14 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain You Must Visit

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If you’re looking for the most beautiful cities in Spain, then you’re in the right place. From the capital Madrid to Barcelona, from busy cities to beautiful islands, from challenging hiking trails to relaxing beaches, there are plenty of beautiful places in Spain for you to visit and enjoy.

Each of these wonderful places has something special that makes them worth visiting. The most beautiful Spanish cities are full of culture, history, gorgeous architecture, and a treasure trove of natural beauty (and don’t forget wonderful food!).

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience as well as some stunning scenery, take a look at these best cities to visit in Spain.

Which Part of Spain is the Most Beautiful?

Some of the most beautiful places in Spain include Andalucia in southern Spain, with cities like Sevilla and Granada. The centre of Spain has Madrid, one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. 

And up north are Valencia and Cordoba–two ancient yet modern-looking Spanish towns that make for a great day trip from Barcelona or Madrid.

Then, for the outdoorsy types, there are stunning landscapes too like the volcanic national parks on the Spanish islands or the gorgeous but dating Caminito del Rey hiking trail. However, Spain is such a varied country, narrowing it down to just one beautiful area is pretty tough.

14 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain

There are many wonderful must-see Spanish cities. If you’re planning a trip to this European gem, these are Spain’s most beautiful cities that you must visit.

1. Cadiz

Of all the most low-key and beautiful parts of Spain along the Mediterranean coast, Cadiz is one of those off-the-beaten places that are worth visiting. Full of history, gorgeous architecture and beautiful and expansive beaches Cadiz offers so much.

The city centre is fun to explore. Enjoy some of the beautiful walking promenades, historic buildings and architectural treasures like the cathedral. It’s easy to wander around and explore.

Along the coastline area, you can explore a lovely fortress with a nice harbour and sandy beach in town. Or you can go outside to the many beaches and have these practically all to yourself to enjoy.

The food in Cadiz is spectacular with beautiful markets to explore, outdoor cafes spilling out to the many plazas and delicious seafood from the area. Eating and then walking it off around the many narrow streets is a fun way to eat and explore. 

While you’re in the area check out the Tavira Tower, the Roman Theatre, El Populo, Castel San Sebastian, and Castel Santa Catalina. Built by the early Phoenicians, Romans and other Spanish rulers,

Cadiz has so much history, modern architecture, wonderful venues, plazas, and walking areas to explore, even outside the city centre.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cadiz

2. Malaga

Malaga is a quaint Spanish city in the centre of Costa del Sol. Boasting amazing beaches, beach bars, shopping, and a vibrant tapas scene, this is a popular destination and one of the best cities to visit in Spain. 

But Malaga also has a lot of history. You can explore the ancient ruins of a Roman theatre in the ancient city centre and the city’s cathedral is also stunning. Make sure you head to Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba to soak in the views and learn about the rich history dating back to Moorish times. 

Malaga is also the birthplace of Picasso and houses the Picasso Museum which you can enjoy for free during the last couple of hours before closing on Sundays.

Head just a little bit outside the city and you can explore some of the best hikes in Malaga like Rio Chillar, a mesmerizing river winding through a slot canyon, or La Maroma, Malaga’s highest peak. 

You can also enjoy water sports like scuba diving, SUP, and windsurfing on the coast. Malaga is perfect to visit all year round with mild winter temperatures for a city break or hiking and warm summers for beach scenes and river and lake explorations.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Malaga

3. Barcelona

Barcelona is cradled on the Southeast coastline of Spain and is the capital city of the autonomous region of Catalunya. The Spanish city boasts its own unique culture and traditions which makes it one of the best places to visit in Spain. 

Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Barcelona is well known worldwide for featuring some of the best works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

This includes the miraculous La Sagrada Familia, a must-see on any trip. Stroll through Gaudi’s Parc Guell with sweeping views of the city to peruse the rooms of Casa Batllo, a true modern impressionist masterpiece. For music lovers, book a ticket at the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Food is also a big part of the Barcelonian culture. Explore the many tapas bars in the Vila de Gracia neighbourhood or perch at one of the bars along with Passeig del Born.

Walk the main street of Las Ramblas and snack away at the city’s oldest market, La Boqueria. Must-try food items include the local favourite La Bomba, simple Escalivada, and sweet Mato cheese. 

Visit Barcelona in May and June when temperatures are mild and festivals are bustling. The city can be reached from any major airport in the world.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Barcelona

4. Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, sitting along the stunning southeastern coast. It is a city known for its history, culture, and of course stunning beaches.

If you are looking for one of the best cities to visit in Spain that has everything you could ever ask for – then a visit to Valencia is in order. 

There are a ton of amazing things to do in Valencia during your visit. The number one thing to do is explore the old town. Here you find a ton of beautiful old buildings, secret streets, and more. Beyond this, heading to the famous futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is a must. 

Here you will find an amazing cultural and architectural complex that is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. Finally, no visit to Valencia is complete without going to the beach. This Mediterranean Sea is not something you want to miss.

The best part? You can visit Valencia anytime you want! It is the perfect year-round destination that is always sunny.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Valencia

5. San Sebastian

San Sebastian is easily one of the most beautiful places in northern Spain. This coastal city is one of the highlights of the Basque Country region and is easily reachable by train or by a domestic flight from Madrid or Barcelona.

To enjoy the good weather, visit San Sebastian between June and September.

With an outrageous number of Michelin-star restaurants, exquisite seafood, incredible food markets, and dozens of pintxo bars, it’s no wonder why many consider San Sebastian the food capital of the world.

But what are pintxos? Mainly popular in northern Spain, they are a type of finger food/tapas consisting of a piece of bread and different toppings. If you’re a foodie, you can’t miss out on a pintxo bar food tour in San Sebastian to discover the locals’ favourite spots.

If you’re also a dessert addict, you must try a Basque cheesecake. It might not look like a typical one, but it will be the only cheesecake you’ll ever want to eat in your life. Head straight to La Viña, the bar where it was invented, to devour a few slices.

Other fun things to do in this city include wandering around the old town, sunbathing at the dreamy La Concha beach, taking the funicular to Monte Igueldo to feast on the most scenic views of the bay, and visiting the San Telmo Museum.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in San Sebastian

6. Bilbao

Often passed over for the more popular cities in southern Spain, The Basque Country is still one of the most beautiful parts of Spain. The city of Bilbao makes the perfect base.

Home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, the mix of old and new makes it a culture lovers’ dream.

Bilbao in Northern Spain is the capital of the province of Biscay and is easily accessible from its International Airport. Being located so far North means the weather in Bilbao can be temperamental so late spring and summer are the best times to visit. 

There is so much to do in and around Bilbao. A visit to the Guggenheim is an absolute must-do and so is the Fine Arts Museum Bilbao.

Rent a car and head out into the Basque Countryside for a hike down to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, also known as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. Or head North to the coast for a trip across the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Make sure to save time for a wander through Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s Old Town. And try some world-famous Pintxos, the Basque Country’s equivalent of Tapas.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Bilbao

7. Seville

Located in the picturesque southern region of Andalusia, Seville is one of Spain’s largest cities. It’s awash with Moorish-style architecture, several UNESCO World Heritage sites, pretty urban parks, and incredible wining and dining.

There is a treasure trove of things to do in Seville. Start with a saunter through the labyrinth of charming narrow alleyways in the bohemian El Barrio de Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Then, explore Plaza de España to glance at the gorgeous buildings (paying close attention to the vibrant tile work).

At sunset, dine at one of Seville’s sumptuous and historic tapas bars for a glass of red wine and some Solomillo Al Whisky (prime cuts of pork with whiskey sauce).

Still ‘hungry’ for more? End your evening with a traditional flamenco show and then dance on over to one of Seville’s rooftop bars – Hotel Doña Maria‘s rooftop is a prime position to have a sip of sangria in the shadow of Seville Cathedral at night.

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and it’s sunny all year round, making it the perfect place for winter sun in Europe. However, the seasons of autumn and winter have more comfortable temperatures and much fewer tourists. 

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Seville

8. Alicante

Alicante is located on the Costa Blanca on Spain’s southeastern coast. It is a very popular tourist destination all year round and has loads to offer.

Some of the best things to do in this Spanish city include a stroll through the colourful winding streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz (also a great area for nightlife) and a visit to the historic Castillo de Santa Barbara. The Castillo is free to visit and is a great place to spend a few hours.

Some of the best views in Alicante can be seen from La Ereta Park on Mount Benacantil a few minutes walk from the city centre. On a nice day, it’s well worth a walk around the harbour which is home to many great restaurants and bars.

As Alicante is by the sea, a great dish to try in the city is the Paella Alicantina. This features fresh shellfish as well as saffron rice, red peppers and chicken.

The city is serviced by the large Alicante Airport, a 25-minute drive from downtown Alicante. The closest large city is Valencia which is less than a 2-hour train journey away. 

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Alicante

9. Madrid

A trip to Spain would not be complete without visiting its capital city. Madrid. Located in central Spain, is one of the best cities to visit in the country.

Home to the royal family, it’s famous for its excellent museums and art galleries. The Spanish capital is also known for one of the best football clubs in the world – Real Madrid and its fantastic nightlife scene. 

Even if you’re not an art expert, you will appreciate world-class artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. You can find their work here in Madrid in the Museum Nacional del Prado and Museum of Reina Sofia.

Here, you can see one of the most important pieces, ‘Guernica’, that tells an important part of Spanish history. Another must-see in Madrid is the Royal Palace of Madrid. This is the residence of the royals and one of the largest and most lavish palaces in Europe.

Stroll Retiro Park with its imposing 19th century Crystal Palace and on a sunny day, hire a rowing boat and take on the park’s lake.

To finish off the perfect day in Madrid, hit the Malasana District to mingle with Madrilenos in trendy cafes and bars that are plenty in that chic area of Madrid. 

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Madrid

10. Benidorm

Benidorm is a large city in Spain and at the same time one of the most popular resorts in the province of Alicante. It has the highest density of high-rise buildings (in relation to the number of inhabitants) in the world and is so-called “Little Manhattan”. 

Every year, countless tourists, mainly from England, come to spend their summer vacations here. Benidorm is famous for its endless sandy beaches, but also for the beautiful bays in the region.

Along the coast, imposing skyscrapers line up and, together with the blue sea, form an impressive backdrop.

Another highlight is the vibrant nightlife in Benidorm. If you like to party, then you are certainly in the right place here.

There are chic clubs and discos, countless pubs, restaurants, and cafes to go out to. But children also love Benidorm as the area around the city has some really cool amusement parks.

But, not only is the skyline and the hustle and bustle in Benidorm impressive, but also the surrounding area. There are countless excursions from this must-see city in Spain that are well worth seeing.

From Benidorm, you can take an easy day trip to the white city of Altea. The colourful village of Villajoyosa and the Sierra Helada National Park are also great options.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Benidorm

11. Marbella

Situated along the coast of Andalucia on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Marbella is the perfect destination for those who are keen to soak up the sun. One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, it is also one of Spain’s most popular beach destinations.

Marbella receives some of the best weather in Spain (and the rest of Europe), boasting well north of 300 days of sunshine a year and mild, sunny winters. 

Marbella is home to some beautiful beaches and has tapped very much into the concept of beach clubs, where they have taken it very much to the next level. Many of Marbella’s beach clubs offer premium facilities, often with spas and restaurants onsite.

Two of the most famous are Ocean Club and Nikki Beach, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot a celeb or two. 

It’s not all about that glamorous life either! Marbella’s old town boasts a charming, quaint character that is typical of the Andalusian region. Make sure to make your way into the Plaza de los Naranjos (or Orange Tree Square) which sports cobbled streets and Arabic features.

Another must-see in Marbella’s charming town is the Arabic Castillo, a medieval castle that is very worthy of your time.

Golf lovers are also drawn to Marbella and the Costa del Sol region, which boasts a wide range of excellent golf courses. Marbella is very accessible, with Malaga airport less than an hour away. It is also well connected to the rest of Spain via the train and bus network. 

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Marbella

12. Granada

In the south of Spain lies the community of Andalusia, with Granada being one of its most visited provinces. Granada is located two hours away from Barcelona by flight and is best visited from May to October.

What makes it one of the most visited cities in Spain is The Alhambra, a majestic palace and fortress. It was built during the Nasrid period and sits atop one of the hills looking down on the city.

The Alhambra also contains the Generalife, Palace of Charles V and Nasrid Palaces. These are also worth visiting and are included in the ticket price.

In addition to this, you should also consider visiting The Alcazaba, The Cathedral De Granada, Calle Mirador de San Nicolas, and the Monasterio de San Jeronimo. And these are just a few of the wonderful attractions worth visiting here.

For those interested in outdoor activities, you can indulge in segway tours and e-bike tours. If you’d rather spend the day relaxing, the Hamman Al Andalus is a very popular option to indulge in an authentic Hamman experience.

When it comes to food, Granada has numerous options to suit the palate of most travellers. However, tapas is recommended and you can find it in multiple bars and restaurants across the city

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Granada

13. Cordoba

Founded by the Romans in 169 BC, Cordoba in Andalucía is one of the best cities to visit in Spain. It’s located a scenic two-hour drive from Malaga through undulating groves of olives, vines and almond trees.

If you miss the signposts into the Casco Viejo (Old Town), you’ll end up driving a full circuit of the remarkably intact Roman walls.

Park by the River Guadalquivir and walk across the lengthy multi-arched Roman bridge to the Triumphal Arch marking the city gate. But these are just Cordoba’s amuse-bouches.

The main attraction is the vast Mezquita, a former mosque built in 785AD with breathtaking Moorish architecture. Enter the courtyard of orange trees and water features for a first glimpse of the immense building. 

You can take a self-guided audio tour and discover the Golden Mihrab (prayer niche), mosaics. You’ll also find rows of soaring double horseshoe arches in distinctive red-and-cream brick.

When the Christians reclaimed Cordoba in 1236, they could not destroy such beautiful architecture so they built the Renaissance Cathedral inside, complete with carved misericords, organs and chiming grandfather clocks.

Don’t miss the Alcazar Gardens behind crenellated medieval walls. And make sure to taste the best entrecote steak and angel-hair dessert with hazelnut ice cream at Gourmet Iberico on Velazquez Bosco.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cordoba

14. Santander

Santander, the capital of Cantabria in Northern Spain, is the perfect getaway in Spain if you prefer city breaks with a touch of culture and lots of pinchos.

Since the city is located quite a way from Barcelona, the best way to get here is by ferry or flight. There are direct flights to Santander from London, and numerous other cities elsewhere and ferries run from Portsmouth in the U.K.

There are numerous things and activities to do in Santander and it really is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Other than taking long walks by the beach, some beaches here are also famous for surfing.

There are uncountable pubs to grab pinchos, aka what tapas are called on this side of Spain. It’s not only filling but also delicious and budget-friendly. 

About 3 hours away is the Picos De Europa, perfect for hiking and even skiing during a short time of the year.

For culture buffs, there are numerous museums in town. However, if you’re looking for something offbeat, the Monte Castillo caves are amazing to check out some prehistoric paintings.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Santander

What is The Most Beautiful City in Spain?

In my opinion, the most beautiful city in Spain is Granada. There’s just something about the history and the architecture that I love. I think it’s also a little bit of a hidden gem, despite how many visitors it gets, in that people don’t seem to understand how beautiful it is.

If I were to pick the second most beautiful city in Spain, I would choose Seville.

What is The Biggest City in Spain?

The largest city in Spain is the capital of Madrid. Nestled in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid has a rich cultural heritage, bustling streets, and dynamic atmosphere. You can explore world-class museums, historic landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene.

From the majestic Royal Palace to the bustling Puerta del Sol square, Madrid is well worth adding to your Spanish bucket list!

Final Thoughts on the Best Cities in Spain

Overall, Spain is so much more than the beautiful Spanish islands. But, it’s also much more popular in cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

The country has a wealth of history, culture, and hidden gems, and exploring some of these wonderful Spanish cities is a great way to experience this first-hand. So, if you’re considering visiting Spain this year, add some of these cities to your bucket list.

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