The most beautiful cities in spain
Once the capital, Madrid, has been visited, and the discovery of Barcelona made, the rest of Spain welcomes you with open arms. Between Andalusian culture and Catalan pride, not to mention Galicia and the Basque Country, Spain is rich in its cultural diversity and continental and island traditions. We take you on a tour of Spain to discover the top 15 most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
1 – Cadaqués
What to do in Cadaqués? Forget the highway between Perpignan and Barcelona, and discover one of the hidden gems along the Catalan coast. Beloved by artists, most famously Salvador Dalí, this enchanting village offers everything you’d hope for in a secret seaside retreat: a rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, white houses perched on the hill, restaurants in Cadaqués and a vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy a wide selection of luxury villa rentals in Spain with pools or direct access to the beaches of Cadaqués, making you feel right at home... only better!
2 – Menorca
The pearl of the Balearic Islands is Menorca, less crowded than Mallorca. 75 beaches and coves surround this protected natural paradise and 7 lighthouses offer a different perspective on the sea every day. When renting a luxury villa in Menorca, or for a corporate retreat in Menorca, you can watch the sunset by the pool while enjoying a traditional dish, the caldereta de langosta, a lobster "bouillabaisse" made with freshly caught lobster, in this popular Mediterranean destination.
3 – Granada
An eternal witness to the last sultanate of Spain, the red fortress of the Alhambra dominates the small town of Granada and unfolds its magnificence in three parts: the Alhambra Palace with its famous Courtyard of the Lions, the Generalife Gardens and the old Arab quarter of the Albayzín, whose slopes offer the most beautiful views of the fortress.
4 – Seville
The capital of Andalusia cherishes the memory of its glorious eras, from the Muslim builders to the navigators who embarked on the Guadalquivir River towards South America, to the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The shaded courtyards with orange trees, enclosed gardens, and the vibrant atmosphere of Holy Week define Seville as much as its iconic landmarks such as the Giralda, the Alcázar Palaces, the Plaza de España, or the very modern Setas de Sevilla. All of this is set to the rhythm of flamenco!
5 – Toledo
Built on a hill overlooking a bend in the Tagus River, Toledo owes its fame to its past as the capital of the Visigoths and the "imperial and crowned" city of the Habsburgs. Its global reputation comes from the quality of its swords, made from steel cooled in the Tagus River. Different periods and styles overlap, from the Alcázar to the Gothic cathedral, to the mosques and synagogues that take you back to the Middle Ages at every street corner. The spirit and talent of Goya watch over the venerable city.
6 – Valencia
Nearly year-round sunny weather and numerous fine, golden sand beaches are already great reasons to visit Valencia. The city naturally has the essential historic center, but it also boasts many innovative monuments, both older ones like the Central Market and decidedly modern ones like the City of Arts and Sciences, home to the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. After a spectacular sunset at Albufera, a paella, the city's signature dish, is a must.
7 – Salamanca
A historic student city with its venerable university, Salamanca takes pride in its historic center, which is entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under 88 arches, near the Plaza Mayor, stretches the terrace of a legendary café, the Novelty bar. It serves, of course, tapas that allow you to taste the famous Guijelo ham, before diving back into the history and secrets of the cathedrals and magnificent noble houses in this city in the Castile and León region.
8 – Santiago de Compostela
With their staff and shell, pilgrims from around the world walk towards the tomb of the apostle Saint James, whose remains are believed to be at the western tip of Galicia. The city that welcomes them upon arrival centers around the cathedral, close to the Raxoi Palace and the luxurious Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Outside of the pilgrimage, the city exudes beauty, as seen at the San Martiño Pinario Monastery, the market square or the Alameda Park.
9 – Ronda
At the southernmost tip of Andalusia, the Route of the White Villages is dominated by Ronda, a city perched on both sides of a deep gorge, its abysses connected by several bridges. In the "City of Castles," the Moorish past is still present, from the remains of the mosque to the Arab baths by the river and up to the Mondragón Palace.
10 – Bilbao
The construction of the Guggenheim Museum changed Bilbao's destiny, transforming an industrial port into a tourist and futuristic city where the works of the most prestigious architects align. In addition to its immense private collection of modern and contemporary art at the museum, the city boasts metro stations designed by Norman Foster, a bridge created by Calatrava and a cultural center designed by Philippe Starck.
11 – León
This former Roman camp turned medieval royal capital is home to numerous artistic and religious treasures. It also maintains one of the most charming traditions: for every glass of wine ordered, the local taverns serve a dish, ranging from plates of pata negra cured meats to tortilla. The Basilica of San Isidoro reveals treasures of Gothic painting, while the Casa de los Botines showcases Antonio Gaudí's creative imagination. Nearby, the ancient Roman gold mine of Las Médulas is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
12 – Cádiz
Cádiz, perched on a narrow peninsula that once controlled access to the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, first drew the attention of the Phoenicians, who founded the city. The city, built in terraces, later became dotted with towers, castles, and walls to provide an effective defense against pirates. The architectural unity of the city and the yellow azulejos on the cathedral roof charm visitors as do the countless beaches that surround this storied city.
13 – Avilés
An important port in the autonomous province of the Asturias, Avilés boasts a historic old town and a cutting-edge industrial waterfront thanks to Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. A colorful bridge leads to the magnificent Niemeyer Center complex, with its wave-shaped auditorium and tower offering beautiful viewpoints.
14 – Ibiza
Better known for its DJ parties that last all night, the island of Ibiza also offers a mild climate, countless beaches and charming villages, attracting free-spirited individuals of all generations. The markets tempt visitors with comfortable white clothing that brighten up any nautical outing, before returning to the port to end the night in one of the many bars.
15 – Tarragona
Tarragona offers all the advantages of Barcelona, with less of the tourist overload. Perched on a promontory overlooking the sea, its promenades lined with shops and restaurants animate the nightlife. History is ever-present with numerous Roman monuments scattered throughout the old town. The exotic charm of a Catalan-speaking Spain and festivals where locals build human towers can also be experienced on one of the many fine sandy beaches.
Homanie in Spain
Discover the most beautiful cities in Spain with the finest collection of dream homes available with chefs and services worthy of the finest hotels. For your vacations with family or friends, corporate retreats in Spain, or any other professional or private event, explore our luxury villas in Spain, with private beach access to experience the best that Spain has to offer. Depending on your preferences, choose the Costa Brava, the charms of Minorca or the windmills of Don Quixote in Castile.