozy places where you can relax if you wish. Barcelona will certainly leave the most positive impressions of itself.

Alicante is a resort town located on the Costa Blanca. The story began with a fortified settlement of the Carthaginians. In the time of the Moors, Alicante was considered a busy trading city, but later it became a seaport. In the 1970s, there was a tourist boom, thanks to which Alicante turned into a real resort with beautiful embankments and developed infrastructure.

From the Moorish era, the Santa Cruz quarter has been preserved here, which surprises with narrow streets, the Gothic church of Santa Maria and houses decorated with flowers.

The historic center is located west of Mount Benatanquil, on which Santa Barbara Castle is located. Here you can appreciate not only well-groomed narrow streets and ancient architecture, but also boutiques, hotels, restaurants. The historical center attracts many tourists, because each of them can find something close to himself.

The architecture of Alicante combines notes of Greek, Romanesque, Moorish, Gothic styles. They are complemented by styles such as baroque and modern. All buildings not only reflect certain stages in the history of the city, but also create a unique architectural palette.

Seville is one of the most important cities in Andalusia. Seville surprises with its unique character and truly beautiful architecture, reflecting the peculiarities of Spanish culture.

The active development of Seville in the tourism sector began in the 19th century. The fame is due to the special architecture and unique culture of the city, which is why many travelers try to stay for some time in this Spanish city. In addition, the locals of Seville regularly organize festivities and various celebrations and festivals.

The historic quarter of Seville is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in Spain, so the walk will certainly take a lot of time.

Toledo is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Spain, which has earned the special love of the famous artist El Greco. The city still keeps traces of different time periods: an aqueduct, ramparts, the arena of the Roman Empire, a large Gothic cathedral, a unique fortified castle of the Alcazar, the Cristo de la Luz mosque.

Various attractions are harmoniously combined with each other. The historic center of Toledo is compact in size, because it includes only two blocks. Despite this fact, the architectural ensemble of the historical center is under the protection of UNESCO.

Valencia is a dynamic Spanish city that, despite modern influences, still retains traces of centuries of history and local traditions. Tourists note that it is best to start walking from the square of the Holy Virgin Mary. At the same time, cathedrals and basilicas, watchtowers of Serranos, the building of the silk exchange La Lonja deserve special attention.

Valencia is also famous for the City of Arts and Sciences which includes:

• Opera theatre.
• Science Museum.
• Planetarium.
• Gallery.
• Oceanographic park.

Valencia is one of the most interesting cities in Spain for tourists to explore.

Cordoba is an attractive Spanish city where there are usually not so many tourists. Despite this, travelers can appreciate the art, history, and gastronomic traditions.

The ensemble of Córdoba is built on several architectural styles. Christianity, Islam, Judaism played a special role, since it was these religions that influenced the architectural style and cultural potential. Today, the Arab influence is still strongly felt, with the main attractions associated with the Caliphate of Cordoba, which is a medieval Islamic state. Cordoba allows you to discover completely different sides of Spain.

Girona is a Spanish city that has withstood dozens of sieges and attacks. Unique fortress walls allowed the city to survive, despite the actions of enemies. Nowadays, you can see the Old Town from a height, walking along special routes.

The historical center is located in the eastern part of the city, and the Onyar River serves as a landmark. It was the river that separated modern and medieval cities.

Girona is also remembered for its waterfront and colorful medieval buildings, which serve as a unique calling card. Every corner of Girona is truly attractive for tourists.

Malaga is a large port city that attracts with a beautiful historical center. Malaga also includes modern areas with high-rise buildings and large shopping malls. You can guess that travelers can explore the ancient buildings and enjoy shopping. In addition, Malaga is famous for its wonderful beaches. In general, tourists will not be bored.

Marbella is one of the most popular cities on the Costa del Sol in Spain. The modern resort town attracts with luxurious hotels and gourmet restaurants, embankments and alleys, gorgeous beaches.

The Old Town reminds of the provincial past, around which fashionable districts were created. Tourists can see sights that are reminiscent of the eras of the Moors, Romans. The amazing architectural ensemble leaves an indelible impression. Each city in Spain is unique, because it attracts with its special cultural potential and ancient architecture.