Explore 146+ Spanish Cities

Spain is home to some of Europe's most enchanting cities – from Madrid's royal grandeur and Barcelona's artistic genius to Seville's flamenco soul and Granada's Moorish splendor. Whether you're seeking medieval charm in Toledo, coastal beauty in San Sebastian, or vibrant nightlife in Valencia, every Spanish city offers a unique adventure waiting to unfold.

Why Visit Spanish Cities?

Rich History: From Roman ruins to Islamic palaces and Gothic cathedrals
World-Class Culture: Home to Picasso, Dalí, and Gaudí's architectural masterpieces
Amazing Food: From pintxos in Bilbao to paella in Valencia and tapas everywhere
146
Total Cities
19
Regions Covered
297
Attractions
178
Hotels

Major Cities(7 cities with 500,000+ residents)

Madrid cityscape in Community of Madrid, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Madrid

Community of Madrid

3,265,000 residents

Madrid ranks as Spain's #1 tourist destination, renowned for its cultural & business hub appeal. This captivating city offers Art Triangle, Royal Architecture, Business Center, attracting millions of visitors annually. The optimal time to visit is during spring & fall, when the city showcases its finest attractions. Visitors typically spend 3.2 days exploring the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant local atmosphere that makes Madrid an essential destination in Spain's tourism landscape.

8 attractions 11 hotels
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Barcelona cityscape in Catalonia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Barcelona

Catalonia

1,620,000 residents

Barcelona ranks as Spain's #2 tourist destination, renowned for its art & architecture appeal. This captivating city offers Gaudí Architecture, Mediterranean Beach, Gothic Quarter, attracting millions of visitors annually. The optimal time to visit is during summer, when the city showcases its finest attractions. Visitors typically spend 3.8 days exploring the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant local atmosphere that makes Barcelona an essential destination in Spain's tourism landscape.

12 attractions 12 hotels
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Valencia cityscape in Valencian Community, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Valencia

Valencian Community

837,000 residents

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a vibrant Mediterranean coastal destination where historic architecture meets futuristic design. Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, Valencia has evolved into a dynamic metropolis that perfectly balances its rich heritage with modern innovation. The city is renowned worldwide for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, the birthplace of paella, the spectacular Las Fallas festival, and its beautiful beaches. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Valencia offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural attractions, culinary excellence, and Mediterranean lifestyle. The historic center features Gothic, Baroque, and Modernist architecture, while the transformed Turia riverbed provides 9 kilometers of gardens and recreational space. Valencia's efficient public transport, bike-friendly infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.

10 attractions 15 hotels
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Seville cityscape in Andalusia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Seville

Andalusia

688,711 residents

Seville ranks as Spain's #3 tourist destination, renowned for its historic & cultural appeal. This captivating city offers Moorish Architecture, Flamenco Culture, UNESCO Sites, attracting millions of visitors annually. The optimal time to visit is during spring, when the city showcases its finest attractions. Visitors typically spend 2.5 days exploring the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant local atmosphere that makes Seville an essential destination in Spain's tourism landscape.

3 attractions 10 hotels
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Medium Cities(25 cities with 100,000 - 500,000 residents)

Bilbao cityscape in Basque Country, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
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Bilbao

Basque Country

346,000 residents

Cultural and economic hub of Basque Country, known for the iconic Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry that sparked urban renewal. This dynamic city transformed from an industrial port into a cultural hotspot, balancing avant-garde architecture with 700-year-old medieval streets in Casco Viejo. Famous for world-class Basque cuisine, pintxos bars, and one of Europe's highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants. Features contemporary landmarks like Norman Foster's Metro stations and Calatrava's Zubizuri bridge alongside historic sites. A progressive, walkable city that embraces sustainability, accessibility, and Basque cultural pride.

10 attractions 6 hotels
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Alicante cityscape in Valencian Community, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Alicante

Valencian Community

337,000 residents

Alicante (called Alacant in Valencian) is a historic Mediterranean port city on Spain's Costa Blanca. It is the capital of Alicante province and the second-largest city in the Valencia region. Alicante enjoys a spectacular setting between mountains and sea – the city is nestled at the foot of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill crowned by the medieval Santa Bárbara Castle which has watched over Alicante through centuries of civilizations. Below the castle lies the colorful Old Town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) with its narrow streets and charming houses climbing up the hillside. Along the waterfront, the Explanada de España promenade – paved in a wavy mosaic of 6.5 million marble tiles – is lined with palm trees and is a beloved gathering place for an evening paseo (stroll) and outdoor concerts. The city boasts an exceptionally mild climate with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and only around 35 rainy days. Its strategic coastal position meant it was settled by many civilizations – Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors – all leaving their mark. Alicante offers an appealing blend of sunny climate, rich culture, relaxing coastal atmosphere, and modern amenities. It's a city where you can spend the morning on a historic castle, the afternoon on the beach, and the evening savoring tapas in a lively plaza – all in a friendly, walkable setting.

7 attractions 8 hotels
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Granada cityscape in Andalusia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Granada

Andalusia

232,462 residents

Granada ranks as Spain's #4 tourist destination, renowned for its historic appeal. This captivating city offers Alhambra Palace, Islamic Heritage, Mountain Views, attracting millions of visitors annually. The optimal time to visit is during spring & fall, when the city showcases its finest attractions. Visitors typically spend 2.1 days exploring the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant local atmosphere that makes Granada an essential destination in Spain's tourism landscape.

5 attractions 9 hotels
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Cartagena cityscape in Region of Murcia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
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Cartagena

Region of Murcia

216,000 residents

Cartagena is a historic port city on Spain's Mediterranean coast, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman and Carthaginian ruins. Founded in 227 BC as Carthago Nova, this naval stronghold boasts over 2,500 years of history visible in its stunning archaeological sites, including a magnificent Roman Theatre and ancient defensive walls. The city perfectly blends its rich maritime heritage with modern attractions, featuring Art Nouveau architecture, excellent museums, beautiful beaches nearby, and a vibrant culinary scene. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring both cultural treasures and the stunning Costa Cálida coastline.

10 attractions 10 hotels
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Jerez de la Frontera cityscape in Andalusia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
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Jerez de la Frontera

Andalusia

212,876 residents

Jerez de la Frontera is a soulful Andalusian city celebrated as the birthplace of sherry wine, flamenco, and the majestic Andalusian horse. This UNESCO-recognized cultural hub is less touristy than nearby Seville or Cádiz, offering an authentic Spanish experience with world-renowned sherry bodegas, historic Moorish alcázar, and bustling tabancos (traditional sherry taverns) pulsing with impromptu flamenco. The city is considered a cradle of flamenco and home to the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Visitors can experience the perfect trifecta of sherry, flamenco, and horses in a laid-back city where cobblestone streets are lined with orange trees and locals linger over tapas in sunny plazas.

8 attractions 5 hotels
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Smaller Cities & Towns(114 hidden gems & coastal villages)

Lorca cityscape in Region of Murcia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
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Lorca

Region of Murcia

100,000 residents

Historic city in southeastern Spain, known as the 'City of a Hundred Shields' and 'the baroque city', famed for its rich history spanning Neolithic, Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian periods, its impressive castle, Baroque architecture, and spectacular Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations featuring unique embroideries. Its urban centre was declared a Town of Historical and Artistic Interest in 1964.

8 attractions 6 hotels
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Lugo cityscape in Galicia, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Lugo

Galicia

98,560 residents

Nestled in the verdant heart of Galicia, Lugo stands as the oldest city in the region with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Its magnificent UNESCO-listed Roman walls completely encircle the historic center, being the only fully intact Roman city walls in the world. Founded as Lucus Augusti in 25 BC, the city harmoniously blends its Roman heritage with medieval architecture, vibrant Galician culture, and renowned gastronomy. Situated on the banks of the River Miño and positioned on the Camino Primitivo pilgrimage route, Lugo offers visitors a uniquely preserved glimpse into Spain's ancient past while maintaining a tranquil, authentic atmosphere.

9 attractions 5 hotels
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Cáceres cityscape in Extremadura, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Cáceres

Extremadura

96,068 residents

A UNESCO World Heritage city since 1986, founded by Romans in 25 BCE with exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Known as the "City of the Three Cultures" blending Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance styles across 30 surviving Islamic towers. Famous for its role in the Discovery of the Americas and hosting the annual WOMAD world music festival. The largest municipal area in Spain (1,750 km²), renowned for local delicacies like Torta del Casar cheese and exceptional cured ham. The old town features numerous stork nests and represents one of Europe’s finest examples of medieval urban planning.

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La Palma cityscape in Valencian Community, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
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La Palma

Valencian Community

83,456 residents

La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), is the steepest island in the world relative to its size and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Home to the massive Caldera de Taburiente National Park, this volcanic island offers incredible hiking through cloud forests, stargazing at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, and dramatic black sand beaches. The islands unique geography creates diverse microclimates, from tropical banana plantations to alpine environments, all within a short distance.

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Ávila cityscape in Castile and León, Spain - showing historic architecture and local landmarks
📍 Located

Ávila

Castile and León

58,500 residents

Known for its perfectly preserved medieval walls, Ávila is one of Spain's highest provincial capitals with an altitude of 1,131 meters. Founded in the 11th century to protect Spanish territories from Moorish invasions, the city is the birthplace of Saint Teresa and maintains a mystical atmosphere with its numerous churches and convents. The impressive stone walls with 88 towers and 9 gates encircle the old town, creating one of the best examples of a medieval fortified city in Europe.

5 attractions
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Browse all cities A–Z (146)

All Cities A–Z

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cities does Spain have?

Spain has over 8,000 municipalities, but we cover the 146+ most significant cities and towns across all 19 regions. These range from major metropolitan areas like Madrid (3.3M residents) and Barcelona (1.6M) to charming medieval towns and coastal villages with unique character and attractions.

What are the biggest cities in Spain?

Spain's largest cities by population are: 1) Madrid (3.3M), 2) Barcelona (1.6M), 3) Valencia (800K), 4) Seville (700K), 5) Zaragoza (675K), 6) Málaga (575K), 7) Murcia (460K), 8) Palma de Mallorca (420K), 9) Las Palmas (380K), and 10) Bilbao (350K). Each offers unique attractions, from royal palaces to avant-garde architecture.

Which Spanish cities are best to visit?

The "best" depends on your interests: Madrid and Barcelona for culture/art, Seville and Granada for Moorish architecture, San Sebastian and Valencia for food, Toledo and Segovia for medieval charm, Bilbao for modern art, and coastal cities like Málaga or Palma for beach vibes. First-time visitors often love the "Golden Triangle" of Madrid-Barcelona-Seville.

What information is available for each Spanish city?

Each city page includes comprehensive details: top attractions and things to do, hotel recommendations by category, authentic restaurants, cultural experiences, transportation options, weather patterns, best times to visit, and practical travel tips. We also provide population data, coordinates, and regional context to help you plan.

How are Spanish cities categorized on this site?

We organize cities by size: Major cities (500,000+ residents) like Madrid and Barcelona, Medium cities (100,000-500,000) such as Córdoba and Salamanca, and Smaller cities & towns (under 100,000) including hidden gems like Ronda and Cudillero. You can also browse by Spain's 19 autonomous regions.

Which Spanish regions have the most cities to visit?

Andalusia leads with 29+ cities including Seville, Granada, and Córdoba. Castile and León follows with historic gems like Salamanca and Ávila. Catalonia offers Barcelona plus coastal and mountain towns. Each of Spain's 19 regions has unique character - from Basque Country's distinctive culture to Valencia's Mediterranean charm.

When is the best time to visit Spanish cities?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather for most cities. Summer works well for northern cities like Bilbao and Santiago, but southern cities like Seville can be extremely hot (40°C+). Winter is perfect for indoor attractions in Madrid/Barcelona and mild in southern coastal cities. Each city page includes specific seasonal recommendations.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit these cities?

While Spanish helps, you can navigate major cities with basic phrases and translation apps. Tourism areas in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and coastal cities often have English-speaking staff. Smaller towns have fewer English speakers but locals are typically patient and helpful. Learning "Hola," "Gracias," and "¿Habla inglés?" goes a long way!

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