Best cities to visit in Spain

Beautiful beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, delicious cuisine: no wonder why Spain is among the most popular European destinations. Charming villages with historic churches or exciting cities with interesting museums, this country will surely captivate you.

The question is, “What are the best cities to visit in Spain?”. No worries. iVisa is here to help you to plan a perfect Spain itinerary for your trip!

Spanish cities you must include in your itinerary

The cultural capital: Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the major cities in northern Spain. The cultural capital is also one of the most popular Spanish cities to visit, where you can enjoy modern art, fine architecture, and amazing beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.

The cultural attractions include excellent museums, the historic gothic quarter, and some of Antoni Gaudí’s works. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família is a must-see too. Check out FreeTour.com for budget-friendly sightseeing tours.

The actual capital city: Madrid

This Spanish capital is among the most beautiful cities in central Spain, and it makes a great first stop on any itinerary. Spend your days sipping on coffee at the famous Plaza Mayor, strolling through El Retiro Park, and visiting historical sites, such as the Royal Palace.

The city also offers exquisite galleries and museums with collections that include works from Picasso, Dali, and Goya.

Southern charm: Seville

Seville is one of the best places to visit in Spain! The main attraction in this lively city is the Catedral de Sevilla in the city center, which took over 100 years to complete. In addition to the Gothic Cathedral, other fantastic spots are the Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa.

It is also one of the best places to watch a traditional flamenco dancing show or just wander in the old cobblestone streets.

Andalusian grandeur: Granada

Granada is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in southern Spain. It offers beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and fantastic attractions. The city is also home to the Alhambra Palace complex and the ancient citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula.

Additionally, there are many impressive churches, charming bars, and great restaurants to explore.

Island vibes: Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, is one of the best Spanish cities and a favorite among travelers. The city features a beautiful old cathedral and numerous historical sites dating back to the Moors, Romans, and Talayotics.

You can spend hours walking in the lovely medieval streets, and there are many galleries, cafes, bars, and restaurants to discover. However, the breathtaking beaches are the main attraction in the summer! White sand and crystal clear waters, a true paradise.

Mallorca’s little sister: Menorca

Unlike its neighboring island, Menorca is calm and tranquil, characterized by a slow pace of life. Along the 216 km of coastline, there are many white-sand and golden-sand bays with turquoise waters to relax at.

In 1993, UNESCO declared Menorca a Biosphere Reserve, which means that you can enjoy beautiful preserved areas, such as the Parc Natural S'Albufera des Grau.

Party central: Ibiza

Ibiza is the most famous beach town and summer destination in Spain. Ibiza town is a vibrant city with world-class nightlife. The place is known for its clubbing culture, which is just a tiny part of the island's attractions.

Ibiza also offers sapphire-colored waters, historic fortified towns, and charming beachside restaurants and cafes. Or just enjoy both worlds by spending long days at the beach and party hard at night.

African influence: Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a little paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Closer to Africa than to Spain’s mainland, this unique place offers stunning beaches and preserved natural parks.

The beaches of Amadores on Gran Canaria or Las Vistas on Tenerife are among the perfect spots for a family vacation. Surfers prefer the high winds and white sands at Flag Beach on Fuerteventura or Médano in Tenerife.

Whether you are looking for relaxing days or a little adventure, this is the place for you.

Modern mix: Valencia

Valencia is one of the top cities in Spain, and the third-largest city in the country. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and lovely beaches. The Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart are some of the best historical sites to visit, as they were once part of the ancient city walls in Medieval times.

However, if you prefer a more modern tourist attraction, the City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex in the city center, and is considered one of the 12 treasures of Spain. Don’t miss trying the typical Paella Valenciana at one of the local restaurants!

Museum central: Bilbao

Bilbao is part of Basque Country, an autonomous community. It offers a mix of traditional architecture and futuristic styles. Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum is probably the most famous landmark in the city.

Also visit the Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum, situated in a gorgeous Baroque-style building. And, visiting this city is a great opportunity to try Basque cuisine in world-class restaurants.

Marbella in the Costa del Sol

Marbella is a beach city known for having one of the most famous seaside resorts in the world. This sunny destination offers vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan vibes, and beautiful beaches. The charming old town is a delightful place to visit, with its cobblestone streets, local shops, and independent art galleries.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is one of the best Spanish cities for spiritual tourism. It’s the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage, which dates back more than 1000 years.

Every day, you can see pilgrims from around the world arriving on foot from Portugal or France to pay their respects at the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela, the reputed burial place of St James the Apostle.

There are so much more places in Spain worth visiting! Watch the video below to find out more fantastic travel destinations in Spain!

Do you need a visa to travel to Spain?

Spain is a Schengen member country, which means that the Spain Schengen Visa is a requirement for many nationals to travel there. This travel document allows staying in the country for up to 90 days for tourism or business trips.

You can use our Visa Checker Tool to check if the Spain Schengen Visa is available for you and apply instantly online! You can count on the guidance of our **iVisa Experts to make your trip stress-free. If you have any questions about travel documents for Spain, simply contact our customer service team via online chat or email them at [email protected].