Spain’s many palaces and castles, ancient and modern architecture, and variety of things to do will leave you feeling like you’re missing out (FOMO). We’ve selected the most thrilling locations, guaranteed to take your breath away and motivate your Instagram followers to, well, follow in your footsteps.
While well-known cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada make for great Instagram material, Spain is also home to a number of lesser-known but no less magnificent locations. If you are also planning a trip to Spain and are looking for beautiful destinations to take beautiful pictures in, you will find this list of the most Instagramable spots in Spain useful.
16 Most Instagramable Spots in Spain
- Alhambra in Granada
- Alquezar
- Costa Brava
- village of Ronda
- Frigiliana
- Brihuega
- The City of Arts and Science
- Potes
- Toledo
- Debod temple
- The Crystal Palace in Madrid
- The monastery of Montserrat
- Catedrales Beach in Lugo
- The ancient town of Las Médulas
- Cuenca
- Laguardia
1. Alhambra in Granada
Granada, in southern Spain, is a charming city that’s home to some of the country’s most photogenic landmarks. The Alhambra, a palace atop a hill and a World Heritage Site, may be found in this fortress of splendor.
As one of Spain’s most photogenic buildings, this Moorish palace and fortification is sure to impress. The structure dates back to the years 1238-1358, adding another layer of history. The facade is adorned with intricate, vividly colored carvings of Arabic calligraphy and geometric motifs.
The Alhambra has numerous ideal settings for photographs. Gates, covered walkways, ceiling decorations, quaint patios, and majestic halls await you as you explore the complex.
2. Alquezar / Alcázar
Alcázar is located in the southern city of Sevilla. Sevilla is rich in cultural and historical landmarks. The Real Alcázar of Sevilla is the most famous of these, a royal palace decorated in Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The Alcázar is one of the top Spanish photo locations due to its stunning architecture.
The tenth century saw the construction of this regal residence. It’s a beautiful representation of the mudéjar style, which combines Islamic and Christian aesthetics. You’d be struggling to find a spot in Real Alcázar that isn’t photogenic, what with its beautifully carved arches and artistic themes and the Arabic inscriptions adorning the walls.
You have probably heard of the famous TV show, Game of Thrones. The settings of each season of Game of Thrones have been spectacular. The Real Alcázar was included in the fifth season of the hit TV show, “Game of Thrones,” which makes it a perfect spot for taking memorable pictures and videos.
3. Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a magnificent length of coastline in northeastern Spain that extends for over 200 kilometers. The Costa Brava is ideal for those who value nature and exploration because it remains relatively untouched in comparison to other renowned Spanish beach resorts.
Costa Brava is loved by both domestic and international vacationers. Countless Spanish cities and towns dot the rugged coastline, making it a prime location for stunning photographs.
4. village of Ronda
Although it is located in Andalusia, many tourists to the Malaga area of Spain overlook the picturesque town of Ronda. It has an amazing view atop a mountain. The city is filled with historic buildings, charming plazas, and winding cobblestone streets.
Placed high above the El Tajo gorge lies the picturesque and historically significant village of Ronda. The bridge, built in the 18th century, is a favorite photo op because of its picturesque setting. A neighboring viewpoint offers some of the best vistas of Ronda and the sheer rock wall that drops into the gorge below. The village is an Instagrammer’s dream, with its winding cobblestone lanes and tightly packed, whitewashed buildings. Another charming aspect of the setting begs to be captured at every step.
The Banos Arabes, a beautiful Moorish bathhouse, and the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, are two more of Ronda’s must-see attractions.
5. Frigiliana
The picturesque village of Frigiliana in Andalusia, southern Spain, is renowned for its picturesque whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The settlement, nestled at the base of the Sierra de Almijara, is a dream location for photographers.
The Plaza de las Tres Culturas is a beautiful plaza in the heart of Frigiliana, surrounded by historic buildings and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The square is a great place to relax and take in the spirit of the neighborhood, making it a popular spot among local photographers.
The Rio Higueron, a magnificent river that winds through the countryside beyond the village, and the Church of San Antonio, a gorgeous church built in the 17th century, are two other attractions in Frigiliana that you simply must see.
Instagrammers, this picturesque town is your dream. A new stunning aspect of this stunning location presents itself around every corner of a narrow pedestrian street. Over the railings of the white houses, bright pink blossoms cascade. Blue doors with ceramic planters on either side. The intricate patterns etched into the cobblestone streets of this sleepy village are a welcome addition to any snapshot.
6. Brihuega
You don’t have to travel all the way to the Provence region of France or the Netherlands to enjoy the beauty of lavender fields. Brihuega, a little hamlet in the Guadalajara region, is only an hour away from Madrid. It hosts a Lavender Festival in July and is surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful lavender fields.
Posts and stories of tourists strolling through blooming lavender fields are nearly mandatory for Instagrammers who enjoy traveling. The view is stunning in every way. The perfume is overpowering, and the sky is a brilliant purple with green highlights visible in every direction.
Naturally, you need to pick the appropriate time of the year to visit. Plan your trip for the month of July, but try to be there after the middle of the month when the flowers are at their peak.
7. The City of Arts and Science
Famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was responsible for designing Valencia’s vast City of Arts and Sciences. It’s one of the best places to take pictures in Valencia, and it’s also one of the most photogenic spots in all of Spain. Everything here is cutting-edge and futuristic.
Everything here is cutting-edge and futuristic. The structures are spectacular, and there are many fun things to do there. A planetarium, a museum of science, and an opera theatre may all be found within this complex of cutting-edge structures. L’Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, is also located here; it’s home to more than 45,000 marine creatures.
8. Potes
In the middle of the Picos de Europa, you’ll find this little settlement. The town is split in two by a river, and at its center stands a beautiful stone bridge. It’s a great area for photographers, thanks to the picturesque stone homes and flower boxes.
There is nothing more adorable than this little medieval town. It occupies a picturesque valley in the European mountains known as the Picos. The settlement is surrounded by verdant mountains, and a number of rivers flow through it. The town’s charming stone buildings and bridges make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a simpler era. All of this makes this small town the perfect place to take some of the most beautiful pictures of your life.
9. Toledo
Centrally located in Spain, on a hill overlooking the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, lies the old city of Toledo. The city is the regional capital, and its medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian landmarks make it a popular tourist destination.
Consuegra’s big white windmills are an Instagrammable landmark in the heart of the La Mancha countryside; they gained fame courtesy of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote de la Mancha. The Castillo de la Muela, a fortification built in the 10th century, is right next to them, and it is a great vantage point from which to shoot some unique images. It’s a great place to visit for families with children.
10. Debod Temple
The Templo of Debod was originally located in Egypt but was dismantled, relocated, and reconstructed in Madrid. The construction of the temple, using techniques and materials from 200 BCE, provides a glimpse into antiquity.
The Temple of Debod is located in the middle of Madrid. The Templo de Debod is open to you without charge. Use this chance to your advantage. Seeing the sunset over this historic landmark is an experience not to be missed. People gather in the gardens around sunset to take in the sights of the setting sun and Almudena Cathedral.
To get to Plaza de Espaa from the airport, take line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, switch to line 10, and exit at Plaza de Espaa. The Royal Palace and the Temple are only a short distance apart.
11. The Crystal Palace in Madrid
The Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park is widely regarded as the best location in all of Madrid to capture stunning photographic memories.
The Palacio de Cristal, or the Crystal Palace, often known as the Glass Palace, is a stunning conservatory built primarily out of glass and iron. Because of how much of the sky and trees can be seen through the glass, those who enter the building may have the impression that they are still outside.
Originally constructed as a massive greenhouse to display tropical flora during the Philippine Islands Flora Exhibition, this grand palace now serves as a permanent location for the Reina Sofa Museum’s traveling exhibitions. The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park served as an inspiration for its design.
The one-of-a-kind architecture provides excellent picture opportunities. In addition, it is situated next to a beautiful lake and fountain. Two miles east of Madrid’s downtown, you’ll discover this glass palace in the middle of Parque de El Retiro.
12. The Monastery of Montserrat
About an hour’s drive from Barcelona, in the beautiful Montserrat mountain range, you’ll find Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the ninth century.
Some monks settled down in urban areas, while others sought the solitude of the mountains. This sacred site has served the region’s spiritual needs for a millennium. Seventy monks still live in Montserrat now.
Easily accessible from Barcelona, the monastery of Montserrat sits on a cliff in the Catalan highlands, among the best picture opportunities in all of Spain and all of Europe. Explore the trails leading up to Montserrat Abbey and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Santa Cova church is another must-see location in the nearby area, as it was carved into the side of the mountain.
13. Catedrales Beach in Lugo
The Playa de las Catedrales in Lugo is one of the seven wonders of Galicia. With cliffs higher than 30 meters, the sea and wind have carved out beautiful columns, arches, and vaults in the slate walls, making for a surreal and otherworldly setting. If you want that picture-perfect shot, you’ll need to wait for the tide to go out.
The Cantabric coast Spanish beach is about ten kilometers west of Ribadeo, in the municipality of Ribadeo, province of Lugo. Authorities have chosen to limit visitor numbers in order to safeguard the area from overuse. If you plan on visiting the area, you must reserve a free ticket in advance on the Internet.
14. the ancient town of Las Médulas
Located in the Castilla y Leon autonomous community, the Roman mining town of Las Médulas dates back to the first century AD. Its beautiful red rock formations, verdant woods, and rushing rivers have made it famous.
The Mirador de Orellan is a popular picturesque point in Las Médulas, and for a good reason: it provides breathtaking panoramas of the entire park and beyond.
The Pozo de las Lomas is another beautiful spot with a beautiful natural pool with clean waters, and the Monastery of San Pedro de Montes is a historic monastery dating back to the 10th century.
15. Cuenca
Cuenca, a stunning city in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, is an Instagrammer’s dream. With its winding cobblestone streets, historic churches, and picturesque plazas, Cuenca is a photographer’s dream.
One of Cuenca’s most attractive spots is the old Casas Colgadas, a cluster of houses that hangs precariously over a steep valley. These kinds of homes were common in the past around the eastern edge of the historic city, close to the Huécar River gorge. However, there is now just a handful left. Therefore, it is being protected not simply as a tourist attraction but also for its historical value. Photographers aiming for a truly breathtaking snap often flock to the buildings.
Other must-sees in Cuenca are the Enchanted City, a natural marvel known for its distinctive rock formations, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, a spectacular Gothic tower from the 12th century.
16. Laguardia
Laguardia, a picturesque medieval village in the midst of the scenic Rioja wine region, with views of vineyards, tiny alleyways, and historic churches, is a fantastic spot for taking pictures.
An amazing picturesque spot in the Laguardia city is the Bodega Ysios, a magnificent winery in Laguardia and it was created by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The distinctive and hypnotizing design of their buildings makes them perfect photo subjects.
Plaza Mayor, a delightful plaza surrounded by old buildings, and the Church of Santa Mara de Los Reyes, a stunning Gothic church from the 14th century, are both must-sees in the area.
Conclusion
There are some of the countless undiscovered jewels and picture-perfect locations in Spain.
Alhambra in Granada and the Costa Brava are home to breathtaking scenery, while Ronda and Laguardia are brimming with old-world charm. The natural attractions of Potes and Las Medulas, the historical sites of Cuenca and Alquezar, the modern attractions of The City of Arts and Science, and the Mediterranean splendors of Frigiliana all provide picture-perfect photo ops.
There is something for everyone to enjoy in Spain’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, whether they are nature lovers, adventurers, or cultural vultures.
Discover these undiscovered treasures, make some great experiences, and add some flair to your Instagram account.