The Iberian Peninsula is located in the southwestern corner of Europe and consists of Spain and Portugal. The connection of the peninsula to the rest of Europe is punctuated by the Pyrenees Mountain Range. Spain and Portugal, because of their proximity to Northern Africa have Moorish roots (for approximately 500 years) along with Roman influences (since the region was conquered in the Second Punic War). The two countries have millions of visitors each year who come to see the many cities and towns with their rich histories.

This first installment of the top 40 tourist attractions on the Iberian Peninsula runs the gamut of diverse travel destinations, including a museum, a restaurant, a pilgrimage site, a palace and a town.

40. Casa Botin, Madrid, Spain — What claims to be the oldest restaurant in the world was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway when he lived in Madrid. The food is still excellent; the interior resembles a cave; and a tour of the wine cellar exudes a feeling of “old.”

Casa Botin

39. Dali Museum, Figueres, Spain — Housed in an old theater, the Dali Museum is as different and off-beat as its artist.

38. Aranjuez, Spain — One of the Royal estates of the rulers of Spain, Aranjuez features an opulent palace and numerous gardens.

37. Fatima, Portugal — In 1917 Mary, the Mother of Jesus, appeared to three children here and revealed three (3) secrets. The site has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

36. Albaicin, Granada, Spain — The Ancient Moorish quarter of Granada is a tangle of narrow streets and stairs. Climb to the top of the hill at night for an unforgettable view (Mirador San Nicholas) of the Alhambra (see #1 below) (Walking Tour available for just $1.49 on the website).

Mirador San Nicholas