Destinations in Spain

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Catholic Pilgrimage Destinations in Spain - Holy Sites, Shrines & Guided Tours

Spain holds a central place in Catholic history, offering pilgrims a profound journey of faith, tradition, and sacred heritage. Home to renowned shrines, historic cathedrals, and important sites of Marian devotion, the country welcomes visitors from around the world seeking spiritual renewal and cultural depth. From the sacred pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela to the great cathedrals of Toledo and Seville and the Marian sanctuaries of Montserrat and El Pilar, our guided tours invite you to discover both celebrated and lesser-known holy places, creating a meaningful and enriching pilgrimage experience.

Top Pilgrimage Destinations in Spain

Spain is home to extraordinary Catholic landmarks, from the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral to historic monasteries and Marian shrines like El Pilar in Zaragoza. Pilgrims can walk in the footsteps of centuries of faith, witness vibrant religious traditions, and immerse themselves in Spain’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago de Compostela draws pilgrims from across the globe along the Camino de Santiago. Visitors venerate the tomb of Saint James and experience centuries of Catholic tradition.

Perched in the Catalan mountains, Montserrat is home to the Black Madonna. Pilgrims enjoy the serene environment, attend Mass, and explore the monastery’s spiritual and cultural treasures.

A major Marian pilgrimage, El Rocío hosts an annual festival drawing thousands of pilgrims. Visitors honor the Virgin, participate in processions, and experience deep local devotion.

Located in Asturias, this shrine is linked to the Virgin of Covadonga. Pilgrims visit the basilica and holy cave, reflecting on historical and spiritual significance.

Home to one of the five Holy Cities of Catholic pilgrimage, the sanctuary preserves a relic of the True Cross. Pilgrims visit for prayer, Mass, and special jubilee years.

A major Marian site, this basilica honors the Virgin Mary’s apparition to Saint James. Pilgrims venerate the miraculous image and attend liturgical celebrations.

Nestled in the mountain, the Santa Cova Chapel is part of Montserrat’s spiritual path. Pilgrims can reflect quietly along the scenic route, exploring a more intimate devotional site.

Spain also offers lesser-known pilgrimage sites for those seeking quiet reflection and authentic spiritual encounters:

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima – Extremadura region

  • Monastery of San Juan de la Peña – Aragón

  • Hermitage of Santa María de la Cabeza – Jaén

  • Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana – Cantabria

Map of Spain Pilgrimage Sites

While traveling beyond Spain’s major cities, discover authentic Catholic pilgrimage destinations rarely visited by tourists. This guide highlights sacred churches, Marian shrines, and monasteries tucked away in peaceful regions across the country, where pilgrims can experience quiet reflection, centuries of devotion, and the rich spiritual heritage of Spain.

Expatro Tours – Destinations Map (Poland)

List of Our Destinations in Spain

This small town enshrines the remains of Saint Teresa of Ávila. Pilgrims honor her reforming zeal and mystical love for Christ, visiting the Carmelite monastery that holds her heart. Get a Tour Quotation

Near the shrine of El Rocío, Almonte is home to Spain’s most vibrant Marian procession. Pilgrims join the crowds in song, dance, and prayer, celebrating the Virgin in joyful devotion. Get a Tour Quotation

Ágreda honors Venerable María de Jesús, a nun famed for spiritual writings and reported bilocations to the Americas. Pilgrims come seeking wisdom, mystery, and deepened Marian faith. Get a Tour Quotation

Aragon is home to Marian sanctuaries beloved by saints and Opus Dei followers, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, where Mary appeared to Saint James. Pilgrims come for Marian miracles and apostolic zeal. Get a Tour Quotation

Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus and a center of Carmelite spirituality. Pilgrims walk through its medieval walls, explore monasteries, and immerse in the reformer’s profound mystical writings. Get a Tour Quotation

Barcelona’s spiritual heart lies in Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, blending faith and modern architecture. Pilgrims also visit ancient churches and Marian sites like the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, patroness of the city. Get a Tour Quotation

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria in Tenerife is the spiritual center of the Canary Islands. Pilgrims venerate the Black Madonna, protector of seafarers and symbol of evangelization. Get a Tour Quotation

In Liébana, the Monastery of Santo Toribio holds the Lignum Crucis, the largest surviving fragment of Christ’s Cross. Pilgrims seek healing and veneration at this powerful relic site. Get a Tour Quotation

Declared one of five official holy cities, Caravaca draws pilgrims to the miraculous Cross of Caravaca, said to have descended from Heaven. A jubilee site, it promises indulgences and deep renewal. Get a Tour Quotation

This area includes the Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen), a controversial yet spiritually significant site with its monumental basilica. Pilgrims reflect on reconciliation, sacrifice, and prayer for the dead. Get a Tour Quotation

Covadonga marks the victory that began Spain’s Christian Reconquest, inspired by the Virgin Mary. The mountaintop basilica and Holy Cave attract pilgrims seeking Marian intercession and patriotic faith. Get a Tour Quotation

In the quiet village of Fittoria, pilgrims honor Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the great mystics and Doctors of the Church. Her body lies here in reverence, inviting reflection on her fiery love for Christ, her role in Church renewal, and her spiritual writings that continue to inspire hearts across the world. Get a Tour Quotation

Though not officially approved, Garabandal remains a powerful site for Marian devotees. Pilgrims climb the rocky paths to the Pines, where apparitions were reported, seeking signs and spiritual renewal. Get a Tour Quotation

Girona’s cathedral and Benedictine sites evoke centuries of Catholic history. Pilgrims walk through its Romanesque halls and towering nave, praying amid relics and sacred art. Get a Tour Quotation

Granada, once the final Moorish stronghold, celebrates the victory of the Catholic Monarchs. Pilgrims visit the Royal Chapel, the resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, and explore its grand cathedral. Get a Tour Quotation

The Monastery of Guadalupe houses a Black Madonna venerated for centuries and patroness of Spain. Pilgrims find healing and royal devotion in this World Heritage Marian shrine. Get a Tour Quotation

In Limpias, the crucified Christ was seen moving and weeping by thousands in the early 20th century. Pilgrims visit to witness the enduring mystery of the suffering Savior. Get a Tour Quotation

León’s majestic Cathedral and Basilica of San Isidoro are rich in Romanesque beauty and sacred history. Pilgrims walk amid relics, royal tombs, and Eucharistic devotion rooted in Spain’s medieval Christian heart. Get a Tour Quotation

In the Basque Country, Loyola is the birthplace of Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits. Pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Loyola to experience Ignatian spirituality and conversion through prayer and retreat. Get a Tour Quotation

Spain’s capital blends modern vibrancy with sacred tradition. Pilgrims explore Almudena Cathedral, sites tied to the Virgin of Atocha, and the spiritual legacy of martyrs and saints amid bustling avenues. Get a Tour Quotation

Known for its Renaissance cathedral, Málaga welcomes pilgrims with historic charm, Marian devotion, and proximity to shrines in Andalusia. The blend of architecture and faith draws prayerful visitors. Get a Tour Quotation

Palma Cathedral, also called “La Seu,” rises beside the Mediterranean as a luminous Gothic marvel. Pilgrims visit this spiritual beacon and honor Saint Junípero Serra, native son and missionary to California. Get a Tour Quotation

In Manresa, Saint Ignatius of Loyola penned his Spiritual Exercises in a cave after his conversion. Pilgrims come for silence, retreat, and spiritual transformation inspired by his interior journey. Get a Tour Quotation

Montserrat is home to the revered Black Madonna of Catalonia. Nestled in dramatic mountain peaks, the abbey draws countless pilgrims for Marian devotion, Gregorian chant, and sweeping natural beauty. Get a Tour Quotation

This tiny mountain village on the Camino is known for a Eucharistic miracle in which the Host and wine visibly became flesh and blood. Pilgrims find faith renewed on their way to Santiago. Get a Tour Quotation

The Cathedral of San Salvador houses the Sudarium, believed to be the cloth that covered Jesus’ face. Pilgrims revere this relic, following the pilgrim’s path that connects it to the Shroud of Turin. Get a Tour Quotation

Prado Nuevo in El Escorial has attracted thousands due to claimed apparitions of the Virgin. While awaiting formal approval, pilgrims come for Marian prayers, penance, and deep devotion to the Sorrowful Mother. Get a Tour Quotation

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peña de Francia offers breathtaking views and spiritual refuge. Pilgrims travel winding paths to venerate the Virgin in this peaceful mountain retreat. Get a Tour Quotation

One of the world’s most renowned pilgrimages, Santiago houses the remains of Saint James the Greater. Pilgrims arrive on foot from across Europe, celebrating the journey of faith and the call of apostleship. Get a Tour Quotation

This Benedictine abbey is a center of monastic life and sacred music. Pilgrims are drawn by the serene chanting, Romanesque cloisters, and the deep spiritual rhythm of prayer. Get a Tour Quotation

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar marks the world’s earliest Marian apparition, to Saint James in AD 40. Pilgrims honor Mary’s enduring presence and intercession in the evangelization of Spain. Get a Tour Quotation

Segovia enchants pilgrims with its soaring Gothic cathedral and the final resting place of Saint John of the Cross, Carmelite reformer and mystic. It’s a city where contemplation meets architectural splendor. Get a Tour Quotation

Home to one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, Seville’s spiritual roots run deep. Pilgrims encounter rich liturgy, devotion to the Immaculate Conception, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Get a Tour Quotation

Pilgrims visit Valencia Cathedral to venerate the Holy Chalice, believed by some to be the actual cup used by Christ at the Last Supper. The city is a center of Eucharistic reverence. Get a Tour Quotation

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, missionary and founder, is buried in Vic. His legacy of fiery preaching and Marian love continues to inspire pilgrims in this quiet Catalan town. Get a Tour Quotation

This charming village is a key rest point on the Camino. Pilgrims pray at its ancient churches, including Santiago Church, where the sick once received a special blessing without entering the cathedral in Santiago. Get a Tour Quotation

Pilgrims flock to venerate Saint Paschal Baylón, a humble friar with deep devotion to the Eucharist. His shrine in Villarreal inspires prayerful adoration and Eucharistic faith. Get a Tour Quotation