Spain is a global tourism powerhouse, ranking as the world’s second-most-visited country after France, based on international tourist arrivals in 2025. And it’s hard to resist two of its biggest cities: Barcelona for its iconic Sagrada Família and Mediterranean waterfront and Madrid for its grand boulevards, elegant plazas and art and culture.

But Spain is much more than these two cities, fantastic as they may be. Each region has its own traditions, cuisine, architecture, landscapes and identity. From medieval hilltop towns and Roman ruins to Moorish palaces and Atlantic ports, there’s far more to discover beyond its two most popular cities. Here are five remarkable Spanish cities well worth adding to your list.

Valencia

If you’ve been to Barcelona, you’ll find some familiar appeal in Valencia, thanks to its Mediterranean beaches and striking architecture. But Spain’s third-largest city has a more relaxed pace, plus nearly 12 miles of Mediterranean coastline.

Valencia’s skyline is defined by the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, home to L’Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium. The Turia’s former riverbed has been transformed into a sprawling green park that runs through the city. And apart from the contemporary landmarks, Valencia’s compact old town is filled with lively plazas, the magnificent UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda and the bustling Central Market, one of the biggest fresh-food markets on the continent.

The city is also home to paella valenciana, the original version of Spain’s most famous rice dish. Beyond paella, expect exceptional seafood, produce from the fertile huerta and beloved local treats like horchata and fartons.

Seville

The capital of Andalusia is one of the country’s most atmospheric cities, with grand monuments, orange-tree-lined squares and sun-soaked plazas. Iconic traditions include the Semana Santa processions and the Feria de Abril, a six-day fair known for its casetas, horse-drawn carriages, flamenco dresses and sevillanas dancing.

Seville’s showstopper is the Royal Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate Mudéjar architecture and lush gardens. Just a few minutes away is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and its iconic bell tower. No visit to Seville is complete without stopping at the Plaza de España, framed by canals, bridges and beautifully tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces. 

Wander the winding streets of Santa Cruz, cross the river to Triana for tapas and traditional ceramics and catch a live flamenco performance in the city where the art form remains deeply connected to everyday life.

San Sebastián

If Valencia is Spain’s Mediterranean beach-and-food escape, San Sebastián is its elegant Atlantic cousin. But despite its cosmopolitan feel, San Sebastián has never lost sight of its Basque identity. You’ll see it everywhere, from the local language and festivals to the pintxos bars that define the city’s food scene.

The beaches are one of its biggest draws in summer, while the waterfront remains lively year-round. To get a feel for the city, spend time along the waterfront. Stroll along La Concha promenade before taking the funicular up Monte Igueldo for the city’s classic panoramic view of the bay. Make your way to the Parte Vieja, the city’s old town, nestled between the port, Mount Urgull and the Urumea River.

The city and surrounding Gipuzkoa province are internationally known for Michelin-starred restaurants, but the more casual experience is a pintxos crawl through Parte Vieja, where bars serve small bites with local wine, cider or txakoli.

Bilbao

Once known primarily as an industrial port, Bilbao has reinvented itself into one of Europe’s leading cultural destinations, where striking contemporary architecture sits alongside a lively old town packed with pintxos bars and historic streets.

The city’s undisputed icon is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by Frank Gehry, its shimmering titanium curves transformed Bilbao’s global image when it opened in 1997. But Bilbao is much more than the Guggenheim.

The city’s historic heart, Casco Viejo, is built around the famous Seven Streets, home to independent shops, the arcaded Plaza Nueva, Plaza Miguel de Unamuno and some of the Basque Country’s best pintxos bars. Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe’s largest covered food markets, is the perfect place to sample local produce and get a taste of Bilbao’s celebrated food scene.

Santiago de Compostela

Best known as the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago, the Galician capital welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year. But you don’t have to walk the Camino to appreciate its charm.

The city’s centerpiece is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Overlooking the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, the cathedral marks the symbolic end of the Camino and is surrounded by a remarkably well-preserved historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Make sure to wander through its atmospheric old town and stop by the Mercado de Abastos, one of Galicia’s best food markets. Traditional gaita music and a strong regional identity remain highly visible in Santiago de Compostela, from the Galician heard on its streets to folk performances and neighborhood festivals held throughout the year.