Best Cities to See in Spain: A Quick Guide

A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and endless sunshine. Landscapes vary from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the southeast.

From the Romanesque churches in the northern Pyrenees Mountains to the Moorish palaces in the Lower Andalusia river basin, Spanish cities get their distinct character not only from their geographic location but from the place they occupied in Spain’s long and illustrious past as well.

While summer is the peak season in Spain, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting the cities in Spain in spring or autumn as not only is it normally mild and sunny, attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba will be less crowded.

It all makes for an exciting adventure when it comes to visiting the fifth largest country in Europe. Whether spending a holiday at a Barcelona beach or touring the medieval architecture of Toledo, vacations in Spain’s top cities are full of engaging surprises at every destination.

Madrid

Lying at the heart of Spain, the capital is a dynamic place brimming with life and energy which is infectious to experience. Stunning to look upon, the architectural styles at the city’s heart are varied and grand, with palaces and mansions rubbing shoulders with the more contemporary buildings lining its avenues.

See also: Where to Stay in Madrid

Once funded by the Spanish royals, its incredible galleries and museums are home to the best of Picasso, Dali, Goya, and more, with sumptuous masterpieces everywhere you look. It’s gastronomic scene is one to savor, as creative and innovative food styles make the restaurants a culinary delight. If you’re looking for some fun well into the early hours, Madrid has a thriving and lively nightlife scene.

Barcelona

Bathed in sunshine, the capital city of Catalunya is mesmerizing to navigate, thanks to its incredible architecture that spans the ages. The old Gothic quarter is an intriguing mishmash of narrow alleys, huge cathedrals and peaceful plazas, while other neighborhoods are home to some of Gaudi’s inspired creations, such as La Sagrada Familia – the iconic landmark of the city.

Lying next to the sea, there are some great seafood restaurants to check out, as well as the city’s lovely beaches with a range of water activities to enjoy. Dripping with culture, fine cuisine, and with a lively buzz to it, wandering along streets such as the famous Ramblas makes Barcelona a delight to visit.

For outdoor lovers, the hills that loom over Barcelona make for some great hiking, and there are lots of nice parks scattered about. Football fans will want to go and watch Barcelona FC. In addition to this, its lively nightlife and boisterous bars definitely make Barcelona a fun and entertaining city to explore.

Valencia

Lying alongside the Mediterranean, the third largest city in the country is often overlooked in favor of Barcelona and Madrid, although it has plenty of attractions to woo visitors. Great to live in, Valencia’s vibrant cultural scene, hopping nightlife and fine beaches mean that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With lovely, leafy parks snaking their way along the old riverbed that cuts through its center, the old quarter is great to explore, and there are lots of interesting museums to visit and many fine dining options available.

See also: Where to Stay in Valencia

Seville

With its cavernous Gothic cathedral lying at the heart of a picturesque historic center, Seville perfectly mixes the old with the new as life courses through its streets. With some great bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the city is especially fun to visit during the Feria de April and the Semana Santa festivals, which are absolutely huge.

The capital of Andalusia has some fascinating palaces, churches and streets to explore, with the medieval Jewish quarter the area that most tourists gravitate towards. With Moorish influences on show, Seville has a rich cultural heritage to delve into.

See also: Where to Stay in Seville

Palma de Mallorca

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is a beautiful sight. It features a lovely old cathedral that towers over the waterfront and numerous historical sites dating back to the Moors, Romans and Talayotics.

While the Gothic cathedral is arguably a highlight, wandering its medieval streets lined with old townhouses and churches is delightful, and there are lots of galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants to check out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all that Palma de Mallorca has to offer.

Zaragoza

The beautiful Basilica del Pilar is the city’s main landmark and, imperiously rising above the waters of the Rio Ebro, it really does look spectacular. The fifth largest city in the country, Zaragoza has a wealth of fantastic architecture to explore, with some ancient Roman remains and an old castle just a fraction of what it has to offer.

With the famous painter, Goya, born nearby, there are many galleries showcasing fantastic art pieces. Add to this a great tapas and bar scene and you’ll find that Zaragoza is certainly worth visiting.

Cordoba

Once the largest city in Western Europe, Córdoba’s stunning Mezquita testifies to the city’s former prestige and grandeur and is the undoubted highlight to see. The incredible Moorish mosque has lavish architecture and beautiful arches.

It is located in the middle of the historic part of Córdoba, which is an exciting area to explore – just be warned that its immediate surroundings are often full of tourists. A charming place, there are lots of historic sites to get lost in and the architecture on show is divine.

With more than enough restaurants and bars to keep you occupied, Córdoba, with its winding alleys, is a pleasure to visit.

Malaga

Located along the Costa del Sol, Malaga’s soulless high-rises hide a city that is rapidly reimagining itself. Numerous art galleries have sprung up in recent years – which seems appropriate since it is Picasso’s birthplace. Coupled with some delightful historic sites, such as an amphitheater dating back to Roman times and a Moorish fortress, Malaga has a thriving culinary scene, as well as some great nightlife for visitors to let their hair down.

The recently renovated port area is breathing fresh life into this already lively city. On top of this there are some nice beaches to lounge around on.

Bilbao

Lying alongside the banks of the Rio Nervion in northern Spain, Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim museum is probably what the city is best known for, although it certainly has much more to offer and is a bastion of Basque culture. Numerous architectural wonders line its lovely waterfront, highlighting a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with some delightful cathedrals spread around Bilbao.

Leafy parks and atmospheric plazas are surrounded by world-class restaurants and atmospheric eateries, showing off the best of Basque cuisine. The vibrant local culture is fascinating to learn about in its brilliant museums, galleries and theatres. Lying in Basque Country, the city has some picturesque hills overlooking it, from which there are some stunning views of the buildings below.

Granada

With the enchanting Alhambra set amidst such gorgeous scenery, most visitors to Granada descend upon the city to explore the breathtaking palace fortress that once housed the Moorish rulers. Spectacular to behold and stroll around, its amazing gardens and lovely Islamic architecture is the undoubted highlight of what Granada has to offer.

The city center itself is wonderful to get lost in, as impressive churches and atmospheric bars are interspersed among fantastic Islamic architecture; the old Arab quarter is particularly beautiful due to its alluring alleys. Set on the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is a lively place that should not be missed.

A Coruña

Lying upon the Galician coast, this port city is often overlooked by visitors even though it has a lot to offer. Sitting on an isthmus, the ocean lies to one side and the port to the other. As such, there are numerous attractive beaches to explore. Picturesque to behold, its cultural attractions perfectly complement its bustling commercial center, fine dining options and lively nightlife scene. Surrounding A Coruña are some pleasant walks and beaches for you to discover.

Pamplona

Renowned for the Running of the Bulls festival, when the city is packed to the brim, Pamplona has much more to offer than this debatable infamous event. Its beautiful medieval alleys give way to leafy parks and numerous archaeological sites, bordering the old city center that has an impressive cathedral and old fortifications.

With many great dining and drinking options, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kingdom of Navarra is interesting to visit, and many pilgrims stop by while walking the Camino de Santiago.

Salamanca

Simply spectacular to behold, there is a graceful air about Salamanca. Many of its fine and elegant buildings date back to Spain’s Golden Age. With two stunning cathedrals, numerous Renaissance palaces, churches, museums and galleries, it is a magical place to explore, as its warm sandstone tones follow you throughout your adventure.

A renowned seat of learning with a prestigious university, its huge student body makes it a lively city with endless entertainment options to enjoy.

Las Palmas

With an alluring mix of African, Chinese and Indian influences, among others, this lively port city has a sunny disposition and is a fun place to spend time. The oldest part of town has upmarket bars and boutiques, while some great restaurants are hidden away amidst the tangled streets.

A working city, certain parts of Las Palmas are a tad grimy, although they are not without their charm. The sweeping Playa de las Canteras is a picturesque spot to relax on the beach.

Cadiz

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Cadiz’s ancient heart is almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic, and a wealth of riches once poured into its port from the Americas. Funded by this gold rush, decadent mansions lie next to decaying warehouses and churches, while little cafes and restaurants dot its winding streets. With delicious seafood, a welcoming atmosphere and sandy beaches, it’s a strangely alluring place.

San Sebastian

With an idyllic setting alongside beautiful beaches and lovely verdant hills, San Sebastián is an attractive place full of grand buildings and numerous cultural attractions. Formerly a favorite with the Spanish monarchy, its lavish architecture and sense of grandeur is befitting, while its delightful parks and plazas only add to the charm.

With a myriad of music, arts and cultural festivals taking part throughout the year, its rich Basque culture is on show for all to enjoy. In addition to this, the world-renowned dining options make San Sebastián a city to savor.

Alicante

With an international airport and numerous resorts along its coastline, Alicante welcomes scores of tourists to its shores every year. Its lovely Mediterranean waterfront and picturesque old quarter, as well as a castle, museums and more, prove that the alluring, sandy beaches are just one aspect of it.

A lively place with great eating options and legendary nightlife, Alicante’s bars and clubs make it an upbeat place to hang out for a few days.

Girona

Girona has been a focal point of the northern part of Catalonia since being part of the Roman Empire. Its wealth in medieval times produced many fine Romanesque and Gothic buildings that have survived repeated attacks and sieges.

The old town is on the east bank of the river that runs through the city, with pedestrianized narrow streets surrounded by the old city walls. Girona also offers a lively nightlife, a great eating scene and art and music festivals.

Gijon

With its fine beaches and scenic location on the Bay of Biscay, Gijon is one of the best cities in Spain’s Asturias region to spend a seaside vacation. The city also features a few Roman ruins, including the Campo Valdes Roman Baths, which date back to the 1st century.

Located underground in Gijon’s Old Quarter, the archeological site also features a museum and a reconstructed Roman settlement. Near the baths is the Playa San Lorenzo, the city’s most popular beach.

Oviedo

The principal city of the Asturias region in northern Spain, Oviedo is best known for the two 9th-century churches located on the city’s outskirts. Perched on the slopes of Mount Naranco, the Church of St. Mary and the Church of St. Michael of Lillo are considered supreme examples of the Asturian pre-Romanesque style, which flowered during the Dark Ages when the rest of Europe lay in chaos. The characterful and historic casco antiguo (Old Town) attracts visitors too.

Santander

The beaches of Santander are the main attractions of this port city on the Bay of Biscay. With its wide stretch of golden sand, the long curving arc of the Playa el Sardinero is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean. Approaching the beach through the pathways of the beautiful Piquio Gardens enhances the experience.

Although Santander is an ancient city, much of the old quarter was destroyed by a fire in 1941. Since then, the Municipal Museum of Arts has been revamped to include local contemporary Cantabrian artists as well as old masters like Goya.

Santiago de Compostela

The capital city of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is one of the most important places in Catholicism because it is reputed to be the place where St. James, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, is buried. It is the final destination of the Way of St. James, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages.

The arriving point for most pilgrims is the main square. Situated in the heart of the city, this bustling plaza is the scene of many important landmarks, particularly the Santiago Cathedral where the tomb of St. James is located.

León

Founded as a Roman military encampment, León is the capital of the province of the same name. The year 910 was the beginning of one its most prominent historical periods, when it became the capital of the Kingdom of León, which took active part in the Reconquista against the Moors.

Its standout attraction is the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Spain. By night León is taken over by its large student population, who provide it with an irresistible energy.

Burgos

Originally a military fortress built to protect Christians in the 9th century, Burgos boasts some of the best preserved medieval structures in Spain. The Gothic spires of the Cathedral of Burgos draw visitors to the resting place of one of the country’s most renowned heroes, El Cid Campeador, who is buried next to his wife under the cathedral’s central dome. Located on the banks of the Arlanzon River, the picturesque Old Quarter features waterfront parks known collectively as the Paseo de la Isla.

Avila

The capital city of the province with the same name, Avila claims to have more Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita than any other city in Spain, most notably the San Vincente Basilica with its 13th-century bas-reliefs.

The birthplace of Santa Teresa, Avila attracts pilgrims for its religious history as well as for its architectural wonders. Of the latter, the ancient defensive walls of the city are the main draw. Considered the best preserved in Europe, the three-story high walls offer visitors panoramic views of the city from their more than 2,300 battlements.

Segovia

From the hilltop fairytale castle where Isabella was crowned queen of Castile to the 1st-century Roman Aqueduct stretching from the Old Quarter to the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, Segovia’s attractions are truly monumental.

Azoguejo Square is the best place to view the full span of the wonderfully preserved Aqueduct. Well worth a visit, the city’s sprawling Cathedral is one of the last in the country built in the Gothic style. Segovia is also known for its great cuisine, especially the city’s signature dish: roast suckling pig.

Toledo

Encircled on three sides by bends in the Tagus River, Toledo served as a natural fortress for a succession of Roman, Visigoth, Muslim and Christian rulers. Getting lost in the Old Quarter in Toledo is one of the great charms of a trip to this medieval city, as visitors have only to head uphill to the Plaza de Zocodover to recover their bearings.

Among the must-see attractions in Toledo are the city’s Cathedral, a resplendent structure ornamented with gold relief, and the El Greco Museum, a recreation of the artist’s home that features several important paintings.

Cuenca

The small mountaintop city of Cuenca in Castile-La Mancha has a medieval quarter unlike any other in Spain. Originally built in the 700s as a Muslim fortress, Christian rulers later expanded the town until structures literally hung from the cliffs. The casas colgadas, or “hanging houses,” attracted artists as well as tourists, inspiring the El Grupo Paso movement of the mid-20th century. The Museum of Spanish Abstract Art is housed in two of the casas colgadas, the former home of artist Fernando Zobel.

Mérida

Mérida, capital of Extremadura, was once also capital of the Roman province of Lusitania and it’s still home to the most impressive and extensive Roman ruins in all of Spain. With a little imagination, and a trip to the wonderful modern museum, the Roman city is not difficult to evoke, which is just as well, for the modern city, in which the sites are scattered, is less interesting. The star attraction in Merida is the well preserved Roman Theater. Next to it lies the amphitheater used for gladiator fights.

Ronda

Located in and around a deep gorge in the Serrania de Ronda Mountains, Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It’s nearly impregnable position made it a stronghold against Catholic troops in the 1400s and a home for Andalusian bandits from the 18th to 20th century.

Completed in 1793, the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the 30-story high gorge is one of the city’s most impressive features. Ronda is also home to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, an arena that has attracted writers ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Alexandre Dumas.

Marbella

A playground for jetsetters since the 1950s, Marbella on the Mediterranean Sea is best known for its beautiful beaches, although there are numerous historic attractions well worth exploring too. An ancient walled city boasts virtually the same footprint as it did during the 16th century.

When not sunning on Marbella’s palm-tree-lined beaches, visitors can walk the Golden Mile to view some of the most luxurious homes and resorts in Europe. The area around the yacht-filled marina Puerto Banus boasts the city’s best boutiques, restaurants and bars.