These are the best places to visit in Spain in 2023
There are two main aspects one might take into account when deciding what to visit in Spain in 2023. There are those places that are likely to experience a unique year, whether because they are hosting some kind of celebration, or because they have been recently rewarded. Some of them are also under the spotlight of international and national tourism. The second reason is quite simple: some destinations are perfect just because we enjoy visiting them. Of course, this criterion depends on the personal taste of each traveller. Hence, we intend to address the first standard in the following lines. These are, objectively, the best places to visit in Spain in 2023.
3 Spanish cities and an island for 2023
Cuenca, the 2023 Capital of Spanish Gastronomy
Cuenca has been unanimously selected as the 2023 Capital of Spanish Gastronomy. This city in Castile La Mancha did hold all the cards, since it ranked high in that same category the previous years. Cuenca’s gastronomy goes far beyond the popular Manchego cheese, though. Its cuisine encompasses a rich variety of cultures and traditions that goes back to the arrival of Arab folk: the founders of the city. Cuenca’s flavours reminisce of a past that still inhabits its beautiful streets.
Seville, the European Capital of Smart Tourism
Early November, 2022. The European Commission chooses Seville as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, this way acknowledging the good practices of the city’s tourism. The capital city of Andalusia competed for the first position against 30 other European countries, and it won thanks to a series of traits that are highly valued by the European Commission: accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and preservation of historical heritage. There is much to say about Seville, and little space in this article. It is doubtlessly one of the greatest cities in Spain.
Menorca, a celebration of life
In October 2023, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Menorca being declared a nature reserve by UNESCO. Indeed, it is one of those places where humankind and nature exist in perfect unison, respecting and celebrating wildlife.
In 2023, this island might also finally become a World Heritage Site due to the traces of Talaiotic culture it keeps. The Talaiotic culture, also known as the Talaiotic Period, was an ancient civilisation that inhabited Menorca and other parts of the Balearic Islands during the Bronze and Iron Ages. It left us fascinating monuments like Naveta d'Es Tudons, a megalithic chamber tomb that some consider to be the oldest standing building in Europe. There goes another reason to visit Menorca this year: our trip can easily become a journey to the past.
Valencia, city of arts and science
These last years, Valencia has climbed up all the lists of the greatest cities, both nationally and internationally. Its sustainability programs, as well as its good life quality and Mediterranean warmth, have turned it into one of the most popular cities in Spain. There is no doubt it is a destination worth visiting. Apart from the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex and the Oceanogràfic, Valencia is home to countless amazing spots, like the largest public park in Spain. Besides, in 2023 Valencia will host two great exhibitions revolving around Joaquín Sorolla, perhaps the most successful painter born in Valencia exactly 200 years ago.
Top-notch towns and villages
The most popular towns and villages in 2022
Those who travelled through Spain in 2022 knew exactly what kind of rural tourism they liked. The most popular rural destinations stood out for their unique personalities, interesting locations and idiosyncrasies. This is the case of Os de Civís or Castellfollit de la Roca, among many others.
Besides, many people see rural tourism as a way to enjoy the authenticity of those places that have not succumbed to trends or outer influences. Those authentic corners are known to offer calm and escapism through nature, they were highly appreciated in 2022 and they make up perfect destinations for 2023 as well.
Internationally acclaimed towns and villages
Every year, the World Tourism Organization releases a list gathering the best tourism villages in the world. It makes sense that the 2022 list includes three Spanish destinations we can find in the provinces of Huesca, Cáceres and Barcelona—true gems with a wonderfully crafted tourism. According to the UNWTO, the three Spanish villages one should visit in the following months are Rupit, Alquézar, and Guadalupe.
Magical towns for 2023
At the end of November, the Red de Pueblos Mágicos de España (“Network of Magical Towns in Spain”) chose the best six rural destinations of the year. In order to enter this list, a place must stand out for vindicating the value of towns and villages, this way helping keep the rural world alive. This award places value on the proper management of natural spaces and hosting cultural events.
The Way to Santiago, a phoenix rising from the ashes
The Way to Santiago faced one of its saddest times in 2021. It was an Año Santo (“Holy Year”), meaning that the city Santiago de Compostela was supposed to host a series of Catholic celebrations. However, COVID-19 burst in and it became apparent throughout the paths to Santiago, since only 178 912 pilgrims walked on them. Hence, the activities of the Año Santo were put off to 2022, a year in which the Way to Santiago beat all the records.
As a matter of fact, it was recorded that more than 436 000 people have arrived at Santiago de Compostela in the last 12 months, the highest number we have account for. It does not even include all the visitors, since some pilgrims do not register at the Pilgrim’s Office to wrap up their Way to Santiago, an unforgettable experience worth enjoying in 2023, just as any other year.