While Spain is home to bustling cities, the country is also blessed with hidden gems where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. For travellers seeking tranquillity on their holiday, these are the best destinations to visit on your Spanish holiday. From the charming city of Seville to the stunning island of Mallorca, these destinations will make your visit to Spain even more relaxing.
1. Seville
Home to splendid monuments, visiting Seville means discovering rich historical and architectural legacy. But there’s more to Seville than its historical gems. It’s also home to the best tapa restaurants, flamenco shows, and excellent bars serving the most delicious Sangria.
No visit to Seville will be complete without checking out the Alcázar Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a witness to the city’s evolution, from the time of the Arabs up until the Renaissance and Baroque period. Make a stop at the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After you have seen all the famous attractions of Seville, it’s time for some downtime. With hundreds of tapas bars around the city, tapas have become an integral part of the local life in Seville. So, treat yourself to some of the most delicious tapas in town. The best way to end the day is to see a flamenco show, which Seville is also famous for.
2. Catalonia
When people hear of “Catalonia”, they immediately associate it with Antoni Gaudi’s incredible masterpiece, the Church of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. While this attraction is a must-see, there are several other exciting things to do while visiting this region. You can go hiking through the Pyrenees, camping in a beautiful place at some of the best European camping and glamping sites, or savouring the tastiest seafood, and so much more!
Home to some of Spain’s most stunning landscapes, Catalonia is a haven for nature lovers. If you love to hike, begin by strolling the outskirts of the city, such as the Montjuïc and the Carmel Bunkers, which offer the city’s most panoramic views. For the more adventurous hikers, conquer the La Carretera de Les Aigües, which will take you into Collserola, one of the largest natural parks in the world.
For wine lovers, the best thing you can do in Catalonia is to explore its vast vineyards. Home to hundreds of vineyards, Catalonia is a wine lover’s dream. You’ll find plenty of tours centred around wine experiences, from vineyard tastings to wine therapy treatment. Check out the wine cathedral, an Art Nouveau tasting room built to resemble a church.
3. Formentera
Ibiza and Mallorca are two of the most popular destinations in the Balearic Islands. But if you prefer to visit a more tranquil place, head to Formentera. This gem of an island is only 20 min away from the bustling island of Ibiza. Yet, the vibe here is totally different. It’s more relaxing, yet it offers plenty of things, from cosy hotels to incredible camping sites, and so much more!
Formentera is a gorgeous paradise home to stunning beaches and surrounded by crystal clear seas. Thanks to the locals who have fought hard to ensure environmental conservation, its natural beauty is well-preserved. With over 20 km of shores, you will have plenty of options when it comes to the beach. Since there’s no airport in Formentera, the only way to get here is by boat, making it an even more exciting place to visit. The island offers a relaxing respite from the huge crowds that flock to the more popular islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.
Formentera may be small, but it has plenty to offer when it comes to the food. Its location in the Mediterranean means seafood here is abundant. Here, you can feast on freshly caught fish and seafood from the restaurants that line its beautiful beaches.
4. Ibiza
Ibiza may be famous for its nightlife, but there’s so much more to do here than to party. Aside from frolicking at its stunning beaches, you can explore its historic towns and discover the island’s natural wonders.
The best place to start exploring Ibiza is in its charming Old Town. Its narrow streets are full of character, ideal for exploring and wandering. On top of its hill, you will find the citadel Dalt Vila. This fortified citadel has been around for thousands of years. It has witnessed the many different people that have settled on the island, from Moors to Romans. After a day spent exploring Ibiza, make your way to one of the beachside cafes to marvel at the stunning sunset.
For a more relaxing holiday in Ibiza, stay in one of the beautiful villas with stunning surroundings. These tranquill Ibiza villas come fully furnished, and others have extra perks, such as an infinity pool overlooking the sea and a Jacuzzi.
5. Mallorca
As the largest of all the Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers plenty of attractions for visitors seeking a tranquil holiday in Spain. Aside from spending some time at the beach, you can explore historical sites, wander through its scenic villages, and feast on Mediterranean and local Mallorcan dishes.
Your holiday to Mallorca will begin in Palma, the island’s capital city. The city offers plenty of things to explore and deserves your full attention for the entire day. It’s home to the massive Santa María Cathedral, a Gothic church built around the 13th century, and opens to the stunning views of the Bay of Palma. After exploring Palma’s famous attractions, it’s time to discover the city’s best restaurants. For authentic Mallorcan cuisines, check out Casa Maruka, an ideal spot for lunch or dinner.
If you want to spend the rest of your days lounging by the beach, you’ll have plenty of choices. Like the other islands in the Balearics, Mallorca is home to some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Cala Mesquida, with its shallow waters, is ideal for swimming. It’s also an excellent spot for water sports and other fun activities. If you prefer to venture into a more secluded area, head to Caló des Moro. It’s hidden into a deep rocky inlet in Mallorca’s southern tip. This secluded beach features bright white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs.
