Spain is one country that makes you fall in love with it. Spain has it all, whether you’re into impressive old buildings, beautiful scenery, exciting festivals, or just super friendly people.
Every city feels like it came out of a storybook—seriously, it’s that pretty! I never felt bored for even a second while exploring. So if you’re thinking about your next vacation, look at some of the best cities to visit in Spain and start planning the perfect trip!
If you’re wondering which cities in Spain are the best for tourists, you’re in for a treat! From stunning views to fun adventures, a vacation in Spain will give you memories you’ll never forget. Let’s journey from number 15 to number 1, discovering the most beautiful cities in Spain along the way!
Ronda is a beautiful town in Malaga, Spain, and it’s one of those places that makes you stop and say, “Wow.” It’s built right on a cliff, so the views are amazing. I remember the first time I saw pictures of it—I couldn’t believe it was real! If you love nature or enjoy exploring old ruins and history, Ronda is a must-visit on your trip to Spain. It’s easy to see why Ronda is considered one of the best cities to visit in Spain for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Best Time to Go: April to September (the weather’s perfect!)
How to Get There: You can catch a local bus from anywhere in Spain to reach Ronda.
Galera is one of those hidden gems in Spain that’s perfect for a laid-back vacation. When I visited, I was surprised by how peaceful and friendly it felt. It’s known for three awesome things—cheap and tasty tapas (little Spanish snacks), super friendly locals who love to laugh, and flamenco music that gets your feet tapping! Though lesser-known, Galera earns its place among the best cities to visit in Spain if you’re looking for authentic charm and a slower pace of life.
You can even hop on a cruise and enjoy the beautiful coast if you want some sea vibes.
Best Time to Go: November to March (the weather’s cooler and great for exploring)
Where to Stay:
How to Get There: You can hop on public transport—getting to Galera is pretty straightforward.
Cadaqués is one of the prettiest little towns I’ve ever seen! It’s all white buildings, blue water, and peaceful vibes—like something out of a postcard. This town sits right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and it’s not too far from Barcelona, which makes it easy to get to. Cadaqués is special because it inspired famous artists, like Salvador Dalí. Once you see it, you’ll understand why!
Best Time to Go: June to August (sunny and perfect for the beach)
You can hop on a train from Plaza Catalunya in the middle of Barcelona, and from there, you can take a scenic ride to Cadaqués.
Bilbao is not your typical Spanish city, which makes it so cool! While many places in Spain are about old castles and cobblestone streets, Bilbao is known for its modern buildings and creative style. One of the most famous spots here is the Guggenheim Museum—this giant, shiny titanium building filled with incredible contemporary art. I remember just standing there staring at it—it’s that impressive! With its unique blend of innovation and culture, Bilbao deserves a spot among the best cities to visit in Spain for modern travelers.
Also, if you’re into trying local food, don’t miss pintxos—they’re like little snacks on bread, and they go perfectly with a cold drink.
Best Time to Visit: May, June, or September (great weather and not too crowded)
If you come from San Sebastián, quickly take the A8 highway and be in Bilbao.
Valencia is one of those cities where you get the best of both worlds—cool modern buildings and excellent old history. I was excited to visit because it’s the birthplace of paella (yep, that super tasty rice dish). The city has this excellent place called the City of Arts and Sciences—it looks like something from the future!
There are also lots of parks and sports areas with trees and greenery, which I loved walking through. And let’s not forget the beach! It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring the city. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Valencia is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: March or June (great weather and not too hot)
You can take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid, and it only takes about 100 minutes—super quick and easy!
Huesca is a small, cozy city in the Aragon region of Spain, close to the Pyrenean Mountains. When I visited, it felt like stepping into a storybook—there are old churches, fabulous castles, and a big love for music. If you’re into concerts, El 21 is one of the best spots in the country to catch live music!
And let’s talk about food—yum! I tried Pollo al Chilindrón, a chicken cooked with peppers and spices. So good! The local wine, called Somontano, is also a big deal here (grown-ups will enjoy that part). If you’re lucky to visit during Fiesta Mayor, the city lights up with colors, music, and dancing. It’s awesome! This city’s fantastic cuisine and lively festivals make it one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: May or September (great weather and festival vibes)
You can take a bus from almost any nearby city to Huesca—super simple!
If you want to feel the spirit of Spain, Jerez de la Frontera is the place to go. Walking through this 3,000-year-old town, I felt like I stepped back in time! It has narrow cobbled streets, ancient castles, old churches, and even wine cellars where you can learn how Spanish wine is made.
Jerez is also known as the home of flamenco, a super cool Spanish dance involving clapping, stomping, and guitars. And if you love horses (like I do!), don’t miss the Feria del Caballo—a huge horse fair that’s been happening for over 500 years. It’s colorful, loud, and full of fun! This vibrant city is truly one of the best cities to visit in Spain for culture and celebration.
Best Time to Go: November to March (nice weather and fewer crowds)
You can fly into Malaga International Airport—the biggest airport in the Andalusia region and connect easily to other cities in Spain.
Logroño is one of those cities that surprised me—in a good way! It’s a small, friendly place in northern Spain famous for two delicious things: tapas (small, tasty snacks) and Rioja wine. Walking down Calle Laurel, a popular street in the city, you’ll find many little bars where you can try both. I honestly couldn’t stop snacking!
But there’s more to Logroño than just food. It’s also an essential stop on the old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, so there’s a lot of incredible history here too—churches, old buildings, and stories from way back. With its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Logroño is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: December (the city feels festive and cozy!)
You can catch a train from Barcelona—it’s a smooth and scenic ride!
Okay, this town has a funny nickname—“The Town of Three Lies”—because even though it’s called Santillana del Mar, it’s not a saint (Santo), it’s not flat (llana), and it’s not by the sea (mar). Weird, right? But don’t let the name fool you—when I went there, I found it one of Spain’s prettiest places!
The streets are super old and charming, and it feels like walking through a movie set. If you like history, you’ll love the Cave of Altamira—full of ancient cave paintings! And there’s even a zoo if you’re an animal lover like me. With its rich history and family-friendly attractions, this city is truly one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: July to September (perfect weather to explore)
You can hire a taxi or drive yourself—it’s an easy trip if you’re already in northern Spain.
Burgos is one of those cities in Spain that feels like stepping into a history book, but in a terrific way. I visited during the summer, and wow, it was full of beautiful old buildings and delicious food. The Burgos Cathedral is the city’s star—it’s enormous, super fancy, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s essential to the world!
Besides sightseeing, I couldn’t leave without trying the city’s famous blood sausages (called morcilla in Spanish). I know it sounds a little weird, but honestly, they were tasty! You’ll find them in local restaurants all over town. This delicious culinary experience makes the city a must-see among the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: July and August (perfect for walking tours and good weather)
Burgos is easy to reach by bus from most big cities in Spain.
If you love sunshine, beaches, and art, you’ll probably love Malaga as much as I did! This incredible city is where the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso was born. You can even visit a museum filled with his work—pretty cool, right?
Malaga isn’t just about art, though. It has beautiful old buildings like the Alcazaba (a massive fortress) and a fancy Baroque cathedral. And if you’re into chill beach vibes and street art, check out the SOHO district—it’s colorful and creative!
Best Time to Go: September to November (not too hot, just right!)
Just fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport—one of Spain’s busiest airports and easy to reach from other cities.
When I think of Pamplona, the first thing that pops into my head is the wild and exciting Running of the Bulls! It happens during the San Fermín Festival, and even though I didn’t run with the bulls (because, let’s be honest—that’s super intense!), it was amazing just watching the energy of the crowd and the whole celebration.
But trust me, Pamplona is more than just bulls and bravery. The city has some cool old churches and the Museum of Navarra, where I saw ancient Roman stuff and beautiful old paintings. There are lovely parks where you can chill and enjoy the scenery. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Pamplona stands out as one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: February to April (before the summer crowds)
It’s super easy! Just take a train from Atocha Station in Madrid to Pamplona.
When I visited Seville, I felt like I stepped into a fairytale. This beautiful city in Andalusia is bursting with color, history, and the sweet smell of orange trees—seriously, the whole place smells amazing in spring!
Seville has some super famous places to visit, like the Royal Alcázar (a palace that looks straight out of a movie), the Seville Cathedral (where Christopher Columbus is buried!), and Plaza de España, which is just stunning. The city is known for bullfighting, flamenco dancing, and vibrant festivals. With its rich culture and lively atmosphere, Seville is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Best Time to Go: March to May (when the flowers bloom and the weather’s perfect)
You can easily hire a taxi or take public transport—it’s a well-connected city.
When I first saw pictures of Consuegra, I thought, “Whoa, are those the windmills from Don Quixote?” And guess what—they are! This peaceful town is famous for its old windmills that line up perfectly on a hill, looking amazing against the bright blue Spanish sky. It honestly felt like I was walking into a storybook.
Right next to the windmills is a fantastic castle that you can explore. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in October, you can catch the colorful Saffron Festival, when the windmills are lit up and the whole town smells like saffron (yes, the fancy spice!). This charming town is one of the best cities to visit in Spain for a unique and vibrant cultural experience.
Best Time to Go: May (for great weather) and October (for the saffron festival)
You can hop on a local bus to get to Consuegra. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy cities!
I’ve seen a lot of cool places in Spain, but Cuenca stood out. People also call it the Eagle’s Nest, and when you see it sitting up high on the cliffs, you’ll get why! One of the most incredible things here is the “Casas Colgadas”—hanging houses. These old buildings are built right on the edge of the cliffs, looking like they’re just barely hanging on. It’s wild!
Cuenca also has the first Gothic cathedral in Spain, which is fantastic to see in person. If you love nature, the views of the Huecar River Gorge are stunning. With its unique architecture and dramatic landscape, Cuenca easily ranks among the best cities to visit in Spain for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Best Time to Go: December to January (cooler weather and fewer crowds)
It’s easy! Just take a bus from Madrid and you’ll arrive in a few hours.
Spain has culture, history, stunning views, and exciting activities. Whether you love art, nature, or just having fun, Spain has something amazing for you. Here’s my take on the best cities to visit in Spain to explore unforgettable experiences:
Spain is a country that’s impossible not to fall in love with. From stunning views and rich history to unique cultural experiences and delicious food, each city offers something special. Whether you’re admiring breathtaking architecture in Seville or exploring the futuristic wonders of Valencia, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments.
So, grab your bags, pick one of these fantastic cities, and prepare to create memories you’ll cherish forever. Happy travels!
Seville (Sevilla) is known as one of the prettiest cities in Spain. It’s famous for its impressive buildings like the Alcazar and Giralda Tower, which show its Moorish history. The city is also well-known for its fun festivals, like the “Semana Santa de Sevilla,” a big celebration.
There’s no “prettiest” place in Spain since beauty differs for everyone. But some popular spots include Granada with the Alhambra, Cáceres’ old town, lively Barcelona, and the beaches of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.
Spain has many beautiful places, like Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and the Balearic Islands. Other great spots include Costa Brava, the Picos de Europa, and the Canary Islands.
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