The 5 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain (Beyond Barcelona and Madrid)

I’ll never forget the moment I first glimpsed Toledo from the train window – a golden city rising like something from a fairy tale above the Tagus River. After years of hearing everyone rave about Barcelona and Madrid (don’t get me wrong, they’re incredible), I decided to dig deeper into Spain’s lesser-known gems. What I discovered completely changed how I see this country. These five cities aren’t just beautiful – they’re living museums where every cobblestone tells a story, where Roman aqueducts still stand proud after 2,000 years, and where cathedrals built into former mosques remind you that Spain’s history is deliciously complex.

¡Dios mío! If you’re planning your first trip to Spain and thinking of sticking to the usual suspects, I’m here to shake things up. These destinations offer everything you love about Spanish cities – the incredible architecture, the rich history, the perfect light for photos – but with a fraction of the crowds and often at better prices too.

Toledo: The Medieval Masterpiece on the Tagus

Toledo hit me like a medieval time machine. Built upon a steep rock and surrounded by the Tagus River on three sides, this UNESCO World Heritage city (since 1986) feels like it’s floating above the Spanish countryside. The approach alone is worth the trip – the city appears gradually as you climb the winding roads, its honey-colored stones glowing in the afternoon sun.

The Gothic cathedral absolutely dominates the skyline, and when you step inside, you’ll understand why it took 250 years to complete. The light filtering through those massive stained-glass windows creates this ethereal atmosphere that had me standing there with my mouth open like a tourist cliché. But here’s what the guidebooks don’t tell you: Toledo gets mobbed with day-trippers from Madrid. My advice? Stay overnight. The city transforms after the tour buses leave – suddenly you can actually hear your footsteps echoing off those ancient stones.

I made the mistake of trying to see everything in one afternoon during my first visit. Don’t do what I did. Toledo deserves at least two days, especially if you want to follow El Greco’s trail through the city. The narrow streets are a maze – in the best possible way – and you’ll want time to get deliciously lost.

Segovia: Where Romans and Royalty Meet

The Roman aqueduct in Segovia is one of those sights that photos simply cannot prepare you for. Built around AD 50, this engineering marvel stretches across the Plaza del Azoguejo without using a single drop of mortar. I spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring up at those perfectly fitted granite blocks, trying to wrap my head around the fact that it was already ancient when the first Gothic cathedrals were being built.

But Segovia isn’t just about Roman ruins. The Alcázar – that fairy-tale castle perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop – supposedly inspired Walt Disney’s castle design. Walking through its rooms, with views stretching across the Castilian plains, I could definitely see why. The contrast between the practical Roman engineering in the city center and the romantic medieval fantasy of the Alcázar perfectly captures Spain’s layered history.

Real talk: Segovia is small enough to see in a day, but I’d recommend staying overnight if you want those magic-hour photos without crowds. The aqueduct lit up at sunset is something special, and you’ll have the medieval streets mostly to yourself after the day-trippers head back to Madrid.

Córdoba: The Mosque-Cathedral Marvel

Nothing – and I mean nothing – prepares you for walking into the Mezquita in Córdoba. You step through those ancient doors and suddenly you’re in this forest of 856 marble columns topped with distinctive red and white horseshoe arches. The optical illusion is incredible – the columns seem to stretch infinitely in every direction, creating this almost hypnotic rhythm that had me walking in circles just to experience it from different angles.

Then there’s the plot twist: right in the center of this 8th-century mosque sits a 16th-century Renaissance cathedral. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but somehow this architectural fusion creates something uniquely beautiful. The contrast is jarring at first – you’re walking through Islamic geometric perfection and suddenly you’re looking up at soaring Gothic vaults. It’s a physical reminder of Spain’s complex religious history, and honestly, it’s pretty moving.

Pro tip from my second visit: book the early morning slot if possible. The Mezquita gets packed with tour groups by mid-morning, and you’ll want to experience that magical silence between the columns. Also, don’t skip the Judería (Jewish Quarter) surrounding the mosque – those narrow white-washed streets with their flower-filled patios are Instagram gold.

Salamanca: Spain’s Golden University City

They call Salamanca the ‘Golden City,’ and when you see it during sunset, you’ll understand why that nickname isn’t just marketing hype. The entire historic center is built from this distinctive blond sandstone that seems to absorb sunlight during the day and release it back as a warm glow in the evening. The UNESCO designation (since 1988) barely begins to cover what makes this place special.

The Plaza Mayor might just be the most beautiful square in Spain – and that’s saying something in a country full of stunning plazas. It’s perfectly proportioned, with those golden arches creating this sense of harmony that architects still study today. I spent hours just sitting at the outdoor cafés, watching the light change on the facades and trying to spot all the medallions carved into the stonework.

But Salamanca isn’t just a pretty face – it’s got serious intellectual credentials too. The university, founded in 1218, is one of Europe’s oldest, and you can feel that scholarly energy in the streets. Students fill the tapas bars, bringing a youthful energy that keeps the city from feeling like a museum. Fair warning though: finding the famous frog carved on the university facade is harder than you’d think, and yes, I spent an embarrassing amount of time looking for it.

Girona: Medieval Charm Meets Modern Fame

Girona completely surprised me. I’ll admit it – I initially went because of the Game of Thrones connection (season 6 filming locations, representing both Braavos and King’s Landing), but I stayed because the medieval old town is genuinely spectacular. Those cathedral steps you remember from the show? They’re even more impressive in person, and the view from the top across the city’s terracotta rooftops is worth the climb.

The Onyar River divides the city, with those famous colorful houses reflected in the water creating one of Spain’s most photographed scenes. But it’s the Call – the old Jewish Quarter – where Girona really shows its character. The narrow stone streets and perfectly preserved medieval architecture create this intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Costa Brava beaches just an hour away.

What I love about Girona is how accessible it is. You can easily see the highlights in a day trip from Barcelona (just 40 minutes by train), but the city rewards longer stays too. The restaurant scene is surprisingly sophisticated – Catalonia’s culinary reputation extends well beyond Barcelona – and the proximity to both the Pyrenees and the coast makes it a perfect base for exploring northern Catalonia.

Planning Your Spanish Cities Adventure

Here’s how I’d tackle visiting multiple cities on one trip: Madrid makes the perfect base for Toledo, Segovia, and Salamanca – all are easy day trips by train, though I’d recommend overnight stays in Toledo and Salamanca if you have the time. Córdoba pairs naturally with Seville and Granada in an Andalusian circuit, while Girona works brilliantly as part of a Catalunya exploration with Barcelona.

Transportation between cities is generally excellent. Spain’s AVE high-speed rail network connects the major destinations, and the regional train services are reliable and affordable. I always book train tickets in advance through Renfe’s website – you’ll save money and guarantee seats, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

These five cities represent Spain at its most authentic – places where history isn’t just preserved in museums but lived in daily life. Each offers something unique, whether it’s Toledo’s medieval completeness, Segovia’s Roman engineering marvels, Córdoba’s architectural fusion, Salamanca’s golden beauty, or Girona’s perfect medieval charm. Vale, I know choosing between them is tough, but honestly? You don’t have to. Spain’s excellent transport network makes visiting multiple cities not just possible but absolutely recommended.

Start planning your Spanish cities adventure by checking accommodation options on Booking.com – these destinations fill up quickly during peak season, and the best-located hotels in the historic centers are worth booking well in advance. Your future self will thank you when you’re watching sunset from your room overlooking Toledo’s medieval rooftops or waking up steps away from Salamanca’s golden Plaza Mayor.