Spain is a country with a wide variety of tourist destinations, from sunny beaches to historical and cultural cities. Besides the main cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, there are many interesting places to visit in the vicinity of these cities.

If you are planning a trip to Spain, you can't miss the opportunity to explore the surroundings and discover the country's hidden gems. You have the chance to discover a selection of places to visit near Spain's main cities, ranging from charming medieval towns to stunning natural parks.

Discover with Living Tours the hidden treasures and stunning landscapes that Spain has to offer beyond its big cities.

Cities and Places to visit near Madrid:

1. Toledo
2. Segovia
3. Avila
4. El Escorial
5. Valley of the Fallen

Toledo

Toledo is a historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, about 70 km south of Madrid. This city has great historical and architectural value, with many important monuments and buildings. Toledo Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and is considered one of the most impressive in Spain.

With its stunning architecture, picturesque narrow streets and rich culture, Toledo is an unmissable place to visit in Spain.

You can take a full-day tour of Toledo and appreciate its noble and imposing appearance.
 

Segovia

Segovia is a Spanish city located in the region of Castile and Leon in north-central Spain. It is known for its rich history and impressive architecture dating back to Roman and medieval times.

One of the main sights of Segovia is the Roman aqueduct, considered one of the most impressive engineering works of the ancient world and one of the city's main tourist attractions. In addition, it features the Alcazar of Segovia, which is an important tourist spot of the city, attracting visitors from all over the world to admire its impressive architecture.

Overall, Segovia is a charming city that offers a unique combination of history, architecture and gastronomy, making it a popular tourist destination in Spain.

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Segovia, taking the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings.

Avila

Avila is a Spanish city located in the region of Castile and Leon in north-central Spain. It is known for being one of the best-preserved cities of medieval Spain, with an impressive stone wall that surrounds the historic city centre. This wall is considered to be one of the best preserved in Europe and is one of the city's main tourist attractions.

In short, Avila is a fascinating and unique city offering a blend of history, culture, gastronomy and natural beauty, making it a popular tourist destination in Spain.

Ready for a full-day tour of Avila? Go back to the past and let yourself be surprised by a magical city full of history.

El Escorial

El Escorial is a monumental complex located in the Madrid region. The complex consists of a large royal palace, built in the Renaissance style and considered one of the most important examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

In addition to the main sights, El Escorial also offers beautiful natural scenery, with hiking trails and panoramic views of the nearby mountains.

El Escorial is therefore an important tourist destination in Spain, with a unique blend of history, art, religion and nature, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Take advantage and pay a visit to the Escorial Monastery, which for years was considered the eighth wonder of the world.
 

Valley of the Fallen

The Valley of the Fallen is a monumental complex located near the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the Madrid region. It was built in the 1950s by the Franco regime as a monument to the dead of the Spanish Civil War.

Today, the Valley of the Fallen is a popular tourist site in Spain and is also a sacred place of pilgrimage to honour the deaths from war.

Enjoy a tour of the Valley of the Fallen, a monumental complex important to the history of Spain, in a unique and truly unforgettable tour.
 

Cities and Places to visit near Barcelona:

1. Montserrat
2. Sitges
3. Girona
4. Tarragona
5. Costa Brava

Montserrat

Montserrat is a mountain located about 30 km (northwest) of Barcelona in Catalonia. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, known for its impressive rock formations.

The Monastery of Montserrat is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain. In addition to the Monastery, Montserrat offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors.

In short, Montserrat is the perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet refuge in the middle of an impressive landscape. If you want, you can also visit the Monastery of Montserrat, go down the mountain in the cable car and go horseback riding, led by a professional guide.

Sitges

Sitges is a seaside town located around 35 km (south) of Barcelona in the Catalonia region. It is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque architecture and rich nightlife.

One of the main attractions of Sitges is its coastline, with over 17 different beaches, each possessing a unique atmosphere. In addition to the beaches, Sitges has a rich and fascinating history, with many historical buildings and interesting monuments to explore.

In summary, Sitges is a charming and diverse place that offers a unique blend of beautiful beaches, culture and nightlife. It is a popular destination for those visiting Barcelona, offering the option of a day trip.
 

Girona

Girona is a historic city located in the region of Catalonia, about 100 km (north) of Barcelona. It is known for its impressive medieval architecture, its rich cultural heritage and its world-renowned gastronomy.

The old town of Girona, situated on the banks of the river Onyar, is a maze of streets, picturesque squares and impressive historic buildings. The highlight of the city is Girona Cathedral, a majestic Gothic church dating back to the 11th century.

Girona is a fascinating place to visit near Barcelona, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture and gastronomy.

Are you ready for a Game of Thrones tour? Here you will have the opportunity to discover the city as the setting for one of the most acclaimed series ever.

Tarragona

Tarragona is a historic city located on the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, about 100 km (southwest) of Barcelona. It is known for its impressive Roman architecture, its rich cultural heritage and its delicious local cuisine.

Tarragona's highlight is its archaeological site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves many of Spain's most important Roman monuments. Tarragona's cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is another notable attraction. Tarragona also has a rich and diverse gastronomic culture, with local dishes reflecting the Roman and Mediterranean influence on the region.

Thus, Tarragona is an exuberant place to visit near Barcelona, providing visitors with a distinctive blend of history, culture and gastronomy. It is undoubtedly the ideal destination for, for example, a full-day tour, where you can travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of the historic Roman gladiators.

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is a coastal region situated in the northeastern part of Catalonia, along the Mediterranean Sea. The area starts about 60 km (north) of Barcelona and extends to the French border. The Costa Brava is known for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, picturesque villages, rich history and vibrant culture.

The Costa Brava is a beach lover's paradise, with some of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in Spain. The Costa Brava is also rich in history and culture, with many ancient archaeological sites, medieval villages and museums that tell the story of the region.

So, the Costa Brava is an amazing place to visit near Barcelona, offering visitors a mix of stunning beaches, natural landscapes and delicious cuisine. It is a great option for those looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, an outdoor adventure trip, or, specifically, a boat trip.

Cities and Places to visit near Seville:

1. Cordoba
2. Granada
3. Cadiz
4. Doñana National Park
5. Round

Cordoba

Cordoba is a historic city in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, located around 140 km (east) of Seville. The city has a rich history and culture, dating back to Roman times, and was an important cultural and intellectual centre during the Middle Ages.

The most famous attraction in Cordoba is the Mosque-Cathedral, also known as the Great Mosque. The mosque is an impressive example of Islamic architecture and is known for its beautiful arches, pillars and decoration. Cordoba is also known for its delicious cuisine, with many traditional Andalusian dishes.

Cordoba is therefore a fascinating tourist destination to visit near Seville. Visitors can explore the city on foot and experience the unique atmosphere of this charming Andalusian city.

Granada

Granada is a historic city in southern Spain, located about 250 km (east) of Seville in the region of Andalusia. The city is known for its unique cultural heritage, its beautiful architecture and its rich history.

Granada's main tourist attraction is the Alhambra, a complex of palaces and fortresses built by the Muslim rulers of Andalusia in the 13th century. The Alhambra is an impressive example of Islamic architecture, with beautiful gardens, fountains, courtyards and prayer rooms.

In short, Granada is a stunning tourist destination to visit near Seville, with a vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. Visitors can lose themselves in the winding streets of the Albaicín, stroll through the gardens of the Alhambra and sample the unique flavours of Andalusian cuisine.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a historic city located in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia, around 125 km (southwest) of Seville. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, the city has a rich history and is known for its impressive architecture, its white sandy beaches and its lively atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Cadiz is its historic centre, which boasts narrow, picturesque streets, charming squares and beautiful churches. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, with many festivals throughout the year.

In this way, Cadiz is an interesting tourist destination to visit near Seville. You have the opportunity to explore its historic streets, relax on the sunny beaches and experience the lively and festive atmosphere of the city.

Would you like to visit the bay of Cadiz? Enjoy and contemplate its wonderful views on this tour.

Doñana National Park

The Doñana National Park is a nature reserve located in Andalusia in southern Spain, about 70 km (southwest) of Seville. The park is one of the largest natural spaces in Europe, with an area of over 500 km², and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Doñana is famous for its great diversity of ecosystems, which include forests, dunes, marshes and lakes. It is also an important migration area for birds, sheltering many rare and endangered species. The park is also a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Thus, the Doñana National Park is an interesting choice of tour near Seville for nature and wildlife lovers. With its unique natural landscapes, the park is a natural treasure of Andalusia.

Ronda

Ronda is a historic town located in the Málaga region, about 130 km (east) of Seville in Andalusia.

The town has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is home to many ruins and historical monuments, including the Roman wall and the ancient bullfighting arena, one of the oldest in Spain. As well as exploring the city's history, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding.

In summary, Ronda is a lovely place to visit near Seville. With its impressive natural landscape, it is a popular destination for travellers wishing to experience the beauty of Andalusia and explore its traditions and culture.

Enjoy a full day visit to Ronda and fall in love with the Andalusian spirit.

Having got to know some of the most interesting places near Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, you can now take the opportunity to further explore these wonderful destinations in Spain. Make the most of your trip with a wide and diverse offer of excursions and sightseeing tours offered by Living Tours in Portugal and Spain. Also, find more inspiration and travel ideas on our Living Magazine blog.