15 Magical Places in Spain That Will Leave You in Awe

Spain has it all—breathtaking landscapes, a stunning coastline, charming villages, and rich culture and history. You could spend a lifetime exploring all that Spain has to offer.

This guide rounds up the best places in Spain that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary. Wherever your travels take you, these places are guaranteed to spark some serious wanderlust. Scroll down to check out the photos, get inspired, and start planning your Spanish adventure. Whether you’re after landscapes, history, culture, or just an excuse to capture your next perfect shot, use this list as the ultimate travel guide for your next getaway.

The Most Beautiful Places in Spain

1. Playa de las Catedrales

Located on the northern coast of Galicia, Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals) is incredibly picturesque, especially during low tide. Its striking arches and caves sculpted by centuries of waves resemble natural cathedrals.

Walking along the golden sands of Playa de las Catedrales is like stepping into a natural masterpiece. The sunlight filters through towering arches, casting ethereal shadows and patterns. During low tide, you can explore the intricate network of caves and passageways.

Golden hour enhances the soft textures of the cliffs, while the dramatic weather of the Galician coast adds an unpredictable element.

2. Picos de Europa National Park

Picos de Europa is a mountainous national park in northern Spain with jagged peaks, lush valleys, and turquoise glacial lakes like Lago de Covadonga. The park’s dramatic limestone formations rise steeply, creating a striking contrast with the meadows far below.

This area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, climbing, and cycling, all while being surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.

Adding to its allure, Picos de Europa is home to a variety of wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles, and even the elusive Iberian wolf.

Traditional villages dot the park’s edges, where visitors can experience the region’s culture.

3. Garajonay National Park

For those drawn to mystical woodlands, Garajonay National Park on La Gomera Island (one of the Canary Islands) is your go-to location. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a green oasis filled with dense laurel forests, wisps of mist, and ancient trees covered in moss.

The nearly constant fog adds an enchanting element to your photos, making this park a haven for moody, atmospheric shots. Explore the trails to find the best vantage points for unique photos.

Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the island, adding to the park’s ecological value and uniqueness.

4. Costa Brava

Stretching along the northeastern coast of Catalonia, Costa Brava is a stunning blend of turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and charming coastal villages. It offers endless opportunities for seascape photography.

Explore places like Calella de Palafrugell, where colorful fishing boats dot the shore, or the rugged cliffs of Cap de Creus, ideal for wide-angle sunrise shots.

Nature enthusiasts will also find Costa Brava to be a haven of biodiversity, with lush Mediterranean vegetation and a myriad of bird species along its cliffs and coves. The region’s natural parks, such as the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and Montgrí, are some of the best spots for photography.

Costa Brava also offers opportunities for culture-influenced travel photography. Wander through the ancient streets of Tossa de Mar, a picturesque town with an iconic medieval castle overlooking the sea. Or visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, where art and surrealism blend seamlessly with the coastal scenery.

5. Islas Cíes

Known as the “Galician Caribbean,” the Islas Cíes (or Cíes Islands) off the coast of Vigo are a dream for beach and wildlife enthusiasts. These three pristine islands boast crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush pine forests.

The islands are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, home to a variety of seabirds like yellow-legged gulls and cormorants. Exploring the islands’ walking trails reveals not only incredible biodiversity but also stunning viewpoints where the turquoise ocean meets the horizon.

Photographers can capture panoramic views from Monte Faro, the highest point on the islands. Be sure to book your visit in advance, as access is limited to preserve the natural beauty.

6. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

This park in the Pyrenees Mountains is a paradise for nature photographers. Ordesa y Monte Perdido features dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush alpine meadows.

The Cola de Caballo waterfall, with its powerful flow tumbling into the valley below, is a must-visit. Fall adds a vibrant palette of orange, red, and yellow, making this park one of the top spots for autumn foliage photography in Spain.

The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. The park offers excellent trails that provide access to the incredible landscape.

7. Bardenas Reales

The semi-desert landscapes of Bardenas Reales in Navarra feel more like Arizona than northern Spain. The dramatic badlands feature barren hills, plateaus, and deep gorges that form an otherworldly landscape.

This region is especially awe-inspiring with the golden hues of sunrise or sunset. Don’t miss the Castildetierra, one of the most iconic rock formations—its peculiar chimney-like shape is a natural oddity begging to be photographed.

8. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

The wild beauty of Cabo de Gata-Níjar in Almería offers an unmatched coastal experience with volcanic cliffs, secluded coves, and surreal rock formations.

Playa de los Muertos is perfect for dreamlike long-exposure seascapes, while the El Arrecife de las Sirenas (Reef of the Sirens), with its jagged reef emerging from the sea, makes for a striking focal point. Sunsets here are often magical, providing incredible opportunities for photographers.

The park’s desert-like terrain and arid landscapes are sprinkled with native flora like agave and prickly pear cacti. Its crystal-clear waters are home to vibrant marine life, making it a popular location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Beyond its natural wonders, Cabo de Gata-Níjar is also steeped in cultural history. Traditional whitewashed villages like San José dot the area. Don’t miss the centuries-old lighthouse at Cabo de Gata, perched on the edge of dramatic cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

9. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, located in the Basque Country, is not just an iconic travel destination but also a gem for landscape photography. Perched atop a rocky islet, this church is connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge.

The staircase leading to the summit provides endless opportunities for composing your photos. Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize it as Dragonstone—its cinematic appeal is impossible to overlook, especially around sunrise or sunset.

Nature lovers will also appreciate the surrounding environment. The rugged coastline, with its jagged cliffs and crashing waves, provides a stunning backdrop to the islet.

10. Ronda

Spanning a dramatic gorge, the town of Ronda in Andalusia is truly one of a kind and one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. The 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge is a favorite among photographers, especially when the warm Andalusian light hits its stone walls.

Venture to the base of the gorge for sweeping, postcard-perfect shots of the town perched on the cliff’s edge. The rolling hills and vineyards surrounding Ronda add even more photographic charm.

Ronda is also known for its bullfighting tradition and is home to one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, the Plaza de Toros. This historic arena hosts the annual Feria Goyesca, a unique event celebrating the art and history of bullfighting, with participants dressed in 18th-century costumes.

11. Albarracín

Often called one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, Albarracín in the region of Aragón feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. Its dusty pink homes and narrow cobblestone streets are perfect for travel photography.

With its mountain location, Albarracín offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged landscape, with steep cliffs and winding rivers. The town is encircled by ancient walls and watchtowers, remnants of its Moorish past.

Sunrise offers a soft light perfect for capturing the historic town walls, while dusk creates intimate, shadow-filled scenes in the alleyways.

12. Valldemossa

Located on the island of Mallorca, Valldemossa exudes authentic Mediterranean charm. Nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, this quaint village is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful olive groves.

Its stone houses, flower-filled streets, and historic monastery complement the backdrop of rolling hills. From the picturesque streets to panoramic views of the valley, there’s plenty here to keep your attention.

Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate Valldemossa’s surroundings. The nearby trails and scenic paths offer opportunities to explore the serene landscapes of the Tramuntana mountains.

13. Alhambra

A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Alhambra in Granada easily earns a place on this list (it also earned a place on our list of the best Spanish castles). Its intricate tilework, symmetrical courtyards, and reflecting pools are a dream for architectural and travel photographers.

Early morning is the best time to capture the vibrant colors of the palace as the first rays of sunlight hit the walls. Don’t forget to visit the Generalife gardens while you’re here.

14. Montserrat

Rising dramatically from the Catalan landscape, Montserrat is a mountain range known for its unique, jagged rock formations.

Photographers will appreciate both the natural beauty and the architectural marvel of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey nestled within the cliffs. The abbey is home to the famous Virgen de Montserrat, or La Moreneta, a revered statue of the Black Madonna. Pilgrims from around the world come to pay their respects and experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred place.

Montserrat offers numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Catalan countryside. Don’t miss the Sant Jeroni trail, which takes you to the highest summit of Montserrat for panoramic views that stretch as far as the Pyrenees on clear days.

Visit during sunrise or sunset for soft, golden light that enhances the dramatic textures of the landscape.

15. Tabernas Desert

Europe’s only desert is an arid landscape in Almería reminiscent of the American Wild West. The barren, rugged terrain of the Tabernas Desert is ideal for photography. Golden hour accentuates the warm tones of the desert, while starry nights make it an incredible spot for astrophotography.

This unique and cinematic location has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of Europe.”

Plan Your Photography Trip to Spain

Spain’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for travel and landscape photographers. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical forests of Garajonay, the ancient charm of Alhambra, or the alien terrain of Bardenas Reales, each of these destinations is packed with opportunities to capture your next awe-inspiring shot.