Choose from 459 Fun Things to Do in Spain
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Itálica
North of Seville lies one of Andalusia’s most important historical sites: the ruins of Itálica near the Guadalquivir River. Founded in 206 BC, Itálica was the first and largest Roman settlement in southern Spain. The site, which can be visited on a guided tour, includes mosaics, an amphitheater, and the remains of grand villas and city streets.
The Basics
Its proximity to Seville makes Itálica a popular half-day excursion from the capital of Andalusia. Tours of the archaeological site take visitors through the ancient ruins—thermal baths, a gymnasium, spectacular mosaics, dwellings for the upper classes (called domus), and a Roman amphitheater—and offer insight into what life was like during ancient Roman rule in southern Spain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Itálica is a must-visit for history buffs and those with an interest in archaeology.
- The archaeological site is free for European Union residents; there’s a small entrance fee for everyone else.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Remember to protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of water.
How to Get There
Itálica is located in the small town of Santiponce 5.5 miles (about 8.8 kilometers) north of Seville. Buses 170A and 170B take visitors from the Plaza de Armas bus station in Seville to the archeological site. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Itálica is between March and May when temperatures are mild and crowds are sparse. Expect temperatures in the high 90s during the summer months.
Itálica and Game of Thrones
Episodes from both the seventh and eighth seasons of the Game of Thrones television series were filmed in and around the Roman ruins of Itálica, also known as the Pompeii of Spain. Most notably, the ancient Roman amphitheater was the setting of the Dragonpit, where several key characters held a summit in the finale of season seven.
Address: Avinguda Extremadura, 2, Santiponce, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
House of Illusion
Once the sun goes down on the beaches of Salou, there’s still a lot more to see here: a proper magic show. Head to the House of Illusion, a fan-favorite for its evening performances packed with magicians, comedy, mind reading, audience participation, and loads of magic.
The show is more than just magic, too, as it begins in a pre-theater parlor before moving into a grand theater of candle-lit tables. It is there that you not only marvel at the wizardry but also chow down on an all-inclusive meal that comes with an unending flow of wine, beer, and soft drinks. Not hungry? Join the later show, which includes only the eternal supply of drinks, but still with all the entertainment.
Practical Info
There are two event times, one earlier in the evening, which includes dinner, and a later showing that only comes with drinks. The show is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. The venue hosts other themed performances as well.
Address: 12 Calle Penedes, Salou, Tarragona, Spain 43840, Spain
Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat 6pm-2am. Closed Mon, Wed and Sun
Admission: Depends on show and show time
From $ 40
Hammam Al Andalus Granada
Located at the foot of the Alhambra, and just past Santa Ana Church, sits the tranquil Hammam Al Andalus Granada. This is where after a long day of padding through the Alhambra’s gardens, palace and fortress, you’ll want to rest your tired feet and relax your muscles – just as Granada’s Moors did so long ago.
The Moors didn’t do so precisely in this building, though, which only dates back to the 13th or 14th century. It is believed, however, that this is in fact the site of previous Muslim baths, given its location near the former mosque (now the Santa Ana Church), as well as the water cisterns discovered below the land. What happened to those ancient baths? At the time of the Reconquista, when Granada became occupied by the Christians, it is likely that—along with many other Muslim traditions and sites—these original baths ceased to continue. Instead, its land was used for a future bakery (which resided in the current building).
But today, what you’ll find there is a spectacular recreation of what a hammam in those times might have looked like and how it might have functioned. As such, it consists of various rooms with different-temperature pools, including warm, hot and cold, as well as a steam room, and a rest room where you can sip on traditional Arabic mint tea. During the typical 1.5-hour visit there, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of all of these different areas, as well as enjoy a 15- or 30-minute massage.
Practical Info
During your visit, basic amenities will be provided, including a towel, hair dryer, locker, and toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel and moisturizer. Note that a bathing suit is required, however if you do not have one, it can be purchased upon arrival. It is recommended to book your visit at least 2-3 days in advance.
Address: Calle Santa Ana, 16, Granada, Spain
Hours: Daytime:10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm;
Evening: 6pm-8pm & 10pm-12am
Admission: Adults: €24-67, Students: €25
From $ 69
La Casa de la Seda
Dating back to the 18th century, La Casa de la Seda was once home to the guild of silk-sail-makers in Barcelona. The 300-year-old exterior reflects the elegance and social status that guilds had at the time and much of the original façade remains, rendering the home a popular stop among architecture aficionados. Visitors will encounter intricate Baroque work and a corner balcony featuring a figure of Our Lady of Angels, as well as interior rooms decorated with fine wood, silk walls and religious items, such as an ivory Christ figure and a 17th-century cabinet decorated with religious paintings.
Today, La Case de la Seda is home to the College of Mayor Art Seda de Barcelona. Guided tours take visitors through the guild hall, presidential office, meeting room and the library, which holds more than 3,000 historical documents.
Whether interested in Barcelona history or simply an admirer of beautiful homes, a visit to La Casa de la Seda is a great way to learn about the national culture of the city throughout years past.
Practical Info
Getting there
La Case de la Seda is located on the corner of Via Laietana, next to the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona’s Ribera district. The site is accessible via metro stations Urquinaona (L1 or L4) and Jaume I (L4), as well as by bus (V15, V17 or 45). The south route of the Barcelona tourist bus also reaches the house, accessible from the Barri Gotic-Palau de la Musica Catalana stop.
Admission
Entrance to the site costs EUR 10 for adults and EUR 8 for children under 18, students, seniors and people with disabilities. It is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Opening hours
The house is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm between April 1 and October 31.
Address: Sant Pere Mes Alt, 1, Main, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–1pm (Apr 1–Oct 31)
Admission: EUR 10
From $ 8
Janubio Salt Pans
Salt has played an important role in Lanzarote since the late 19th century, accounting for a large percentage of the island’s industrial income and even making its mark on local culture – during the traditional Corpus Christi festival, brightly-dyed salts are used to decorate the street with large colorful artworks. Today, the salt industry has fallen into decline, but a number of the island’s traditional salt pans remain in use – manmade flats where the sea water is channeled and left to crystalize, allowing the sea salt to be harvested.
The Janubio Salt Pans are the island’s most famous, created in the early 20th century by Victor Fernandez and consisting of over 440,000 square meters of pans, making it the biggest salt refinery in the Canary Islands. Today, the area is a protected National Heritage site and produces up to 10,000 tons of salt each year, harvested by hand during the summer months. The historic site has also become a tourist attraction, and the gigantic patchwork of salt pans makes for a unique view, set against a backdrop of the black sand Janubio beach and attracting an array of native birds.
Practical Info
The Janubio Salt Pans are located on the southwest coast of Lanzarote, close to the village of Yaiza.
Address: Janubio Salt Pans, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
Haro
The town of Haro is the wine capital of La Rioja region, known for its local red wine production and many bodegas. Its annual Haro Wine Festival draws in visitors from all over the world, and the climate, soil and infrastructures built by the French — who came to La Rioja to grow wine in the 19th century after pests attacked their own vineyards — all contribute to the prime conditions for growing grapes here. With clay soils sheltered by the Cantabrian mountain range, the vineyards here grow some of the best wine in Spain.
Wine is the cultural and economic center of life in Haro. There is even a Museo del Vino (wine museum) in town, with tasting courses available, and each year Haro hosts a citywide “wine battle” where two sides pour thousands of liters of wine on one another. Haro also has an artistic heritage with homes and taverns in the Casco Vierno (Old Quarter), as well as the historic Santo Tomás church.
Practical Info
Haro is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Bilbao. The Haro “Wine Battle” takes place every year on June 29.
Address: Haro, La Rioja, Spain 26200, Spain
From $ 87
Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo
A staple of Gran Canarian and Spanish culture, the botanical garden was named after pioneering Spanish cleric and scholar José Viera y Clavijo. It opened in 1959 after seven years of landscaping. And although it is intrinsically linked to the island’s history, the garden was technically the life work of Swedish-Spanish botanist Eric Ragnor Sventenius, who devoted a number of years of his life to optimizing and expanding the site. The garden, which spreads over 27 hectares and is officially Spain’s largest, comprises of 500 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands scattered in several divisions, like the "Garden of the Islands", the "Garden of Cacti and Succulents" and its 10,000 succulents, the "Laurel-leaved Forests", the "Fountain of the Wisemen," the "Macaronesian Ornamental Garden” as well as the “Hidden Garden” and its sublime greenhouse. It now houses plants from all over the world and a research laboratory.
Practical Info
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is located on Carretera Nueva San Lorenzo in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It is located roughly 7 kilometers southwest of city center but easily accessible from by car via Carretera del Centro. It is accessible by bus via routes 301, 302 and 303. The garden is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Admission is free.
Address: Ctra. Nueva San Lorenzo, Km 2, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Open daily, 9am to 6pm.
From $ 49
La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha)
San Sebastian’s main crescent-shaped beach is of softest sand and punctuated at both ends by craggy hills: Monte Urgull to the east and Monte Igueldo to the west. Translating into English as ‘the shell’, La Concha was fundamental in the incarnation of San Sebastian as an elegant seaside resort favored by Spanish royalty back in the 19th century.
The beach fills to bursting in the summer, when the bumpy waters of the Bay of Biscay are calm and pleasantly warm to swim in. Lifeguards are always on duty and there are showers and other facilities on the beach, making it safe and easy for families to enjoy a day on the sand. Two floating pontoons out in the bay are just the spot for sunbathing; beyond them the small, rocky islet of Santa Clara has a tiny beach that is a prime picnic spot and can be reached by motorboat or hired canoe.
Now backed by formal gardens, a brightly painted carousel, and a row of charming hotels, seafood restaurants and bars, the Paseo Nuevo promenade that runs the length of La Concha comes alive during the nightly paseo, when San Sebastian residents and tourists alike dress up and go out on the town.
Practical Info
Motorboats trundle back and forth to Santa Clara every half hour in the summer from El Muelle harbor at the east end of the beach. Canoes and pedalos can be hired by hour or by the day from a variety of venues along the beach.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
From $ 14
Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró)
The works of Joan Miró, one of Barcelona's most famous 20th-century artists, are displayed in this museum in Parc de Montjuïc. The gallery itself is a piece of modern art, its design incorporating terraces and interior courtyards to direct the flow of visitors and give the space an open air feel. It shouldn’t be missed.
The Basics
This Barcelona museum is home to a collection of more than 14,000 pieces by Miró—one of the most comprehensive collections of his art in the world covering several mediums and all stages of the artist’s career. Spend more time enjoying the collection and less time queuing up with a skip-the-line entrance ticket, or opt for the Barcelona Museum Pass for entrance into six of Barcelona’s most popular museums, including the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Entrance to the Miró Museum is also included on the Barcelona Card and the complex is a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Joan Miró Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and architecture buffs.
- Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors throughout the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, as is public transportation to and from the museum site.
How to Get There
The Joan Miró Museum is well connected by public transportation. Take bus 55 or 150 to Parc de Montjuïc or ride the Montjuïc Funicular from the Parallel metro station. There is no parking available at the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays and public holidays. There are free guided tours of the collection in English each Thursday afternoon.
Espai 13
To further promote his belief that art should not be categorized or restricted, Miró dedicated his pieces to the Fundació to be displayed only under the condition that a space be reserved to exhibit the works of emerging artists. In keeping their word, the Fundació created Espai 13, which holds exhibits of upcoming contemporary artists.
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
La Caleta Beach
Given that Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water, the desire to hit thebeach is bound to strike you at some point. When this happens, your go-to destination will be La Caleta, the only proper beach in old town. It’s an isolated shoreline that cozies up along the western side of the city, nestled inside a natural harbor once used by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans.
Though it’s Cadiz’s shortest sandy shore, it ticks all the beach boxes, offering soft golden sands and calm waters, as well as amenities including lifeguards and showers. Perhaps best of all is that the beach is western facing, which means it’s the perfect spot in town to catch a dreamy Spanish sunset. While there, spy some of La Caleta’s notable sights, including the impossible-to-miss crescent-shaped Balneario de Nuestra Señora de la Palma y del Real, a 1920s spa whose gazebo-tipped arms reach out across the shore. It’s not the only impressive structure here, either, as the beach is bookended to the north and south by two fortresses, San Sebastian and Santa Catalina.
Practical Info
La Caleta Beach is easily reachable by foot from anywhere in the city’s historic center. If you’re keen to see more of Cadiz’s sights, it’s also a convenient stop on the city’s hop-on hop-off bus tour. Apart from street parking, there is a public garage, El Tenis, located beyond the north end of the beach.
Address: Avenida Duque de Nájera, Cadiz, Andalucia 11002, Spain
From $ 53
Inquisition Museum (Museo Del Castillo De San Jorge)
In Seville’s Triana neighborhood, near the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the Castillo San Jorge was the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition from 1481 to 1785. The 12th century castle was demolished in the 19th century to make room for a market and today the underground ruins of the castle are home to the Inquisition Museum.
Founded in 2009, the museum chronicles the religious purges that took place during one of the darkest periods of Spanish history. Visitors will learn about how the Inquisition occurred, from accusations and inquiries to detentions and torture, as well as about daily life in the castle for both prisoners and jailers. However, no devices of torture are displayed. Drawings show suspects wearing pointed caps and tunics marked with an X, and maps show the other major Inquisition-related sites in Seville.
Practical Info
The Inquisition Museum is located on the Plaza del Altozano, next to the Triana Bridge and the municipal market. The entrance near the north tower of the bridge can be easy to miss. A free audio guide is available.
The museum can be reached by taking bus 43 to San Jorge (Altozano) or bus C3 to Pages del Corro (San Jacinto).
Address: Plaza del Altozano, Seville, Spain
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 11am-6:30pm; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10am-3pm
From $ 46
Independence Plaza
Independence Plaza (also known as the Plaza de la Independencia) is one of the most popular and busiest squares in Madrid and one of the most important symbols of the city. Opened in 1778 during the reign of King Carlos III, the plaza is found at the intersection of several major streets: Calle de Alcala, Calle de Alfonso XII, Calle de Serrano, Calle de Salustiano Olozaga and Paseo de Mexico. Standing at the center of the square is the Puerta de Alcala, a neo-Classical monument built in the 18th century. The huge monument consisting of several arches replaced a smaller city gate from the 16th century and functioned as the main entrance to the city.
Designed by architect Francesco Sabatini, the current shape of the square dated back to 1869 and it is surrounded by buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2001, several gardens were added to the square and lights were added to the Puerta de Alcala, all in honor of Madrid being named the World Book Capital. In 2010, nearly 100,000 people packed the square for the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Practical Info
The closest Metro station to Independence Plaza is Retiro, while the Banco de Espana station is also within walking distance.
Address: Madrid, Spain
From $ 49
Iglesia del Salvador
Seville’s second largest church after its main cathedral, the Iglesia del Salvador sits on the site of what was once the largest mosque in the city. There are also hints of the land’s past beyond the Moors, with Roman and Visigoth influences visible. Ruins of the old mosque can still be visited in the church’s Patio de Naranjos (orange tree courtyard,) which is largely still preserved.
Constructed in the late 17th century, the colorful church is a fine example of Baroque architecture and includes the work and designs of many Spanish artists. There is also a small collection of paintings on display behind the largest altarpiece. The altars themselves are works of art, decorated with fine detailing and brilliant colors.
The church is a standing monument to the many occupations of Seville, from the Romans and Visigoths to the Christians and the Moors. It is a cultural and historical highlight included on many walking tours of the city.
Practical Info
The church located in the Plaza del Salvador, is a few blocks away from the shopping streets of Sierpes and Tetuan. The nearest metro station is Plaza Nueva (T1 line.) Admission is 3 €, or is included with the purchase of a ticket to the nearby cathedral (8 €.)
Address: Pl. del Salvador, S/N, Sevilla 41004, Spain
Admission: 3 €
From $ 13
Jerez de la Frontera
Spanish culture shines bright in the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera. Once inhabited by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and ultimately Christians, it’s a city now especially famous for three things: flamenco, horsemanship, and Sherry, the internationally known unfortified wine.
Indeed, the city, and region around it -- which is delineated by Jerez as well as two other cities, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Puerto de Santa Maria – make up the Sherry Triangle. This is where Sherry has its roots, and where you’ll want to sample the local libation, which can be found throughout the region, and even at bodegas in the center of Jerez de la Frontera itself.
The other local delights – flamenco and horses – can both be experienced during the town’s beloved spring festival, the Feria de Jerez. Other opportunities abound too, including the internationally acclaimed Flamenco Festival, taking place during the end of February and beginning of March. Meanwhile horse breeding gets a special spotlight at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, which is open to the public for visits.
There’s still more to see in this sweet southern city, though. Jerez’s old town is packed with tree-lined squares and avenues, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, and even a cathedral built on the ruins of a previous mosque. Indeed, it’s a city to get lost in, whether you wish to simply appreciate its beauty, or to become better acquainted with its rich culture and traditions.
Address: Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain, Spain
From $ 12
Ibiza
The glittering disco ball of the Mediterranean, Ibiza is famed for its stylish clubs, scantily clad starlets, world-class DJs, and powdery white beaches. Its auto-tuned siren song calls out to every hennaed hippy and jet-set D-lister able to hold his or her liquor, tempting each to make their way across the sapphire sea and dance into an international playground of exceptional beauty.
Of course, Ibiza is much more than its infamous party scene. With a rich history hearkening back to the Phoenicians, it has its share of ancient edifices, and even a few museums. Diving, sailing, hiking, and bicycling are just a few of the healthy ways to work off your hangover. For a change of scenery, take a boat over to less developed Formentera Island, known for both its natural and naturist beauty.
Ibiza is also beginning to market its family-friendly resorts, perfect for the heavily tattooed couple eager to show their children that perfect beach where they first fell in love. If they could only remember which one it was. Cheers!
Practical Info
Ibiza (Eivissa in Catalan) is a seasonal destination, with some 80% of visitors arriving between May and October. Many flights to Ibiza Airport (IBZ) are cut back during the off-season. Direct flights serve Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast, Birmingham, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Munich, Naples, Paris, Rome and Zürich, among many others.
Ferries serve destinations on the Spanish mainland, including Alicante, Barcelona, Denia, and Valencia. Several companies offer boat transportation between Ibiza and the neighboring island of Formentera.
You can rent a car on the island, but this isn't usually recommended; some roads are poor, and drivers may be intoxicated (not you, of course).
Address: Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 36
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria, Barcelona’s busiest market and arguably one of Europe’s most popular, is a vibrant hub of Catalan culture. The market dates back to the 13th century, but today’s version is held in the Mercat de Sant Josep market hall, a Modernist iron and glass canopy built in 1914 along La Rambla. Piles of fresh fruits and vegetables, pails of glistening olives, and huge slabs of cheese and foie gras line the stalls, alongside an array of local seafood and varying cuts of meat—including the odd pig head.
The Basics
Whether you’re sourcing ingredients for the perfect paella or just soaking up the unique atmosphere, few experiences are as quintessentially Barcelonian as shopping in the city’s liveliest market. La Boqueria’s variety and lively atmosphere can be overwhelming, so consider a guided walking tour, which helps you navigate the crowded lanes and learn about the unique ingredients that form Catalan cuisine. To complete the foodie experience, combine a market trip with a tapas tasting or food tour of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boqueria is a must for foodies.
- Most of the fresh fruits and ready-to-eat products (jamon, empanadas, candy, etc.) are in the stalls toward the front of the market; vegetables, meats, and fish are toward the back.
- Come hungry, and stop for a meal at one of several tapas bars.
- Many stalls have a minimum spending requirement for credit cards, so remember to bring some cash.
- Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet.
- Don’t forget your camera: The market stalls rank among Barcelona’s most colorful sights.
How to Get There
La Boqueria is situated along La Rambla between the Raval and the Gothic Quarter. It’s easily accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the old city, or by riding the Green Line to the Liceu metro station.
When to Get There
La Boqueria is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8:30pm. Some of the tapas bars and fish vendors are also closed on Mondays. To avoid the crowds, go early in the day; the market is a popular lunch spot thanks to its excellent Catalan food, so expect to be elbow-to-elbow during a midday visit. In August, many Catalans go on vacation, and La Boqueria remains closed throughout the month.
Best Buys at La Boqueria
The food stalls under La Boqueria’s roof sell a staggering variety of products, some of which are of more interest to travelers than others. The fresh seafood and cow parts are fun to look at, but if you plan to buy, opt for fresh fruits and fruit juices, thin-sliced Iberico ham, dry-cured sausage, or a bag of nuts and chocolates to enjoy later. Hungry visitors can purchase and eat raw oysters on the spot or sample traditional dishes from Catalonia—fried eggs with baby squid, razor clams with white wine, or fried artichokes with romesco sauce are traditional favorites.
Address: Rambla, 91, Barcelona 08002, Spain
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. Sunday Closed
From $ 6
Illa Fantasia
A fun-packed family day out can be had at Illa Fantasia Water Park, half an hour north of Barcelona city center in the seaside town of Vilassar de Dalt. With more than 20 rides and several large swimming and wave pools, the park is one of Europe’s largest; for toddlers there are gentle lazy river rides and baby pools to splash around in, while adrenaline-junky youngsters will love the hair-raising speed rides and races through tubes and spirals. As well as all the watery attractions, the park also offers mini-golf, a kiddies’ playground and a pirate ship to explore. There are also several eating options – from picnic tables and barbecue pits to stalls selling fast food or the formal EL Chef restaurant. Family-friendly facilities also include lockers, free car parking and plenty of shade for hot summer days.
Practical Info
Finca Mas Brassó, s/n, Vilassar de Dalt. Open from June 8 until September 13. Hours are: June & September daily 10am–6pm; July–August daily 10am–1pm. Admission costs €26 for adults and €16.50 for seniors and children. A half-hour from the city center; access is best by free Illa Fantasia shuttle bus from various points in the city or Metro Line R1 to Premià del Mar and free shuttle bus (five minutes); alternatively take the 25 km (15.5 mile) drive from the center of Barcelona along the C-32 road towards Mataró and turn off at exit 92.
Address: Finca Mas Brassó, s/n, Vilassar de Dalt, Barcelona, Catalunya 08339, Spain
Hours: Daily from June 8–Sept 13. June & Sept daily 10am–6pm; Jul–Aug daily 10am–1pm.
Admission: Adults: €26; Children & Seniors: €16.50
From $ 32
History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d'Historia de Catalunya)
As the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona is the center of the region’s history; and there is no better place to take it all in than the History Museum of Catalonia. Catalonia has long struggled with preserving its culture and independence, and this museum seeks to raise awareness about the heritage and identity of the Catalan people.
In-depth interactive exhibits focus on the development of Catalonia from prehistory through the growth of various industries to present day. The exhibits focused on the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s rule are particularly well done. The museum explains the occupation of the region throughout the years by the Romans, the Moors, and others — each leaving their own mark on the culture. In addition to the permanent collection, there are consistently good temporary exhibitions as well as a library, restaurant, and open-air rooftop. The museum is housed in the Palau de Mar, which has a history and significance of its own.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Port Vell in Barcelona at Moll de la Barceloneta. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, but is closed on Mondays. Entry is 4.50 euros and the closest metro stop is Barceloneta.
Address: Palau de Mar, Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Admission: 4.50 euros
From $ 8
Hammam Al Andalus Malaga
Centuries ago, when Spain was under Muslim rule, Arab baths could be found in locations throughout the south. These hammams are said to have served as places of purification, hygiene and relaxation. Though few remain, you can still get a feel—in more ways than one—for what these tranquil getaways were like by experiencing the Hammam Al Andalus in Malaga.
Located in a historic building just off Martyers Square and next to an old Mudejar-towered church, this hammam—or Arab bath—features Moorish-inspired architecture. Think details such as horseshoe-shaped arches, colorful tiled walls, and ethereal lighting created by star-shaped skylights in the overhead dome.
As is tradition, the Hammam Al Andalus has cold, warm and hot baths, as well as a steam room, and rest room, where you can relax and sip on traditional mint tea. Lasting 1.5 hours, the sessions allow guests to experience the various pools when not enjoying their massage. The massages themselves can be customized to last 30 minutes (rather than 15), and to include the use of a hot stone and traditional Arabic glove (called kessa) for rubbing soap and red grape into the skin. You can also pick from a selection of essential oils aimed to relax and moisturize.
Practical Info
It is advised that reservations be made two to three days in advance. Note that guests must wear a bathing suit, although one can be purchased at the hammam if necessary. Other amenities will be provided, including a towel, blow dryer, toiletries and locker.
Address: Plaza Mártires, 5, Malaga, Spain
Hours: Daytime: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm;
Evening: 6pm-8pm & 10pm-12am
Admission: Adults 30 €-73 €; students 29,50 €
From $ 52
Jameos del Agua
Part natural wonder, part lavish beach resort, Jameos del Agua is one of the Canary Islands’ most distinctive attractions, built within a series of lava caves on Lanzarote’s northeastern coast. The masterwork of local artist and architect César Manrique, the underground complex makes innovative use of the natural volcanic landscape, formed by the eruption of the La Corona volcano some 4,000 years ago, and boasts a bar, restaurant, nightclub and swimming pool.
Built in 1968, Manrique’s creative vision centers around a series of collapsed lava tubes, or ‘Jameos’, where pressure build-up had caused the roofs to fall in, making an atmospheric location for an open-top swimming pool. Additional highlights include a series of underground galleries devoted to the island’s volcanic history, a concert hall that makes use of the natural cave acoustics, and an underground lake, famous for its endemic population of blind Albino Crab (a species found only on Lanzarote).
Practical Info
Jameos del Agua is located on the northeastern coast of Lanzarote. The caves are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while the restaurant and nightclub are open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission costs €8 for adults, €4 for children. It is free for children under 7.
Address: Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., while the restaurant and nightclub are open Tuesday Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Admission: Adults €8, Children €4, Children under 7 free
From $ 34