Magnificent Spain: 10 Unmissable Places

From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean and from there to the Atlantic, Spain is more diverse than the stereotypes would have you believe. Paella and bullfighting may be Spanish, but neither defines this country truly. You'll see a great culture in Spain, more than you would expect.

Discover Catalan culture in Barcelona, complete with dreamlike buildings thanks to Gaudí. Try pintxos, the Basque take on tapas, in the north-west, and see the mark left by Moorish architecture in Andalusia in the south.

There's much more besides. And that's without even mentioning the beaches of Spain's famous coast, or the incredible Roman ruins dotted across the country - especially Segovia, with its aqueduct. Expect history, good food and plenty of sunshine, all in healthy doses. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Spain:

10Santiago de Compostela

The capital of the Galicia region in north-western Spain, Santiago de Compostela is famous as the final destination of the traditional pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage is important to many Christians because Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the place where St James, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is buried. Today, the city attracts thousands of visitors every year, both for its religious tradition and for its history. The arrival point for most pilgrims is the main square, Praza do Obradoiro. Located in the heart of the city, this lively square is the setting of many important monuments, in particular the Cathedral of Santiago, where the tomb of St James lies.

9Toledo

Perched on top of a mountain in central Spain, Toledo was the Spanish capital until the 16th century. Because it was inhabited by Jews, Christians and Muslims for many centuries, the city is sometimes called the "City of Three Cultures". Today, Toledo is a popular destination for its wealth of art and historic architecture dating back to the Roman empire. The best thing to do in Toledo is to get lost among the medieval streets and admire the old architecture, which includes a splendid cathedral, the synagogue and the mosque.

8Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the province of Cordoba in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. The historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze of tiny medieval streets, squares and whitewashed courtyards, all set around the main attraction, the Mezquita. Originally built as a mosque, the Mezquita is now a glorious cathedral that preserves much of its original architecture. Its forest of columns topped by white-and-red striped arches in Islamic style serves to recall the glory and importance that Cordoba held in medieval times. Other places of interest include the Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, the Street of Flowers and the old Jewish Quarter with its charming patios and souvenir shops.

7San Sebastian

San Sebastian is the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa, located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. This beautiful seaside city is much loved for its excellent beaches and its extraordinary culinary tradition. The old town features numerous historic buildings rebuilt in the 19th century after the city was almost destroyed during the Napoleonic wars. San Sebastian also boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, the most famous being Playa de la Concha, which offers opportunities to sunbathe and take part in water activities such as swimming, kayaking and water skiing.

6Valencia

One of the largest and most important cities in Spain, Valencia lies in the eastern part of the country in the region of Valencia. After redirecting the Turia river, the city built its most impressive landmark, an enormous cultural and entertainment complex known as the City of Arts and Sciences. Contained within this complex are several buildings such as a science museum, a planetarium and an aquarium that are artistic wonders in themselves. Every March, Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival, in which each neighbourhood displays papier-mache figures of every size and colour. At the end of the week, the figures are ceremoniously burned and the communities celebrate into the night.

5Seville

Exceptional tourist attractions, lively festivals and vibrant nightlife make Seville one of the best places to visit in Spain. As the capital of Andalusia, Seville is also the region's financial and cultural capital. The city is home to many beautiful and important historic monuments, the main one being the great cathedral of Seville, where Christopher Columbus is believed to be buried. Another significant building is the Real Alcazar, an extravagant Moorish palace with lush gardens.

4Madrid

The capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid is widely known for its effervescent nightlife. The city brings together a diversity of ethnic groups, making it one of the most colourful cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Located in the centre of the city are most of Madrid's most popular tourist attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the residence of the Spanish monarch. The heart of Madrid (and of Spain) is Puerta del Sol, a large square that serves as the setting for festivals, important gatherings and street performers, as well as a hub for the public transport network. Another important square is Plaza Mayor, known for the lively San Miguel market.

3The Spanish Islands

Spain has some of the most beautiful islands in Europe. The largest Spanish islands are evenly divided between the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. To the east of mainland Spain, the four main Balearic islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca) retain a character distinct from the rest of Spain and from one another. Mallorca is the largest and most famous of the Balearic islands, while Ibiza is famous as a party destination. The Canaries, also known as the Canary Islands, lie just off the southern coast of Morocco, in the Atlantic. They are famous for their beautiful beaches, mild climate and important natural attractions, in particular the Maspalomas dunes on Gran Canaria and the Teide volcano on Tenerife.

2Granada

Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, Granada is the capital of the province of Granada. Granada offers a perfect blend of traditional cultures, a lively nightlife and spectacular attractions, including the famous Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. This medieval complex dominating Granada is one of the great architectural monuments of Europe, with many visitors coming to Granada expressly to see the Alhambra. The last Moorish fortress in Europe, the Alhambra offers the visitor splendid ornamental architecture, spectacular and lush gardens, waterfalls and dripping water features, and breathtaking views of the city below.

1Barcelona

Located in north-eastern Spain, Barcelona is one of the country's leading travel destinations because it offers everything tourists look for in a European city, from historic architecture to lively shopping, vibrant culture and vibrant nightlife. Unique to Barcelona are the architectural wonders of the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, which include Casa Batlló and the famous Sagrada Familia church. Both of these extraordinary structures feature combinations of fascinating designs, shapes and colours. Popular activities in Barcelona include strolling along La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue, and sunbathing on Barceloneta, one of the city's most famous beaches.