12 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain

The most beautiful cities in Spain—and there are many of them—come with a wide range of distinctive regional and historical appeal, leaving sightseers with an abundance of attractive sights, diverse cityscapes, and natural surroundings to explore.

From the Catalonian metropolis of Barcelona, with its iconic Gaudí-designed architecture guaranteed to mesmerize you to Palma de Mallorca, an island destination with amazing beaches and grand historic buildings, you’ll never run out of pretty cities to visit in Spain.

From the mainland on the Iberian peninsula to the islands in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, this nation’s cities and towns serve up a remarkable intermingling of beauty and history. The temptation is to visit as many cities in Spain as possible, which is easy to do.

Barcelona

One of the most charismatic cities in Spain, Barcelona, stands out visually due to the whimsical, organic structures built by celebrated Catalan architect  Antoni Gaudí. These include La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo, as well as the outdoor wonderland known as Park Güell.

Gaudí’s unique architectural style, marked by natural forms and vibrant colors, is exemplified by La Sagrada Familia’s awe-inspiring grandeur, intricate detailing, and the interplay of light you’ll witness inside, pouring through stained glass.

Additionally, the city’s long history comes to life in the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, hemmed in by beautiful medieval buildings. And for pleasing views of a different kind, you can check out the coastline near Barcelona, adorned with golden beaches, adding to the region’s allure.

For some of the best views of Barcelona, ascend Montjuïc Hill and enjoy the panoramic vistas, or else visit Bunkers del Carmel (a former anti-aircraft gun bunker), a less-traveled-to locale that offers spectacular views of Barcelona’s skyline as well, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ibiza Town

Ibiza Town (“Eivissa” in Catalan), besides being a glamorous nightlife paradise famous the world over, is also revered as one of Spain’s most beautiful destinations thanks to its hillstop location, leafy squares, and striking architecture.

This city, the eponymous capital of Ibiza, features an incredible amount of natural and man-made beauty.

Wander through the ancient city gates and stroll around the fortified Dalt Vila, or “Upper Town,” Ibiza’s historic old town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to soak in the delightful cobblestone streets, along with the well-preserved medieval fortress located there. Stop for tapas in a tree-lined square, and browse the boho-chic shops selling floaty summer fashions.

One of the best things to do in Ibiza for a gorgeous vantage point of Ibiza Town is to climb up to the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Neu de Vila d’Eivissa, located on a hill in Dalt Vila, where you will be treated to incredible views of the city, the port, and the sparkling Mediterranean.

A Coruña

Another of the most beautiful cities in Spain is A Coruña, which features an impressive amount of rugged coastal charm.

A Coruña, carved out of Spain’s northwest corner, delights with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In contrast to Southern Spain, which is decidedly warmer and with less rain, this part of the country gets more rainfall, making it very green.

This beautiful Spanish beach town boasts a fabulous waterfront with a picturesque promenade, providing stellar views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also notice the Tower of Hercules (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) looming over the city. The tower, on the northern tip of a small peninsula, is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world and comes with sweeping coastal views.

A Coruña’s beauty is enhanced further by its historic architecture, including the Plaza de María Pita, where you’ll find the neoclassical Casa Consistorial (City Hall), along with the more modern Banco Pastor building.

The 12th-century Murallas de A Coruña, or ancient city walls, which once surrounded the entire historic city, add to A Coruña’s photogenic appeal as well.

In addition to the views from the Tower of Hercules, you can check out the scenic Monte de San Pedro viewpoint, with open green fields overlooking the city. This lush spot will offer you a glimpse of some of the beauty that A Coruña—and northern Spain’s weathered seaboard—have in store for you.

Palma De Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca, in the Mediterranean, will command your attention with its glorious Gothic architecture, notably the massive, regal-looking La Seu Cathedral. The maze of narrow, comely streets you’ll discover in the Old Town, filled with picturesque shops and charming tapas bars, are very pretty to look at, too.

Palma’s attractive harbor, filled with luxury yachts from all over the world, adds a hefty dose of ritz to the city’s maritime charm. For exceptional views of Palma de Mallorca, you can work your way up Bellver Castle, an impressive circular-shaped 14th-century Gothic fortress, which will offer you expansive vistas of the city below, and the blue Mediterranean Sea.

And for even more visual splendor, if you leave the city and drive north for about an hour, you’ll encounter Mirador Es Colomer, a scenic clifftop viewpoint with spectacular views of the dramatic cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Palma de Mallorca, and the entire island, truly are a sight to behold.

Read: Best Things to Do in Mallorca

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the lively capital of Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands.

This city is home to some unique Spanish landmarks, including the striking, modern-looking Auditorio de Tenerife, which shares some architectural DNA (at least aesthetically) with Sydney’s renowned Opera House. The Auditorio de Tenerife is defined by its organic wave-like forms and sweeping curves.

For a bit of old-world charm, check out the smaller, but still fascinating Baroque and Neoclassical Palacio de Carta, part of the Plaza de la Candelaria, in the town’s center. Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s palm-lined boulevards also help augment this small city’s allure.

For some wonderful panoramic views, one of the best things to do in Tenerife is to make your way up to the Anaga Mountains and the Mirador de Jardina, just northwest of the city. From this vantage point, you’ll gain vistas over Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the lush hillsides and valleys chiseled out of the northern tip of the island, and views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Seville

Seville, the beating heart of Andalusia, is legendary for its cultural traditions and architectural grandeur. Without doubt, this is one of the prettiest cities in Spain.

The city brims with a wealth of marvels, including the awe-inspiring Moorish and Gothic Alcázar Palace (Real Alcázar de Sevilla), known for its intricate tilework and lush gardens. The massive Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most stunning churches in Spain and the largest Gothic cathedral on the planet.

The city’s charm is further enhanced by the magnificent, semicircular-shaped Plaza de España, set inside the picturesque Parque de María Luisa, complete with canals and bridges. The enchanting streets of the old Jewish quarter, Santa Cruz, are adorned with ornate facades, the narrow lanes opening out to squares lined with orange trees, brightening the urban ambiance even more.

For breathtaking views of the beautiful city from above, climb the historic Giralda Tower, which has its origins in the 12th century, when it was built as a minaret by the Moors. Now, the Giralda is the bell tower of the cathedral. You’ll walk up shallow ramps, rather than steps to the top, as the tower was originally designed for the imam to ascend on a donkey to issue the call to prayer.

Teror, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Teror, burrowed into the rugged terrain of northern Gran Canaria Island, is one of the most charming and beautiful towns in Spain thanks to its colonial history and hilly surroundings.

This town is distinguished by its historic architecture, colorful colonial-style houses, as well as the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, a lovely church that attracts visitors from around the island and the world.

Teror’s cobbled streets are adorned with homes and buildings featuring traditional wooden balconies, often festooned with flowers.

For some divine vistas of the town and the surrounding region, you can visit the nearby Osorio Peak. You won’t be disappointed by the views. The quaint architectural elegance and natural beauty of Teror make this town a must-stop visit on your quest to witness as much of the diverse beauty of Spain as you possibly can.

Read: Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria

Málaga

Málaga, the biggest city on the sun-filled Costa del Sol, will captivate you with its cultural distinctiveness, historical landmarks, and littoral beauty.

The city’s enchanting old town, embellished with Moorish and Renaissance architecture, along with the majestic hilltop Alcazaba fortress and the imposing Málaga Cathedral all add up to make this one of the prettiest cities in Spain.

The palm-fringed boulevards, lively plazas, and sandy beaches in Málaga like Playa de la Malagueta make this a haven of metropolitan and seaside beauty.

The ancient Gibralfaro Castle, atop Mount Gibralfaro in the southern part of the city, will provide you with glorious panoramas of Málaga’s lovely skyline, La Malagueta bullring down below, and of course the azure Mediterranean Sea.

Valencia

Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coastline, will entice you with its contrasting ancient and starkly modern architecture, green spaces, and Mediterranean vibe.

The city, known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, features modern edifices like the Hemisfèric (a building resembling a giant human eye or eyelid), plus the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, also referred to as “Les Arts,” which is an avant-garde, space-age-looking opera house.

Valencia’s old town is typified by its narrow medieval streets, and the iconic Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), which is a brilliant late Gothic structure with interconnected halls that enlivens the city’s historic beauty even further.

The Turia Gardens, an extensive urban park created from a diverted riverbed, will offer you a verdant escape from the urban side of the city. With such a creative mix of the old and the new, Valencia has a lot to offer you when it comes to beautiful things to gaze upon.

Vigo

Vigo, on the weathered Galician coastline, just north of Portugal, benefits from the juxtaposition of the Atlantic Ocean, green hills, and urban environment all wrapped up into a single metropolitan area.

The city is home to some striking Spanish beaches, such as Samil Beach, where golden sands meet the ocean waves. Vigo’s cobblestone Old Town, with its historic buildings, is a pleasure to wander through as well, full of style and character.

Another amazing feature in—or at least near to Vigo—is the Cíes Islands, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located just off the coast.

The Cíes Islands, often dubbed the “Galician Caribbean,” boast crystal-clear turquoise waters, natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unspoiled landscapes. Accessible by ferry, these islands are a mere 40 minutes to an hour away from Vigo, ensuring a quick and convenient excursion on a hot day.

For sweeping views of the region, you can hike up to the 17th-century Castro Fortress, a hilltop fortress overlooking the Vigo estuary, which will give you a birds-eye view of the rugged coastline, the city, and its busy harbor.

Alicante

Alicante, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain along the Costa Blanca, overflows with Mediterranean allure. The city’s natural beauty is enhanced by its fabulous coastline, featuring soft-sand beaches like Playa del Postiguet, a range of mountains to the north.

Alicante’s ninth-century Santa Bárbara Castle, on Mount Benacantil, was founded by the Moors, and subsequently built up over the centuries. One of the best things to do in Alicante, this lofty castle perch, an eye-catching coastal feature that’s hard to miss, will offer you some outstanding views of the city.

Wander round to take in Alicante’s beauty. From the elegant Modernist Casa Carbonell on the waterfront to the splendid Valencian Baroque Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari in the center, there’s much to make this one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma

Santa Cruz de la Palma, on the Canary Island of La Palma, is defined by its craggy volcanic landscapes, subtropical vegetation, and its exceptionally clear skies. High in the mountains, a row of observatories gazes down over the lush landscape.

The city itself boasts colorful houses adorned with the wooden, flower-filled balconies that are characteristic of the Canary Islands. Cobblestone streets wind through the town, revealing pleasant little cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.

Overlooking the city, La Palma’s iconic viewpoint, Mirador de la Concepción, serves up spectacular vistas of Santa Cruz de la Palma and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Read: Spain Travel Tips

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