The 10 most beautiful cities in Spain. Interesting places to visit

What are the most beautiful cities in Spain? This country located on the Iberian Peninsula attracts tens of millions of tourists every year. If you are planning a trip to Western Europe, check out which places are worth visiting.

Spain, as one of the largest countries in the European Union, has a lot to offer – a warm climate, delicious local cuisine, rich history and impressive architecture. What are the most beautiful cities in Spain? Here are 10 places that have a unique charm – some are bustling with life, while others invite you to take a leisurely stroll through narrow, cobbled streets.

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02.05.2025

Whether you are planning a lazy holiday or enjoy spending your free time actively, Spain is one of the best holiday destinations. The places to visit on the Iberian Peninsula are impressive, mainly due to the rich history and culture that this country boasts. From urban landscapes and historical monuments to sunny coastlines, it's hard to get bored here!

Famous Spanish cities delight with their unique character, shaped by the country's long history, which has been conquered many times. Roman influences are visible in the architecture, for example in Tarragona and Cordoba, as well as Arabic influences, which can be admired in the Alhambra. In Cáceres and Ávila, time has stood still in some places since the Middle Ages, while Barcelona is a true cradle of modernism.

If you dream of visiting a city in Spain by the sea, Alicante is the place to go. This popular tourist destination is located on the eastern coast of the Costa Blanca and boasts a warm climate, beautiful beaches and excellent infrastructure.

Here you will find the Castillo de Santa Bárbara fortress, the Basilica de Santa Maria church, the Explanada de España promenade and the so-called Mushroom Street (Calle de Las Setas), which will delight the youngest visitors. Throughout the year, you can take part in the Festival of Lights and taste local specialities. Alicante is the perfect choice for everyone – from families with children to active holidaymakers and fans of Spanish culture.

Read also: Alicante – what to see in Spain's sunniest city?

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, certainly needs no introduction. It is the second largest city in Spain, boasting direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a vibrant location that should be visited by art and architecture lovers in particular.

During your visit to Barcelona, you can visit the Sagrada Família church, Park Güell, the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria market and the seaside district of La Barceloneta. In September, the La Mercè festival takes place, lasting about 5 days. And what about the cuisine? It is worth trying traditional Catalan cuisine, such as crema catalana or paella.

Malaga is located in southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol. It was here that Pablo Picasso was born. Thanks to this, art lovers flock here every year, but they are not the only ones. The city will also delight those who appreciate rich history and delicious cuisine.

Malaga has many interesting places to visit. In Spain, you can visit the Alcazaba, La Encarnación Cathedral, Gibralfaro Castle and the Picasso Museum dedicated to the famous artist. If you visit the city in the second week of August, you can take part in the Feria de Malaga, a 10-day street festival. Between celebrations, visit local pubs and order espetos and boquerones en vinagre, and try 9 different types of coffee at Café Central.

Are you heading north to the Costa Blanca? Check out Calpe, a holiday town in Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, located between the water and the mountains. One of the most famous of these is Peñón de Ifach. If you love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Calpe is a good choice.

In addition to sunbathing, you can spend your time in Calpe visiting the old town (Casco Antiguo), the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, the Torre de la Peça defence tower and the ruins of the medieval castle Castellet de Calp. In July, the town hosts the Festividad de la Virgen del Carmen festival.

Midwives in the Valencia region Elche is the city with the largest palm grove in Europe. This place has been included in the UNESCO list. However, this is only the beginning of the attractions offered by the capital of the Bajo Vinalopó region, which combines modernity with Christian and Arab traditions. 

The most important attractions in Elche, apart from Palmeral de Elche, are: the Basilica of Santa Maria, Altamira Palace and the Replica of the Lady of Elche sculpture, which is also the symbol of the city. During your stay, you can take part in the Moros y Cristianos festival or watch the Misteri d'Elx religious performance (held on 14-15 August).

Torrevieja, a city in Spain by the sea, is definitely worth a visit. This destination on the Costa Blanca is an excellent place for those who prefer peaceful holidays and nature lovers.

The city and its surroundings are famous for the salty pink lakes of Las Salinas de Torrevieja and the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, or the Museum of the Sea and Salt. You can visit the S-61 Delfin submarine and take part in the international music event Festival De Habaneras and the Gran Desfile de Torrevieja carnival.

Read also: the biggest attractions in Torrevieja

When listing interesting and famous Spanish cities, one cannot forget Seville. The capital of Andalusia is renowned for its architecture, festivals and flamenco, which originated here. If you want to experience the true atmosphere of the country and love sightseeing, this is the place to go.

Strolling through the streets of Seville, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Alcázar, the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla, the famous Plaza de España and the Golden Tower, or Torre del Oro. Tourists can also enjoy the Feria de Abril fair and Semana Santa, the Holy Week celebrations.

The New York of the Mediterranean – that's how Benidorm, a modern Spanish resort on the Costa Blanca, is described. Instead of charming streets, you'll find skyscrapers here. In addition to the skyscrapers, you can admire the view of Mount Puig Campana. It's the perfect city for digital nomads and entertainment fans.

What does one of Spain's most famous cities have to offer? The Church of San Jaime, the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint and the Casco Antiguo, if you want to see traditional architecture. Benidorm hosts the Benidorm Fest song festival.

We recommend: Benidorm – what to see?

Toledo is located in the central part of the country and is called the ‘City of Three Cultures’ because of its visible Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences. If you are interested in interesting places in Spain, Toledo will not disappoint you, especially if you are a fan of culture, history or architecture.

Toledo offers tourists the Alcazar fortress, the San Juan de los Reyes monastery, the Roman Alcantara bridge, the El Transito synagogue, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Museo del Greco. During your stay, be sure to try the fried vegetables pisto manchego and the stewed partridge perdiz estofada

The list of the most beautiful cities in Spain is closed by Marbella, located on the Costa del Sol. It is a resort in the southern part of the country, about 47 km from Malaga. Interestingly, some call it the Spanish capital of luxury.

Malaga is primarily known for its rich social life and beautiful beaches, but that's not all. Here you will find the Puerto Banús marina, the Dunas de Artola sand dunes, and the La Senda Litoral promenade, which is 180 km long! The city is also popular with golf enthusiasts, who can play on the Los Naranjos and Las Brisas courses. Marbella also hosts the iconic Starlite festival.

Few countries are as diverse as Spain. Tourist cities on the Iberian Peninsula are places where everyone will find something for themselves – art lovers, families with children, foodies, beachgoers and digital nomads. Spain's most beautiful cities have a lot to offer, so in addition to the places on the list, it is worth discovering other, less well-known places. You can do this from your own home or a coastal property purchased with the help of Elite World Estates real estate agency.

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Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
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