A 3,718-metre-high volcanic peak on Tenerife and the medieval World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, Generalife and AlbayzĂn represent very different ways to discover Spain. There are also national parks, long-distance hiking trails, wine experiences and a food culture recognised by UNESCO. The view therefore ranges from volcanic landscapes to historic cityscapes and culinary traditions, with something to suit different travel interests.
Volcanic landscapes and protected nature
Spain’s national park network is an integrated system for protecting and managing selected outstanding examples of Spain’s natural heritage. When Sierra de las Nieves was added as the latest addition in 2021, the network comprised 16 national parks.
On Tenerife, Teide National Park encompasses the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano. Its summit reaches 3,718 metres, making it the highest point in Spanish territory. Alongside this record height, the diversity of the volcanic landscape is a defining feature: within a relatively small area, the park brings together a varied and accessible collection of volcanic features and landscapes. For nature-loving travellers, this offers another perspective on Teide—not only its height, but also the different landforms within a compact area.
Medieval heritage in Granada
There are currently 50 sites in Spain on the World Heritage List; future inscriptions may change this number. The country also has 15 World Heritage Cities. Granada offers one of these distinctive historical perspectives: the World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, Generalife and AlbayzĂn forms the medieval part of the city.
The Alhambra is currently the only surviving palace city from the Islamic period and is regarded as the finest example of Nasrid art in architecture and decoration. The AlbayzĂn district, in turn, is considered the best-preserved representation of a Hispano-Muslim city in southern Spain and was shaped particularly during the Nasrid dynasty. Granada thus brings two different aspects of medieval heritage into view: the palace city and the historically shaped townscape of a neighbourhood. Those interested in architecture can shift their focus from palace design and decoration to the form of a Hispano-Muslim city.
Hiking and experiencing the Camino de Santiago
Spain has more than 60,000 kilometres of officially certified hiking trails. The Camino de Santiago can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The Camino Francés is just over 900 kilometres long. These figures offer different points of reference: the number of trails conveys the scale of a nationwide network, while the distance gives a specific length for the Camino Francés. If you want to plan a trip around physical activity and distance, these are two clearly distinct guides—without implying that there is only one way to travel.
Wine, tapas and Mediterranean food culture
Spain can also be discovered through its food and wine. The Mediterranean diet is based on olive oil, vegetables and fresh seasonal produce, and is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Wine estate visits and opportunities to learn about winemaking are among the experiences offered by the Rutas del Vino. These are joined by wine tastings and food-and-wine pairings. These experiences connect wine with both its production and complementary dishes.
Another culinary tradition is captured by the expression “ir de tapas”: you go from bar to bar, try tapas and chat with friends. The phrase therefore describes not just a dish, but also a way of bringing food and time spent together into one experience. Alongside the Rutas del Vino, it shows the variety of ways to enjoy Spain—from learning about wine production to moving between bars.
Accessible travel
Accessible tourism in Spain increasingly includes destinations, museums, natural areas and transport options with services that make it possible to explore the country more comfortably and independently. For specific plans, check the services available at your destination.
Discover more destinations: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Cantabria, Castile-La Mancha, Castile and LeĂłn, Murcia, Extremadura, Galicia, Canary Islands, Catalonia, La Rioja, Madrid, Navarre, Valencia, City of Melilla, City of Ceuta.
