5. Madrid
As Spain's capital, Madrid is probably one of the biggest Spanish destinations for Americans who come to Spain. I visited Madrid over Christmas break and was there for about three days. In my opinion, Madrid was my least favorite city that I visited in Spain. Basically it is like New York City without Times Square and Broadway. Will I was there, it was relatively crowded with people from all over.
I think one of my biggest problems with the city is how unwalkable it is. I'm a cheap traveler so I pretty much try to walk everywhere I go when I visit a city. To me it seemed like the main areas of interest were on opposite sides of the city and I wore myself out walking between them.
The pros of the city are the Reina Sofia Museum which is free for a few hours on Sundays (and features Picasso's Guernica) and the Sunday market that has anything and everything. That plazas are also beautiful and the palace is a must see just for its sheer size.
Overall I think I just expected more from Madrid. It was nice, and obviously I cannot complain about any of my travels in Spain, but to me it did not offer as much as the other cities I have seen.
4. Almeria
I want to begin with saying that obviously it is hard to compare Almeria to these other big cities that are so famous, but since it is where I have spent the most time, I had to include it.
Almeria is beautiful and it really is a gem that most people don't find. Almeria has beautiful beaches, an awesome downtown area with lots of shops, and its own "Moorish fortress." On the weekends I love to just take the bus into Almeria and walk around, maybe get some food, go for a walk along the beach, and just hangout.
I love how walkable Almeria is and it is really beautiful. It is obviously not a big city, but for me that is kind of a plus; at least in a place where I am spending a lot of time (more than just a visit).
My first experience in Spain was in Barcelona, I spent a total of three and a half days there. I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of this city. From Parc Guell, to Gaudi's buildings, to the Sagrada Familia, to the paseo, to the beach, I was constantly in awe of the beauty in this city.
Although Barcelona is massive the metro is pretty easy to figure out and it is also very walking friendly. One day I literally walked from a mountain (or hill) to the sea and I was able to walk it with no problem.
I'm willing to admit that Barcelona probably would have a higher rating if I had spent more time there, three days is just not enough for such and incredible city. I think the best way I can describe this city is vibrant. All my memories of the city are just full of discovery, warmth, and amazement.
2. Granada
I was blessed enough to be able to visit Granada three times while I have been in Spain. Even more luckily I managed to see it in the fall, winter, and spring. Although the city is beautiful no matter what, I recommend the spring because of the smell of the orange trees.
I saw so much in Granada in my visits there. I hiked to the most beautiful view of the city, rode the tourism train all around the city, lost a few cars there, ate some incredible food, and bought most of my souvenirs here.
This past time I "visited" the Alhambra. Basically all I saw was a poorly lit portion of the gardens of the Alhambra, but it was beautiful. Pretty much if you want to see the actual inside of theAlhambra you have to book tickets AT LEAST four months in advance, probably more. It is also nice to look at rom afar.
This city has so much history to it and with the mix of Muslim and Catholic influence of the architecture, it makes for some pretty awesome sights.
1. Valencia
For those of you who have traveled Spain or read a decent amount about Spain, you may find my number one choice surprising... but if you've visited Valencia, maybe you agree.
Valencia was my unexpected discovery that I just kind of visited because it was relatively close to Madrid. I visited Valencia over Christmas break for two days. From the second I arrived I was amazed.
In Valencia my plan of attack was just to wander around and see whatever I stumbled upon. My overwhelming opinion of Valencia is the absolute gem it is for architecture. As someone who is relatively interested in architecture, and even considered being and architect at once point, this city stole a special place in my heart.
Once again, the walkability of the city was very good. One thing I was not willing to walk to was the City of Arts and Sciences, but I was able to rent a bike and had a nice ride down to see the incredible buildings down in this part of Valencia.
Another notable thing in Valencia is the Ceramics Museum, which I just kind of stumbled into and ended up loving. I am someone who in general does not like museums too much, but this one said ceramics so I wanted to check it out, plus it was free with a student ID. Never mind the ceramics, the rooms were GORGEOUS. You just have to see of yourself, because I totally loved it.
And that is that...
Spain is nice to visit, you should do it.
Obviously, if you are considering moving here for ten months I ask you seriously consider what you are getting yourself into, but definitely visit for a little while if you have the chance.
Also, if you happen to get the crazy idea that you want to come see what Huercal de Almeria is about, go check yourself into an asylum. The other day I google image searched Huercal de Almeria... this was the fourth picture that came up:
If that tells you anything...
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