An old empire, nowadays a country in southwest Europe, Spain is full of hidden gems ready to be discovered and visited by new tourists, although it is a relatively small country, if we compare with others around the world, it is the third in size in Europe, its lands offer us lots of landscapes, beaches, deserts and many other treasures! I have visited many of them. In the following article I will tell you some of the most impressive.
1. Mezquita de Córdoba. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
An old building dating from the year 780 and unique in the whole world, it was previously built as a Mosque before becoming a Catholic temple. This building is now a Mosque and a Cathedral at the same time; architecturally speaking (the catholic temple is literally inside the mosque), although now it belongs to the Catholic Church since 1236. The use of the Mosque for Muslims to pray is totally forbidden.
The Mosque Cathedral is in my opinion the best sign of the rich multicultural past that southern Spain has along the years, this one from the Arabic times. I visited it in 2013.
The most characteristic feature apart from its square plant, are the arches decorated with dark red stripes. Don't forget to see the amazing gardens and the surrounding areas!
2. Playa de las Catedrales. As Catedrais beach.
Also known as Playa de Aguas Santas this beach is a gem in northern Spain. Although the waters are not blue and the sand is not especially white like the typical beaches we can see in the postcards, this beach is my favorite due to the result of the nature against the rocks and the cliffs.
In the town of Ribadeo and surrounded by the Cantabrian sea, this beach has wonderful rock formations such as steep rocks. Perfect place to take pictures and walk on the beach only during the low tide, otherwise it can be dangerous, but do not worry, locals can inform you very well about the best time you can visit it.Awesome place except for swimming.
Visited by me in 2008.
3. Palacio del Infantado. Infantado Palace.
I have seen this Palace almost every single day in my entire life, and I am never tired of it; always discovering new details on its walls, another unique building and extremely underrated in our country. Located in Guadalajara (the one in Spain, the first and original one) This Palace has a special architectonic style called Isabelline Gothic. The walls are decorated with small pyramids and Arab details. One of the most important events that has taken place here was the wedding of Philip II with Isabel de Valois in 1559.
The palace includes gardens with a maze used in summer for musical performances and the awesome Patio de los leones, free entrance and public local library until the year 2004, nowadays is the local museum.
Every June takes place the famous Maratón de cuentos, 48 hours of non stop tale telling.
4. Catedral de Burgos. Burgos Cathedral.
Another religious building, whether you are religious or not, this is a sign of the strong Catholic faith along the History in the country. This awesome building is in my opinion the best sign of Gothic art in Spain. Built in 1221, this cathedral is a must if you visit the old city of Burgos, and do not forget of course to walk around the building. Several restaurants are waiting for you in the surrounding area.
Two endearing characters live inside this Cathedral, specifically in the bell-clock: El Papamoscas and El Martinillo. Relax and look carefully at the stained glasses. You can look at this building while wondering How the hell could they make this wonderful building without modern technologies? History is History.
My first visit was in 2002, last one in 2014.
5. Parque Guell. Barcelona. Güell Park. Barcelona.
The most original and different park in Spain and probably in the whole European continent, located in Barcelona this place is well known all around the world due to its designer; the architect Antoni Gaudí, this park not only contains green areas, trees and sand grounds, the colorful mosaics give the park Guell an special identity, not only decorative sculptures (the salamander, etc) but also ceilings. The best of it? The colors, the big serpentine bench and the awesome sights of the city of Barcelona from the top part.
Visited in 2001.
6. Monasterio de Piedra. Piedra Monastery.
This place is near Zaragoza. The name of this famous park comes from the Monastery where the monks lived and made chocolate years ago, but nowadays this natural park is well known because of the waterfalls and the amazing lakes. The waters come from the river Piedra, which means stone or rock, so that the park has this name. This place has been a recurrent place for Honeymoons during the 60's in Spain.
The best of the place: birds of prey exhibition, the waterfall cola de caballo (ponytail) due it its shape and hight, and el lago del espejo "mirror lake" with awesome crystal clear water.
First visit in 1994 and last one in 2013.
7. Royal Palace. Palacio de Oriente. Madrid.
Also known is Palacio de Oriente. This is another underrated building from my point of view, perhaps because anybody who lives on it, this palace is usually unperceived. The Royal Palace is located in Madrid, next to the Cathedral and surrounded by big gardens with ponds. One can make guided visit indoor. The outdoor contains a big level of beauty, walls and courtyard have an elegant style. The style is Baroque and it was built between the years 1738 and 1892.
Tourists can find the Royal Theatre just 100 meters away and many tapas bars in Madrid downtown.
8. Teide. Tenerife Island.
This natural place is a mountain located in the Canary Islands, but the volcano is in the island of Tenerife, near the African coast but belonging to Spain, Teide is alive, it actually had its last eruption in 1909, the highest point is the peak with 3718 meters which is as well the highest point in the country, and makes the island being the tenth highest in the world. The volcano is located inside a National Park. Walking up to the peak is not permitted anymore, but one can look at the wonderful volcano from the cable car. The film clash of the Titans was played here. I visited it in 1990, I think it’s time to come back.
9. Cuevas del Drach. Drach caves, Majorca.
From one island to another, this time in the Mediterranean, the Drach caves are located in the biggest islands of the country: Mallorca. These caves are really big and contain groundwaters, the Martel Lake. During the guided visit the wall of the cave are illuminated with many colors, what makes the visit really magical. Violin concerts are offered during the guided visit every day and people can sail in the little boats as well.
Near these caves you can find Hams caves, less famous but smaller and a little bit more beautiful.
10 .Acueducto de Segovia. Aqueduct of Segovia.
From Roman times, this aqueduct is now one of the most famous monuments in Castille, it is 28 meters high and more than 800 meters long, there are two rows of arches made by bricks of stone, and the stone bricks are not linked with any kind of cement. The purpose of this monument was to provide water to the town of Segovia from the river Frío, and not to be written into the History, but the aqueduct was lucky.
The great symbol of this awesome town, were you can also taste wonderful gastronomy.
