Excellent beaches, mouth-watering food, and lots of cultural activities. It seems Autumn is the time to visit Spain.
With Spain announcing free rail journeys from September until the end of the year on commuter and medium-distance routes, the Iberian peninsula becomes the best place to travel in Europe this Autumn. Additionally, while most of northern Europe’s summertime is over and the temperatures in Germany, France, and Scandinavia will drop in September, Spain is considered a year-round destination.
Spain is enormous, and traveling the whole country can take weeks or even months if you don’t want to miss essential spots. However, if you are a first-timer with little time and want to make the most of it, I have you covered.
These are three places each first-timer in Spain should visit along the Mediterranean coast.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It’s known for its art, culture, and architecture, as well as its vibrant atmosphere. For those who want to escape the heat, the city has many museums, including the Museum of Catalan Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Barcelona is also home to the world-famous La Sagrada Familia church, designed by Antoni Gaudi. The church is one of Spain’s most visited tourist attractions due to its stunningly ornate architecture and fascinating backstory.
In addition to its art and culture, Barcelona is a popular destination for shopping and nightlife. The city has many boutique shops, luxury brands, and a lively nightlife scene. Barcelona is an incredibly diverse and vibrant city with something to offer everyone.
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Tarragona
Tarragona notoriously boasts some of the best Roman ruins in Spain, an excellent choice for history buffs. Settled in the center of the Costa Dorada, its seaside setting means you’ll benefit from a fresh breeze rolling in and some freshest seafood around.
Once you’ve finished visiting the historic city, take advantage of being close to some of the gorgeous beaches in this area. Head to the shore for a day, paddling in the waves. This is the best activity for those who want the city’s and nature’s best.
Conveniently, Tarragona is easy enough to get to from Barcelona. If you want to move around while on holiday, you can incorporate both destinations into your perfect holiday itinerary. The trip takes just over an hour by train from Barcelona-Sants.
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Valencia
This is is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, and it’s often overlooked by tourists in favor of these noisier neighboring cities. But with a long history dating back to the Roman Empire, it has been an important cultural and economic center for centuries, and there are plenty of reasons for it to be on your Spanish holiday tick list.
Today, Valencia is known for its lively nightlife, its delicious food, and its beautiful beaches. In fact, the city is the birthplace of paella, the now world-famous Spanish dish made from saffron rice simmered with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a party or a place to relax, Valencia is sure to have something for you.
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