4 Best Sights in Spain

The Cíes Islands, 35 km (21 miles) west of Vigo, are among Spain's best-kept secrets. They form a pristine nature preserve that's one of the last unspoiled refuges on the Spanish coast. Starting on weekends in May and then daily June–late September, Naviera Mar de Ons ( 986/225272 www.mardeons.com) runs about eight boats from Vigo's harbor (subject to weather conditions), returning later in the day, for the €26 round-trip fare in high season (tickets must be booked in advance on the website). The 45-minute ride brings you to white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters brimming with marine life; there's also great birding. The only way to get around is your own two feet: it takes about an hour to cross the main island. If you want to stay overnight, there's a designated camping area. The tourist office also has up-to-date information on timetables and crossings. It is mandatory for travelers to the Cíes Islands to first obtain authorization from the Xunta de Galicia online portal (autorizacionillasatlanticas.xunta.gal/illasr).

Off the south coast of Mallorca, this verdant isle is one of the last unspoiled places in the Mediterranean—the largest of the 19 islands of the Cabrera Archipelago. To protect its dramatic landscape, varied wildlife, and lush vegetation, it was declared a national park in 1991. Cabrera has had its share of visitors throughout history, from the Romans to the Arabs. The only intact historical remains are those of a 14th-century castle overlooking the harbor. Tours are operated daily by the Marcabrera company. Boats depart from Colònia Sant Jordi port, 47 km (29 miles) southeast of Palma. Tours, with a stop to swim or snorkel in the mysterious Cueva Azul (Blue Cave), start from €55; two-and-a-half-hour excursions by speedboat, leaving three times a day between 1 and 5, are €70.

Named after its 14th-century Carthusian monastery, this island in the Guadalquivir River across from northern Seville was the site of the decennial Universal Exposition (Expo) in 1992. The island has the Teatro Central, used for concerts and plays; Parque del Alamillo, Seville's largest and least-known park; and the Estadio Olímpico, a 60,000-seat covered stadium. The best way to get to La Cartuja is by walking across one or both (one each way) of the superb Santiago Calatrava bridges spanning the river. The Puente de la Barqueta crosses to La Cartuja, and downstream the Puente del Alamillo connects the island with Seville. Buses C1 and C2 also serve La Cartuja.

You can visit this uninhabited island that rises from the center of La Concha's bay and shields it from high swells. Ferries (around €8 round-trip) run from the mainland every 30 minutes and are packed on summer weekends. Reaching the island from the beach is a fun challenge for experienced swimmers. There's a small bar at the ferry dock and lifeguard service at a beach that reveals itself only at low tide. Bring sturdy sandals as the coastline is rocky. Within the lighthouse is a 15-ton bronze fountain called Hondalea (\"Sea Floor\"), by Basque sculptor Cristina Iglesias; unveiled in 2021 and open only on select dates (see website), its whooshing flows are meant to mimic the tides.