Cities in Spain – 25 of the Best Cities and Towns to visit in Spain and their Must-Visit Attractions
Cities in Spain – 25 of the Best Cities and Towns to visit in Spain! There are many beautiful and fun places to visit in Spain, and each one offers its own unique set of attractions and sights. It is also a country of sun and delicious food.
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The Kingdom of Spain is located on the Iberian peninsula. On the west side, it borders Portugal, on north France and Andorra, and on south Gibraltar. Spain also includes the Canary Islands, which lie in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Africa, and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea from the east and the Atlantic Ocean from the west.
Spain hides some of the most beautiful cities in Europe! A rich history, culture, gastronomy, beaches, and a warm sunny climate await you. In addition, the Spaniards are very cheerful and friendly people, so you will definitely like the country. Here are some tips on which cities to visit – we prepared a list of Cities in Spain – the best of them you will definitely want to visit!
Cities in Spain
1. Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, and it has many enticing attractions for just about everyone. Park Guell has many remarkable sculptural buildings, and Placa de Catalunya is another great place to go for intricate sculptures and artwork.
Barcelona has some amazing beaches with miles of sand that you can enjoy when the weather is warm, which usually is here in all of Spain. History, art, sports, beaches and nature… You can find all this and much more here in the city of Barcelona that is rising in the rhythm of Sardana.
Well, you must not miss Barcelona on your way to Spain. Many sources even state that it is the most visited city in the world. The advantage of the Catalan capital is that it offers a warm climate throughout the year, so you can go there at any time, even for an extended weekend, e.g. in winter.
Top tourist attractions in Barcelona
- Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Casa Milà
- La Rambla
- Barri Gòtic
Embarking on a small group tour Spain promises an immersive and personalized travel experience that goes beyond the conventional tourist trail. As you traverse the enchanting landscapes and delve into the rich cultural tapestry of this diverse country, the intimacy of a small group setting fosters meaningful connections with fellow travelers and allows for a more in-depth exploration of Spain’s hidden gems.
2. Madrid
Spain has its heart in Madrid. After the capital of Catalonia, here we have the capital of the whole Kingdom of Spain. This city is one of the best places to visit in Spain, especially for those who have a love and appreciation of history and beautiful architecture. Buen Retiro Park has been around since the 19th century, and it is known for its many impressive fountains. There is also El Escorial, which is an impressive renaissance palace complex.
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, and, at the same time, with its elevation of 667 meters above sea level, it is also the highest situated capital of the European Union. In Madrid, you will find a number of historical monuments that relate to royal families. When you go around all the beautiful squares and palaces, be sure to visit one of the many parks. Madrid has many green places where you can go for sports or just for a picnic.
Top tourist attractions in Madrid
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Plaza Mayor
- Museo del Prado
- Retiro Park
- Puerta del Sol
3. Granada
Granada’s Alhambra is a fortified hilltop Moorish complex that has some breathtaking architecture that you won’t want to miss while you are visiting this city. Located in Spain’s Andalusia region, this city has a number of historic landmarks.
The Gate of Elvira is one of these incredible landmarks, and it used to be a gateway to the city. There is also a science park with a 50m observation tower. Wonderful sights – partly Arabic and partly Christian – complete the atmosphere of the city. Thanks to the prestigious university, which was opened in the first half of the 16th century, Granada has the adjective student city. At every step, you will find a building or street that will please your eyes.
Top tourist attractions in Granada
- Alhambra
- Generalife
- Catedral de Granada
- Nasrid Palaces
- Palace of Charles V
4. Segovia
Segovia is an old historic city located northwest of Madrid, and it has many interesting attractions for tourists to enjoy. The Museum of Contemporary Art Esteban Vicente is a wonderful place to visit to view some incredible pieces from master artists.
There is also Alcazar of Segovia, which is a restored 12th-century castle that you can tour.
Top tourist attractions in Segovia
- Alcázar of Segovia
- Aqueduct of Segovia
- Catedral de Segovia
- Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
- Church of Vera Cruz
5. Cordoba
Cordoba is home to some incredible architecture that can be seen all across the city. The Roman Temple of Cordoba is made up of old Roman ruins, and it is quite a stunning sight to say the least.
Calahorra Tower is a medieval gate-tower and town museum that you should also try to see while you are here. This area has a lot of fascinating history that you all visitors will want to explore and learn about.
Top tourist attractions in Cordoba
- Mezquita
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Roman bridge of Córdoba
- Medina Azahara
- Torre De Calahorra
6. Cuenca
Cuenca is home to El Cajas National Park, which has some of the most impressive scenery in the country. Museo Pumapungo is another excellent place to visit, as it has a culture museum and archaeological site that is perfect for history buffs.
This is definitely a great area for those who love visiting museums, as there are many of them to visit. The De las Madres Conceptas is just one of the great places in this area to learn more about Spanish history.
Top tourist attractions in Cuenca
- New Cathedral of Cuenca
- El Cajas National Park
- Avenida Mirador de Turi
- Old Cathedral of Cuenca
- Calderón Park
7. Consuegra
The city of Consuegra has some amazing rural landscape that is littered with towering windmills, and it’s the perfect destination for those who want a relaxing vacation. There is an old castle that you can walkthrough.
The Saffron festival in October is truly something spectacular. This is a wonderful destination for just about anyone who wants a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Top tourist attractions in Consuegra
- Molinos de Viento de Consuegra
- Castle of la Muela
- Bodegas Castillo De Consuegra
- Museo Arqueológico Municipal
- Iglesia de San Juan
8. Seville
Seville has some amazing scenery and historic sites that you will definitely want to visit while you are here. The Reales Alcazares palace and Cathedral are just two of the more impressive historic attractions that you should make a point of seeing.
There is also the General Archive of the Indies, which is very impressive as well.
Top tourist attractions in Seville
- Royal Alcazar Palace
- Cathedral
- Giralda Bell Tower
- Casa de Pilatos
- Bullring
Find more about Seville at official city website: https://www.visitasevilla.es/en
9. Cáceres
Cáceres with about 80,000 inhabitants is located in the southwest of Spain, in the area called Extremadura. The city, which was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 has retained its medieval character throughout the years.
The city’s squares and streets are full of medieval monuments to admire and you’ll find one day to be really short in here.
Top tourist attractions in Cáceres
- Old Town of Cáceres
- Plaza Mayor
- Cáceres Museum
- Bujaco tower
- Palacio De Los Golfines De Abajo
10. Palma de Mallorca
The largest Spanish island of Mallorca has been one of the most popular summer destinations for a long time already. Every year there are about 12 million tourists who admire beautiful beaches here, perfect climate, ubiquitous nature and many monuments.
Many of them are located in the capital, known as Palma de Mallorca, situated on the southwest coast. You cannot miss a city’s main landmark La Seu Cathedral thanks to its location in the city centre and dimensions of 121 x 55 meters.
Top tourist attractions in Palma de Mallorca
- Catedral de Mallorca
- Castell de Bellver
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Palma Aquarium
- Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma
11. Ávila
Ávila is located in the centre of Spain in the Autonomous Region of Castile and Leon. It is a medieval town that is famous for its amazing fortifications.
The city is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters and among its most popular attractions are walls from the 12th century which are 2,5 kilometres long and churches.
Top tourist attractions in Ávila
- Muralla de Ávila
- Ávila Cathedral
- Basilica of San Vicente
- Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás
- Plaza Mercado Chico
12. Ronda
Ronda is a unique Andalusian city built on the edge of a 100 meter high gorge over the Guadalevin River. The Puente Nuevo bridge crosses this El Tajo gorge and connects the old and the new part of the city.
In the new city, however, do not expect any modern buildings, it was built in the 18th century and its name is therefore rather relative. Ronda is a very popular tourist destination and uses to be really overcrowded during the summer months.
Top tourist attractions in Ronda
- Puente Nuevo
- Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda
- Guadalevín
- Cueva del Gato
- El Tajo Gorge
13. Astorga
Gaudí is one of the most famous architects in the world and there are lots of his works spread throughout Spain. If you want to know other buildings than the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, you can visit Astorga in the province of Castile and Leon.
Astorga is an ancient city with remnants of fortifications and other monuments from ancient Rome. However, the history of the city dates back to the prehistoric times of the Palaeolithic, more than 200,000 years before our era.
Top tourist attractions in Astorga
- Palacio De Gaudi
- Astorga Cathedral
- Museo Romano de Astorga
- Palacio Gaudi – Museo de los Caminos
- Ancient Roman Walls
14. Pamplona
Pamplona is known for many things, including its numerous museums with historic artefacts and art pieces from all over the world. The Church of San Saturnino has some amazing architecture, as well as The Citadel fortress.
There is a public park close to the fortress that you can stroll through to make the most of a warm sunny day.
Top tourist attractions in Pamplona
- Plaza del Castillo
- Museo Universidad de Navarra
- The city walls
- The Riverside Park
- Planetarium
15. Malaga
Those who travel to the port city of Malaga can expect to find a variety of museums with old historic pieces. The Museo de Malaga is an art museum located in a former customs house.
There is also the Roman Theatre, which has a traditional theatre, amphitheatre, and monument. There are lots of places in this city where you can go to have fun while learning all sorts of interesting things about the area.
Top tourist attractions in Malaga
- Alcazaba
- Picasso Museum Málaga
- Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga
- Costa del Sol
- Gibralfaro
16. Burgos
Burgos is located in the community of Castile and Leon, and it is a wonderful destination for history buffs. The Burgos Cathedral was built in the 13th century, and it is quite a sight to behold.
The Museum of Human Evolution is another place that you should consider visiting, as it has some incredibly interesting and educational exhibits. The Castle of Burgos is one of the best historic sites to visit in this area as well.
Top tourist attractions in Burgos
- Catedral de Burgos: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas
- Museum of Human Evolution
- Castillo de Burgos
- Arco de Santa María
17. Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar, also known as the Town of Three Lies, has a lot of interesting sights to explore. The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira is a fascinating place to visit if you want to learn more about prehistory and famous caves.
The Santillana Zoo is the perfect place to go if you are travelling with children, and the beaches here are incredibly beautiful.
Top tourist attractions in Santillana del Mar
- Altamira
- National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
- Colegiata y Claustro de Santa Juliana
- Santillana Zoo
- Museum of Torture – Inquisicion
18. Logrono
Logrono has a number of incredible-looking old churches and museums that you’ll be sure to find fascinating. Ebro Park is a popular area in this city for those who want to relax in nature.
The Museo de la Rioja is a wonderful museum that is packed with historic artefacts that will help you to learn more about this area and Spain as a whole.
Top tourist attractions in Logrono
- Calle Laurel
- Co-Cathedral of Logroño
- Church of San Bartolomé
- Bodegas Franco Españolas
- Museo de La Rioja
19. Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is a 3000-year-old town with beautiful medieval churches, old castles, and wine cellars where you can waste some of the best wine in the country. If you have a love of history, this is definitely the right place to visit.
Museo del Enganche is one of the best places to visit to learn more about the history of this area. There is also the Andalusian Flamenco Centre, which has some incredible live music performances.
Top tourist attractions in Jerez de la Frontera
- Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera
- Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
- Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral
- Bodega Tio Pepe
- Church of San Miguel
20. Huesca
Huesca is known for its many incredible historic sites, including old castles and churches that will take your breath away. There are also a number of musical venues that have incredibly talented artists performing through each year.
If you are a wine lover, you will find that the Somontano wines are truly something memorable. This is a great destination for a family vacation because there is something for everyone.
Top tourist attractions in Huesca
- Huesca Cathedral
- Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo
- Castle of Montearagón
- Parque Miguel Servet
- Huesca Museum
21. Valencia
Valencia has a lot of important and fascinating history for those who visit to discover. Those who want to relax in the sun will want to head to one of the beaches in this area.
There are many museums here, including the Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia, which has some incredible pieces on display. The Torres de Quart’s 15th-century gothic towers are also very stunning and City of Arts and Sciences is something you’ll hardly find anywhere else in Europe, to say the least.
Top tourist attractions in Valencia
- Torres de Serranos
- La Lonja de la Seda
- Valencia Cathedral
- El Miguelete
- City of Arts and Sciences
22. Bilbao
The city of Bilbao has some of the most beautiful modern architecture in the entire world. The Guggenheim Museum is a huge building that houses some extraordinary pieces of modern artwork, and it’s a must-see for those who come here.
There are also a number of great bars, cafes and restaurants that you will want to look into visiting before heading back home.
Top tourist attractions in Bilbao
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
- Plaza Nueva
- Bilbao Cathedral
- Basilica of Begoña
23. Elche
Elche is known for being the world’s capital of palm trees. There are so many of them that you’ll never be able to count them all. There are approximately 11,000 palm trees in Elche and they were planted when the Moors ruled in Europe. Some of them are about 300 years old and in the 18th century, there were 200,000 palm trees. They are a unique preserved piece that documents Arabic agricultural practices in Europe. This is why The Palmeral of Elche was inscribed on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
But the town also has some of the most beautiful town centres in the country and is very close to the best summer holiday resorts such as Santa Pola which is one of the main resorts at Costa Blanca.
Top tourist attractions in Elche
- Jardín Huerto del Cura
- Palmeral of Elche
- Santa María Basilica of Elche
- Parque Municipal
- Palacio de Altamira
24. Salamanca
Two universities, two cathedrals, palaces, monasteries, churches… The famous history of the city is visible at every step here in Salamanca.
In the small area, you will find so many monuments softened with so many sophisticated details that it keeps you amazed from your arrival until your departure. UNESCO declared it World Heritage back in 1988. In 2002, it became also the European City of Culture. Salamanca is located in the eastern part of Spain, just a few dozen kilometres from the borders with Portugal.
Top tourist attractions in Salamanca
- Salamanca Cathedral
- Plaza Mayor
- Casa de las Conchas
- Convento de San Esteban
- Roman bridge of Salamanca
25. Girona
Girona is situated in the east of Catalonia, at the confluence of two large rivers – Tyr and Onyar. Thanks to lots of scenic streets and colourful, ancient houses that nest along both banks of the river, the centre of Girona boasts indeed a romantic atmosphere.
Girona Cathedral, Museum of Jewish History, Sant Pere de Galligants, Cinema Museum or Church of St. Felix are just a few of many tourist attractions you will want to visit!
Top tourist attractions in Girona
- Girona Wall
- Girona Cathedral
- El Call
- Museum of Jewish History
- Church of Sant Feliu
So these were some of the most beautiful cities and towns to visit in Spain. We will update this list later with more great places, so stay in touch! If you think that this list should contain some other place we missed, please let us know below in the comments. 🙂
Spain, a vibrant country in southwestern Europe, captivates travelers with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From the architectural wonders of Gaudí in Barcelona to the majestic Alhambra in Granada and the grandeur of Madrid’s Prado Museum, Spain offers a treasure trove of art, history, and architecture.
The country’s lively festivals, such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and the flamboyant Carnaval in Tenerife, showcase Spain’s exuberant spirit. With its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, charming villages, and world-renowned cuisine, Spain invites visitors to indulge in a sensory journey and experience the warmth of its people, making it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a taste of Iberian allure.