12 Amazing Hotels in the Florida Keys That Won’t Break the Bank

Who doesn’t dream of a sunshine-filled Florida escape?

While winter birds are notorious for saving their Sunshine State adventures for the colder winter months, many strike out during the summer break from June to August. It’s a great time to enjoy Florida’s summertime as it hits full swing.

Bars fill up, often offering live musical performances and ice-cold cocktails. Tours are almost non-stop, from kayaking near manatees to racing speedboats across the Keys. And while rain showers often come and go, Florida’s hurricane season doesn’t get dangerous until around mid-August.

The big question is—with so many great resorts and hotels around the state, where should you go?

I vote you follow the latest Florida tourism trends, which have tilted south toward its stunning, remote Keys region. From Miami, the Caribbean’s tropical tendencies become your oyster—without you ever needing to bust out that passport.

There’s just one catch: the Keys tend to be pricy. At least, for those who don’t know how to research the hell out of affordable hotels (or rentals, if you prefer a more private stay).

If you want a head start on the best hotels in the Florida Keys that won’t break the bank, start here.

Best hotels in the Florida Keys for budget travelers

Conch Key Fishing Lodge & Marina (Conch Key)
Parmer’s Resort (Little Torch Key)
Breezy Palms Resort (Islamorada)
Hadley Resort and Marina (Islamorada)
Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway (Marathon)
Tropical Cottages (Marathon)
Bonefish Bay Motel (Marathon)
Buccaneer Quarters and Suites (Marathon)
The Pelican Key Largo Cottages (Key Largo)
Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina (Key Largo)
Truman Hotel (Key West)
Havana Cabana at Key West (Key West)
The Laureate (Key West)

Best hotels in the Florida Keys for budget travelers

Conch Key Fishing Lodge & Marina (Conch Key)

This cute little two-star hotel offers everything you’ll need for a solid Keys adventure. There’s a private beach, an outdoor pool, and balconies or terraces in every room (which are family-friendly, by the way). There’s even a barbecue area for those who want a little extra time in the sun while they grill up a meal.

Parmer’s Resort (Little Torch Key)

Escape the noise and hustle at this low-key hotel in Little Torch. (Get it? Low-key. Anyone?) You can pick from standard rooms, cottages, or suites. You can also bring your boat along if you’ll be heading out on the water. Once again, you’ve got outdoor grills where you can whip up a meal while soaking up the great subtropical outdoors.

Breezy Palms Resort (Islamorada)

With a private beach only steps away from its rooms, Breezy Palms Resort gives you direct access to the northernmost edge of the Caribbean Sea. If the salt isn’t for you, spend some time at the outdoor pool. You’ve also got bike rentals available, if a bit of scenic exercise appeals to you.

Hadley Resort and Marina (Islamorada)

The name says it all. Hadley Resort and Marina stands out because there’s a small dock right on the grounds, letting you bring your boat to take on the Keys at your leisure. The hotel is also newly renovated and is known for its friendly, helpful staff. Ready, set, launch!

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway (Marathon)

Looking for a cute and quaint hotel with tons to do? I’d head to Captain Pip’s. Located just off the Seven Mile Bridge Overseas Highway, this hotel offers rooms and suites. But the real coup is the range of activities available. You can take Captain Pip’s kayaks, bikes, boats, and paddleboats for a spin.

Tropical Cottages (Marathon)

Tropical cottages. A tiki bar. Bicycle and kayak rentals. What more could you want in a budget-friendly Florida Keys hotel? Though you need to cycle to Sombrero Beach, it’s a short ride. As an added bonus, the Dolphin Research Center is also nearby, in case you like sea-bound mammals.

Bonefish Bay Motel (Marathon)

With an outdoor pool, garden, picnic area, and sun terrace, Bonefish Bay Motel has everything you need to soak up summer in the Florida Keys. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Sunset Park Beach and Seven Mile Bridge.

The Pelican Key Largo Cottages (Key Largo)

You’ve got over 30 charming little cottages to choose from at The Pelican. As you can see in the image, there’s also a bayfront ocean view that you can soak up at your leisure. It’s also an ideal spot for anyone who wants to get out on the water to fish, snorkel, or dive.

Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina (Key Largo)

Lush gardens surround this lovely hotel. Aside from greenery and sea views, you’re also close to the action in Key Largo, within walking distance to major shops and restaurants. You can grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, too. If you want to dock your boat, the hotel also includes access to a 76-slip marina.

Truman Hotel (Key West)

Who says boutique hotels can’t be affordable? This gorgeous and modern hotel comes with a stylish outdoor pool and also puts you close to the action in Key West. Duval Street is a short drive away, along with the Ernest Hemingway Museum. It’s the priciest spot on this list, but it’s still in an affordable price range compared to other Key West spots.

Havana Cabana at Key West (Key West)

This is another heavy-hitter that’s more affordable than many other Key West hotspots. Not only do you have a fantastic outdoor pool and ambiance, but you also have access to what the hotel describes as a ‘year-round party paradise’. Just a short drive away are Key West’s most popular hotspots. Revelers, assemble!

The Laureate (Key West)

If decor and functionality are important to you, head to The Laureate. While the outdoor pool is worth spending a few afternoons at and the sea views are drool-worthy, the rooms are also highly livable and comfortable. If you’re heading to the Keys for a longer stay, consider bunking at The Laureate.

Can Tourists Use Hitchhiking to Travel?

Hitchhiking—the unsung hero of casual transportation.

Or possibly a one-way ticket to ending up on a true crime headline, depending on whether you’re a pessimist or an optimist.

There’s no easy answer.

The only place I’ve ever consistently used hitchhiking for transportation was in Byron Bay, Australia. That’s the same country that produced Ivan Milat, a serial killer with the moniker ‘backpacker killer’ thanks to his penchant for disappearing hitchhikers around the Belanglo State Forest area.

That should clue you in: hitchhiking is a charged topic to dig into.

Though the vast majority of hitchhikers make it to their destination safely (and sometimes with a new friend in their Rolodex), the stories that go wrong tend to go way wrong.

And no matter how many success stories you hear, it’s hard to shake that fear—especially for Americans, as we tend to get spooked easily.

Regardless of your perception of hitchhiking, it’s still legal in many places around the world. And it’s still a reliable form of transportation for thousands of travelers, from backpackers with a thirst for open horizons to road trippers stranded roadside with broken down cars.

Can tourists still hitchhike? Yes—but I’d advise doing it with safety in mind. Here’s your crash course.

Hitchhiking is more common than you might think

When I did a semester of college in Byron Bay, our student housing was located just outside of town. We had bicycles that we could ride in to attend class or, as our professors insisted, we could hitchhike.

Though I never hitchhiked that short distance alone, I would have felt comfortable getting into each car that offered me a ride even if I were solo.

Not only were the drivers friendly, but they seemed sensitive to the fact that we, as hitchhikers, were taking a risk getting into their car. This was ten years ago, but I remember a few mentions of how often they offered rides to other hitchhikers, showing interest in our studies, and giving us a few recommendations around the area.

Globally, hitchhiking is more common than you might think—but it’s usually a regional habit. For example, Europe still has a solid hitchhiking culture, but you’ll notice that it’s even more prevalent in German-speaking areas like Germany, Belgium, and Austria.

Similarly, hitchhiking might have different norms depending on the region. For example, in Latin America and South America, hitchhiking is fairly common, but you’ll likely be asked to contribute a small amount to the journey. The same goes for South Asia, where hitchhiking is extremely common; you’ll likely be asked to contribute a small amount to the journey.

Places where you can hitchhike safely

North America
South America
Europe
South Asia
New Zealand & Australia

Safety topics for hitchhikers

Many hitchhikers recommend working in pairs instead of going solo, especially for women. They also recommend carrying a can of pepper spray, avoiding sleeping while you’re hitching a ride, and not hitching a ride at night.

There are also two situations women need to be aware of. (Men should also have these concepts on their radar, too.)

The first is if you decide to hitchhike in a parking lot. In places like North America, some women solicit sex work in parking lots, especially at gas stations where big rigs stop. For obvious reasons, you don’t want to get mixed up in these situations.

Second, women hitchhiking in more conservative areas, in places like South Asia, in places like India and Sri Lanka, need to be aware of how solo female hitchhikers are seen.

Once again, you might get mixed up with someone looking for a sexual encounter. That might sound crazy, but I can tell you firsthand from my time in India that Western women are often viewed as open to and interested in sex thanks to popular music and movies. It’s a very difficult misconception to navigate, and that’s putting it lightly.

Men should also be wary, of course. Lone backpackers and hitchhikers are seen as easy targets, especially if they look like they might have expensive equipment with them. Importantly, men are less likely to report these incidents, which means some Bad Eggs will actually target men over women.

How to hitchhike like a pro

An example of what gesture to use when hitchhiking in Southeast Asia, from Bangkok Thailand (Getty)

Assuming I haven’t turned you off from hitchhiking, here’s how you can set yourself up for success anytime you stick out your thumb.

Before you hitchhike, check local laws. Though it might be legal in the country, many regions, states, and provinces have separate rulings. If you’re still not sure after doing some research, ask a local.
Clear up whether the driver expects payment. Usually, the best time to do this is when you’re talking about the journey—which should take place before you get into the car.
Speaking of destinations, write down where you’re going on a piece of cardboard/make a sign. That lets drivers know right off the bat whether they should bother stopping.
If you don’t have your destination written down for all to see, go with a smile and try to make eye contact. You want to come off as friendly and unproblematic, without looking like a naïve dunce, of course.
Know where to hitch a ride and where not to hitch a ride. The side of the highway is usually a bad spot, but entry ramps are good. As are gas stations, parking lots, tourist sites, campsites, and exit routes out of large cities.
Know which gestures to make. A thumbs up works in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. In Australia and New Zealand, point to the road with your finger—but don’t do that in Asia, it’s rude. In South America, point your thumb horizontally instead of up.

The New 7 Wonders of the World

Back in 2001, a worldwide campaign was launched to invite the masses to take part in humanity’s largest public poll on record.

The goal? Select a new set of World Wonders, which would replace the Ancient Wonders of the World. That ancient set of wonders dates back to 1572 when European thinkers compiled the list based on historical sources.

Given the age of those original wonders and the half-millennium that has passed since they were named and published, the list includes mostly defunct and long-gone sites, from the Colossus of Rhodes to the Statue of Zeus.

Hence, the desire to push for a new and modern list of World Wonders—one that would reach further beyond the Mediterranean and Middle East, too.

Using a combination of online and telephone voting procedures, a Zurich-based organization called New 7 Wonders Foundation launched its grand poll.

That means two things. First, the New 7 Wonders of the World is based on opinion, and some believe that massive national campaigns helped some World Wonders make the list over others. It’s not objective by any stretch of the imagination.

Second, UNESCO has historically had beef with the New 7 Wonders Foundation, mostly because the foundation attempted to piggyback on UNESCO’s Millennium Development Goals.

Since then, UNESCO has sought to clarify that the 7 Wonders are a title alone. By comparison, UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer protective measures to preserve sites as shared human assets.

Controversies aside, the New 7 Wonders of the World include some of our planet’s top bucket list destinations. They regularly attract millions of visitors each year and show no signs of slowing down. You might want to have them on your radar, especially if you’ll be visiting their general location anytime soon.

Ready to uncover the New 7 Wonders of the World? Let’s dive in.

The new 7 wonders of the world

Great Wall of China, China

Built 700 BCE

Beijing, China, Jan 10/2023. The Great Wall of China, near village of Mutianyu (Getty)

These famous fortifications were built to protect Chinese dynasties and states against the powerful, nomadic tribes of the Eurasian Steppe. The Great Wall of China also functioned as a border control wall for the Silk Road. However, it didn’t become a popular site for tourists until travelogues began circulating in the late 1800s.

Petra, Jordan

Built 312 BCE

Visiting the Petra city during morning without people (Getty)

Nicknamed the Rose City for its red sandstone rocks, this dramatic and rock-hewn location is truly iconic. It was originally a stronghold for the Nabataean Kingdom, where Petra served as a trading hub that specialized in incense.

Only the Nabataeans could thrive in the desert, as evidenced by Petra’s extensive rainwater collection systems. Unfortunately, the Romans took over in the first century CE, which began Petra’s downfall.

Colosseum, Rome

Built 80 BCE

Italy, Lazio, Rome, Colosseum in afternoon sunlight (Getty)

Speaking of the Romans, their famous Colosseum needs to introduction. Around the same time that the Romans were extending their rule to places like Petra, they were also constructing and expanding the Colosseum. (This period is known as the Flavian Dynasty, CE 69-96). It remained in use until the early Medieval era.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Built 600 CE

Check the dates closely on Chichen Itza’s construction and that of Machu Picchu, below—both are much younger than many people think. This Mayan stronghold was first built in 600 CE and remained an important hub until 1200 CE. It was the largest Mayan city in the region, but includes many motifs from other neighboring cultures, hinting that the Mayans were a diverse crowd and Chichen Itza might have been their great melting pot.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built 1450 CE

Machu picchu mountain view during sun rise with beautiful light and some tourists in the distance (Getty)

Again, look a the date. Infamous Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro entered modern-day Peru in 1532—at which point in time Machu Picchu was still a very young city. It was abandoned by the time the first Spanish colonist found it in the late 1500s, meaning it was already out of use. Most modern theories believe Machu Picchu was built as a private estate for Emperor Pachacuti. (This site has new rules for tourists, so make sure to read up before you book your visit!)

Taj Mahal, India

Built 1643 CE

Taj Mahal at golden light of sunrise. Famous travel destination in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India (Getty)

Built as a grand tomb for the Mughal Emperor’s beloved wife, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of enduring love… and gorgeous architecture. Both Empress Mumtaz Mahal and Emperor Shah Jahan are entombed inside. The stunning feat showcases Islamic and Mughal architecture, built with fine materials like red sandstone, white marble, and thousands of precious stones.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Built 1931 CE

This world-famous statue is an Art Deco masterpiece that comes from a range of great minds around the world. It was created by artists and engineers from France, Romania, and Brazil and took almost ten years to complete. Standing atop Corcovado Mountain and staring over Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer has become a cultural icon of both Brazil and the city.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 3 – The Goat Sacrifice

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I unlearned many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies travel stories:

Part I / Kolkata & Kali Ma

One year after visiting Cambodia, I found myself on another teen travel adventure for Western youths. This time, I was backpacking through Sikkim. Sikkim is a tiny Indian state wedged between Nepal and Bhutan. Situated in the steep Himalayan foothills, it has a distinctly Tibetan influence.

I’ll get to what happened in those foothills in the coming weeks in the next chapter of my world tour of travel stories.

First, my group had to get there. We flew into Kolkata and got situated at a hostel where we’d stay for a few days. One of our very first adventures in the city was to visit a Hindu temple. Not just any Hindu temple, but one dedicated to Kali Ma.

If you want to read up on Kali, Hindu American has a pretty solid website. If not, let me give you a very brief summary: Kali Ma is a very fierce goddess with 18 arms and a name that translates loosely to ‘she who is black’. When you look up her image, you’ll see quickly that strength and ferocity are central to her spiritual role.

Kali Ma represents sacred feminine power that can break our egos and deliver us to enlightenment while protecting us from evil. Though ‘scary’, her frightening features are always working in favor of her flock, to borrow a Christian term.

Here’s a little line from the Devi Mahatmyam, a sacred Hindu text, that describes her. “Mother, you kill your enemies wishing happiness for this world.”

You’ll see her name written as Ma Kali and Kali Ma, which is a term of reverence, sort of like calling Mary the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because I’ve had transformational experiences in her spiritual presence, I also refer to this goddess as Kali Ma—but, again, if you want to delve into Hinduism, I suggest learning more from a Hindu.

Part II / The temple & idolatry

Once again, Hinduism is far too complex for me to quickly break down what happens inside its temples. Generally speaking, each temple includes various areas for different forms of worship or pujas. There are also (usually) idols that represent the gods and goddesses worshipped, which can take many forms.

Kali Ma’s idols are usually black, adorned in flowers and jewels, with the Goddess’s tongue sticking out. The goal in entering a temple with an idol is to make physical or eye contact with it, which contains part of the deity’s spirit and can lead to earthly blessings.

The idol is usually housed inside a building where attendants take care of it and help dispense blessings to visitors. But India is a busy, populated place, meaning it’s not uncommon to be rushed through the small vestibule where the idol sits.

I didn’t know any of this at the time I visited one of Kolkata’s Kali Ma temples.

All I knew was that Kali Ma was a spiritual rock star, one that drew worship from millions upon millions despite the fact that she was powerful, feminine, and not at all like the Virgin Goddess I’d grown up worshipping. But let me reiterate, I didn’t know anything about Hindu temples. All I knew about Kali Ma was what I’d privately researched as a spiritually curious teenager from the Midwest.

So, when I walked in and saw people lining up healthy goats for sacrifice to the Goddess, my first thought was, Oh, shit, I really hope my parents don’t find out about this.

Part III / The goat sacrifice & the slap

I was in Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple, a famous, 200-year-old temple where many Hindus make a pilgrimage to worship Kali Ma. It’s one of 51 sacred Kali zones around the world and is believed to be the resting place of Sati’s right toe, a previous incarnation of the Goddess.

It’s also the only temple in Kolkata where you can sacrifice a goat to Kali.

Again, I can’t hope to explain the complexities of animal sacrifice within Hinduism; unsurprisingly, it’s a hot topic for a religion that leans toward vegetarianism in many sects. But I do want to communicate clearly that the sacrifice I saw was done with the utmost respect for the animal and the act. In short, it had great meaning for all those directly involved.

Those who provided the goat were humble and in need. The priest who carried out the sacrifice was equally solemn. With quick, orchestrated movements, the deed was done, and the goat suffered no more.

I was one of maybe twenty or so visitors who watched the sacrifice happen. We stood around in silence, with many tourists casting their heads down either out of respect or shock. But one (domestic, Indian) tourist took a video of the process, which got the attention of the priest.

He stormed over to where the tourist stood with his phone still in his hand. He raised his finger to admonish the tourist and, with surprising speed, ripped his hand back to deliver a devastating slap. The tourist reeled backward, and the priest went on and on, apparently demanding he delete the video.

And that’s what I remember most about the goat sacrifice: the slap that succeeded it. It was the most righteous thing I’d ever seen in my life. I will remember that burly man’s hands so long as I live.

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Don’t film any spiritual acts, even if you’re local. Also, blood sacrifices are real, and they have deep meaning for those involved.

8 Seaside Resorts in California for a Perfect West Coast Trip

When we think about great seaside resorts in the United States, Florida is one of the first places that comes to mind. Hawaii is a close second, followed by family-friendly favorites like South Carolina.

But if you base your search for seaside resorts on sheer coastal miles, California will quickly land on your radar.

While the Golden State is well known amongst travelers for its natural wonders further inland, from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, it also has dozens of seaside resorts. They run a huge gamut, too, from casual and family-friendly stays to more boutique, upscale locations. From eco-resorts to casino-resorts, the sky is the limit.

If you’ve been dreaming of staying at a resort on the beach in California, you’ve got plenty of options at your fingertips, including budget and mid-range stays. Ready to find your next favorite resort stay?

Let’s head to the West Coast to count down the best seaside resorts in California.

Best seaside resorts in California: at a glance

Sanctuary Beach Resort, Monterey Bay
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego
Riviera Beach & Shores, a Hilton Vacation Club, Capistrano Beach
Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley
SeaVenture Beach Hotel, Pismo Beach
Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego
Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

Best seaside resorts in California

Sanctuary Beach Resort, Monterey Bay

Amenities: On-site restaurant, full-service spa, outdoor pool, hot tub

This luxury resort spans 19 acres of untouched Pacific coastline, letting you soak up the rugged wonders. Sanctuary Beach Resort goes all-in on its beachy offers, too, letting you set up bonfires on the beach, book guided tours to learn more about the dunes, and even take a yoga class on the sand. Its Salt Wood on-site restaurant is also highly acclaimed, serving up seafood and New American cuisine.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego

Amenities: Three pools, full-service marina, on-site dining, on-site spa, fitness center

Ready to take on a private, 25-acre peninsula that overlooks Southern California’s most gorgeous stretch of ocean? Loews Coronado Bay Resort is an upscale, oceanside stay that has one key amenity: a full-service marina for those who like to get out on the water. Just don’t expect any beach days. The coast here is rocky, making for Mediterranean-esque views.

Riviera Beach & Shores, a Hilton Vacation Club, Capistrano Beach

Amenities: Outdoor pool, direct beach access, BBQ facilities, game room

Speaking of Mediterranean-esque views, the Riviera Beach & Shores, a Hilton Vacation Club, at Capistrano Beach takes you straight to the heart of the California Riviera… just without the bougie pricing.

This part of the California coast got its name thanks to the similarities between the climate and beaches in places like France and Italy. If you want to soak up the feeling, you can head straight to the beach from the resort. Or just lounge by the pool and watch the towering palms sway in the wind. Your choice.

Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley

Amenities: Historic designation, outdoor pool, lush gardens, fitness center (with programs like yoga), on-site restaurant

This grand, historic hotel looks like something straight out of a 19^th-century storybook—and its got the five-star amenities to match its Old World appearance. You can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Ocean from the grounds, though you’ll need to walk to get there. Aside from its top-notch features, Claremont Resort & Club also hosts activities like outdoor movie nights, a kid’s club, and similarly thoughtful offers.

SeaVenture Beach Hotel, Pismo Beach

Amenities: Direct beach access, on-site restaurant with seasonal dishes

Affordable, located right on the beach, and oozing with funky style, SeaVenture Beach Hotel in Pismo Beach offers an effortless seaside resort experience. While you don’t have an outdoor pool or a full-service spa, you have total, unfettered access to the beach and many rooms have balconies that offer drool-worthy views. Plus, all of Pismo’s cutest shops are in walking distance.

Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego

Amenities: Secluded beach access, outdoor pool, hot tub, game room, fitness center, on-site lounge and restaurant

Located in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Bay, Bahia Resort Hotel lets you escape the bustle of San Diego without all the hustle. Its large outdoor pool and high design features give it a more upscale feel, while its pricing is still reasonable. Just know that the beach is fairly small and narrow—most of the seaside around Mission Bay are docks and marinas.

Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara

Amenities: Beach access, outdoor pool, central location in Santa Barbara

Harbor View Inn isn’t a traditional resort—but it’s got a great ocean view and an outdoor pool, so it’s still worth keeping in mind, especially considering how affordable it is. If a traditional resort is a bit out of reach, this is a great boutique inn compromise.

Its outdoor pool is surrounded by lush palms and offers a beach view. Want to enjoy the beach instead? Just cross the street and you’re there. Despite its small size, Harbor View Inn is comfortable and well-appointed.

Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

Amenities: Dramatic seaside views, outdoor pool, golf course, full-service spa, on-site activities like kayaking, falconry, ad whale-watching

Located on the very tip of the secluded and rugged Palos Verdes peninsula, you’ve got 102 acres of private woodlands to explore at your leisure. The resort also offers a long list of activities that will get you outdoors and living life to the fullest. Though you’ll pay out the wazoo for this five-star luxury stay, it’s class all the way, making it well worth the price.

The 12 Treasures of Spain: What Are They & How Can You Visit?

In 2007, two Spanish broadcasting groups decided to launch the project of a lifetime.

Piggybacking on the rollout of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which was a worldwide vote designed to replace the old, ancient, and largely disappeared original Wonders of the World, the goal was to declare Spain’s own unique treasures.

They would be known as the official Treasures of the Kingdom of Spain, which would be selected through a massive, nationwide poll. (Spain is technically still a monarchy, and its official name is the Kingdom of Spain or the Reino de España.)

Originally, the contest was supposed to finalize seven of the country’s greatest landmarks, both natural and manmade. But as the competition progressed and the list was whittled down to 20 finalists, the figure was expanded to include twelve treasures.

Think you can name them?

Even if you’re well-traveled around Spain and its far-off territories, you might be surprised by a few of the landmarks that made the list. (I’ve lived in Spain for six years, and some picks were new to me.)

The 12 treasures of Spain in order of votes

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba
Cave of Altamira, Santillana del Mar
Seville Cathedral, Seville
Alhambra, Granada
Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza
Teide National Park, Tenerife
Roman Theatre of Merida, Merida
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Beach of La Concha, San Sebastian
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao

The 12 treasures of Spain & how to visit them

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba

Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain-February 5, 2024; Interior of the Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption also known as the Mezquita (Getty)

Originally constructed in 785 when Cordoba was the capital of the Emirate of Cordoba, this former mosque is a direct link to Spain’s Moorish history. Following the fall of the Emirate, the mosque was eventually transformed into a Catholic cathedral in the early 1200s. During the Renaissance and again in the 1900s, the cathedral was remodeled and improved.

Rather than diminish the Muslim architecture and features, they have instead been preserved as part of the ground’s history. You’ll see it called the Mezquita thanks to this, which is Spanish for mosque.

Today, the Cathedral of Cordoba runs as an active Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can attend Mass there every day.

How can you visit?

You can purchase a ticket to enter either online or in person. The cathedral is open every day except Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. Entry is free between 8-9 am, but not for groups. Additionally, there’s a special one-hour night program that lets you explore the church after sunset, called The Soul of Cordoba.

Cave of Altamira, Santillana del Mar

Detail of the replica of paintings of the cave of Altamira (Getty)

Like France, Spain is home to a smattering of centuries-old structures, including manmade caves the Dolmen of Menga that were built millennia ago. But it looks like the public prefers to the Cave of Altamira in Cantabria, which is home to prehistoric cave art made in charcoal. Altamira stands out because its drawings are well-preserved and are easy to identify, from bulls to bison to wild boars.

Care to guess when these fuzzy beasts were scribbled on the walls? According to researchers, the cave murals of Altamira were done around 36,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic era.

How can you visit?

Unfortunately, the Cave of Altamira isn’t open to the public in an effort to preserve the drawings. Only five visitors are allowed in per week with the help of an official guide—and these visitors were selected to be put on a waiting list back in 2002 before the Cave of Altamira even landed on the list of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

However, you can visit the Museum of Altamira, which contains a full-scale replica of the original cave.

Seville Cathedral, Seville

Seville Cathedral, medieval building exterior architecture, Spain (Getty)

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and one of the largest churches in general, Seville Cathedral is both of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the baptism site of Spanish royals. But, similar to the Cathedral of Cordoba, the grounds were first broke to construct a mosque in 1182, meaning you might spot a few Moorish callbacks when you visit.

How can you visit?

Visiting the Cathedral isn’t nearly as straightforward as you might hope. There are connecting complexes like the Giralda and Roofs, meaning you need to buy multiple tickets if you want to see it all. Explore your options here at the official website.

Alhambra, Granada

Once again, we have a grand monument that stretches back to Spain’s Moorish era. Alhambra is considered one of the world’s greatest fortress-complexes thanks to its Islamic and, later on, Spanish Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1238 as part of the Emirate of Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Iberia.

Following the reclamation of the city by Spanish forces, Alhambra became an important site. For example, it’s the very place where the royal court gave their blessing to Christopher Columbus, who sailed across the Atlantic for the Spanish Crown.

How can you visit?

As one of Spain’s biggest tourist attractions, it’s easy to visit Alhambra in Granada. You can buy your tickets online, at which point you need to select a time slot for your visit. Make sure to consider the layout of the palace and the temperatures at the time of your visit—try to avoid going during peak heat hours.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza

This is the first site on this list that I hadn’t heard of before—and it’s easily one of the coolest. Forget going back to the era of the Moors. This church dates back to when Christianity first spread to Spain, as the basilica is on the site of two important apparitions that helped compel the spread of the religion. The first was of James the Apostle, the second of the Virgin Mary.

Despite its ancient history, the basilica was largely restyled and built between 1681 and 1872. It’s a stunning baroque structure that any fans of architecture will enjoy, regardless of whether Catholic sites pique your interest.

How can you visit?

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is located in the heart of Zaragoza and open to the public during non-worship hours. If you want to learn more, you can also purchase tickets to gain access to a small museum on the grounds, along with the tower. The tower also offers great views of Zaragoza.

Teide National Park, Tenerife

Located off the coast of West Africa, the Canary Islands offer a unique vacation thanks to its volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. The island of Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, an active volcano that’s the third-largest in the world.

If you’re an outdoorsy person who loves raw, rugged landscapes, it’s a stirring sight to behold as you explore Teide National Park. In fact, of the 12 Treasures of Spain, this is the only natural landmark to make the list.

How can you visit?

Teide National Park is easily accessible if you have a car rental or, if not, if you join a tour. If you plan on actually summiting to the peak (Pico del Teide), then you need a permit. You can obtain a permit from the National Park website. You can also book guided tours there.

Roman Theatre of Merida, Merida

Roman Theater of Mérida with the scaffolding, spotlights, stage and chairs placed under the stands prepared for the Mérida International Classical Theater Festival (Getty)

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: the most intact Romain ruins aren’t in Italy or Greece. Some of the grandest sites are located in North Africa, but Spain’s Roman Theatre in Merida isn’t too shabby, either. This massive amphitheater is located in Merida, which was the former capital of the Roman colony of Lusitania.

Uniquely, the theatre was lost to time, slowly being covered by sediment throughout the Late Antiquity period. Until the grounds were excavated in the late 1800s, all that locals could see of the ancient theatre were the crests of its bleacher-style seats.

How can you visit?

Head to the visitor’s center to purchase tickets, which includes access to multiple sites around the entire amphitheater complex. You can reach the visitor’s center by following the red signs that dot Merida.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Getty)

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the final location of the renowned Camino de Santiago, a religious trail for Catholics. The shortest version of the pilgrimage cuts through northern Spain to the Atlantic coast, where the cathedral sits.

Allegedly, the church is also the burial place of Saint James the Great, an actual apostle of Jesus Christ. (He’s also the Saint who inspired the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the 12 Treasures of Spain mentioned above.)

Ground was first broken back in the mid-9^th century CE, as rumors had spread that the Apostle’s remains were buried underground. In a surprise twist, the early church in Santiago de Compostela was burned to the ground, and a few remnants like the bells were whisked off the build the then-mosque, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, which was the first site on this list.

How can you visit?

You can’t miss this cathedral, which dominates the town center. You can enter for free (like other churches on this list, this is an active site of worship). However, if you want to learn more about the church’s history and ongoing religious impact, I’d highly suggest booking an official tour.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), Valencia

Picture of a panorama of The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. (Getty)

Meet Spain’s most modern marvel, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. This massive complex includes eight different buildings that showcase unique museums that celebrate both natural and scientific knowledge. Off the record, it looks like the set of a Sci-Fi movie mixed with multiple James Bond-caliber villain lairs—and I mean that in the best way possible.

How can you visit?

The grounds are deceptively large, meaning you might not fully enjoy your trip if you just show up and wing it. I highly suggest studying up on the different museums and exhibits so that your visit has some structure. Most buildings require different tickets, too, so you’ll save a bit if you make a game plan before showing up.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Aerial view of the Sagrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (Getty)

As one of Barcelona’s crown jewels, La Sagrada Familia needs no introduction. It’s easily the most famous of the 12 Treasures of Spain, especially for fans of Art Nouveau and Modernist architecture. This grand project from Antoni Gaudí is still under construction, while also functioning as an active church. In fact, it was blessed by the Pope back in 2010, which makes it a minor basilica.

How can you visit?

You can purchase tickets to visit La Sagrada Familia online. They give you a certain time slot to experience the main church, along with an optional tower add-on. I highly recommend visiting at sundown, as the stained glass windows fill with light, creating a jaw-dropping display.

Beach of La Concha, San Sebastian

La Concha, Spain, Basque Country, San Sebastian (Getty)

Shaped like a shell, this long stretch of coast in Basque Country (near San Sebastian) is renowned for its elegance, opulent resorts, and natural beauty. This is the second site on this list that I hadn’t heard of before—even though it’s considered one of Europe’s best beaches, especially considering its urban setting.

How can you visit?

Head to San Sebastian and follow the sound of the ocean—you’ll find La Concha Beach in no time. The best way to get there is by walking from the city’s historic center. As a public beach, it’s always free and always open to use. During summer, local authorities put out diving and swimming decks just off the shore, making it an ideal watering hole during the warmer months.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao

Considered one of the best Guggenheim Museums in the world, this Basque structure is a modern marvel. Unlike the majority of the 12 Treasures of Spain, it’s a modern marvel.

It was completed in the late 1990s (around the same time Valencia’s Arts and Sciences complexes were being built). It’s often regarded as a near-perfect contemporary work, which drew praise from the public and critics alike.

How can you visit?

The Guggenheim is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am -7 pm. You can purchase tickets at the entry to explore the general museum, along with any exhibits they have going at the time. During summer, the museum is sometimes open until 8 pm.