I’ve spent 7 months living in Spain and visited countless times over the years, so trust me when I say, this country is packed with breathtaking places. From the buzzing streets of Barcelona to the dreamy beaches of Andalusia, Spain has something magical around every corner. Whether you’re into historic cities, charming coastal towns, or jaw-dropping landscapes, these 19 spots are some of the prettiest you’ll find. Get ready to fall in love with Spain all over again!
Top Instagram Spots in Spain at a Glance
Here are my favorite Instagram locations in Spain, which I will cover in more detail below.
- Best Historical Instagram Spot: Alhambra in Granada
- Most Iconic Architecture: Sagrada Família in Barcelona
- Best for Game of Thrones Fans: Real Alcázar in Sevilla
- Top Spot for Nature Photography: Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park
- Best Modern Photo Spot: City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
- Best Roman Structure: Aqueduct of Segovia
- Best Bridge Photo Opportunity: Puente Nuevo in Ronda
- Best Whitewashed Village: Vejer de la Frontera
- Best Plaza for Architecture and Culture: Plaza de España in Sevilla
- Best Castle Perched on a Hill: Castell de Morella
- Most Unique Cave Dwellings: Setenil de las Bodegas
- Most Colorful Park: Parc Güell in Barcelona
- Best for Cultural Fusion Architecture: Mezquita Cathedral in Córdoba
- Best Clifftop Retreat: Montserrat Monastery
- Largest Royal Palace: Palacio Real de Madrid
- Best Coastal Scenery: Costa Brava in Catalonia
- Most Surreal Desert Landscape: Bardenas Reales Natural Reserve
- Best Contemporary Art Spot: Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- Best Pilgrimage Destination: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia
Now, let’s dive into all the coolest photo spots you should know about in 2024-2025.
1. Alhambra in Granada
Granada‘s got this magic that’s hard to explain, and honestly, the Alhambra is the main reason why. I spent an entire afternoon here last year and still felt like I needed more time. The palace complex is absolutely stunning – those intricate Islamic carvings and peaceful courtyards will blow your mind.
Here’s the deal though: you HAVE to book tickets in advance. Like, way in advance. General admission is €21 for 2025, and tickets sell out months ahead, especially in spring and summer. The official website is your best bet, and don’t fall for those street vendors telling you it’s sold out – they’re just trying to sell overpriced tours.
You get a specific time slot for the Nasrid Palaces (the crown jewel), so don’t be late or you’ll lose your chance. I learned this the hard way when I saw two tourists get turned away. The gardens are gorgeous year-round, but spring is incredible when everything’s blooming. Plan for at least 3-4 hours, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. The views over Granada from the Generalife gardens are worth the climb alone.
Pro tip: if general tickets are sold out, try the night visits – they’re magical and less crowded.
Looking for Alhambra Instagram captions? Check out my IG post here!
2. Sagrada Família in Barcelona
This is it – Barcelona‘s crown jewel and honestly one of the most mind-blowing buildings I’ve ever seen. Gaudí was absolutely insane (in the best way), and walking inside feels like stepping into a forest made of stone. The light streaming through those stained glass windows is pure magic, especially in the afternoon.
2025 is actually historic – they’re saying the main structure will finally be completed in 2026, so you’re literally watching the final stages of a 144-year construction project. Tickets are €26 for basic entry, but honestly, spend the extra €10 for tower access. The views of Barcelona from up there are incredible, and you get to see the ongoing construction work up close.
Book online weeks ahead – this place gets over 4.5 million visitors a year. The lines can be brutal, sometimes 2+ hours during peak season. I always recommend the first time slot (9:30am) or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds. The audio guide is included and actually worth listening to – Gaudí‘s symbolism is wild once you understand it. Give yourself at least 2 hours inside, and definitely walk around the exterior too. Each facade tells a completely different story.
3. Real Alcázar in Sevilla
Game of Thrones fans, this one’s for you – the Real Alcázar was literally Dorne in the show. But even if you couldn’t care less about the series, this royal palace is absolutely gorgeous. The Mudéjar architecture is stunning, and those gardens go on forever.
Tickets are €15.50, which is a steal for what you get. The catch? You need timed entry tickets, and they sell out fast. Book through the official website at least a few days ahead. I actually prefer afternoon visits – the light in those courtyards is perfect for photos around 4-6pm.
The palace is still used by the royal family when they’re in Sevilla, so occasionally parts get closed off. Don’t stress about it – there’s still tons to see. The gardens are massive, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in summer when it gets brutally hot. I spent about 2 hours here and could’ve easily stayed longer.
Skip the Royal Apartments tour unless you’re really into royal history – the main palace and gardens are the real stars. And honestly, the free hour on Monday afternoons (4-5pm in winter, 4-7pm in summer) is worth trying if you’re on a budget, though you’ll need to reserve even those free tickets online.
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4. Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park
This place is honestly Spain‘s best-kept secret. Tucked up in the Pyrenees near the French border, Ordesa is absolutely stunning – think dramatic waterfalls, deep valleys, and peaks that’ll make your jaw drop. I went in October and the autumn colors were insane.
The park’s free to enter (finally, something that doesn’t cost a fortune!), but parking can be tricky in peak season. Get there early – I’m talking 8am early – to snag a parking spot at Pradera de Ordesa. The main trail to the Cola de Caballo waterfall is about 16km round trip, but honestly worth every step.
Weather changes fast up here, so bring layers even in summer. I got caught in a sudden rainstorm and was soaked within minutes. The waterfalls are most impressive in spring when the snow melts, but autumn has those incredible colors. Winter can be brutal with snow, so check conditions first.
The park gets packed on weekends and Spanish holidays, so weekdays are your friend. There’s a decent cafe at the entrance, but bring snacks for longer hikes. This isn’t your typical tourist trap – it’s proper hiking territory, but the payoff is incredible if you’re into nature photography.
5. City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
Valencia doesn’t get enough love, but the City of Arts and Sciences is genuinely mind-blowing. Santiago Calatrava designed this futuristic complex, and it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. I spent a whole day here and barely scratched the surface.
The Oceanografic aquarium is Europe’s largest and honestly amazing – €32 gets you in, and it’s worth every euro. The Science Museum is great if you’re into interactive exhibits (€8), and the Hemisferic IMAX theater is pretty cool too (€8.50). You can get combo tickets that save you money if you’re planning to hit multiple buildings.
Best time for photos is definitely early morning or late afternoon when the white buildings aren’t blindingly bright. The reflecting pools create amazing mirror shots, especially when it’s calm. I love coming here at sunset – the buildings light up and look incredible against the evening sky.
Free tip: you can walk around the entire complex for free and get great photos without paying for any exhibits. The architecture alone is worth the trip. Parking can be expensive (€2+ per hour), but the metro stops right there, which is way easier anyway.
6. Aqueduct of Segovia
This 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct is absolutely incredible – it’s wild that something this old is still standing. The engineering is mind-blowing when you think about it, and the photos you’ll get in Segovia‘s main square are pretty epic.
The aqueduct itself is free to see (obviously), and you can walk right up to it. Best photo spot is from the Plaza del Azoguejo – you can get those classic shots looking up at the arches. I actually climbed up to the Mirador de la Canaleja for overhead shots, which took about 15 minutes but was totally worth it.
Segovia is about an hour from Madrid by high-speed train (€13-20 depending on time), which makes it a perfect day trip. The town’s pretty touristy, especially on weekends, but the aqueduct is impressive enough to handle the crowds. Early morning is best for photos without tons of people in them.
While you’re there, the Segovia Cathedral and Alcázar are worth seeing too, but honestly, the aqueduct is the main event. I grabbed lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking it – touristy but the views made up for the mediocre food. Bring a jacket even in summer – Segovia sits high up and can get windy.
7. Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Ronda is one of those places that looks impossible – this bridge literally hangs over a 300-foot gorge, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. I stood there for probably 20 minutes just staring down into the Tajo Gorge, trying to wrap my head around the engineering.
The best viewpoint is from the Camino de los Molinos path, which takes you down into the gorge itself. It’s about a 15-minute walk down, and you get those incredible shots looking up at the bridge. Most tourists just see it from the main plaza, but the gorge view is where the magic happens.
Ronda is about 90 minutes from Málaga by car, or you can take the train (€10-15, pretty scenic route). The town gets absolutely packed with tour buses during the day, so I’d recommend staying overnight if you can. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the bridge look incredible.
The bullring museum is right there too (€7), and while I’m not huge on bullfighting, the architecture is pretty impressive. There are tons of restaurants with gorge views, but they’re touristy and expensive. Still, having a beer while staring across the gorge? Pretty unforgettable. Just don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights – that drop is seriously intense.
8. Vejer de la Frontera
This white village is absolutely gorgeous – it’s like Santorini but without the insane crowds and prices. Vejer sits on top of a hill overlooking the countryside, and those narrow white streets are perfect for getting lost in.
The main square, Plaza de España, is postcard pretty, and the best part is it’s still a real town, not just a tourist attraction. I stayed here for two nights and loved how quiet it got once the day-trippers left. Most people just drive through on their way to the coast, which is honestly their loss.
Best photos are from the Mirador de la Playa – you get the whole white village spread out below you. Early morning is magical when the light hits all those white walls. The Casa del Mayorazgo has a great rooftop restaurant if you want dinner with a view (around €25 per person).
It’s about 20 minutes inland from the Costa de la Luz beaches, so you can combine it with some beach time. Parking in the old town is basically impossible, so use the lots just outside and walk up. The climb is worth it, trust me. Way less touristy than Ronda or the other white villages, which honestly makes it more special.
9. Plaza de España in Sevilla
Every Spanish city has a Plaza de España, but Sevilla‘s is absolutely the most spectacular. Built in 1929, it’s massive and gorgeous, and those ceramic tiles representing all the Spanish provinces are incredible. I probably spent an hour just walking around reading them all.
The plaza is free to visit (shocking, I know), and it’s open 24/7. Best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon – midday light is brutal and washes everything out. You can rent little boats to paddle around the moat (€6 for 35 minutes), which is touristy but actually pretty fun.
It’s in Maria Luisa Park, so you can easily combine it with a walk through the gardens. The plaza gets packed with tour groups during the day, especially cruise ship days, so timing matters. I loved coming back at night when it’s all lit up – completely different vibe and way more romantic.
Star Wars fans will recognize it from the Naboo scenes, and tons of other movies have been filmed here. There’s usually a guy with a guitar singing flamenco songs for tips, which adds to the atmosphere. The cafes around the plaza are overpriced, but sitting there with a coffee watching the world go by is pretty great.
- Read next: Beautiful Squares in Europe to Visit
10. Castell de Morella
Morella is this incredible medieval town that most people completely miss, which is honestly crazy because the castle perched on top is absolutely stunning. It’s like something out of a fairy tale, and the views from up there are incredible.
The castle ruins are €3 to enter, and the climb takes about 20 minutes through the old town walls. It’s steep but not too bad if you’re in decent shape. The views over the Maestrazgo mountains are worth every step. I went on a clear day and could see for miles in every direction.
Morella is about halfway between Valencia and Barcelona, making it a great stop if you’re road tripping. The town itself is super well preserved – those medieval walls are impressive. There are a few decent restaurants, but honestly, most people just come for photos and move on.
Best light for photos is late afternoon when the castle walls glow golden. The town gets pretty dead in winter and can be windy as hell – it sits high up on a ridge. Summer’s definitely better, though it can get hot climbing up to the castle. Parking is free just outside the walls, which is nice for a change.
11. Setenil de las Bodegas
This place is absolutely wild – houses literally built into the rock faces, with giant boulders serving as roofs. I’d seen photos but nothing prepared me for how surreal it is in person. Some houses are completely covered by overhanging rock, which kept them cool before air conditioning existed.
The most famous street is Calle Cuevas del Sol, where the houses disappear under massive rocks. It’s completely free to walk around and explore, which is great because most of the Pueblos Blancos charge for everything. The main streets can get crowded with tour buses, but duck into the side streets and you’ll have the place to yourself.
Setenil is about 20 minutes from Ronda, so most people combine them in a day trip. I actually preferred Setenil – it’s more unique and way less touristy. There are a few good tapas bars built into the caves, which is a pretty cool dining experience. Bar Las Cuevas does great local food for reasonable prices.
Best photos are from the overlook just outside town – you can see how the houses are literally carved into the cliff face. The narrow streets make photography tricky with a big camera, but phones work great. Come early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour groups and get better light on those white walls.
12. Parc Güell in Barcelona
Gaudí‘s wonderland just got way more expensive – tickets jumped from €10 to €18 in 2025, which honestly stings. But it’s still incredible if you can swallow the price increase. Those colorful mosaics and twisted architecture are pure magic, and the views over Barcelona are amazing.
You absolutely need advance tickets – they cap it at 1,400 people per hour, and it sells out constantly. Book weeks ahead, especially in summer. You get a 30-minute window to enter, so don’t be late. I always recommend the first slot (9:30am) – fewer crowds and better light for photos.
The famous mosaic salamander and serpentine bench are the main draws, but honestly, the whole place is Instagram gold. The Hypostyle Room with all those columns is pretty incredible too. Give yourself at least 2 hours to wander around properly.
Pro tip from a local guide: there’s free access to the park areas outside the monumental zone from 7-9:30am. You can’t see Gaudí‘s main works, but you get great views of Barcelona for free. The Casa-Museu Gaudí inside costs extra (€6) but is honestly skippable unless you’re a huge Gaudí fan. Those metro rides up the hill are brutal – take the 24 or H6 bus instead.
13. Mezquita Cathedral in Córdoba
This place absolutely blew my mind – it’s a mosque inside a cathedral inside a mosque, and the history is incredible. Those red and white arches go on forever, and when you stumble into the Christian cathedral section, it’s completely surreal. I spent way more time here than planned because I kept getting lost in those endless columns.
Tickets are €13 for adults, and you can buy them online or at the door. Monday mornings from 8:30-9:30am are free, but you still need to reserve online and it gets packed. I’d pay the €13 for a more relaxed experience. Audio guide is €4 extra and actually worth it – the history is complex and fascinating.
Best time is early morning right when it opens. The light filtering through is incredible, and you avoid the worst crowds. I made the mistake of going midday once and could barely move. The building is huge, so give yourself at least 90 minutes to see it properly.
Córdoba is about 45 minutes from Sevilla by high-speed train (€20-30), making it a great day trip. The Jewish Quarter around the Mezquita is beautiful too, and way less crowded than Sevilla‘s tourist areas. Don’t miss the Calleja de las Flores – it’s a tiny alley with incredible views of the Mezquita‘s bell tower.
(Check out my list of Europe’s most magnificent churches)
14. Montserrat Monastery
This monastery perched on jagged mountain peaks is absolutely stunning – I can’t imagine what it was like for monks to live up here 1,000 years ago. The train ride up is half the experience – those mountain views are incredible, and the monastery appearing through the mist is pretty magical.
The cable car or rack railway from Montserrat-Aeri station costs €13 round trip, or you can take the rack railway the whole way for €22. Both are scenic, but the cable car gives you better views. The monastery itself is free to enter, though donations are appreciated.
If you time it right, you can hear the Escolania boys’ choir at 1pm on weekdays (not during school holidays). It’s supposedly one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs and pretty incredible. The Black Madonna draws tons of pilgrims, so expect crowds around her shrine.
The hiking trails up there are fantastic if you have time – the Camí de l’Arrel gives you incredible views back toward Barcelona. I’d allow a full day if you want to hike, or 4-5 hours just for the monastery and basic walks. It gets cold up there even in summer, so bring layers. The restaurant is expensive but the views are worth it.
15. Palacio Real de Madrid
This royal palace is absolutely massive – 3,418 rooms make it one of the world’s largest palaces. The state rooms are gorgeous, though unfortunately you can’t take photos inside (which drives me crazy). The exterior is perfect for photos though, especially from the Campo del Moro gardens.
Basic tickets are €12, and you can usually buy them at the door unless it’s peak season. Wednesday and Thursday evenings (6-8pm, October-March) are free for EU citizens, but you still need to reserve online. The changing of the guard happens Wednesdays and Saturdays at noon when weather permits – pretty impressive if you catch it.
I’d skip the guided tours unless you’re really into royal history – the self-guided visit with audio guide is fine. Give yourself about 2 hours for the interior, plus time to walk around the gardens. The Armory has some incredible medieval weapons and armor if you’re into that stuff.
Best views of the palace are from across the Manzanares River or from the Temple of Debod at sunset. The Sabatini Gardens next to the palace are free and perfect for photos. Madrid at night is incredible, and the palace all lit up is definitely worth seeing after your daytime visit.
- Read next: Best Things to Do in Madrid at Night
16. Costa Brava in Catalonia
The Costa Brava is absolutely gorgeous – dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. I spent a week driving the coastal roads last summer and honestly didn’t want to leave. Cadaqués is probably the most famous town, and for good reason – those white buildings against the blue sea are postcard perfect.
Sa Tuna and Aiguablava are two of my favorite beaches – small, beautiful, and not too crowded if you avoid July and August. Begur has some great coastal walks, and the views from the castle ruins are incredible. Tossa de Mar is more touristy but the old town walls right on the beach are pretty spectacular.
Best way to explore is definitely by car – the coastal road (GI-682) is stunning but can be slow and winding. Train connections aren’t great to the smaller towns. Summer (July-August) is beautiful but packed and expensive. I loved May and September – perfect weather, fewer crowds, and way cheaper accommodation.
Girona makes a great base if you want to explore multiple towns – it’s gorgeous itself and only 30-40 minutes inland. The Dalí Museum in Figueres is worth a detour if you’re into surreal art. Many of the beach restaurants are overpriced, but the seafood is usually fantastic. Just be prepared for tourist prices in the popular spots.
17. Bardenas Reales Natural Reserve
This place looks like Mars – seriously, the landscape is so otherworldly that I kept expecting to see rovers driving around. Bardenas Reales in Navarre is this incredible desert landscape of eroded badlands, and it’s perfect for dramatic photos.
Entry is free, but you need a car to explore properly. The main route is a 45km loop that takes about 2-3 hours with photo stops. Castildetierra is the most famous rock formation and definitely worth the short walk from the parking area. The Cabezo de las Cortinillas viewpoint gives you incredible panoramic views.
Best light is definitely early morning or late afternoon – the golden hour makes those rock formations glow. Avoid midday in summer because it gets brutally hot with no shade anywhere. I went in October and the light was perfect. Bring water and sun protection – there’s literally nothing out there.
The nearest town is Tudela, which has decent restaurants and hotels if you want to stay overnight. Most people just do it as a day trip, but the sunrise and sunset colors are incredible if you can time it right. It’s about 90 minutes from Zaragoza or Pamplona. Feels like you’re on another planet – absolutely surreal.
18. Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Frank Gehry‘s titanium masterpiece is absolutely stunning – the building itself is as much art as anything inside. That flowing, metallic exterior changes constantly depending on the light and weather. I’ve been multiple times and it never gets old.
Museum entry is €18 for adults, and honestly worth every euro. The building tour (€6 extra) is actually pretty interesting if you’re into architecture. Jeff Koons‘ Puppy outside is Instagram gold – that 40-foot flower dog is impossible to miss. The Maman spider sculpture is pretty incredible too.
Bilbao itself is way cooler than most people expect. The old town has great pintxos bars, and the Casco Viejo is perfect for wandering around. I love the mix of old Basque architecture and modern design throughout the city. The metro stations by Norman Foster are pretty cool too if you’re into that stuff.
Best time for exterior photos is late afternoon when the titanium catches the light. Inside, give yourself at least 2-3 hours – the temporary exhibitions are usually fantastic. The museum shop is expensive but has some unique stuff you won’t find elsewhere. The Nervión River walkways give you great views of the building from different angles.
19. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia
The end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, and honestly one of the most moving places I’ve visited in Spain. Whether you’ve walked hundreds of kilometers or just driven here, seeing pilgrims finally reaching their destination is pretty incredible. The cathedral itself is stunning – that Baroque facade is absolutely massive.
Entry to the cathedral is free, though the museum and rooftop tours cost extra (€12 for the museum). If you time it right for the Botafumeiro (giant incense burner) swinging ceremony, it’s absolutely spectacular. It doesn’t happen every day, so check the schedule online.
The Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral is gorgeous, especially at night when everything’s lit up. I love staying overnight because the square empties out after the tour buses leave. The old town is perfect for wandering, and Galician food is seriously underrated – those octopus dishes are incredible.
Santiago is about 90 minutes from A Coruña by car, or there are decent train connections from major Spanish cities. The Rías Baixas wine region is close by if you want to extend your trip. Even if you’re not religious, there’s something pretty moving about being at the end point of a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route. The sense of accomplishment and spirituality is genuinely tangible.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
