"Viajes", the Spanish version of National Geographic magazine has recently published the results of its Premios de los Lectores for 2026. These Awards are selected by readers. Here are the best dozen destinations from the poll.
1. Menorca - Best Sustainable Destination
The balance between nature conservation and human activity is the basis of the success of the sustainable development of Menorca.
66 per cent of the island's territory is protected.
It boasts two huge marine reserves and a natural park. Menorca has also been recognised for its clear skies, ideal for astronomical observation.
[Menorca Infinita]
2. ME Malaga - Best Urban Hotel in Spain
Situated right in the centre of Malaga, this five-star hotel is a fusion of discrete luxury with contemporary works of art.
The rooms combine comfort and design and its five conference rooms make it ideal for the corporate traveller.
The hotel's main attraction is the roof terrace with its infinity pool, 360 degree views with the Alcazaba and the Teatro Romano in the foregound, and its restaurant which combines tradition and modernity.
[Viajes el Corte Ingles]
3. Bilbao - Best Gastronomic Destination in Spain
In Bilbao good cuisine is a matter of honour. In the Old Part there is a host of bars and inns which vie to have the best pintxos accompanied by a glass of txakoli.
These little gems are a shop window for the rich gastronomic culture of the city.
If we are talking haute cuisine, Bilbao has five Michelin-starred restaurants.
[Conde Nast Traveler]
4. Parador de Santiago de Compostela - Best Historic Hotel in Spain
Opened in 1509 to welcome pilgrims who had walked the Camino de Santiago, this parador is one of the oldest hotels in Europe.
Situated opposite the cathedral it retains its magnificent facade, four cloisters and a chapel dating from the 18th century.
The parador has 137 rooms, several lounges and two restaurants serving Galician cuisine.
[Camino Gourmet]
5. Cordoba - Best Urban Destination in Spain
Few cities have such an attractive heritage and urban spirit. Without doubt La Mezquita is Cordoba's number 1 attraction, yet there is so much more to discover: the Puente Romano, the Alcazar de los Reyes Catolicos, the Juderia and La Corredera square.
In May the patios become a spectacular show of flowers.
[Wikipedia]
6. Lleida - Best Natural Destination in Spain
The Pirineo de Lleida with its valleys, woods, mountain peaks and more than 200 glacial lakes and lagoons make up one of the best preserved natural spaces in Europe.
One of its biggest attractions is the National Park enclosed between three valleys, an ideal scenario for open-air activities all year round.
[Viajeros 3.0]
7. Bodega Lustau - Best Winery in Spain
Founded in 1896 Lustau is nowadays one of the most recognised Sherry houses.
Its presence in the three historic cities of the Denominacion de Origen (DO), namely Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda, lets you reflect on the wide diversity of styles of these sweet wines from the soul of Andalucia.
Their excellence has been recognised internationally.
[Bodegas Lustau]
8. A Coruña - Best Sustainable Tourism Project
The city and the surrounding area have spent years working on ecological sustainability and responsibility. A Coruña invites visitors to reduce their carbon footprint, to move about on foot and by bicycle, to consume local products which are in season and to understand the fragile nature of their surroundings such that it rquires protection.
Its more than 50 km of cycle paths and its seaside promenade of 14 km allow visitors to enjoy the heritage of the city and to reach isolated spots along the coast
[Turismo Coruña]
9. Llanes - Best Beach Destination in Spain
This small Asturian town is located on a coast of wild beauty with more than 30 beaches and coves spread out along 56 km of coastline.
The centre of Llanes is also worth a visit for its medieval tower and other sights.
The restaurants serve fish and shellfish freshly caught in the generous sea offshore.
[Barcelo.com]
10. Angola - Best International Destination
The variety of its landscapes and the absence of crowds of tourists make Angola one of the most surprisong emerging destinations in Africa.
The country has areas of incredible beauty, one of them being the Mussulo peninsula. Also fascinating is the Iona National Park.
Inland the Kalandula waterfalls stand out.
[Tripadvisor]
11. Malaga - Gastronomy
Malaga offers the best boqueron en adobo (breaded whitebait) in the country, chiringuitos (beach restaurants) where the espeto de sardinas (sardines on a stick) and a a new wave of chefs like Dani Garcia, Cristina Canovas or Diego Aguilar who have raised Malaga cuisine to the highest international distinctions.
[Spain.info]
12. Czech Republic - International Destination
This country is a destination replete with cultural and natural incentives, with Prague at the centre.
The Old Part of the capital is designated Patrimonio de la Humanidad and makes a great start to a voyage of discovery in the charming landscapes of Bohemia and the spas of Karlovy Vary.
[La Razon]
Note: NG photos are heavily copyrighted and not available online, so photos from other sources have been used with acknowledgements.
© The Spanish Fly MMXXVI
Links:
ANDALUCIA’s 3 C’s: Cádiz, Córdoba, Ciudad Soñada - Help me, Ronda
Magnificent, under-rated Málaga - Eye on Spain
Prague - Wikipedia
Pictures:
Barcelo.com, Bodegas Lustau, Camino Gourmet, Conde Nast Traveler, La Razon, Menorca Infinita, Spain.info, Tripadvisor, Turismo Coruña, Viajeros 3.0, Viajes El Corte Ingles, Wikipedia
Acknowledgements:
All translations by A1 Translations
Sources: National Geographic, Paul Whitelock, "Viajes", Wikipedia, www.help-me-ronda.com
Tags:
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