img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}With its endless miles of unspoiled Mediterranean coastline, vibrant cities, and rich Iberian heritage, Spain has always been a hugely popular destination for Americans vacationing across the pond, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
According to new research conducted by MMGY Global for Turespaña, 7 out of 10 U.S. citizens plan to visit Spain by 2028, placing the Southern European nation above other powerhouses like France, Italy, and Greece.
It should come as no surprise that places like Madrid and Barcelona lead in reservations.
After all, they’re probably Spain’s most widely-known cities across the pond.
Be that as it may, there are 2 other fast-rising spots ready to challenge the decades-long Madrid–Barcelona reign:
Seville
With 66% of respondents answering they plan to visit it in the future, Seville is one of the two alternative Spanish cities Americans have now got on their radar.
The sun-drenched capital of Andalusia, the warmest region in Spain, it is a city built over the remains of several civilizations, from the Ancient Romans, to the Visigoths, to the Moorish (Muslim rulers from North Africa), and finally, the Spanish Empire.
Though it is not on the coast and definitely lacks Malaga’s or Marbella’s coastal promenades, Seville lines the scenic Guadalquivir River. On both sides of the busy waterway, there are architectural gems and colorful neighborhoods to be discovered.
In Santa Cruz, the heart of historic Seville, you’ll find a maze of narrow, cobble-paved alleys lined with colorful house facades, ornate Christian shrines, and the monumental Seville Cathedral, originally built as a mosque in the Middle Ages.
Visiting Triana, expect to find a plethora of tapas bars serving $3 glasses of tinto and homemade salmorejo, flamenco dancers in flamboyant dresses, and quirky artisan shops, and over in Macarena, it’s all about taking in the ancient sights, from old city gates to Moorish walls, and bar-hopping.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve probably heard it a million times in an eponymous song which, surprise, surprise, was inspired precisely by this district.
Of course, there’s no Seville without its landmark Plaza de España: though it was only built in the last century, it’s considered Spain’s most beautiful public square due to its unique blend of Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles, half-moon-shaped canal, and intricate tile murals.
Between the immaterial heritage and the vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Seville was recently crowned best city in Europe.
Valencia
Just ahead of Seville, with 68% of Americans interested in giving it a whirl, Valencia is Spain’s next hot thing after an overtouristed Barcelona.
It shares many similarities with the old Catalonian capital, for that matter: it’s also a lively coastal metropolis on the shores of the Mediterranean, seamlessly combining medieval charm and modern city life.
Every visit to Valencia starts at its iconic City of Arts & Sciences, a landmark museum quarter packed full of futuristic museums, most notably Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, a science center shaped like the skeleton of a whale, featuring rib-like supports and glass façades.
Valencia’s Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, home to entire marine ecosystems and over 500 species, is also part of the ‘City’, as is the spaceship-coded Palau de les Arts, a one-of-a-kind modernist opera.
This is Europe, after all, and you’re probably here to see some ancient stuff.
Worry not, as Valencia is one of the most culturally-charged cities in the Mediterranean, and its Old Town area is dotted with medieval sights:
From the fortress-like Cathedral and its adjacent Micalet Tower, to the Silk Exchange, a historic building famous for its Hall of Columns, to the medieval Serranos and Quart Towers, which once protected Valencia from pirate attacks, there’s plenty of Old World charm to go around.
If we may add, Valencia is one of Spain’s food capitals, and there’s nowhere better to sample the traditional grub than Mercado Central, a vast covered market full of must-try treats.
Make sure you sample the local empanadillas, small stuffed pastries usually filled with tuna, meat, or veggies, the hugely-popular boquerones, their signature marinated white anchovies, and by all means, do be a tourist and grab some churros with a Nutella dip to go on your way out.
Have you even been to Spain if you don’t?
Spain’s New Entry Rules For American Travelers
Spain is more popular than ever before, and the rising demand for secondary destinations like Seville and Valencia is only further proof of that, but before you start packing and booking the next flight out, there’s something you should know:
From this fall onward, Americans will be fingerprinted and made to provide their biometric information upon arriving in Spain, as part of the Europe-wide EES (Entry-Exit System).
For that reason, you should prepare for some delay at the airport as new arrivals are checked in and registered properly with European authorities.
Learn how to prepare and what to expect if you’re flying to Spain in the coming weeks in this accompanying article.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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