“I would sooner be a foreigner in Spain than in most countries. How easy it is to make friends in Spain!”, said George Orwell.
Spain, truly, is a country that endears itself to all. Be it its historical extravaganza, mesmerizing beauty, plethora of colourful festivals, or the beautiful fun-loving people – the most beautiful cities in Spain ensure that there is never a dull moment during a traveler’s time here. They are picturesque, like right out of a romantic’s dream. So before planning your next vacation in Spain, check out the best cities in Spain to plan a perfect itinerary!
Top 20 Most Beautiful Cities In Spain
Looking for the best cities in Spain? From scenic landscapes to adventurous expeditions, a vacay in Spain offers you memories of a lifetime! Let’s glide from no 20 to no 1 exploring enigmatic wonders; the most beautiful cities in Spain.
- Ronda – Stunning Views
- Galera – Mesmerizing Ambiance
- Cadaques – Beautiful White Town
- Bilbao – Modern Architecture At Its Best
- Valencia – A Mix Of Modernity And History
- Huesca – Musician’s Paradise
- Jerez De La Frontera – Home Of Flamenco
- Logrono – Marry Rioja Wine With Tapas
- Santillana Del Mar – The Town Of Three Lies
- Burgos – Great Food, Great Monuments
- Malaga – The Homeland Of Picasso
- Pamplona – Bull Running, Anyone?
- Seville – Orange Trees, Bull Fights And The Alcazar
- Consuegra – The Distant Windmills Beckon
- Cuenca – Home Of The Casas Colgadas
- Cordoba – The Land Of Picturesque Patios
- Segovia – Disney’s Inspiration
- Granada – A Dip In Moorish History, Alhambra
- Madrid – “If You Are In Madrid, You Are From Madrid.”
- Barcelona – Gaudi’s City Where The Party Never Ends
20. Ronda – Stunning Views
Ronda is another beautiful city located in Malaga in Spain and is known for its picturesque beauty. Perched on the top of a cliff, the place is known for offering stunning views of the surrounding ambiance. If you are a nature lover and love exploring the ruins of the previous era then you must surely visit Ronda on your next trip to Spain. This is amongst the most popular Spain cities.
Top Attractions: Puente Nuevo, Bullring of the Royal Cavalry, Gaudalevin
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Things To Do: Local sightseeing
Places To Stay: Parador De Rondo, Rondo Hotel Polo
How To Reach: You can take a local bus from any destination in Spain to reach here
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19. Galera – Mesmerizing Ambiance
Galera, another mesmerizing place to be explored on your vacation in Spain. The place is popular for three things, that is, cheap tapas, friendly & funny locals, and flamenco. You can also take a cruise and enjoy the best coastal vacation here.
Top Attractions: Castellon Alto, El Musoe De Galera
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Things To Do: Catch a glimpse of local history, Head to the beach, and more
Places To Stay: Hotel Rural Galera, Casas Chueva El Milador Le Galera
How To Reach: You can take a public transport to reach Galera
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18. Cadaques – Beautiful White Town
Don’t forget to witness the stunning white town, located on the bay of Mediterranean Sea, called Cadaques. This is amongst the most popular Spain cities. The place is located in proximity to Barcelona and you can take public transport to reach here. The beauty of Cadaques has inspired numerous artists including Salvador Dali.
Top Attractions: Salvador Dalí House Museum, Cap de Creus, Platja Gran
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Things To Do: Take a local sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Hotel Palaya Sol, La Residencia, Hotel Rec De Palau
How To Reach: You can take train from the Plaza Catalunya, located in the center of Barcelona
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17. Bilbao – Modern Architecture At Its Best
Image Credit: txlopez for pixabay
In stark difference from other Spanish cities, Bilbao stands out for its modern architecture. This old port city’s claim to fame is the Guggenheim Museum, which is a colossal titanium structure that houses some spectacular modern art. Don’t forget to try a plate of pintxos with your drink while you are in Bilbao. This is among the prettiest cities in Spain.
Top Attractions: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Plaza Nueva, Zubizuri
Best Time To Visit: May, June, September
Things To Do: Marvel at the works of the Guggenheim Museum, Eat from the city’s pintxos bars
Places To Stay: Hotel Ilunion, Hotel Ibis, Poshtel Bilbao
How To Reach: Take an A8 from San Sebastian to reach here
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16. Valencia – A Mix Of Modernity And History
Believed to be the birthplace of Paella, Valencia beautifully fuses contemporaneity with the archaic. The structure that draws most people is the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. There are many areas in the city dedicated to sports which are idyllically surrounded by trees and plants. The beach, of course, is an added attraction. This is one of the most popular Spain cities.
Top Attractions: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, L’Oceanogràfic, The Central Market Of Valencia
Best Time To Visit: March and June
Things To Do: Plan a visit to the local attractions
Places To Stay: Ilunion Valencia, Buho House, The Westin Valencia
How To Reach: You can take AVE high-speed trains which cover the distance between Madrid and Valencia in around 100 minutes
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15. Huesca – Musician’s Paradise
Huesca is a charming city in the Aragon region, very close to the Pyrenees. Apart from the regular dose of old churches and castles, this city is also known for its musical activities. El 21 is considered to be amongst the country’s best concert venues. While there, do not forget to taste the Somontano wines and Pollo al chilindron (a chicken and peppers dish). The Fiesta Mayor is also a colorful festival to watch out for. This is one of the most interesting cities in Spain.
Top Attractions: Huesca Cathedral, Abbey of San Pedro el Viajo
Best Time To Visit: May and September
Things To Do: Take a local sightseeing tour, taste scrumptious delicacies from local outlets
Places To Stay: Abba Huesca Hotel, Hotel Sancho Abarca
How To Reach: Take a bus from the city you are staying to Huesco
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14. Jerez De La Frontera – Home Of Flamenco
Image Credit: Will for wikipedia
Want to feel like a Spaniard? You could head straight for Jerez. It’s a lovely 3000 year old town with cobbled streets, numerous old castles and ruins, medieval churches, and plenty of wine cellars to taste its wine making history. And if you are into horses, don’t miss the most entertaining annual 500 year-old Feria del Caballo (the Horse Fair).
Top Attractions: Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera, Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Things To Do: You can go for a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Vivian’s Guest House, Backpackers Jerez
How To Reach: The Malaga International Airport is the Andalusia region’s largest airport and is well-connected to other cities of Spain
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13. Logrono – Marry Rioja Wine With Tapas
This lovely Spanish city has been, historically, a pilgrimage stopover in the journey to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela and definitely comes in the list of must see cities in Spain. It is renowned for its delectable Spanish cuisine (sampled in the Tapas tasting streets) and the famous Spanish Rioja Wine.
Top Attractions: Calle Laurel, Co-Cathedral of Logroño, Church of San Bartolomé
Best Time To Visit: December
Things To Do: Explore the history of this beautiful place by visiting the popular attractions here
Places To Stay: Hotel FG Logroño, Albergue Albas, Pension Saint Mateo
How To Reach: Board a train from Barcelona to reach here
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12. Santillana Del Mar – The Town Of Three Lies
Image Credit: BarbeeAnne for Pixabay
In case you are wondering what the three lies are: it is neither a Saint (Santo), nor flat (llana), nor is it by the sea (Mar) as implied by its name. But it surely is one of the prettiest and best cities to visit in Spain.
Top Attractions: Cave of Altamira, National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, Santillana Zoo
Best Time To Visit: July, August and September
Things To Do: Visit the popular attractions, take a jungle safari
Places To Stay: Parador Del Santillana Del Mar, Pasoda De La Abadia
How To Reach: Hire a taxi or take a self-driven car
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11. Burgos – Great Food, Great Monuments
On the banks of the river Arlanza and Duero, Burgos is a historical delight among the best cities to visit in Spain. The Cathedral of Burgos is a magnificent monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for its blood sausages, which can be sampled at any of the amazing eateries around the town.
Top Attractions: Burgos Cathedral, Monasterio de las Huelgas, Arco de Santa María
Best Time To Visit: July and August
Things To Do: Take a local sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Pension Pena, Pension Monjes De La Biblioteca
How To Reach: Burgos is well connected by bus to the most important Spanish cities
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10. Malaga – The Homeland Of Picasso
Image Credit: Lukmicity for Pixabay
The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, this beach city is a lovely place to relax. It has a vibrant bohemian culture, the SOHO district being its hub. Malaga also has its fair share of old fortresses and churches: Alcazaba and the Baroque Cathedral.
Top Attractions: Alcazaba, Picasso Museum Málaga, Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Things To Do: Indulge in water sports adventure, take a local sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Hotel Ibis, Malanga Beach and Center Backpackers, Barcelo Malaga
How To Reach: The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is amongst the airports that experiences the highest volume of passenger flow in Spain. You can take a flight to reach city
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9. Pamplona – Bull Running, Anyone?
Pamplona is famous mainly due to the wild and adrenalin-rich San Fermin, the running with the bulls festival. But there is more to Pamplona – there are old historic churches, the Museum of Navarra showcasing exquisite Roman artefacts, and Renaissance paintings complemented by some lovely parks.
Top Attractions: Pamplona Cathedral, Castle Square, Museum of Navarra
Best Time To Visit: February to April
Things To Do: Take a local sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Aloha Hostel, Antique Pamplona Appartment
How To Reach: You can take a train from Atocha to Pamplona
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8. Seville – Orange Trees, Bull Fights And The Alcazar
Next in the list of most beautiful cities in Spain is Seville – the capital of Andalusia. It boasts of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Reales Alcázares palace, the Cathedral (containing the remains of Christopher Columbus) and the General Archive of the Indies. This vibrant city can assault your senses with a riot of colours and the fragrance of orange blossoms. This is among the top cities in Spain.
Top Attractions: Royal Alcázar of Seville, Plaza de Espana, Catedral de Sevilla
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Things To Do: Take a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Hotel Alfonso, Adriano Hotel
How To Reach: You can hire a taxi to reach here
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7. Consuegra – The Distant Windmills Beckon
Image Credit: Hugo Díaz-Regañón for wikipedia
Windmills miles on end framed against the blue Spanish skies is an enduring image of Consuegra. Apart from these superbly preserved windmills there is an old castle alongside to wander around. Consuegra is also famous for saffron and one can witness the radiantly lit windmills during the Saffron festival in October.
Top Attractions: Molinos de Viento de Consuegra, Castle of la Muela, Molino Rucio
Best Time To Visit: May and October
Things To Do: Take a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Coma la vida de antes, El Patio de los
How To Reach: You can take a local bus to reach here
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6. Cuenca– Home Of The Casas Colgadas
Cuenca is also known as the Eagle’s Nest where Spain’s first Gothic Cathedral was built. Apart from its historical significance, this walled city derives its uniqueness from the amazing “hanging houses” (casas colgadas), perched precariously on cliffs overlooking the Huecar river gorge.
Top Attractions: New Cathedral of Cuencam, El Cajas National Park, Avenida Mirador de Turi
Best Time To Visit: December, November, and January
Things To Do: Visit the popular attractions
Places To Stay: Selina Cuenca, Mansion Alcazar
How To Reach: You can take a bus from Madrid to reach here
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5. Cordoba – The Land Of Picturesque Patios
Truly a beautiful city to visit, the artistic patios are a sight to behold. This was one of the greatest cities in the world and there still exists fragments of that distant past: the palace fortress and the Great Mosque.
Top Attractions: Mosque of Cordoba, Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, Roman bridge of Córdoba
Best Time To Visit: May and October
Things To Do: Go for local sightseeing
Places To Stay: San Miguel, Eurostars Conquistador
How To Reach: You can board a bus from Madrid or Malaga
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4. Segovia – Disney’s Inspiration
This pretty city is just north of Madrid and the legend has it that it was founded by Noah’s son or Hercules himself. Irrespective of the truth of the fable, it’s a city that inspired the Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Do you need any more reasons to visit this city?
Top Attractions: Alcázar de Segovia, Aqueduct of Segovia, Catedral de Segovia
Best Time To Visit: March to September
Things To Do: Take a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Hotel San Antanio El Real, Hotel Exe Casa De
How To Reach: Take a bus from Segovia to reach here
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3. Granada – A Dip In Moorish History, Alhambra
Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, Granada is famous for the fabled citadel and the palace of Alhambra in the list of most beautiful cities in Spain. One magical sight is that of the Alhambra glowing red in the setting sun as seen from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Of course some free tapas and scintillating night life won’t do you harm!
Top Attractions: Alhambra, Generalife, Catedral de Granada
Best Time To Visit: February to March
Things To Do: Visit the local attractions or take a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Melia Granada, Inn Hostels Granada and Appartments
How To Reach: Málaga airport is 125km from Granada and it takes about 90 minutes to drive from Malaga to Granada
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2. Madrid – “If You Are In Madrid, You Are From Madrid.”
As succinctly put by many: “If you are in Madrid, you are from Madrid.”
Madrid is definitely among the most beautiful cities in Spain. It’s nightlife is legendary, be careful lest you get swept away by the jolly crowd on the streets, all set to dance away the night. It is also known for its astounding museums, the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza being the crème. The essence of Madrid is cosmopolitan.
Top Attractions: Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Museo Nacional del Prado
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Things To Do: You can go for boating to El Retiro Park, take a local sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Espano
How To Reach: You can take direct flights to Madrid
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1. Barcelona – Gaudi’s City Where The Party Never Ends
Image Credit: Walkerssk for Pixabay
Home to some of the top tourist attractions of Spain, the colorful Catalan capital flaunts architectural marvels, like Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and the famous Sagrada Familia church. It is a bustling beach city with a glittering nightlife and lively shopping options.
Top Attractions: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà
Best Time To Visit: May to June
Things To Do: Go for a sightseeing tour
Places To Stay: El Palace, Eurostars Grand Marina
How To Reach: You can take a flight to Barcelona
Further Read: In Pictures: The Most Interesting Borders Between Countries Across The World
I won’t be surprised if half way down the list, some of you might have already started packing your bags. Do visit the above mentioned most beautiful cities in Spain for an awesome experience. Book your trip to Spain and carry on, live life, live in Spain.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Most Beautiful Cities In Spain
Which is the most beautiful city in Spain?
Some of the most beautiful cities in Spain are Granada, San Sebastian, Malaga, Barcelona, Toledo, Sevilla, Salamanca, Bilbao. These are some of the must-visit places to explore the beauty of this European country.
What is the prettiest part of Spain?
San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful parts of Spain which is known for its magnificent mix of beaches, mountains, and beautiful architecture.
Which cities are worth visiting in Spain?
While planning a trip to Spain, these are the cities which are worth visiting alongside Madrid and Barcelona.
1. Seville
2. Bilbao
3. Valencia
4. Granada
5. Toledo
Is Spain expensive to visit?
The cost of traveling to Spain completely depends on the places you’re visiting. Some of the popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive than any other smaller cities in Spain. An average backpacking budget for Spain is around 50-60 EUR ($55-65 USD).
How to travel between cities in Spain?
The best mode of travel between cities in Spain is by train which connects almost the entire country. There are high-speed train or AVE which runs between the cities. It takes an average time of 2hrs 40minutes from Barcelona to Madrid.
Is it safe to travel in Spain?
It is generally safe to travel to Spain just like the other parts of Western Europe. It is significantly free of danger, but it is better to be cautious around tourist areas and carry a small amount of cash.
What is the best time to visit Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is during the spring season which starts from March till May and during the fall season which starts from September to November. At this time of the year, one can find less crowded, cheaper accommodations and of course the pleasant weather to even hit the beach.
Which is the cheapest month to fly to Spain?
February is considered to be the cheapest month to fly to Spain while June, July, and August are the peak seasons where the flight prices also rise.
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