Regardless of your vacation personality, there are certain experiences and attractions that you can’t miss when traveling to Spain. We compiled a list of our favorite destination experiences that will show you the very best that Spain has to offer.
Whether your cruise travels from the Atlantic past Gibraltar or from Spain to the eastern Mediterranean, you will likely visit the port city of Barcelona. So, this is where we will start our tour of Spain.
Location: Barcelona
Destination: Park Güell
This is a lovely garden complex on Carmel Hill that offers gracious panoramic views of Barcelona from the park’s main terrace. Park Güell is decorated with beautiful serpentine benches and colorful mosaics that sit upon a backdrop of lush foliage. Throughout the garden are colonnades, fountains and sculptures designed by famed architect, Antoni Gaudi, in his distinct style. To experience more architectural wonders from Barcelona’s most renowned urban designer, visit both Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, two of his most famous accomplishments.
Location: Malaga
Destination: Casa Natal
Casa Natal on Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of one of the most notable 20th-century figures: Pablo Picasso. We believe every visit to Malaga should pay tribute to this revolutionary artist. The intimate setting showcases a small collection of Pablo Picasso’s artwork as well as artifacts from his youth. From there, visitors can walk to the Picasso Museum, just a few minutes away, to revel in a larger display of his paintings.
Location: La Coruna
Destination: Plaza de Maria Pita
Our favorite location in this beautiful coastal city that hugs the Bay of Biscay is Plaza de Maria Pita. When visiting, if you lookout for a blue umbrella, you can join a free guided tour of the city. This is such a unique way to explore major landmarks, such as San Carlos Garden and Real Street, and to learn legends and myths about the city, as well as the story of an unexpected heroin. Your experienced tour guide will also venture to Lugo Square, a vibrant local market that is signature to Spanish living.
For trips to La Coruna, Barcelona and Malaga explore the sail dates on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas. Click here!
Location: Valencia
Destination: Barrio del Carmen
When traveling to Valencia, you absolutely must follow the beaten path to Barrio del Carmen, the most bohemian part of the city. Barrio del Carmen took shape in medieval times. It is situated just outside 11th-century Moorish architecture but within 14th-century Christian walls. The shaded alleys in this part of town have been converted into hip boutiques, bars, and restaurants. After you grab a cold drink and a plate of tapas, walk over and check out fragments of Valencia’s late-medieval defenses at Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos.
Location: Gibraltar
Destination: St. Michael’s Cave
St. Michael’s Cave offers an experience you won’t find in the city. It is situated almost 900 feet above sea level and is crammed full of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. During World War II excavation work, archaeologists discovered the Lower St. Michael’s Cave, which contains a small underground lake and many more breathtaking chambers. When visiting St. Michael’s Cave, ask about the legends surrounding the area. Some believe there is an underground tunnel leading into Africa!
Location: Bilbao
Destination: The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most impressive modern structures in Spain. Completed in 1997 and designed by Frank Gehry, the museum boasts 19 galleries with exhibits on contemporary art, giving precedence to Basque artists. Despite the cultural treasures that lie within, we’re sure most of your time will be spent outside in awe, following the lines of titanium and glass cladding surrounding the museum.
If you’d like to sail to Valencia, Gibraltar, Bilbao and even more great destinations, travel with Celebrity Cruises on one of their highly acclaimed modern luxury ships, the Celebrity Reflection. View sail dates here!
Conclusion
There are so many wonderful destinations to experience when visiting Spain, it’s impossible to put them all on this list. Speak with your Personal Vacation Manager for a full list of shore excursions and recommended experiences at your port destination. For more outstanding itineraries sailing to Spain and beyond, click here, or speak with our Personal Vacation Managers® 800-709-9507. They will make sure you experience all of Spain’s best destinations!
