When we talk about vibrant and bright places to refresh our moods, then we know that European nations are the best to find that solace.
And how can we forget about Barcelona’s stunning architecture, sandy beaches, and seaports? Or if we can ever forget about the capital city Madrid.
Madrid and Barcelona are the two names that always come to our minds if we first think about the cities in Spain to visit.
But have you ever wondered what it is like to visit other cities of this beautiful European Iberian Peninsula consisting of 17 autonomous regions with diversity in geographical areas and culture?
The culture, art, architecture, beaches, cuisine, natural spaces, and monuments in different cities of this country are one of a kind. You will always find a different charm in each Spanish city.
In this article, we have come forward with the Spanish cities to visit other than Madrid and Barcelona. However, these two cities are on the must-visit list if you are planning for the first time.
But if you have been there before and looking for something new or want a less populous place, then you are in luck as we have narrowed down the best 14 most beautiful cities to visit in the country.
Let’s dive in to discover more about these fantastic cities.
Table of Contents
Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is the third-largest city in Spain. It is well known worldwide as the birthplace of traditional flamenco dancing.
Head to the Triana neighborhood to observe the dance performed by experts or learn how to do it yourself!
It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the General Archive of the Indies, the Cathedral, and the Reales Alcázares castle, which houses Christopher Columbus’ relics.
The complex of Alcázar Castle was built under the Moorish Almohad monarchy and had a fascinating past.
The flood of colors and orange blossom scent in this lively metropolis might overwhelm your senses.
The 18th-century bullring known as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, where for centuries man has battled the beast in the ultimate test of strength and valor, is another must-see location in Seville.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
Catedral de Santa María de la Sede or Seville Cathedral, Archivo General de Indias or General Archives of the Indies, Reales Alcázares de Sevilla or Royal Alcázars of Seville, Plaza De Espana, and Torre del Oro or Tower of the Gold
Favorable months to visit
March to May
Valencia
This city is one of the most visited cities in Spain. Valencia, considered the origin of Paella, wonderfully blends the modern with the ancient. A wealth of culture and art can be found in this thriving metropolis.
UNESCO World Heritage La Lonja is also located in Valencia, called The Silk Exchange.
With several stunning and cutting-edge structures like the CaixaForum Valencia, Oceanografic, Hemispheric, and interactive Science museum, Valencia is known as the City of Arts and Sciences.
Numerous sporting venues throughout the city are charmingly bordered by vegetation and trees. Of course, the beach is an additional draw, as Valencia is home to numerous gorgeous beaches due to its coastal location.
These coastal areas get crowded with tourists during the summer, but Valencia can be enjoyed all year long thanks to pleasant weather that lasts well into the fall.
The Mediterranean region of Spain is located near Valencia. There are domestic and international flights from its own international airport to other European locations.
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Top Sights for tourists
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, Valencia Aquarium Oceanografic, El Carmen Neighbourhood, La Lonja, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and the Central Market
Favorable months to visit
March and June
Cuenca
All of you have seen places and houses in the mountains once in your life; however, we have never seen any place where houses seem to be hanging in the air.
Yes! You read that right. This fantastic city of Cuenca in Spain is tucked within the rock walls, and the houses seem to float in the air.
This place is also known as the Eagle’s Nest since it is the site of Spain’s earliest Gothic Cathedral. Apart from its historical significance, this walled city is notable for its incredible “hanging houses” (casas colgadas).
The Hanging Houses are likely to catch your eye as these practically lean over the gorges of the Huecar river in this Castile – La Mancha locale.
However, this World Heritage City of cobblestone alleys and antique buildings has a modern side and is an abstract art center.
This beautiful city is located less than two hours from Madrid. You can find the best local meals in Castilian-style restaurants like morteruelo (meatloaf), ajoarriero (a fish dish), the local liqueur resol, and alaj for dessert.
There are many bars in and around the Plaza Mayor, and you will find better eateries at other locations in this city. Modern restaurants also offer distinctive cuisine, flamenco nightclubs, and bar.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
Mangana Tower, Oratory of San Felipe de Neri, Convent of Las Carmelitas Descalzas, Church of San Miguel (Cuenca), Hanging Houses, Spanish Museum of Abstract Art, and Nuestra Señora de Gracia Cathedral
Favorable months to visit
November, December, and January
Segovia
This charming city is located immediately to the north of Madrid, and according to tradition, Hercules or Noah’s son established it. Regardless of whether the folklore is true, the city served as the model for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Well! this reason is enough to visit this magnificent city. An exquisite aqueduct marks the entrance to this fairy-tale Castilian city from the time of the Roman Empire. The mountain ranges of Sierra de Guadarrama are in the background of this city.
This city is one of the most mesmerizing cities in Spain and can be best watched when walking. You do not need a bus in Segovia to watch all the beautiful attractions here.
You can see attractions like towers, Romanesque churches, synagogues, Renaissance palaces, convents, gardens, hidden courtyards, and a fortress.
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Top Sights for tourists
Segovia Cathedral, Segovia Museum, Antonio Machado House-Museum, Real Casa de Moneda in Segovia, Casa de los Picos House, Esteban Vicente Museum of Contemporary Art, Church of La Vera Cruz, Church of San Martín (Segovia), The Aqueduct of Segovia, and Alcázar fortress in Segovia
Favorable months to visit
March to September
Malaga
Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol, is a popular European vacation resort. The city has several lovely clean beaches despite being home to large, high-rise tourist resorts and hotels.
It is counted amongst the best beautiful coastal Spanish cities to relax. It is popular as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Malaga’s stunning architecture and rich legacy are frequently overlooked by tourists in favor of beach parties and water sports.
It has a thriving bohemian culture. Malaga contains a number of historic fortresses and cathedrals, including the Alcazaba and the Baroque Cathedral. Whatever your purpose for visiting this Spanish city, be certain that you will be greeted with a smiling and welcoming attitude.
Malaga also has an international airport like Valencia, with a variety of inexpensive airlines that fly to numerous European destinations on a regular basis.
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Top Sights for tourists
Museo Picasso Malaga, Alcabaza, Malaga Cathedral, and Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Favorable months to visit
September to November
Zaragoza
Zaragoza (called Tharagotha by locals) is the fifth-largest city in Spain and, perhaps surprisingly, remains firmly off the itinerary of many travelers.
The capital of Aragon, often known as Saragossa in English, boasts a lovely old town, stunning architecture, and a relatively accessible city center, making it a pleasure to visit.
The city is easily accessible from the capital city of Madrid as well as from Barcelona. It is also famous for its nine days festival, Fiestas del Pilar, which is one of the most exciting festivals in Spain.
With 2000 years of history, this city has wonderful and charming Moorish architecture and is home to a splendid cathedral.
Zaragoza also has a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Moorish Aljafería Palace, which is proof of the independent Muslim state in the city.
Moreover, this city has its own cuisine, like several other places in Spain. This place offers great traditional food from Aragon, and you can taste the local fresh produce in your food.
If you are planning to visit this city, make sure to add google translate or learn Spanish, as English is not preferred here by the locals like in many other cities in Spain.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
The Golden Hall, Moorish Aljafería Palace, the Patio de Santa Isabel, and Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar or Cathedral-Basilica of the Lady of the Pillar
Favorable months to visit
May to October
Alicante
Alicante has a Mediterranean blend of excitement and leisure, from metropolitan beaches to epic nightlife.
It is a vibrant and appealing Spanish city with a castle, an old district, and a lengthy seafront. The dining scene is lively, and the nightlife is legendary, whether you’re chugging pints with the stag parties at 7 pm or spinning on the dance floor with the locals seven hours later.
What makes it one of the favorite places in Spain for visitors is the products it offers. The list includes wine, fruits (lemons and oranges), vegetables, and fish.
The villages of Alcoy and Jijona in Alicante are well-known for their almonds and turrones (“nougat”). The city is also noted for its leather shoe production and has the largest salt business in Spain.
Furthermore, this ancient city at the bottom of the Castle of Santa Barabara conceals an interesting ecclesiastical and civic architectural legacy, including the iconic Explanada de Espaa, a boulevard in Spain, which is a traditional leisure spot for local residents.
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Top Sights for tourists
Gothic church of Santa María, Casa de la Asegurada Museum, Procathedral of Saint Nicholas, Provincial Archaeological Museum, El Postiguet, and Explanada de España
Favorable months to visit
Best year-round. To enjoy the beach weather, visit from June to September
Granada
For an extremely authentic and calming Spanish experience, Look no further than the city of Granada.
Granada is situated at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, which is famous for the fabled castle and the palace of Alhambra. This city is also on the list of Spain’s most attractive towns.
This relaxed city offers stunning views, some inexpensive tapas, and vibrant nightlife. Its magnificent past has inspired its gastronomy, urban planning, and craftwork.
Fountains, views, and “Cármenes,” residences surrounded by characteristic city gardens, create memorable city corners.
This place also has a historic district named Albaicín, which is also considered a World Heritage sight. For many years, it was a significant cultural center under both Islamic and Christian governments, and it now has an impressive diversity of culture and leisure activities.
Festivals of film, music, or theater are enhanced by ongoing or traveling exhibits covering all subject areas. In fact, the most cutting-edge infrastructure is prepared for larger-scale events, and events like seminars, conferences, and lectures are held in historic places.
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Top Sights for tourists
Granada Cathedral, Granada Science Park Museum, The Alhambra Museum, La Cartuja Monastery, The Alhambra and The Generalife
Favorable months to visit
May-June and September-October
Ibiza
Ibiza is one of the most beautiful island cities in Spain in a dreamy Mediterranean location. Here, you can let loose, take in the laid-back hippy vibe of its fashion and street markets, unwind on a Bali bed by the sea, and watch the sunset amidst a picturesque landscape.
Ibiza is so genuine that it can accommodate the most thrilling nightlife in the world, along with a UNESCO World Heritage Village and Biodiversity Reserves.
The island’s inclusion on the World Heritage biodiversity list is thanks to Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows can be found in the sea in the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, where salt pans and maritime marshes are present.
This island is a place where you can feel free. Ibiza’s fashion and island lifestyle are known for their casual attire made of cool white textiles.
With a fun sailing excursion from the ports of Eivissa, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Santa Eulària des Riu, you can find some of the least populated areas on this island.
The seafood on the island is best enjoyed for lunch or dinner on or near the walking trails that border the water.
You can also get to see thousands of almond trees in full bloom, gracing the countryside with lovely white blooms, in addition to their typical country homes and lush olive orchards and vineyards.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
Cala de Portinatx, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Santa Eulália and Eivissa
Favorable months to visit
Late May – Early October
Pamplona
Pamplona, a city rich in culture and history, is located on the Arga River’s lush plain. The historic district’s streets and squares still hold a substantial collection of grand structures, including its churches and medieval fortifications.
Pamplona is well-known for its exhilarating and high-adrenaline San Fermin festival, often known as the running with the event of the bull. If you want to know this city well, then this festival is the best time to visit.
Pamplona is home to a number of other attractions, including beautiful parks, magnificent medieval churches, and the Museum of Navarra, which has priceless Roman artifacts.
Its gorgeous Roman-era city walls, lovely pedestrian lanes, delicious culinary options, amazing city park, and Plaza del Castillo make it a worthy stop on your way into the Basque region.
Moreover, this ancient town is a great location to experience the delicious food of Navarre. You can sample the traditional vegetables grown in Navarre’s vegetable gardens, including asparagus, piquillo peppers, and haricot beans, in any of its restaurants.
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Top Sights for tourists
Pamplona Cathedral, Ciudadela, Museum of Navarre, Navarre University Museum, Sarasate Museum, Pamplona Diocesan Cathedral Museum, Condestable Palace, and Comptos Chamber
Favorable months to visit
February to April
Córdoba
Córdoba was a significant city during the Roman era and an important Islamic center throughout the Middle Ages. It is a small city located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, the same region as Seville.
The Great Mosque in Córdoba is renowned all throughout the world. This old town is full of narrow alleyways to explore, flower-filled courtyards, welcoming squares, and bustling pubs where you can watch some good flamenco performances or sample the local fare.
The exquisite patios are a sight to behold in this truly lovely city. The greatest time to visit this city is in the spring when the scent of flowers abounds, especially in May when many of Córdoba’s traditional fiestas take place.
Córdoba also offers a variety of unique activities, such as eating tapas, experiencing regional specialties, learning about equestrian arts, watching a flamenco show in a bar, and unwinding in an Arab spa.
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Top Sights for tourists
Julio Romero de Torres Museum, Calleja de las Flores Alley, Medina Azahara, Great Mosque of Cordoba, Palace of the Marquises of Viana, Alcázar fortress of the Christian Monarchs, Plaza de la Corredera Square, Roman temple, Calahorra Tower, Passion and “duende” of the Andalusian Horse permanent equestrian show
Favorable months to visit
May and October
Bilbao
The capital of Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao, combines classic Spanish architecture with tall buildings in the city center.
Bilbao distinguishes itself for its modern architecture in striking comparison to other Spanish cities.
The capital of Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao, combines classic Spanish architecture with tall buildings in the city center. The Guggenheim Museum is the city’s most famous landmark.
Built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s most popular tourist destination having a sleek titanium structure that exhibits contemporary art.
While visiting Bilbao, be sure to try a dish of pintxos along with your beverage. All these things have helped this city to add to the list of the most interesting cities in Spain.
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Top Sights for tourists
Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Bilbao Town Hall, Begoña Basilica, Santiago Cathedral, Mercado de la Ribera Market, Plaza Nueva square, Deusto University, and Arriaga Theatre
Favorable months to visit
May, June, and September
Burgos
For five centuries, Burgos was the capital of the undivided kingdom of Castilla-Leon, and it is abode to a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture: the Burgos Cathedral, which has been designated a World Heritage Site.
The city of Burgos is located on the banks of the rivers Arlanza and Duero, which is a historical joy and one of the best historical cities to explore in Spain.
It is also famed for its blood sausages, which may be sampled at any of the town’s fantastic restaurants. You can also visit this place to sample tasty and diverse cuisine.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
Burgos Cathedral, Altarpiece Museum, Cartuja de Miraflores Monastery, Burgos Museum, Cathedral Museum (Burgos), Museum of Human Evolution, Paseo del Espolón (Burgos), and Monastery of Santa María Real de las Huelgas
Favorable months to visit
July and August
Toledo
The ancient city of Toledo has a long and varied history. There are monuments and statues honoring the Arab, Jewish, and Christian cultures there.
In just a few meters, you may find a Gothic cathedral, a mosque from the 10th century, and two synagogues, making it one of Spain’s most unique and interesting cities.
In the center of Spain, this old city is perched high on a hill with a view of the Castilla-La Mancha plains. Toledo has always been a hub of invention and offers some fascinating options for breakfast, lunch, or a few drinks.
In addition to traditional delicacies like migas, carcamusas, cochifrito, and mazapanes, you can also visit the modern San Agustin market or one of the newest gastro bars. You can also find vegetarian dishes in Toledo.
Quick Information
Top Sights for tourists
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, El Tránsito synagogue, Toledo Cathedral, Sephardic Museum, Toledo Army Museum, Santiago del Arrabal Church, Church of Santo Tomé (Toledo), Alcázar fortress in Toledo, Nueva de Bisagra Gate, and Cristo de la Luz mosque
Favorable months to visit
April, June, September, and October
Final Note
As we have already indicated, while the large, stunning cities of Barcelona and Madrid may command attention, smaller Spanish cities are equally fascinating.
With these amazing views and easy connectivity between all the cities in Spain, it is very easy to explore this amazing country at your own pace.
We have narrowed down our best list of cities to ease the search for the cities for your next travel plan. The best part about the cities, small towns, and villages here is that you can visit the country in any season. In fact, you can enjoy your summers in Spain and can have the best time here.
