Max Abroad : The Best of Spain

I decided to prepare an article with a list of the most beautiful cities in Spain based on all my trips throughout the country, to date. Barcelona, Seville or San Sebastián are obviously some of the chosen ones. But with much difficulty, I finally selected 'my' top 10 of the most beautiful cities in Spain which I have visited. So if you have visited a city that you think is even more beautiful than any of these 10, please post it in the comments section!

So without further ado let's see the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Spain - each with its own special quality - that you should visit at least once in your life:

1. Seville - The most beautiful city bar none

Seville is, for me, the most beautiful city in all of Spain. Monumental, colourful, 'instagrammable', welcoming. As Los Del Rio said "The world falls in love with Seville because of its way of being, because of its warmth, because of its fairs ... It has to be Seville" and they were not wrong. One of the most important attractions to see in Seville is its wonderful Plaza de España that was built in 1929. Absolutely stunning.

Among other recommended places in the capital of Andalusia are the Alcazar, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, the Triana neighbourhood, the Macarena, the cathedral and its Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Maria Luisa Park and the Wooden Mushrooms of Seville (Setas de Sevilla) - the largest wooden structure in the world, if I am not mistaken, constructed to give shade to the square.

2. Barcelona - the most monumental city in Spain

Barcelona has it all! Culture, viewpoints, sea, good weather, good gastronomy, and it is another of the cities that dispute the title of the most beautiful city in Spain. Gaudí's wonderful works of art, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, La Pedrera or Casa Batlló, make it an open-air museum.

Its Mediterranean beaches, such as the famous Barceloneta, are visited by thousands of tourists every year. All this added to its many tourist attractions such as Montjuic, Tibidabo or El Born and its lively nightlife make the Catalan capital one of the cities preferred by foreigners.

3. Córdoba, the most charming city in Spain

Córdoba, although it is one of the smallest on the list, is one of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. Several of its monuments have been declared a World Heritage Site such as the Mosque-Cathedral or the Medina Azahara.

But what makes it really attractive is its patio festival where every May the Cordovan houses cover their walls with pots full of colourful flowers to compete for the award of the most beautiful patio in Córdoba.

4. San Sebastián, the jewel of the Basque Country

Strolling along Playa de la Concha, reaching the Peine del Viento, contemplating the beautiful Miramar Palace, or walking aimlessly through the streets of its historic centre are some of the best things to see and do in San Sebastián, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and undoubtedly the Basque Country for its extreme elegance. No surprise that Donostia (in Euskera) was the city chosen by monarchs and aristocrats of the 19th century as the ideal location to spend their summer holidays.
A gastronomic route through the Basque capital is essential and rest assured that San Sebastián will also conquer your stomach.

5. Granada, the city with the most visited monument in Spain

Granada is one of the most visited cities in Spain thanks to the Alhambra, the most visited monument in the country, which looks over the city from above. This wonder deserves a special mention and without a doubt, you will need to dedicate at least half a day to visit each of its areas: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife gardens.
In addition to this historic place, there are other things you can do in Granada such as visit the Albaicín, the Cathedral of Granada, walk through the Carrera del Darro, enjoy its tapas, go shopping in the Alcaicería, attend a flamenco show in one of the Sacromonte Caves or see a beautiful sunset from one of its viewpoints.

6. Valencia, the city with the best climate

Valencia has become the most visited city in Spain every March because, in addition to its magnificent climate, the Fallas are also celebrated there, a massive party where you can attend fireworks such as the mascletás and the burning of the ninots.
Other reasons why Valencia is included on the list of the 10 most beautiful cities in Spain are the modern and avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, its old town, the Turia gardens, its beaches ... And when it comes to gastronomy, few dishes are more famous in the world than the Valencian paella.

7. Salamanca, the historic city of excellence

Salamanca is also included in my list of the 10 most beautiful cities in Spain because I believe that this city should be on all itineraries when travelling through the country. In addition to being declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, reason enough to include it on the list, its beautiful old town full of architectural jewels will make you fall completely in love. 
The main places you can see in Salamanca are its magnificent Cathedral, the House of shells, the Plaza Mayor, the University of Salamanca (don't forget to find the frog and the astronaut!) and the wonderful views of the old town from the Tormes bridge make it one of the most beautiful places in Spain.

8. Madrid, the city with the best entertainment
There are endless things to see in Madrid. The Spanish capital has a wide cultural offering which makes it one of the most requested cities by tourists.
The Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, strolling through the Retiro Park, the Debod Temple, the Puerta de Alcalá, its infinite museums or simply walking along the Gran Via are some of the places that will amaze you in the city. No matter how many days you stay, there will always be something new to do.

9. Cáceres, the best-preserved medieval city in Spain

Cáceres is one of the cities with the most beautiful medieval old town in Spain. Walking through it is like travelling back in time. It is as if you were in medieval times with the feeling of being immersed in a movie set, surrounded by palaces, stately homes and cobbled streets. This is why Cáceres has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The city has also been the scene of several films and series of great international success such as Game of Thrones and Romeo and Juliet. Here while wandering around, you can visit the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de San María, the Palacio de Carvajal, the Aljibe and tour the Barrio de San Antonio, the old Jewish quarter.

10. Toledo, formerly the capital of Spain

Toledo, the capital of the country between 1519 and 1561, is also known as the city of the three cultures because Arabs, Christians and Jews lived together for centuries within the same city walls. This city completes the list of the 10 most beautiful cities in Spain.
Located just one hour from Madrid, it is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the country. Its cobbled streets and its sword shops and knights' armour will make you feel like you're in the Middle Ages. The main things to see in Toledo are the Puerta de la Bisagra, the Plaza de Zocodover, the Catedral Primada, the church of Santo Tomé and the wonderful views of the city from the viewpoint of the Valley.

There we have it, if you think you have visited a more beautiful city than one of these, please mention it in the comments section!

Nestled amidst the rugged mountain ranges and overlooking the lush valleys of Spain lie the enigmatic pueblos blancos, or white villages. Characterised by their dazzling white-washed walls, these villages are not only a testament to the nation's rich history but also display a unique blend of cultural influences. Central to these charming landscapes is the tradition of encalado de casas – the whitewashing of houses. This practice, deeply ingrained in the region's cultural fabric, has origins that are both practical and symbolic, affecting life within these homes in profound ways.

The tradition of whitewashing buildings in Spain can be traced back to ancient times, influenced by several different cultures over the centuries. Initially, it was the Phoenicians who introduced the technique to the Iberian Peninsula as a means of protecting buildings from the harsh Mediterranean sun. However, it was during the Islamic rule of Al-Andalus from the 8th to the 15th centuries that the practice became widespread in the southern regions of Spain, particularly Andalusia. The Moors valued the aesthetic and practical benefits of whitewashing and embedded it into the local architecture.

The act of encalado, or whitewashing, serves multiple functions, blending practicality with aesthetics. The primary reason homes were whitewashed was to reflect the intense sunlight, thus helping to keep the interiors cooler during the scorching summer months. This natural form of temperature regulation was essential in areas like Andalusia, where summer temperatures can soar.

Moreover, limestone, the main component used in traditional whitewash paint, has antiseptic properties that helped to sanitize the environment. This was particularly beneficial in agricultural communities, where preventing the spread of disease was crucial. Whitewash also acts as a natural insect repellent, deterring pests from settling on the walls.

Aesthetically, the white walls lend a bright and airy feel to the villages, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. The contrast between the dazzling white buildings and the blue sky, green fields, or deep orange of the setting sun creates breathtaking vistas that have charmed visitors for centuries.

The whitewashing of houses extends beyond its practical benefits, holding a symbolic value that reflects purity, unity, and a sense of community identity. Villages often come together for the annual whitewashing, a tradition that fosters a strong sense of belonging and collective responsibility among the inhabitants. This communal activity is a time-honored ritual that passes down through generations, strengthening the cultural ties and preserving the unique heritage of the pueblos blancos.

The impact of whitewashing extends into the interior of homes, significantly affecting the living conditions. The reflective properties of whitewashed walls enhance natural light within the home, creating brighter living spaces that feel open and welcoming. Additionally, the thermal properties help maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, creating a cooler space in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter. This natural insulation improves the living conditions within the houses, making them more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. It has been demonstrated to decrease the interior temperature in the summer by up to 10ºC.

The tradition of encalado de casas in Spain's white villages is a remarkable blend of practical ingenuity and cultural expression. The whitewashed houses of the pueblos blancos are not only a visual treat but also a reflection of the country's diverse history and the adaptive genius of its people. As travellers wind their way through these picturesque villages, they are not only greeted by stunning landscapes but also by a living tradition that continues to shape the identity and lifestyle of its inhabitants. In the end, the whitewashed walls of Spain stand as silent witnesses to the past, while continuing to offer a timeless lesson in sustainability and community spirit.

The region of Castilla La Mancha in Spain is the largest wine region in the world with around 500,000 hectares of vineyards within its area of production, of which only about 165,000 are able to produce wines with "designation of origin D.O”, it is one of the most important vineyards in Europe with DO. It represents 50% of all vineyards in Spain, 14% of all vineyards in Europe and 7% of all vineyards in the world.

La Mancha is an ideal area for growing grapes because the yield per hectare is not very high and is of premium quality. In addition, the health of their vines is extraordinary due to the long hours of sunshine they receive and their great ripening cycle.

Moreover, the versatility of their land has enabled them to introduce a vast variety of grapes from around the world without any problems, complementing the indigenous grapes Airen and Tempranillo, whose quality has enabled sales to grow steadily in recent years. 

La Mancha is a vast expanse of land that has a flat terrain, without great heights and with beautiful red Miocene sediments of limestone structure. Their temperatures are extreme due to its continental climate, ranging from the winter cold of -15 º to a stifling 45º during summer. Dryness is one of its most distinct characteristics, since its micro-climate prevents the entry of moist winds, presenting a low rainfall (300 to 400 mm per year), thus La Mancha is primarily dryland farming dependant on rainfall, although recent restructuring plans has expanded the number of drip irrigation farms. Moreover, La Mancha has more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year to sear their grapes; hence it offers the best fruit which is bought mainly by the French after supplying national demand.

Although the documented origins of vineyards in La Mancha are dated to XII-XIII centuries after it repopulated in the times of Reconquista, some would argue that the vines from La Mancha date back to the Roman times. However, the cultivation of vineyards in La Mancha really started to expand around 1940, due to the start-up of many wine producers throughout the region. The wine is also the main economic activity of the municipalities of this región. These wines are the King of Spain’s favourite, originally the Crown of Spain had the first railway track built between Madrid and Ciudad Real just so the King could have a constant supply of wine.

Perched atop the serrated peaks of the Montserrat Mountains, the Montserrat Monastery stands as a beacon of spiritual and cultural significance in Catalonia, Spain. This historic abode of peace and contemplation is not merely a place of worship; it embodies the soul of Catalan culture and offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, art, and spirituality.

The story of Montserrat Monastery begins in the 9th century when hermit monks first settled in the Montserrat mountains, attracted by the solitary beauty of the peaks. However, the foundation of the monastery is traditionally attributed to the discovery of the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as 'La Moreneta' due to its dark colour, in a nearby cave in 880 AD. This significant find marked the beginning of Montserrat's journey as a place of pilgrimage.

The monastery has weathered the tumults of history - from expansions in the 11th and 12th centuries that laid down the Romanesque architectural foundation, to severe damage and rebuilding in the Napoleonic wars, and suppression during the Spanish Civil War. Through these vicissitudes, Montserrat has retained its spiritual essence and continues to be a haven for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The Monastery of Montserrat's architecture is a testament to the confluence of various styles, predominantly Gothic and Renaissance, harmoniously blending with the natural grandeur of its surroundings. The basilica, with its robust façades and ornate interiors, houses the venerated statue of La Moreneta, drawing pilgrims from around the globe to seek her blessings. The renowned atrium and cloister are masterpieces of art and architecture, reflecting the monastery's rich historical tapestry.

However, it is not just the basilica that captures the imagination. The monastic complex includes the Museum of Montserrat, home to an impressive collection that spans from ancient artefacts to modern paintings, including works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Dalí, and Picasso. This eclectic collection not only underscores the monastery's cultural significance but also its commitment to preserving art across ages.

For centuries, the Montserrat Monastery has been a focal point of spiritual introspection and religious pilgrimage. The journey to the monastery itself is a ritual of reflection, whether one ascends the mountain by foot, car, or the iconic rack railway. The panoramic views and the serenity of the landscape prepare the heart and mind for a profound experience.

Visitors are often struck by the solemn beauty of the Basilica’s interior and the mystical aura surrounding La Moreneta. Attend a performance by the Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe, to experience an ethereal connection to the divine through their celestial hymns.

The 'Camí de l’Ave Maria' lined with votive candles, and the 'Santa Cova' (Holy Grotto), where the Virgin's statue was found, are integral parts of the pilgrimage, allowing one to tread the paths of faith that countless have walked before.

The Monastery of Montserrat's allure is magnified by the stunning landscapes that envelop it. The mountains of Montserrat, with their distinctive rock formations, have been sculpted by nature into shapes that stir the imagination. For the adventurous soul, the mountains offer numerous hiking trails that reveal breathtaking views and hidden hermitages. The mountain is also a hotspot for climbers, drawn by its challenging rock faces and the allure of reaching new heights.

The Llobregat River Valley below, with its lush foliage, contrasts the stark beauty of the rocky peaks, creating a tapestry of landscapes that change with the seasons. This natural beauty not only provides a backdrop for the monastery but is an integral part of the spiritual experience, reminding visitors of the wonder of creation.

Montserrat Monastery has always played a pivotal role in Catalan culture. Its library, once among the richest in Europe, has been a centre for learning and the Catalan language through the ages. The monastery and the Madonna have been symbols of Catalan nationalism, especially during periods of oppression. This intertwining of spiritual and cultural identities makes Montserrat a living monument to Catalonia's enduring spirit.

The Montserrat Monastery is more than a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of Catalan spirituality and culture. With its breathtaking settings, rich history, and spiritual significance, it offers a unique experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you seek quiet contemplation amidst majestic natural beauty, an appreciation of art and history, or a journey of faith, Montserrat welcomes all.

This haven in the clouds invites you to explore its mysteries, immerse yourself in its serene beauty, and perhaps, find a piece of yourself among its ancient stones. Montserrat is not just a visit; it’s an experience that stays with you, calling you back to its sacred peaks time and time again.