by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:21st May 2024
Our first taster of Spain’s top historical sites
we will returnThere’s something to be said about the reminiscing of your travels. And when I wrote my previous two posts on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal and France, I loved them. So, I thought I’m going to do one for Spain too. Firstly, I didn’t realise Spain had so many UNESCO sites, and secondly, I never realised how many we had already visited.
Gary and I usually look out for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any regions we travel to. It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t go and hunt down a slice of local history.
Some of these UNESCO sites can get a little overcrowded, and there are a few that you may never even have heard of.
However, regardless of their popularity, they are all worth a visit. Keep an eye out for part 2 of our UNESCO sites to visit in Spain.
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North, south, east or west, Spain has something for everyone.
Our first selection
We'll be discovering the following;
You can click on the link to jump to the section, and to return, just click on the title.
This town is so beautiful, and it’s full of one of my favourite styles of architecture, and that’s Moorish. Cáceres is in the Extremadura region of Spain, and the Old Town was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986.
The birds fly high around San Francisco Javier church, Cáceres
The quiet lanes of Cáceres
There’s an incredible amount of history here, take a delightful evening stroll amongst the ochre-coloured city walls and weave your way through charming tiny lanes.
Turn after turn you’re greeted with ancient towers, churches and courtyards.
Where to stay in Cáceres
Parador Cáceres
Our accommodation for the 3 nights we were in Cáceres, was at the Parador Cáceres. A comfortable & stylish hotel, central located within the Old Town
Mmmm yes, we are now in the spiritual home paella; you’ve got it, Valencia. Valencia is a beachside city on the eastern coast of Spain, and in my opinion, can easily give Barcelona a run for its money.
Silk Exchange or Llotja de la Seda, Valencia
Just after you’ve visited the bustling Mercado pop across the road to the La Lonja de la Seda. Built between 1482 and 1533 in late gothic style, the building was once used a Silk Exchange and added to the UNESCO list in 1996.
It’s beautiful inside, and with an entrance fee of just €2, it’s well worth a visit.
Where to stay in Valencia
Mon Suites Catedral
The accommodation we chose while staying in Valencia was in the apartment Mon Suites Catedral. It was incredibly central, clean, and peaceful.
Having the apartment gave us many options; however, I loved just stepping out of the door in the morning and finding a traditional café for breakfast filled with Spanish locals.
To discover the in-depth history behind Valencia’s silk trade, enjoy this 2-hour guided tour and skip the lines too.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning a mini-break. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our trip to Valencia, now you can grab the revised copy.
Perhaps I shouldn’t say it, but the Mezquita in Córdoba is probably my favourite of all the places on this Spanish list. It really stopped me in my tracks when I walked in, you hear people say you must visit, but it is incredible. You feel like you are standing in a hall of mirrors within a forest of columns; you cannot believe how many of the red and cream arcs stretch out before you.
The interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
The historic centre of Córdoba was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
Although it isn’t just the Mosque-Cathedral on the list, also included are other ancient sites around the historic city, AIcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos and the Roman bridge across the River GuadaIquivir.
The view from the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Córdoba
Enhance your incredible visit to the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, by taking a 75 minutes guided tour and also skip the queues.
Where to stay in Córdoba
Eurostars Palace
Our accommodation for the 3 nights we were in Córdoba, was at the Eurostars Palace. Quite a large modern hotel, which also had its own underground car park, which was extremely convenient.
We love Seville, and it's a great base to explore Andalucía, I love nothing more than planning a trip and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our southern Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Just outside Oviedo on the hilltops above, is the beautiful church of Santa Maria del Naranco. This church was originally built as a royal palace for Ramiro I of Asturias in 848. It was then converted into a church towards the end of the 13th century, the building is sort of simple, but equally quite impressive, and you just want to climb its ancient steps and investigate further.
The entrance to Santa Maria del Naranco, Mount Naranco, Oviedo
Nearby and still heading up Mount Naranco is the church of San Miguel de Lillo and also part of Oviedo’s UNESCO site.
If you keep climbing higher, you then get an incredible view across the Asturias countryside of northern Spain.
Where to stay in Oviedo
NH Hotel Oviedo Principado
Our accommodation for the 2 nights we were in Oviedo was at NH Hotel Oviedo Principado. It was in a very central location, we opted for a junior suite as the prices were quite reasonable.
Create your own Spanish Road Trip
If you live in the UK like us and wish to embark on your own Spanish Road Trip, then we'd recommend Brittany Ferries to deliver you to the Spanish ports of Bilbao or Santander from Portsmouth & Plymouth.
Alternatively, you could fly to your favourite destination (check our ebooker.com for price comparison) and pick up a hire car. We'd recommend RentalCars.com to find the best deal with well-known brands.
Dotted in and around Barcelona are works by Antoni Gaudi, of which the city has become so synonymous with. The buildings are so unique, and there’s no doubt when you come across one, that they are immediately recognisable as Gaudi.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
View over Porters Lodge in Park Güell
Take a wander around sunny Barcelona to find Park Güell, Casa Milà-La Pedrera and Sagrada Família, just three of the seven properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This has to be fun, jump on an eScooter and take a 2 ½ hour guided tour of Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux
For our mini break to Barcelona, we chose the rather opulent Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux, in the quiet lanes in the old town of Barcelona. It was close to the Cathedral, the Rambla and the harbour.
It offers first-class service, as you would expect.
Well, there is certainly no surprise that Alhambra Palace in Granada is on the UNESCO List. The stunning palace in the beautiful region of Andalucía was added in 1984.
A view from the gardens, Granada
We’ve now visited on two occasions, our first visit Gary and I decided to climb to the top of the hill, where the Alhambra is located. However, we arrived slightly tired in the Spanish heat, and just a little too late, as we found out that we had missed the chance of visiting inside Alhambra Palace.
Nevertheless, we were still able to tour the grounds and the castle.
Top of the Torre de la Vela, Granada
The framed Parador de Granada
So, when we decided to return to Granada in 2023, we didn’t make the same mistake, we pre-booked our fast-track tickets through Get Your Guide,
The El Partal in the Alhambra Palace, Granada
I’m so pleased we decided to return, as the inside of the Alhambra Palace is breath-taking and the stunning Moorish architecture is incredible. You’ll need to allow yourself a full day to explore Alhambra and certainly don’t miss strolling around the majestic Generalife Gardens.
The intricate details of the Alhambra Palace
Where to stay in Granada
Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula
For our stay in Granada, we chose the exquisite Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, part of the Autograph Collection, centrally located and close to the Cathedral. Quiet, relaxing and a wonder place to come back to at the end of the day exploring.
Off-site, secure parking was available at an additional cost.
Heading further north now, and we are in the historic city of Salamanca in the Castile and León region of Spain. Salamanca is a lovely city with some magnificent architecture, it has two cathedrals, one of Europe’s oldest universities and a Plaza Mayor you will immediately fall in love with.
The old Cathedral of Salamanca
What I particularly liked about Salamanca, is that it still feels like it is slightly off of the tourist radar. Where in some cities in Spain English is spoken in a lot of places, Salamanca wasn’t like that. The old city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Where to stay in Salamanca
Grand Hotel Don Gregorio
Our accommodation for the two nights we were in Salamanca was at the luxury Grand Hotel Don Gregorio. It was an excellent hotel and in a central location to the town. The parking was valet only, as your car was kept offsite.
Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
Slightly inland from Salamanca and still in the Castile and León region of Spain is the impressive walled city of Ávila. The city is encircled by an incredible 82 semi-circular towers and nine gates. It was built in the 11th century to protect the Spanish territories against the Moors.
The old city walls of Ávila
The Old Town of Ávila was inscribed onto the UNESCO List in 1985. There are plenty of historic buildings still within the walls, including the ancient Gothic cathedral and four Romanesque churches.
Why not jump on a guided tour and combine a visit to Salamanca and the walled city of Ávila and discover their history?
Where to stay in Ávila
Palacio de los Velada
Set in an impressive 16th-century palace, the Palacio de los Velada offers luxurious rooms with elegant furnishings and air conditioning. A beautiful arched gallery surrounds the bright, central courtyard.
We’re now heading to north-eastern Spain, to the picturesque city of Zaragoza in the charming region of Aragon. Zaragoza is overflowing with fascinating history, especially from the Roman era, when Caesar Augusta founded it over 2,000 years ago.
La Seo de Zaragoza
Mudéjar exterior of La Seo de Zaragoza
Zaragoza was inscribed onto the UNESCO List in 1986 for its historic Mudejar Architecture of Aragon. I adore the Mudéjar style of architecture, which combines Islamic and Christian influences to create such eye-catching monuments.
The specific Mudéjar examples found in Zaragoza are features in La Seo de Zaragoza, the Cathedral of the Savior, which sits upon the site of the old Roman Forum.
Additionally, the tower and parish church of San Pablo de Zaragoza dating from the 13th century and the exquisite surviving Mudéjar features of the Aljafería Palace of Zaragoza.
The Moorish-Taifa north side hall
If you’re visiting Zaragoza, the Aljafería Palace is a must; for just a few euros, you’ll be treated to some Moorish splendour that is very rarely seen. The royal rooms are within the north side hall of the Santa Isabel Courtyard. The Moorish architecture and marble flooring here are astonishing.
Why not jump on a private guided walking tour and discover the iconic sights of Zaragoza with a local guide.
Where to stay in Zaragoza
Silken Reino de Aragón
The hotel is very centrally located in the heart of the Old Town. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Plaza de España and a short hop to the bustling tapas bars in the El Tubo de Zaragoza district.
It has an underground car park with access next to the hotel; a daily charge is applied.
The Palmeral of Elche in southeast Spain is within the Valencia region and is an incredible sight to see. Strolling beneath the magnificent date palm canopies was surreal.
The Palmeral, or the Palm Grove of Elche, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and it is easy to understand why it is extraordinary.
The palm tree groves of Elche
These magnificent trees had been nurtured in Elche since around the fifth century BC, during the Iberian period. However, the cultivation of date palms to the extent that can be admired today was introduced to the city of Elche when the Moors arrived from North Africa towards the end of the 10th century.
Elche became an Islamic city, and evidence of the stunning Moorish architecture can be admired throughout the city.
Visitor centre in Elche Municipal Park
The Palm Grove of Elche comprises the Route of El Palmeral, Palm Grove Museum, National Artistic Garden, and Municipal Park. The Palmeral of Elche is one of the largest in the world and the only palm grove in Europe with North African origins.
Incredibly, the main Palmeral of Elche contains 97 orchards and 70,000 date palms; it is almost like a forest within a city. However, the palm tree plantations extend further out of the centre and comprise another 130,000 palms.
Where to stay in nearby Murcia
Sercotel Amistad Murcia
The hotel is very centrally located, just a 5 minutes’ walk to the historic Old Town and many of the significant sights of Murcia.
The rooms are very comfortable and clean. We chose to stroll out each morning for breakfast as we enjoy eating in local cafés. Sercotel Amistad Murcia has an underground car park; a daily charge is applied.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
More of UNESCO Spain
This is just a taster; we have another eight locations for you to explore in Spain in a post entitled - 'UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit in Spain – Part 2'. Why not check it out if?
Of course, we also listen - what other UNESCO sites in Spain should we include on our next visit to Spain? why not leave us a comment below?
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