Spanish cities are perfect for a city break in many ways. In Spain, you can find many beautiful cities by the sea, as well as inland, where you can spend a weekend. The combination of sun, delicious food, charming shops, beautiful culture, and vibrant nightlife make booking a city break in Spain enjoyable. The fact that many Spanish cities are also located by the sea makes it the ideal destination for a weekend or week away. But what are the most charming cities in Spain to visit? Everyone knows Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, or the capital Madrid, but there are many more lovely cities in Spain worth a city break! Below are some of the most beautiful cities in Spain that we recommend for your next city break!
The Most Beautiful Cities in Spain by the Sea
Many people choose a city break in Spain because of the many beautiful cities located by the sea. And let’s face it, a city break combined with the beach and sea is simply delightful! Is this exactly what you’re looking for? These charming Spanish cities are all located by the sea!
City Break Valencia
Valencia is a popular city break destination. And that’s for a good reason, because this lovely city has everything you need for a varied weekend getaway. We’re big fans of this Spanish coastal city, and not just because Paella originated here. In this beautiful Spanish city, you can enjoy great cycling and find a beautiful wide sandy beach. A city break in Valencia means enjoying the beach, as well as culinary delights, getting lost in narrow streets full of street art, and experiencing a unique mix of modern and historical architecture.
City Break Barcelona
Barcelona has everything you need for a fantastic city break in Spain: beach, extraordinary architecture, delicious food, and a bustling nightlife. Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guëll, and Casa Mila, and visit the local market in this beautiful Spanish city. Go shopping, head to the beach, take a culinary journey through Catalan cuisine, or enjoy tapas and sangria on a terrace: in Barcelona, it’s all possible.
City Break Tarifa
Less known than Barcelona and Valencia, and therefore Tarifa is one of those charming cities in Spain that are really worth visiting. Tarifa is located in the southernmost tip of Spain and thus enjoys a delightful climate. In this Spanish seaside city, you can enjoy the warmth early in the spring and until late in the fall. But what Tarifa is really known for is kite surfing. Because the city is located at the point where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, the conditions are ideal for kite surfers. And that gives this charming Spanish city its relaxed vibe. What also makes Tarifa one of the most beautiful cities in Spain are the influences from Morocco that you find in the cityscape. The city is so southern that you can even see Morocco from here! A unique destination for a city break in Spain.
City Break Cádiz
In Cádiz, you can do it all: relax on the beach, eat in cozy restaurants and bars, shop, and soak up culture. The perfect mix for a city break in Spain. This beautiful Spanish city is also called Habanita, little Havana, because the center resembles the capital of Cuba. The old town of the city is surrounded by water and only accessible via a bridge. So it’s high time to discover this lovely city in Spain during a city break!
City Break Málaga
As mentioned, in many cities in Spain, you’ll find the best of both worlds: a beach holiday combined with a city break. Málaga, like the aforementioned Spanish cities, is such a perfect combo destination! This beautiful Spanish city is located in the stunning Andalusia and is perfect to visit for a weekend, but even if you stay longer, there are plenty of fun things to do and see and delicious food to taste.
City Break Bilbao
With the renowned Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is one of the most exciting cities in Spain when it comes to modern art. But did you know that Bilbao also has a beautiful old town? It is also the largest city in the Basque Country. Additionally, this beautiful Spanish city is located by the sea. Although Bilbao is less known as a beach destination, you can take the metro from the city center to various beaches along the Basque coast. So it’s high time for a city break in Bilbao, in northern Spain!
City Break Palma de Mallorca
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, might not be the first Spanish city that comes to mind when choosing a city break destination. But Palma is actually a surprisingly fun destination for a city break. There are many direct flights to Mallorca, so you can often fly there cheaply. And Palma is a typical Spanish city where you can enjoy leisurely strolls. It’s not bursting with sights like Barcelona or Madrid, but that’s what makes a city break to this Spanish city so relaxing. Additionally, Palma’s city center is within walking distance of the beach, so you can easily combine the two. If you have a bit more time, you can easily extend your city break by taking the authentic tram from Palma to the port town of Port de Soller. This way, you’ll also see a bit of the inland of Mallorca!
More Fun Cities for a City Break in Spain
You might think that all the beautiful cities in Spain are located by the sea, but there are also very nice Spanish cities that don’t have a beach. Because, even without a beach, you can enjoy the vibrant Spanish culture of tapas and wine, and the beautiful architecture.
City Break Granada
A stunning Spanish city is Granada. A city full of rich history, where Moorish influences and Spanish warmth come together. Just like the Flamenco culture that originates from the gypsies who have been settled here in cave dwellings since ancient times. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada’s attractions take you on a journey through time. From the impressive Alhambra, a beautiful palace in Arabic style, to the Generalife Gardens. Wander through the winding alleys of the historic Albaicín district and fall in love with the charming courtyards and views. Enjoy the delicious tapas that make the city famous and attend a Flamenco show. It’s no wonder that a city break in this Spanish city will surprise you. Prepare for a delightful weekend away in Spain full of culture, rich history, and flavor.
City Break Seville
Perhaps one of our favorite cities in Spain where you absolutely must plan a city break! A city break in Seville in Andalusia. The cozy neighborhoods, countless sights, and enjoyable walking and cycling tours through the city make the capital of Andalusia a fun Spanish city for a weekend getaway in spring and autumn. And the fact that you can fully enjoy the sun and delicious Spanish cuisine makes it a great city break destination in Spain.
City Break Madrid, the Capital of Spain
Even if you only have a few days, Madrid is a great idea. The amusing street performers at Plaza Mayor, a tapas tour, the ham museum, and various free museums ensure a successful city break in the capital of Spain. To see the highlights during your city break in Madrid, a bike tour through the charming streets is a good option. Afterwards, you can relax with a delicious Spanish wine and the tastiest tapas in one of Madrid’s many food halls. Madrid belongs in the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain not only because it is the capital, even though the city is not located by the sea.
More Beautiful Cities in Southern Europe
In addition to all those beautiful cities in Spain, there are, of course, more enjoyable cities in Southern Europe that, like the Spanish cities, are perfect for a city break. How about the Italian Florence or beautiful cities in Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto? Closer to home, you can also go to France, such as a city break in the sunny Nice, which, like many of the aforementioned cities in Spain, is located by the sea.
