Best Cities to Visit in Spain

Guest post by Dakota Murphey

With its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning architecture, and picture-perfect beaches, Spain has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers. From bustling metropolitan hubs to charming coastal towns, there are so many amazing cities to visit in Spain on your next sunny family holiday or even on an out-of-season getaway. 

Here are some of our top recommendations to consider for an unforgettable Spanish city getaway.

Barcelona

The cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Barcelona needs little introduction. This lively seaside city has it all – incredible architecture, world-class museums, a buzzing food scene, palm-fringed beaches, and a palpable energy.

Don’t miss:

• La Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s awe-inspiring unfinished basilica, an iconic Barcelona landmark.
• Las Ramblas – A tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for strolling, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere.
• Park Güell – A whimsical public park full of colourful mosaics and sculptures.
• La Boqueria Market – A huge indoor food market with an incredible array of produce, meat, seafood and more.
• Beaches – Relax on the golden sands of Barceloneta Beach or lively Platja de la Nova Icària.

With new cultural attractions opening all the time, any month is a great time to experience Barcelona’s unique blend of heritage and modernity.

Madrid

As Spain’s spirited capital right in the centre of the country, Madrid combines majestic architecture, world-class art galleries, sophisticated shopping and a legendary nightlife scene.

Top things to do include:

• Prado Museum – One of the world’s greatest art museums, housing works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and more.
• Royal Palace – The opulent 18th-century palace with lavish interiors.
• El Retiro Park – A beloved 350-acre park ideal for walking, rowboating or just relaxing.
• Tapas hopping – Grazing on bite-sized morsels paired with Spanish wine is a quintessential Madrid experience.
• Nightlife – Party the night away in the lively Huertas or La Latina neighbourhoods.

For your unforgettable holiday in Spain, tapas bars, shops and cultural events make Madrid an even more vibrant destination.

Valencia

Spain’s third largest city, Valencia charms visitors with its picturesque Old Town, stunning modern architecture, sunny climate, and delicious cuisine.

Must-see attractions include:

• The City of Arts and Sciences – A spellbinding complex with futuristic buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava.
• La Lonja – A 15th-century Gothic UNESCO site, once Valencia’s silk exchange.
• Torres de Serranos – An imposing 14th-century city gate, part of Valencia’s former walls.
• Mercado Central – Gorgeous Modernist indoor market with 1200 stalls selling produce, meat, seafood and more.
• Beaches – Spend lazy days on the sand at the Malvarrosa or Cabanyal beaches.

With new boutique hotels and eateries opening all the time, Valencia is set to enhance its reputation as a stylish Mediterranean hotspot.

Seville

The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a jewel of southern Spain renowned for its ornate Moorish architecture, soulful flamenco culture, sunny weather, and the festive April Fair.

Top attractions include:

• The Alcázar – A mesmerising Moorish palace with exquisite courtyards and gardens.
• Seville Cathedral – The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, complete with a Giralda bell tower.
• Plaza de España – A magnificent semicircular plaza with tiled alcoves representing each Spanish province.
• Triana – A vibrant riverside neighbourhood that is known for its flamenco bars and ceramic shops.
• Tapas tasting – Graze on Andalusian favourites like fried fish, ham croquettes and salmorejo (chilled tomato soup).

The development of the riverfront ensures Seville retains its status as an unmissable Andalusian highlight.

Marbella

On Spain’s glamorous Costa del Sol, Marbella has been a fashionable jet-set destination since the 1950s. With a beautiful old quarter, luxury retail therapy and a series of highly sought-after villas, apartments and other attractive properties for sale or let, it attracts young travellers, retired couples and families alike.

Top things to do include:

• Puerto Banús – Wander the luxury yacht marina with designer boutiques and lively bars.
• Casco Antiguo – Explore the picturesque mediaeval old town with its orange tree-lined plaza and narrow lanes.
• Beaches – Laze on fabulous beaches like El Pinillo or Nikki Beach Club.
• Golf – Tee off at one of Marbella’s many championship golf courses.

Marbella’s exclusive resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants and buzzing nightlife ensure its reputation as a glitzy getaway.

Granada

At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is best known as the home of the magnificent Alhambra palace – the pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. Beyond this showstopper sight, the city charms with its tapas haunts, Arab baths and quaint neighbourhoods.

Must-see attractions include:

• The Alhambra – An exquisite, sprawling palace and fortress complex reflecting 700 years of Moorish rule and artistry.
• Albayzín – Wander the hilly mediaeval Moorish quarter’s white-washed streets and plazas.
• Tapas bar-hopping – Enjoy free tapas with drinks at traditional bars in the Albayzín and Sacromonte areas.
• Hammams – Unwind at centuries-old Arab baths like the Bañuelo or Hammam Al Andalus.

The city unveils an exciting new museum to further highlight its rich history, keeping Granada high on Spain’s holidaymakers’ bucket lists.

Malaga

Once viewed as little more than an airport gateway town, Malaga has transformed into a stylish Andalusian destination in its own right, with an array of impressive museums and galleries, a blossoming food scene and a chill cosmopolitan vibe.

Top attractions include:

• Picasso Museum – Housed in a 16th-century palace where the artist was born in 1881.
• Carmen Thyssen Museum – An excellent gallery with 230 19th-century paintings.
• Pompidou Centre – A satellite branch of the Paris modern art museum.

With exciting cultural offerings, both ancient and right up-to-the-minute, Malaga is becoming increasingly hard for travellers to ignore.

San Sebastián

This elegant seaside spot on Spain’s northern coast has rapidly grown into a culinary hotspot, with more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Top attractions include:

• La Concha Beach – The shell-shaped golden sand beach framed by lush hills.
• Monte Urgull – A hilltop offering panoramic views over the Bay of La Concha.
• Isla de Santa Clara – An island in the bay perfect for swimming, hiking and picnicking.
• El Peine del Viento – Eduardo Chillida’s famous sculptural work on the coast.

With exciting new ‌bars and Basque-fusion restaurants found throughout the city, San Sebastián remains a culinary mecca.

From lively capitals like Madrid and Barcelona to charming coastal gems along the Mediterranean, Spain spoils travellers with an incredible diversity of cities to explore. With an openness to blending the historic with the contemporary, Spain promises cutting-edge museums, galleries and eateries, without compromising the warmth, passion and traditions that make Spanish culture so distinctive and alluring.

Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cutting-edge cuisine, showstopping architecture, pulsating nightlife or simply a chance to soak up authentic local culture, Spain’s cities cater to every taste and mood.

So that’s our pick of the best cities to visit in Spain. Check out the full portfolio of holiday villas on Oliver’s Travels and don’t hesitate to contact our friendly concierge team who will be happy to share local knowledge and book any awesome extras to make your holiday like no other.