Spain’s Best Cities

Our list of the best places to visit in Spain has something for everyone: beautiful cities, charming fishing villages, blissful Mediterranean islands and unforgettable culture. In fact, the most difficult part of a trip to Spain might be planning which parts to visit first!

10 Best Places to Visit in Spain (plus Gibraltar!)

1. Barcelona
2. Granada
3. Seville
4. Jimena de la Frontera
5. Madrid
6. Malaga
7. Mallorca
8. Ronda
9. Cadiz
10. Lanzarote
11. Gibraltar

Barcelona

Some places have all the luck! While many cities have just one or two attractions to tempt travellers, Barcelona has it all. From warm, Mediterranean waters to Gothic architecture and Catalan arts and culture, few visitors fail to fall in love with Catalonia’s capital. Barcelona always has to be number 1 on a list of the best places in Spain.

Things to Do in Barcelona

• Get your bearings of the city with a Free Walking Tour.             .
• Fans of history simply must not miss the Spanish Civil War Tour.
• See La Sagrada Familia, Antonio Gaudí’s breathtaking unfinished cathedral.
• Enjoy Parque Guell, a world-famous park designed by Antoni Gaudí.
• Visit the Contemporary Art Museum, an eclectic collection of modern art.
• Take a date to Castell De Montjuic, a romantic viewpoint which looks out over the city.
• Join a slow travel cooking class and make your own tapas from local ingredients.
• Sunbathe on Sant Sebastian, Barcelona’s never-empty main beach.
• Climb Montserrat, a saw-toothed mountain not far from the city.
• Eat at some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona.

Granada

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is full of buildings from the Moorish occupation of Spain. Granada’s mix of hippies, students and travellers contribute to a care-free atmosphere. If you’re interested in visiting Granada, check out our Granada travel guide. While in Granada, you must not miss our favourite UNESCO world heritage site: the Alhambra. We’ve written a guide to the Alhambra, including information on how to book tickets before you arrive. This is worth doing because tickets often sell out months in advance.

Things to Do in Granada

• Explore Albaicín, a traditional neighbourhood with winding streets.
• For great views of the Alhambra, visit Mirador San Nicolas.
• Enjoy beautiful views of the city from Plaza Mirador de Cristobal.
• See Granada Cathedral, an unfinished cathedral, 180 years in the making.
• Admire Palacio de la Madraza, an Islamic school (madrasah) originally built in 1394.
• Bar-hop around Sacromonte, a white-washed neighbourhood that is famous for flamenco.
• Enjoy tapas in Realejo, the old Jewish quarter.
• Hike to Ermita de San Miguel el Alto, a small church overlooking the city.
• And don’t miss The Alhambra, a UNESCO-designated Moorish palace.

Seville

Close your eyes and think of Spain. What do you see? Flamenco dancing? Men playing the guitar in the streets? Bullfighting? Tapas? If all of the above is your idea of Spain, then you can’t get much more Spanish than Seville. A traditional, sometimes conservative city in the southwest, this is a city that lovers of Andalusian culture can’t miss.

If you’ve been inspired to visit Seville, don’t miss our Seville travel guide. There’s no avoiding it: meat is a massive part of Iberian culture. If, like us, you choose not to eat meat, check out our guide to being vegetarian in Seville.

Things to Do in Seville

• Don’t miss Plaza de España, an astoundingly beautiful plaza.
• Explore the Royal Tobacco Factory. This 18th century building is now owned by the University of Seville.
• Enjoy the views from the Torre Del Oro. This golden tower overlooks the river.
• Gawp at the Royal Alcazar Of Seville. This exquisite royal palace was built on a Muslim fortress.
• Visit Seville Cathedral. The building is a designated UNESCO world heritage site, along with the Alcazar.
• Enjoy the views from La Giralda, Seville cathedral’s bell tower.
• Peruse the Museo Bellas Artes, a collection of medieval to early 20th century arts.

Jimena de la Frontera

Jimena de la Frontera is a quiet, whitewashed city of about 9000 inhabitants in the south of Spain. It’s not far from Gibraltar. For such a small place, there’s an awful lot of history, including a hilltop fort.

Things to Do in Jimena de la Frontera

• Enjoy the panoramic views from Jimena Castle, which was originally built by the Romans.
• Try wild-swimming in Hozgarganta River.
• Hike the trails from town to the river (Hozgarganta Senadoras).
• Impressive ruins are all that remain of the Royal Artillery Factory.

Madrid

Madrid has some of the best museums in Europe, which is no mean feat for a continent crammed full of culture. Those that live in the Spanish capital like to say that Madrid is more authentic than the country’s other cities. And they might be right! Who can say? There’s certainly more than enough excitement on offer to justify a visit.

If you’d like to visit Madrid, don’t miss our article on how much a weekend in Madrid costs. If you do visit Madrid, nearby Toledo and Salamanca make for interesting day trips.

Things to do in Madrid

• See Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece, Guernica, at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
• Take a star-studded tour of art history at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
• Marvel at masterpieces by Caravaggio at the Museo Del Prado.
• Visit the Temple of Debod, a real ancient Egyptian Temple relocated to Madrid.
• Wander The Sabatini Gardens for the best views of the Royal Palace.
• Explore The Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest functioning palace in Europe.
• Contemplate the immense Catedral de la Almudena, a typically brilliant Spanish cathedral.
• Relax in Park Madrid Rio, a charming riverside park.
• Check if there’s an exhibition on at Matadero Madrid, a slaughterhouse remade by artists.
• Take a walk through Plaza Mayor, the capital’s buzzing central square.

Malaga

Malaga is nicer than you might think! More than just a place to have one too many sangrias and collapse on the beach, Malaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and home to several places of arts and culture.

Things to Do in Malaga

• Explore El Castillo De Gibralfaro, a Moorish castle overlooking the city.
• Visit Malaga Cathedral, an impressive cathedral in the city centre.
• Book tickets for the Picasso Museum. Seriously, it can get busy!
• Enjoy the art on offer at the Pompidou Centre. This innovative museum exhibits work by Picasso and others.
• Marvel at the Roman Theatre, an excavated Roman theatre next to the castle.
• Walk around the Alcazaba, a fortified Moorish palace in the centre of the city.

Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands, located roughly halfway between the Spanish mainland and Africa. Blessed with turquoise waters and charming villages, parts of the island have seen a few too many package holidays over the years. By heading off the beaten path, particularly in the off-season, you can explore the island as it once was.

Best Beaches in Mallorca

1. Sa Calobra. This is a small pebble beach only accessible via a tunnel.
2. Calo Del Moro. This secluded beach is the one you’ll see all over Instagram!
3. Port De Soller. A pretty beach with a crescent bay. A handful of bars look over the water.

Things to Do in Mallorca

• Visit Valldemossa, a charming town, famous for inspiring Chopin.
• Walk the cobblestone-streets of Soller. You can ride a tram through to Port De Soller beach.
• Enjoy the views from Cap De Formentor. This stunning lighthouse perches on the edge of the island.
• Delve into the Caves de Artà.  These deep caves are surrounded by towering mountains.
• Cruise the Carretera de Sa Calobra, a famous hairpin bend in the road that turns 270 degrees.
• I highly recommend staying in this monastery in Pollenca. Santuari del Puig de Maria, as the monastery is known, is located on a hill overlooking Pollenca. It hasn’t changed much since it was constructed in 1348! We had to collect our own firewood to cook as there’s no modern kitchen equipment. If you do decide to book, use our Airbnb discount code for £34 off your first adventure.

Ronda

Ronda is criminally picturesque! This town is built on two sides of a steep gorge and connected by a magnificent bridge. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of rolling countryside on all sides, plus some of Spain’s very best tapas.

Things to Do in Ronda

• Cross the Puente Nuevo. This iconic bridge connects the old town to the new.
• Do some people watching at Plaza España, a lively central square.
• Take a selfie at Pinsapo. These botanical gardens with some of the best viewpoints.
• Enjoy tapas at Bodega San Francisco. Excellent service and exquisite artichokes.
• Hike Senderos Molinos for excellent views of the bridge.
• Watch the Easter celebrations. Christians show their devotion by burning incense and carrying religious images.

Cadiz

Considered by some to be the oldest continually inhabited western European settlement, the ancient port of Cadiz was founded in 1,100 BC! A must for those that love history, beaches and strolling through the old town streets in search of tapas bars. Cadiz manages to pack a lot into a relatively small area.

Things to Do in Cadiz

• Admire the impressively baroque Cadiz Cathedral, with its famous golden dome.
• Climb the Cathedral Bell Tower’s helix ramp for views of the city.
• Uncover The Roman Theatre and see some partially excavated Roman ruins.
• Enjoy the views from Tavira Tower, which is the highest point in Cadiz. Book ahead to see the camera obscura.
• Visit Castillo de San Sebastián, one of two prominent castles. The walkway connecting the castle to the city is unique.
• Explore Castillo de Santa Catalina. This scenic fortress overlooks the beach and contains art exhibitions.
• Chill out on La Caleta Beach. This small sandy beach is located between the two castles.

Lanzarote and the Canary Islands

Lanzarote is an island of 8000 cactuses and 300 volcanoes off the coast of Africa. Smaller and less developed than nearby Tenerife, Lanzarote embraced sustainable tourism earlier than most and preserved much of its traditional character by doing so. Our best things to do in Lanzarote guide covers our favourite adventures on the island.

Things to Do in Lanzarote

• Swim in the natural saltwater pools at Punta Mujeres.
• Take a coach tour through the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park.
• Visit the Fundación César Manrique. This is one of many buildings by Lanzarote’s master architect.
• Browse the wares at Haria market. This charming market opens every Saturday from 10AM.
• Climb Monte Corona and gaze down into the depths of an impressive crater.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is, at least for now, a tiny British territory in southern Spain. Your passport will be checked by British border security forces on entry and its best to pay in British Pound Sterling. But, regardless of ownership, Gibraltar and its famous rock are well worth visiting for anyone with an interest in history, nature and clifftop scenery.

Almost all of the sights worth seeing in Gibraltar, including the famous apes, are inside the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Walkers must pay a fee of £5 to enter the reserve. It’s a simple but steep hike from the town into the nature reserve and you won’t be able to miss the apes.

Other attractions, such as the Moorish Castle, charge an additional fee. Taxi drivers will often hassle tourists as they stand in line at the Cable Car. Don’t listen to them! Do your research ahead of time and decide if a taxi tour is how you want to see Gibraltar.

Things to Do in Gibraltar

• Explore the 426-metres tall Rock of Gibraltar.
• Visit the Gibraltar Botanic Garden (these free gardens are next to the cable car).
• See the Moorish Castle, which is close to the town and near the bottom of the Rock.
• For those that can’t or won’t walk, the Cable Car is a scenic but expensive alternative.
• Brave The Skywalk, a glass bridge that takes visitors over the edge of a cliff.
• Watch the Apes of Gibraltar The only wild apes in Europe live in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

Other Places to Visit in Spain

All the places we’ve mentioned so far, we have personally visited. It’s fair to say we’ve only just scratched the surface of this magnificent country. We have our eye on several more trips, including the following places:

• Valencia, a coastal city famous for its paella and the city of arts and sciences.
• Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque country, is famous for the Museo Guggenheim.
• Cordoba, a city in Andalusia, which is famous for its iconic Mosque-Cathedral.
• Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia and final stop of the Camino de Santiago.
• Costa Brava, a Catalonian coastal region with fewer crowds than Barcelona.

What places do you love in Spain? We’d love your recommendations for more of the best places in Spain.