20 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain You’ll Fall in Love With
It’s no secret that Spain is full of pretty cities, from colorful coastal spots to whitewashed villages and dramatic mountain settings that feel straight out of a postcard.
But with so many beautiful cities in Spain to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth adding to your itinerary.
That’s why I put together this list of my top picks that really stand out.
Here are the cities you’ll instantly fall in love with on your next trip to Spain.
Most Beautiful Cities in Southern Spain
These are the most beautiful cities to visit in southern Spain:
1. Seville
Seville is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and I honestly don’t think anyone visits without falling in love with it.
It’s a somewhat smaller city in southern Spain in the Andalusia region, which is known for everything people picture when they think of Spain like flamenco, colorful ceramics, orange trees, and tons of sunshine.
You can walk around the stunning Plaza de España, explore the Royal Alcázar (which was a Game of Thrones filming location), or climb the La Giralda bell tower at Seville Cathedral for amazing panoramic views over the city.
Pretty much everywhere you go feels picturesque, from tiled courtyards to narrow old streets and palm lined plazas.
Just keep in mind that Seville gets extremely hot in the summer, with temperatures often above 100°F (37°C), so spring and fall are much more comfortable times to visit.
2. Nerja
Nerja is located about an hour away from Málaga and is by far one of the prettiest cities in Spain that I’ve visited.
One of the main highlights is the Balcón de Europa, which is a clifftop viewpoint that looks out over the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline below.
The town is full of whitewashed buildings, balconies covered in potted flowers, and small streets that are perfect for wandering around.
There are seafront restaurants right along the water, plus beautiful beaches with a dramatic mountain backdrop that make the setting feel extra special.
It’s small, quiet, and a great choice for a day trip from Málaga or a peaceful coastal getaway.
3. Mijas
Mijas is about 30 minutes outside of Málaga and sits up in the hills instead of right on the coast, but it’s just as pretty in a totally different way.
The town is known for its whitewashed buildings, colorful potted plants, and narrow streets that feel straight out of a postcard.
It’s not very big, which makes it perfect for a relaxed half day or full day trip without feeling rushed.
One of the main things to do here is wander through the old town, stop at scenic viewpoints, and explore the small local shops and cafes.
If you’re looking for a charming, low key spot with classic southern Spain scenery, Mijas is a great addition to your itinerary.
4. Granada
Granada feels beautiful in a more ancient way, with layers of history everywhere you walk.
It’s in southern Spain in the Andalusia region and sits right up against the Sierra Nevada mountains, which gives the city a very dramatic backdrop.
The main highlight is visiting the Alhambra, which is a massive royal palace complex that overlooks the city.
Beyond that, you can wander through the old Albaicín neighborhood, watch flamenco shows in the Sacromonte cave houses, and stop into traditional tapas bars that still serve free food with your drink.
Just keep in mind that Granada is very hilly in parts, so expect lots of uphill walking while exploring.
5. Córdoba
Córdoba is another gorgeous Spanish city with historic streets, sunny squares, and little details everywhere you look.
It’s in southern Spain in the Andalusia region and has a similar vibe to Seville, but just smaller and more relaxed.
The biggest highlight is the Mezquita, which is a huge mosque cathedral filled with rows of arches and columns that’s one of the most famous monuments in Spain.
Beyond that, the old town is perfect for wandering, with narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and flower filled patios, and every spring the city even hosts a festival where locals open up their private patios for visitors to see.
It’s a great place to spend a day or two, and it also works really well as a day trip from Seville if you’re short on time.
6. Ronda
Ronda is one of the best cities in Spain to visit, set dramatically above a deep gorge that splits the town in two.
It’s in southern Spain in the Andalusia region and feels much smaller and calmer than bigger cities like Seville.
The main landmark is the Puente Nuevo, a huge stone bridge that stretches across the gorge and connects the old and new parts of the city, with amazing views down into the canyon below.
Beyond the bridge, you can visit one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, walk through the historic Arab baths, and wander the pretty old town streets.
Ronda is perfect for a day or two, and it also makes a great day trip from places like Seville or Málaga if you’re short on time.
7. Cádiz
Cádiz is an ancient port city in southern Spain and is considered one of the oldest cities in the country.
It sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the sea, so you get beautiful ocean views and easy access to beaches right from the old town.
The main landmark is the big golden-domed Cádiz Cathedral that towers over the city, and you can climb to the top for great views over the rooftops and coastline.
As you explore, you’ll spot old watchtowers that were once used to look out for incoming ships.
With its mix of ancient history, beach life, and relaxed southern Spain atmosphere, Cádiz is a really beautiful place to spend a day or two.
8. Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa, which literally means “the joyful town,” is a small coastal city on the Costa Blanca about 30 minutes north of Alicante and makes a great day trip.
It’s known for its colorful houses lining the waterfront, which make the town feel cheerful and super photogenic.
I visited Villajoyosa when I was studying abroad in Alicante, and it always stood out as one of the prettiest little towns along the coast.
There’s a nice seaside promenade where you can walk along the water, stop for a drink, or enjoy a meal with ocean views.
You can also tour the Valor Chocolate factory, and their chocolate bars make some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Spain.
Most Beautiful Cities in Catalonia
These are the most beautiful cities to visit in Catalonia:
9. Barcelona
Barcelona is where I live, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and creative cities in Spain, especially when it comes to architecture.
The city is best known for Gaudí, who was basically a genius, with famous works like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà scattered around the city.
But it’s not all about Gaudí here, there are also tons of other colorful and unique buildings designed by different architects that give Barcelona so much character.
On top of the architecture, you’ve got sandy beaches right in the city, the ancient maze-like streets of the Gothic Quarter, and viewpoints and green spaces up on Montjuïc Hill.
It’s a city where history, art, and coastal life all come together in a really beautiful and unique way.
10. Cadaqués
Cadaqués is located in the Costa Brava, which is a stunning coastal region north of Barcelona known for its rugged cliffs and crystal clear coves (called “calas”).
This part of Spain still feels kind of underrated compared to other beach destinations, so it’s not yet overrun by tourists.
Cadaqués sits at the very tip of the Costa Brava and is a small, whitewashed beach town with narrow streets and a very laid back, artistic feel.
It has a strong connection to the famous artist Salvador Dalí, who lived and worked nearby in Portlligat, and you can visit his former house for a glimpse into his creative world.
With its rocky coastline, turquoise water, and charming old town, Cadaqués is one of the prettiest places in Spain.
11. Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar also sits in the Costa Brava, and is one of the best day trips from Barcelona.
It’s honestly one of the prettiest beach towns I’ve seen, and what really makes it stand out is the medieval castle overlooking the sea.
The old town is still enclosed within the stone walls, so you can wander around, shop, eat, and grab drinks right inside the historic fortress.
You’ve got wide sandy beaches right below the town, plus smaller hidden coves you can reach by climbing through parts of the castle walls.
Plus, the views along the Camí de Ronda coastal path are unreal.
12. Girona
Girona is located in Catalonia and is about an hour from Barcelona by high speed train, which makes it an easy and beautiful day trip.
It’s an inland city rather than a beach destination, so it has a very different feel from coastal towns nearby.
One of the most recognizable sights is the row of colorful houses lining the river, along with the red metal bridges crossing over the water.
And Girona is perfect if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, since several scenes were filmed right in the old town streets and staircases.
You can also visit Girona Cathedral and wander through the quaint old town filled with narrow streets, cafes, and small shops.
Most Beautiful Cities in Central Spain
These are the most beautiful cities to visit in central Spain:
13. Madrid
Even though it’s the capital city, Madrid still has a surprising amount of charm.
I’ve been there multiple times now, and somehow it feels prettier every time I go back.
What really stands out is the elegant, grand architecture, with beautiful buildings lining wide boulevards and impressive plazas around every corner.
You’ve also got Retiro Park for a green escape, the glitzy Royal Palace of Madrid, and some of the most famous art museums in Spain.
And if you wander into neighborhoods like La Latina or the Literary Quarter, you’ll find a more local, relaxed side of the city.
14. Toledo
Located a little over an hour outside of Madrid, Toledo is another one of the most beautiful cities in Spain to visit.
It has a hilltop setting with a maze of old streets and centuries old buildings that feel like you’ve stepped into another time.
And what makes it really cool is the mix of cultural influences you’ll see throughout the city’s churches, mosques, and monasteries.
One of the best things to do is simply wander around and stop at the viewpoints overlooking the river and countryside below.
It’s an easy day trip from Madrid and a place that feels stunning no matter where you look.
15. Segovia
Segovia is a little over an hour outside of Madrid and is another beautiful Spanish city that feels straight out of a fairytale.
It’s full of famous landmarks, including the Roman Aqueduct (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the stunning Segovia Cathedral, and the Alcázar of Segovia sitting up on a rocky hill.
The Alcázar is definitely one of the most impressive castles in Spain and is even thought to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle.
The old town is beautiful to wander around, with cobblestone streets, viewpoints, and historic buildings everywhere you turn.
Segovia makes an easy day trip from Madrid, and it’s often paired with Ávila and Toledo on guided tours if you want to see a few incredible cities in one day.
Most Beautiful Cities in Northern Spain
These are the most beautiful cities to visit in northern Spain:
16. San Sebastian
San Sebastián is in northern Spain in the Basque region, and a lot of people are surprised by how green and mountainous it is compared to the dry south.
The city is really beautiful, with elegant Belle Époque-style buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s that give it that classic European seaside resort look.
The Old Town is really fun to explore, with narrow streets lined with pintxos bars and people drinking and socializing outside.
In the summer, the beaches are really beautiful and are popular for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding.
Just keep in mind that northern Spain is cooler and rainier for most of the year, so summer is the best bet if you’re hoping for sunshine.
17. A Coruña
A Coruña is a port city in Galicia in northwestern Spain, right on the Atlantic coast, so it feels very different from the Mediterranean side of the country.
The landscape here is more rugged and dramatic, with crashing waves, rocky inlets, and wide ocean views that give it a raw kind of beauty.
The most famous landmark is the Tower of Hercules, an ancient Roman lighthouse that sits on a rocky peninsula and is still in use today.
There are also long urban beaches right next to the city, plus a scenic seaside promenade that’s a nice place to walk along the water.
A Coruña is also known for its incredible seafood, which makes it just as appealing for food lovers as it is for the scenery.
18. Lekeitio
Lekeitio is a really beautiful small fishing town on Spain’s northern coast in the Basque Country, with a rugged shoreline and colorful houses right by the water.
It sits between Bilbao and San Sebastián, which makes it a great stop if you’re traveling through northern Spain.
You can wander along the harbor, relax on the beach, and enjoy the quiet, local feel that’s hard to find in bigger cities.
It’s pretty small so you probably don’t need a ton of time here, but it’s a good addition to a northern Spain itinerary.
Most Beautiful Island Cities in Spain
These are the most beautiful cities to visit on Spain’s islands:
19. Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is one of the most beautiful island cities in Spain, with an incredible mix of historic charm, seaside views, and that bright Mediterranean scenery.
It’s the largest city on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, just off Spain’s eastern coast, and it’s only about a 30-minute flight from Barcelona.
The city is known for its stunning cathedral, cute streets filled with shops and cafes, and easy access to nearby beaches.
Beyond the city, the island is famous for its crystal clear coves (called “calas”) with insanely turquoise water and dramatic rocky coastlines.
I did this private boat trip around them with my family and it was one of the most memorable things I’ve done in Spain.
20. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (and the whole island) is one of the most unique and beautiful places to visit in Spain, especially if you’re looking for a tropical escape.
It’s located in the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain but sit far from the mainland off the coast of Africa, and the scenery here feels wildly different from the rest of the country.
Instead of rolling hills and historic old towns, you’ll find an active volcano in the Teide National Park, black sand beaches, and lush landscapes that almost look unreal.
Plus, the weather stays warm for most of the year, which makes it a great destination if you’re looking for sunshine no matter the season.
Final Thoughts: Most Beautiful Places in Spain
I hope this list of the most beautiful places in Spain to visit has given you some inspiration for your next trip!
From dramatic coastal towns to historic inland cities and island escapes, Spain really does have an incredible range of scenery and architecture.
Every region feels different, which is part of what makes exploring the country so exciting.
No matter which of these places you choose, you’re guaranteed to experience some of the most stunning views and settings Spain has to offer.
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