Article Author: Alexandra Dubakova FREETOUR.com Head of Marketing

Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa. It’s known for its varied microclimates, volcanic scenery, and golden beaches. About 850,000 people live here, with half in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which has a charming old town called Vegueta. The island was founded by Castilian forces in 1478 and became an important Atlantic stop between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, leading to a mix of Canarian, Spanish, and colonial cultures. Today, you can stroll through Vegueta’s cobbled streets, see the Maspalomas sand dunes, and visit towns like Arucas with its neo-Gothic church, parks, and rum distillery. Inland, you’ll find rugged peaks and viewpoints such as Roque Nublo and Tejeda, while the coast offers resorts and urban beaches like Las Canteras for swimming, surfing, and sunset walks. Free walking tours in Vegueta and Arucas are a great way to learn about the island’s history, architecture, and daily life from local guides.

Mérida, the capital of Spain's Extremadura region, has the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Founded in 25 BC as Augusta Emerita by Emperor Augustus for retired soldiers, it later served as the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. The Roman Theatre, built between 16 and 15 BC, seats 6,000 people and still hosts summer performances during the Classical Theatre Festival. Next to it, the Amphitheatre, built in 8 BC, once held 15,000 spectators for gladiator games. The Temple of Diana, with its 16 Corinthian columns from the 1st century AD, survived because it became the base for a Renaissance palace. The National Museum of Roman Art, designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1986, displays Roman mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts in a building inspired by Roman architecture. The Alcazaba fortress, built in 835 AD by emir Abd ar-Rahman II, is the oldest Islamic fortification in Spain and was constructed atop Roman ruins, using recycled materials. The Los Milagros Aqueduct, called the "Aqueduct of Miracles" for its 25-meter-high pillars, brought water from the Proserpina reservoir to the city. Other highlights include the 792-meter Roman Bridge over the Guadiana River, the Circus Maximus with seating for 30,000, and many excavated villas, baths, and monuments. Mérida, with about 60,000 residents, offers local Extremaduran food, a walkable historic centre, a mild climate, and a unique journey through Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic history.

Sanlúcar de Barrameda sits on the Cádiz coast, where the Guadalquivir River meets the Atlantic Ocean and faces the protected shores of Doñana National Park. This historic port town is the only place where manzanilla sherry is made—a delicate, slightly salty white wine aged in seaside wineries. Sanlúcar played a key role in history as the departure point for Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, which completed the first trip around the world in 1519. The town’s upper and lower neighborhoods are full of history, from the Renaissance Palacio de los Duques de Medina Sidonia to whitewashed streets that lead to the lively Plaza del Cabildo. Every August, Sanlúcar hosts famous beach horse races, a tradition of 175 years, with purebred horses running along the Atlantic shore at low tide. Whether you’re enjoying fresh langostinos from the river, sipping chilled manzanilla, taking a boat to explore Doñana, or watching the horse races, Sanlúcar gives you a real taste of Andalusian coastal life, away from the usual tourist spots.

Cáceres has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town. Inside its ancient walls, the Ciudad Monumental features a unique mix of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture, shaped by centuries of different cultures. Around 30 Moorish towers still rise above the city, and cobblestone streets lead past noble palaces, fortified homes, and grand churches that remain untouched by modern changes. This authentic setting even caught the attention of Game of Thrones producers, who used Cáceres as King's Landing in Season 7. The city is also famous for its food, including Torta del Casar cheese, migas extremeñas, and traditional shepherd dishes that reflect its rural history. Every November, the Medieval Market of the Three Cultures celebrates the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences that define Cáceres. Whether you’re exploring Renaissance palaces near Plaza de Santa María, visiting the Arab cisterns under the Cáceres Museum, or enjoying local cheese in a cozy tavern, Cáceres offers a genuine Spanish experience without large tourist crowds.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It is one of Spain's most important spiritual and architectural cities. The impressive Cathedral, believed to hold the remains of Saint James the Apostle, stands at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Here, granite-paved medieval streets lead past old monasteries, baroque palaces, and lively arcaded plazas. Santiago is also known for its energetic student life, excellent Galician food like pulpo á feira and Albariño wine, and a historic center that is perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.

Tarragona sits on Catalonia's Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) and is home to some of Europe's most impressive Roman ruins. Once the capital of Hispania Tarraconensis, Rome's largest province in Iberia, Tarragona was a major cultural, political, and military center. Today, you can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like the seaside amphitheatre, Roman circus, and ancient city walls that bring history to life. The city also features a beautiful Gothic cathedral, the scenic Balcony of the Mediterranean (Balcó del Mediterrani), and lively Catalan traditions. Enjoy local dishes such as calçots with romesco sauce and fresh seafood. Golden beaches line the coast, and the historic center is perfect for a relaxed stroll. Whether you're admiring ancient arenas, touching the famous balcony's iron railing for luck, or tasting local food, Tarragona offers memorable experiences without big crowds. This Freetour.com guide will help you discover the city's top sights, food, and history, with helpful tips for each stop.

Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon and Spain's fifth-largest city, is often overlooked by tourists, even though it has treasures that rival Barcelona or Seville. The city’s 2,000-year history brings together Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, and Christian cathedrals, making it a fascinating cultural crossroads. Two impressive buildings stand out in Plaza del Pilar: the large Baroque Basílica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral. Nearby, the beautiful Aljafería Palace is one of Spain’s best examples of Islamic architecture outside Andalusia. Many churches feature UNESCO-listed Mudéjar art, El Tubo’s winding streets are filled with lively tapas bars, and the Ebro River runs through the center of this vibrant and authentic Spanish city. You’ll find connections to Francisco Goya, Roman history from Caesaraugusta, and strong Aragonese traditions. Whether you’re admiring Goya’s frescoes in the Basilica, exploring Islamic palaces, or sampling tapas, Zaragoza offers rich experiences without big crowds. This guide from Freetour.com will help you discover the city’s top landmarks, food spots, and hidden gems, with expert tips for every stop.

Pamplona is the capital of Spain's Navarra region and is famous for the San Fermín festival each July, when runners dash alongside bulls through the old streets. But there’s much more to this Basque city than the thrill of the bull run. You’ll find elegant boulevards with Belle Époque buildings, lively cobblestone lanes filled with pintxos bars, and ancient walls surrounding a well-preserved Old Town. Here, Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces reflect the city’s Roman roots, medieval history, and its role on the Camino de Santiago. Ernest Hemingway wrote about Pamplona in "The Sun Also Rises," making it a literary landmark. Whether you’re exploring the citadel, tasting txistorra sausage in busy plazas, or walking the ramparts above the Arga River, Pamplona offers a true taste of northern Spanish culture. This Freetour.com guide will help you discover the city’s top sights, food, and hidden gems, with expert advice and useful tips for every stop.

Each year brings new trends in winter travel, and 2025 looks set to be one of Europe’s most exciting seasons yet. As winter approaches, more travelers are looking for value, authentic culture, and the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets.

Málaga, the vibrant capital of Costa del Sol, perfectly blends 3,000 years of history with modern Mediterranean energy. As Pablo Picasso's birthplace and home to spectacular Moorish fortresses, such as the Alcazaba, this sun-drenched port city offers travelers ancient Roman ruins, world-class museums, golden beaches, and the freshest seafood grilled on open flames along the coast. Whether you have a single day or a weekend, this guide by Freetour.com will help you uncover Málaga's must-see landmarks, flavors, and viewpoints—with expert local insight and practical tips for each stop.