Top 10 Cities in Spain

If your list of European travel conquests doesn’t already include Spain, you are missing some of the most beautiful and fantastic architecture in the world, along with plenty of the finest living anywhere. It’s easy to forget that this vast country extends beyond its fabulous coastline, but for the adventurous some of the continent’s most sophisticated and vibrant city life is just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re planning a short break in Spain, touring holiday of the country, or just looking for somewhere new for your next long weekend away, our guide to the top 10 cities in Spain offers you a snapshot of what’s in store for you. Why not view our selection of Spanish villas today!

1. Barcelona

Rich in cultural heritage doesn’t even begin to sum up Barcelona. The city boasts memorable museums and some quite breathtaking architecture, with buildings ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to ultra modern classics. One mans work stands head and shoulders above almost everything else and Gaudi’s Art Nouveau influence has defined the image of this great Mediterranean city. Barcelona self catering apartments allows you to explore its maze of narrow streets and tightly packed houses, it can be easy to forget you are in the heart of a vibrant cosmopolitan centre. Be sure to spend an evening on La Rambla, Barcelona’s grand avenue and take in the sights of the nearby Placa Reial. By dark the city comes alive and party animals should head for the sandy beaches of Barceloneta, with its seaside cafes, restaurants and legendary nightlife.

2. Madrid

For many a short break in Spain would not be complete without a visit to the Capital city. However, many people are confused by Madrid. Why? Because they find the pace of life, size and diversity of the Spanish capital imposing and never get to grips with the city. By the adventurous Madrid is hailed as a masterpiece of social design, blending perfectly its historic past with a modern infrastructure. The pace of life can appear daunting on first view, but take the time to discover Madrid and you will be rewarded with some of Spain’s finest food, magnificent architecture dating back to the Renaissance period and a sophisticated atmosphere comparable to any capital in the world. The city’s latest landmark, “The Forest of the Departed”, is a monument to the victims of the terrorist attacks of 2004 and can be found in the Retiro Park, its a poignant reminder of the city’s recent legacy and well worth a visit. With no shortage of museums, art galleries, theatres and nightlife, there is always something to see or do in Madrid.

3. Granada

Granada vacation rentals offer an insight into a city of full of history, romance and learning. A living monument to its long standing importance as a trading centre, the city contains and endless list of architectural highlights including the Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery boasting an impressive baroque façade, the Cathedral of Granada, a towering, column filled sight for the senses and the Palace of Charles V. But without doubt the most impressive building in Granada, and maybe all Spain, is the Alhambra, a magnificent Muslim castle complex built over several centuries. Home to Islamic sultans and scholars many consider it one of the ‘wonders of the world’ and no visit should ignore at least a stroll through its marvellous landscaped gardens. Towering above the city’s elegant Mediterranean avenues and squares, the waterfalls and terraces of the Alhambra are cool even on the hottest day, offering a glimpse at luxury and sophistication unrivalled in the ancient world.

4. Seville

Famous throughout the world as a centre of art and culture, Seville is probably best known for fine food and as the birthplace of Flamenco music. With week long festivals and some of the most exhilarating nightlife in Spain, Seville is the place to party. it’s not just the nightlife that’s hot. Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, making a visit to the city almost unbearable. For a more relaxed stay, try spring or autumn, when balmy evenings make for memorable nights, spent in the bars and restaurants of Seville’s old town. This city has always offered a welcoming home to artists, writers and composers, a trend which continues today giving Seville a bohemian feel which is loved by visitors. As with many cities in Spain, the architecture is impressive and overwhelmingly Mediterranean, but lavish use of gold, some epic sculpture and an unusual amount of public engraving, set Seville apart. Climb the Giraldo tower to get a breathtaking view of the city, mythical home of Don Juan.

5. Bilbao

This northern city has a rich heritage dating back to the 1300′s when it began life as a small trading centre. The world famous Guggenheim Gallery and Fine Arts museum are part of the modernist structure which has helped redefine Bilbao as a thoroughly modern and sophisticated city. The last decade has seen Bilbao rapidly modernise and tourists are well catered for with some great accommodation and fantastic entertainment choices. Bilbao still has many fine historical sites to take in and by day the city’s squares and parks offer cool relief for visitors. By night, bilbao lights up in more ways than one, as this north eastern city stirs into life. No visit is complete without sampling pinchos, Bilbao’s famous version of traditional tapas. Close to home and warm enough to visit at any time of year, Bilbao is a fabulous place for a romantic break or long weekend.

6. Valencia

Gothic, Baroque and Roman architecture shows the monumental importance of Valencia throughout the ages. Dating back to around 150BC, the city is not only Spain’s third largest urban centre, it is also one of its oldest existing settlements. Valencia is considered by many to contain a perfectly harmonious blend of the old and new. Well worth a day’s walking, and better still to make your base when visiting, Valencia’s old city is a medieval masterpiece, winding streets open onto classic squares and plazas, packed with tiny bars and cafes. No better place to sit and sip a drink as the sun goes down and enjoy some great people watching. Valencia claims to be the birthplace of Paella, Spain’s famous rice dish and no visit is complete without sampling the country’s signature dish in the place where it began life.

7. Cordova

Cordova has been a seat of learning since the 11th century, and has a long tradition of social inclusion which means scientists, artists and philosophers of all political and religious persuasions have been making the city their home for a thousand years. Cordova has a character and personality all its own. The famous Arabian Mosque or Mezquita, is just one of the many monuments you will find in the city and the Archaeological Museum is a renaissance palace, housing many of the artefact’s which testify to its importance as a centre of progressive thought. A great destination for short breaks, Cordova is synonymous with Flamenco and bullfighting, if you’re lucky enough to be in the city on any weekend you’ll fail to escape either. Experience pure Spanish exuberance and enjoy the party.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Home to the remains of the apostle St James, Santiago de Compostela is a city of pilgrimage, spirituality and meditation. The famous bridle path leading to Santiago has been used for centuries by the faithful, and even a short stroll along this barren trail conjures up images of the many thousands who have trodden Europe’s most significant religious landmark. This southern town has a distinctly different look and feel to its architecture and nowhere more so than the cathedral, which has a distinctly Arabic feel.

The city is also home to a magnificent 19th century fountain, some fine medieval art and its own style of cuisine, typified by pulpo a la gallega – an octopus stew, served in many of the city’s restaurants. If your looking for some serious colonial splendour and a taste of the old Spain, have a drink at the Santiago de Compostela El Parador Nacional Hotel.

9. San Sebastian

The miles of coastline that border San Sebastian offer stunning views of the Bay of Bisque as well as the mountains surrounding this northern Basque town. It’s a riotous playground of a place, theatres, restaurants and bars are everywhere and in the winter thousands flock to the nearby slopes for winter sports action. Modern attractions include the new Aquarium and some of Spain’s finest golf facilities, which lure players from all over Europe with the promise of fine weather and immaculate courses.

10. Salamanca

This medieval town is known for having the oldest university in Spain. There are also several monasteries and a cathedral worthy of exploration. Salamanca’s architecture is unique with all the buildings in the centre of town made from a stone containing high concentrations of iron. The golden hue of both its ancient and modern buildings create an atmosphere unlike any other city. Romantic and charming, no visit to Salamanca is complete without a stroll over the El Puente Romano, a Roman bridge which crosses the Tormes River.