A Guide to Photography in Spain

Spain is a very diverse and culturally rich country. But what makes Spain so addictive are the people and their way of life. Getting in tune with the Spanish vibe means slowing down and enjoying every minute. A good photo lurks around every corner. But where should you go if you have little time and still want to experience and capture Spain in its true spirit?

When you walk down the street and observe Spaniards sitting in cafes, chatting, and laughing, you get the sense that their cities are made for this. Slow down and enjoy every moment. There’s no need to rush anywhere in the heat anyway.

Get up early, have an afternoon siesta, and hit the streets in the evening, letting yourself be guided by the last rays of light. Wide pedestrian boulevards and grand squares invite a bustling social life. If I ever move to Spain, I want to capture this spirit of togetherness with my camera.

Unforgettable Barcelona

You can’t start anywhere else but Barcelona, one of the best-planned cities in the world. Hidden squares, green streets, a unique atmosphere, and Gaudí’s imaginative creations everywhere. And if you’re overwhelmed by the streets, you can escape to the sea, which is essentially part of the city.

As photographers, you’ll appreciate the diversity of Barcelona’s landscape. It gradually rises from plains into hills, offering magnificent views of the surroundings. In addition to Gaudí’s famous Park Güell, I recommend visiting the lesser-known Güell Palace. You start with the picturesque Gaudí interiors and finish on the roof with its fascinating ceramic chimneys.

Timing your visit to Barcelona is crucial. Not only is the city unbearably hot in the middle of summer, but it’s also flooded with tourists. There’s even considerable backlash against tourists from the locals. Therefore, I recommend visiting in spring or autumn when you can enjoy the city much more. The lighting for your photos will also be more favorable.

Bilbao and the Basque coast

Chalky white limestone cliffs covered with grass, rain, and fog. Even though it may not look like it, we are still in Spain. From the bustling Catalonian metropolis, we move to the opposite coast of the Basque Country. A place that is not as frequented, but is all the more surprising and beautiful.

Any of the coastal trails can provide you with unforgettable views of the ocean. You are also close to breathtaking rugged mountains. The Pyrenees or Picos de Europa are comparable to the Alps in their beauty and grandeur.

If you miss the city, you can head to Bilbao. Instead of traditional Spanish history, you’ll find a city full of modern architecture, design, and cleverly designed public spaces. You’ll be captivated by unusual lines and the interplay of lights and shadows. Breathtaking scenes of minimalism and timeless architectural displays are a feast for your eyes and camera.

Madrid and Toledo

Although Madrid is also full of tourists in the summer, it has one big advantage over Barcelona. It’s so huge that tourists can disperse throughout the city. You’ll find quiet places everywhere, maybe not right in the center. The center, on the contrary, has streets full of lively local life. Spaniards love their street life, and residential neighborhoods like Arganzuela, Comillas, or Las Acacias are great opportunities for patient street photographers.

Not far from Madrid is medieval Toledo, a historic gem that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also escape the crowds here if you venture outside the historic center and into the hills surrounding Toledo.

Unforgettable Islands

When talking about Spain, we can’t leave out the islands. For example, in Mallorca, there’s the beautiful historic capital city of Palma. But you can also head to the rugged ridges of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which are perfect for long hikes. On Fuerteventura, you can walk through a fascinating volcanic landscape that can make you feel like you’re on Mars. Plus, it’s easy to find your own “private” deserted beach here.

On Tenerife, you can climb the highest mountain in all of Spain, Pico del Teide. For perfect light in your photos, consider staying at the Refugio de Altavista under the summit. From there, you can set off on a morning hike and catch the sunrise.

Take the Camino de Santiago 

Probably the best way to get to know Spain is on foot. Hiking has a long tradition in the country. The entire landscape is crisscrossed with trails leading to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is no longer reserved for devout pilgrims. On the contrary, it is open to anyone who desires a deeper experience of discovering new places, people, and themselves.

Among the most beautiful, but also the most challenging routes, are the Camino del Norte, the northern route, or the original Camino Primitivo, leading through the wild mountains of Asturias and Galicia. If you are a beginner, the Camino Portugues might be the best choice for you.

Discovering the beauty of Spain from behind the camera is an unforgettable experience. Have I enticed you to visit Spain yet?