With Spain’s dry Mediterranean climate you are (almost) guaranteed good weather, meaning a rooftop bar is an absolute must for any visit to this sunny paradise. We have taken the legwork out of your holiday and selected the best rooftop bars in the major cities. So sit back, enjoy a cocktail and the spectacular views!

1. Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid

A visit to Spain’s capital is incomplete without a trip up to this iconic view from the 7th floor of Círculo de Bellas Artes. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee of 4€ (3€ concession) you take the lift all the way up and are immediately greeted by Madrid’s majestic skyline. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mountains – the sight is simply magnificent. There are plenty of comfy chill-out zones where you can enjoy something from their expansive drinks menu. There is also the restaurant AZOTEA if you feel like making the most of the rooftop experience. Oh, and don’t forget to mark the occasion with a photo! We promise you won’t want to forget coming here.

We also recommend:

• The Solarium at Gymage is a unique terrace as there is a lounge, bar, restaurant and a rooftop pool. Pay the 15 € entrance fee and it’s all yours to use. The fee also includes one drink. This is certainly a great value spot in Malasaña – one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

2. Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

Barcelona is home to many different rooftop bars, so it’s been hard to whittle it down to just one, but we have chosen the Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central. It offers unrivalled views across the whole city, with many other rooftops having partial or restricted views. The bar is accessible (with a cover charge of €20 which includes a drink) to non-guests from 8pm every day and it is strongly recommended to book ahead of time. Top tip: If you make a dinner reservation here, you won’t have to pay the entrance fee!

We also recommend:

• The Pulitzer Terrace at the Pulitzer Hotel is open during the summer months. This terrace may be small but it has free entry (woo!) and has a very central location, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whilst the views may not be as awesome as at the Sky Bar, the drinks are cheap, the foliage is thick and the vibes are good – there is a DJ playing a set from 7pm-10pm every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

3. Le Petit Bistro, Valencia

This elegant rooftop is perfect for a sophisticated afternoon in Valencia’s Old Town district. It is almost within touching distance of the Cathedral and its tower, El Miguelete. Le Petit Bistro is great for particularly hot days, as there are plenty of cooling cocktails and misting fans. This place is also a great date spot as not only is the bar itself a very romantic setting but it also has a delicious Mediterranean inspired menu.

We also recommend:

• Whilst not necessarily a rooftop Restaurant Panorama offers stunning panoramic (as suggested by the name) views as you are immersed by the sea. Enjoy a meal or a cocktail and admire views of the city skyline with the sound of the sea in the background.

4. La Terraza de Amérigo, Alicante

At the top of the HOSPES Amérigo Hotel in Alicante, the ‘Terraza de Amérigo’ is a beautiful hang-out to while away the evenings. They serve delicious artisanal cocktails and there is even a restaurant attached if you fancy a bite to eat. With the illuminated Santa Barbara Castle in the background and the historic centre of Alicante on the bar’s doorstep, there isn’t a more picturesque place for a drink in Alicante.

We also recommend:

• This recommendation is neither a rooftop nor a bar but stay with us as there is a very good reason why it has made our list. La Ereta is nestled in the Ereta Park right next to the Santa Barbara Castle, with stunning views over the Old Town and down to the marina. Whilst there is quite a hilly trek to find the restaurant the vistas do not disappoint and are well worth the journey.

5. El Balcón de San Nicolas, Granada

Nestled away in the stunning Andalusian hills in the ancient Moorish stronghold of Granada, our top pick for a sunset tipple is El Balcón de San Nicolas. It’s the perfect place for an evening drink as it has some of the best views of the famous Alhambra palace. Watch the sun hit the golden buildings as it sets over the picturesque city. The terrace has incredibly comfy sofas to chill out on and there is also a restaurant attached meaning you can eat before or after the sun has set!

We also recommend:

• For something a little different, head to Monasterio Chill Out. Named after the Monastery of Saint Jerome which it sits next to, you will have front row seats to the spectacular building. You also have the Sierra Nevada in the distance, so really there is no shortage of fantastic views at this place. On top of this, you can enjoy the views all year round as they cover the terrace during winter.

6. AC Hotel Málaga Palacio Terrace, Málaga

With over 300 days of sunshine, Málaga is the perfect place to catch some rays at a rooftop bar. The swanky AC Hotel Málaga Palacio is one of the city’s tallest buildings making it the perfect vantage point for breathtaking views across the city. It is situated near the port and the Old Town and is open from noon until 1am, and 4am on the weekends, meaning you can choose whatever time of day to have a drink.

We also recommend: 

• At the top of the Oasis Hostel, you can find the Oasis Terrace, a relaxed and youthful bar with a great selection of cocktails and gin and tonics. Come in the afternoon if you want to relax at a slower pace. Come at night if you are looking for a little more excitement as there is a selection of different events, such as live performances of jazz and flamenco.

7. La Terraza de EME, Seville

This swish rooftop bar on top of the EME Hotel boasts stunning views of the Seville Cathedral which looks especially beautiful at sunset as the sun hits the Giralda Tower. Thankfully, this bar is not exclusive to hotel guests (unfortunately the pool is) but it is recommended to book during the summer months. Dinner is also available on the roof so you can sit back and enjoy panoramic views of the city during the golden hour as the light touches every corner of the city. There is also a DJ playing sets during the evenings.

We also recommend:

• The Roof is another great bar where you can indulge in the Spanish tapas culture. There are various levels to choose a comfy seat from and with glorious views of the Gothic Cathedral and La Giralda as well as the Encarnacion Monument, known locally as the setas (mushrooms) monument.

8. Tira Pallá, Ibiza

Tira Pallá is a charming joint where you will find yourself immersed in the gorgeous views of Dalt Vila. Only 10 minutes in a taxi from the main clubs this place is ideal for starting your evening the right way. It’s a little way past the Dalt Vila drawbridge entrance and then up a steep staircase so not the easiest to find, but the kind service, delicious drinks, and laid-back atmosphere make it all worth the brief excursion. P.S. did we mention the views?

We also recommend:

• If you still want vistas of Dalt Vila but without the trek into the centre of Ibiza’s city, relax at Patchwork. Situated in the upmarket Talamanca, this funky bar features tasteful but bright Asian-inspired decor. The views stretch right across the Talamanca bay with the peak of Dalt Vila standing proudly in the distance. The bar is also home to the island’s first (and only) Lebanese restaurant on the island. They offer a mixture of grill and mezze options. Open from 19:00 to 03:00 daily.

9. Nakar Hotel Cuit Bar & Restaurant, Palma de Mallorca

With some of the best views across Palma de Mallorca, this contemporary and modern rooftop bar at the Nakar Hotel is open every day during the summer months. The infamous Palma Cathedral stands proudly in the view, and on a clear day, you can see all the way out across the beautiful azure waters of the Mediterranean.  There is also a DJ spinning some tracks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday to provide the soundtrack to your evening. This elegant bar should definitely be at the top of your list on your next holiday to Mallorca. 

We also recommend:

• The Es Baluard Contemporary Art Gallery is home to many famous works of modern art by Balearic artists, what many don’t realise is that the gallery also houses a beautiful terrace lounge and restaurant. Built into an old sea wall, this bar fuses modern and ancient architecture as well as offering beautiful views of the infamous Palma Cathedral and the harbour which are particularly breathtaking at night as the city lights up.

10. Cova d’en Xoroi, Menorca  

Ok, we admit that this one isn’t strictly “rooftop”, but you could say it is “cliff top”. The bar at Cova d’en Xoroi is absolutely unmissable and probably the coolest haunt on our list. This bar-cum-restaurant is situated in a network of caves in the south of the island. The views are simply breathtaking, particularly as the sun goes down. On certain nights, chairs and tables are pushed aside and the venue turns into a nightclub. The entrance fee is 8€ but that also gets you a beer or soft drink upon arrival.

We also recommend: 

• Again, this is not strictly a rooftop bar, but the Moonlight Cocktail bar is a lovely spot with an expansive cocktail menu. Situated on the west side of the island, this bar has stunning views of the picturesque cove of Cala Blanca. A fantastic way to spend the evening, watching the sun dipping into the sea.