Spain Tourism: What Attractions Not to Miss

Quick, grab a tomato and hurl it at the first person you see! In any other culture, this could be cause for a fist fight, but if you happen to be in Bunol, Valencia during the La Tomatina Festival, you'll be right at home! Each year, hundreds of visitors descend on the streets in Bunol to take place in this amazing festival. The event is a day-long celebration that begins the night before with a paella party and lasts all through the next day's tomato toss. However, when the bottle rocket sounds, it's time to drop the tomatoes and begin the cleanup.

The La Tomatina Festival is just one of the attractions in Spain that shouldn't be missed. It is not only a culturally significant event, but tremendous fun as well. However, the beauty of Spain is that if you happen to visit when the festival isn't happening, there are endless other opportunities for education, enlightenment and just good old-fashioned fun. Here is a list of some of the country's attractions that shouldn't be missed.

Spain's Top Attractions

Madrid is home to some of Spain's most important collections. The Golden Museum Triangle features the Museo del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art and the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center. This city of museums also houses the National Archeology Museum and the Museo de Lazaro Galdiano among others. Puerta del Sol is the "Times Square" of Madrid and is constantly bustling and active. For shoppers, you'll want to visit Calle Fuencarral and the Salamanca district, a short trip from many Spain hotels.

Barcelona is most commonly known for the Olympics that were held there, and Olympic Stadium is still a popular tourist destination. Strolling along the tree-lined street of Las Ramblas is a favorite pastime in Barcelona, as is visiting the beach on a Sunday afternoon for free music and drinks. For an appreciation of the gothic architecture of this marvelous city, visit Barri Gòtic and take in the impressive cathedrals, fountains and hidden squares. The city is also home to a massive number of museums including Picasso Museum.

When you travel to Spain and visit Bilbao, travelers can experience the futuristic Guggenheim Museum. The city is also home to the Basque Museum and the Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum) among other wonderful collections. Visitors can relax from a day of sightseeing by enjoying a walk along the colorful gardens and ponds of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Or, if your visit is in the second half of August, be sure to take part in the Aste Nagusia / Semana Grande festival!

Granada is a beautiful Spanish city that holds many sightseeing opportunities. For instance, La Alhambra is one of the city's biggest attractions and is often considered the equivalent of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors should reserve their tickets well in advance due to the popularity of this 11th Century Islamic fortress.

Discover Spain's Must-See Attractions

Spain is filled with so many places to see and things to experience that it can be difficult to come up with a solid itinerary, but having one certainly does help you to get the most out of your visit, whether it's Spain's beaches or the museums.

When making up your list of places to see, use the Internet to discover more about Spain's must-see attractions. You can even read reviews from past visitors to see if a particular event or landmark far exceeded expectations or if it didn't live up to the hype. Try to discover if there are any festivals taking place during your visit. A Spanish festival is a highlight that should never be missed if the opportunity presents itself on your vacation to Spain!