One of the best countries to visit in Europe, Spain needs no introductions! The dry landscape, the azure Mediterranean coastlines and warm hospitality of its people are all just excuses to visit this beautiful destination.
Pair seafood Tapas with elegant wines in one of its many vibrant bars, while listening and watching Flamenco, the social scene in Spain has no rivals. It gets even better if you know bit of Spanish, or are at least willing to try.
Alas, time is limited and with so many fabulous destination to choose from, its really difficult where to head to. But worry not, here is a list of my top cities to visit in Spain:
Ronda
Rated as one of the best cities to visit in Spain, Ronda is situated atop a high Hill across the Tajo canyon. The city is known for its iconic old bridge called Puente Nuevo which spans over the deep George. The bridge connects the two ends of the city and was completed in 1793.
Those who find bullfighting interesting would love to know that Rhonda is considered the modern-day birthplace of bullfighting. Xplore the arena and the museum to know more about this Spanish sporting tradition.
Visitors to Rhonda usually come here as a day trip from Seville, but it’s worthwhile to spend a night here And enjoy a richer experience.
Toledo
A day trip away from Madrid, and one of the most beautiful medieval cities of Spain is Toledo. It is not difficult to see the influence of the 3 different religions – Christians, Jews, and Muslims – on its buildings and art. And for the same reason, Toledo is also known as the city of 3 cultures.
Originally a Roman city, the remains of which you can find in the History Museum of Toledo. If you want an eagle-eye view of the town and the surrounding area head to the tower of the church of Iglesia de San Ildefonso.
With so much culture and history to soak-in, Toledo is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Cordoba
Located in the South of Spain in the Andalusian region. the historical city of Cordoba is worth adding to your list of best cities to visit in Spain.
Dating thousands of years back this erstwhile Roman city Still has many well preserved Roman remains.
The stunning arch bridge over the river Guadalquivir is one such fine example of Roman architecture.
The city was once part of the Islamic empire in Spain And consists of a number of historical sites and buildings. Pay a visit to La Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque turned into a church, Mezquita cathedral, 500 years later.
Those interested in Jewish history will find the visit to the Jewish quarter very informative. The highlight of the Jewish quarter is the 14th-century synagogue.
During the month of May, the city plays host to a very interesting festival called patio festival. During this, the resident of the city welcomes the visitors to their homes to show them their beautifully curated patios.
San Sebastian
If you are looking for a little heaven of Sun and Sand, San Sebastian is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Located on the northern end of Spain, San Sebastian is a beautiful resort town.
Located by the Bay of Biscay, the city is a popular surfing spot. The city also presents you with an opportunity to get a closer look at the unique Basque culture.
Hiking the majestic Monte Orgull is a good idea to get stunning views of the harbourside.
Parte Vieja is located in the heart of the Old Town area, enjoy the feel of walking on the cobblestone streets, and don’t forget to have pintxos (similar to tapas) for your meal!
Granada
Blessed with spectacular natural beauty, Granada is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Located in Andalucia, South of Spain, the city is known for its Islamic architecture. And the best example of this Islamic style is the Alhambra castle.
For a closer look at the Arabic influence head to the old quarters of Albaicín, it’s hard not to get lost in its maze of cobblestone streets.
The most visited attraction of the city is of course the palace of Alhambra, with Moorish origins. Located on the hilltop and listed under the UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a pleasure to walk in the wide courtyards, beautiful old houses, and manicured gardens.
Known as the Sierra Nevada, interestingly, the nearest ski resort is only 40 kilometers away from Grenada.
Oviedo
Often tagged as one of the best cities in Spain to visit, Oviedo lies in the Asturias region and is also the capital of the same.
The highlight of any visit to the city is the cathedral of Oviedo, built in a mix of styles – baroque, gothic, and renaissance.
In contrast to the dry scenery of Spain, Oviedo is surprisingly a green city that receives a good amount of rainfall.
Malaga
Located on the southern tip of Spain is the city of Malaga. It is a popular resort town filled with pretty beaches.
Malaga is known as the city where the great Picasso was born. There is a dedicated museum to Picasso here where you will find some of his finest work.
For great views over the region, you should visit the hilltop fortress of Alcazaba. A short hike will take you to the top of this Moorish Fort complex.
Some of the other well-known attractions of Malaga include the grand cathedral – which was built over 150 years and the pre-historical Roman forum.
If you are looking to satiate your hunger for tapas visit the Ataranzas market lined with many small eateries.
With beaches so pristine and history so rich, Malaga rules the chart as one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
A unique mix of cosmopolitan and traditional culture, Madrid offers something to everyone. If you are here only for a few days you will have a hard time deciding what to see in Madrid.
The city of Madrid boasts world-class art museums, historical buildings, public parks, and shopping destinations.
The Prado Museum is the numero uno of art museums in Madrid, with artworks by some of the greatest masters from Spain.
For a dose of modern art, the Reina Sofia museum is the top choice, showcasing some of the best by Picasso such as Guernica.
Take a walk on Gran Via, the city’s beating heart, getting in and out of the luxury stores that are located here.
As for food, you will have some of the best Spanish cuisines in one of its fine dining restaurants. And to stop for casual eating you have tapas in one of the bar-cum-eateries.
Foodies note that La Latina one of Madrid’s old quarters is known for serving delicious tapas.
Barcelona
The crown of the one of the best cities to visit in Spain goes to Barcelona.
The city is culturally different from Madrid as it is a Catalan city.
Located by the Mediterranean sea, the city is famous for its sandy beaches, which are busy all through the year.
Barcelona is known more for its art and architecture than for its history.
The Sagrada Familia is the icon of Barcelonan architecture, a building that is still in progress.
If you want to feel the pulse of Barcelona then head to La Rambla, the busiest street in the city. Near the La Rambla, you will find several small tapas bars and a wide variety of souvenir shops too.
A few minutes’ walks from here will take you to the city’s historical quarters, filled with magnificent old buildings and churches.
The city is also known for the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudi. Best creations include Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo.
Park Guell is a hillside park, with quirky installations designed by Antoni Gaudi. Take a slow walk uphill to the viewing platform for excellent views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can easily see the Sagrada Familia in the skylines of Barcelona.
Valencia
Valencia is not only loved by many but also is one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
The port city of Valencia is known for its modern architecture and is one of the longest public parks in Europe.
The coastal city of Valencia is located by the Mediterranean Sea and boasts of great sunny beaches.
There are a few key museums in the city such as the National Museum of ceramics and decorative arts and the Museum of fine art. The latter displays the collection of artwork from Spanish greats such as Goya and El Greco.
For the best views of the city’s old quarters climb atop the bell tower.
For cheap local eats and a unique eating experience as well visit Mercado Central, a huge market hall serving a variety of Spanish food.