Best Places to Visit in Spain (That Aren’t Barcelona or Madrid)

I’ve spent a lot of time in Spain over the years. That’s because there’s always something new to discover. This is a super diverse country with several autonomous regions that feel like their own countries. Spain also packs a variety of different climates into its territorial borders, from the subtropical Canary Islands to the lush rain-swept landscapes of Cantabria.

Yes, the big cities get all the attention. And if you’re travelling to Spain, especially from outside the EU, your first contact with the country will probably be in either Barcelona or Madrid. I have nothing against the cities. They’re both amazing, beautiful, vibrant, and very different places. But beyond these giant metropolises, Spain has so much to offer. 

Let’s take a look at the best places to visit so you can experience all the diversity this culturally rich country has to offer.

Best Places to Visit in Spain (Outside Barcelona and Madrid)

Valencia

Valencia is a classic all-rounder. Here, you’ll find gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, historic architecture, and unique modern attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s also the birthplace of paella, and locals insist nobody else in Spain does it better. Valencia is also well-connected to Spain’s Mediterranean coast, making it easy to reach from Barcelona.

Seville

Located on the southern coast, Andalusia is an autonomous region of Spain that doesn’t feel like anywhere else in the country. Under Moorish rule from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, Andalusia has a unique legacy of Islamic architecture, including the Alcazar Castle in Seville.

Seville is a perfect base to explore everything Andalusia has to offer. You can stroll streets lined with orange trees, travel back in time to the city’s historic monuments, or enjoy a fiery flamenco show. Seville has so much to offer, and it’s also more affordable than the bigger cities.

Granada

Granada is a must for history lovers, thanks in part to the Alhambra. One of Spain’s most famous landmarks, this gorgeous Moorish palace is an outstandingly preserved relic of a different world. This is one of the best places to go in Spain for real cultural depth, and if the heat starts to get to you, it’s not far to the beach.

Bilbao

Located in the north of the country on Spain’s Atlantic coast, Bilbao is an almost criminally underrated city. Once a working-class, industrial port town, it has been revitalized by the construction of the Guggenheim Museum. 

The climate here is much more like that of northern Europe, with lush forests and mountain trails to explore, and the city’s food scene, exemplified by its beautiful market, is one of the best in the country. Just outside the city itself, you can also encounter some of the world’s oldest art at the famous painted cave of Altamira. 

Although tourists are gradually discovering Bilbao, it offers a much less crowded and often more affordable experience than you’ll get in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

San Sebastián

Who doesn’t love beaches and amazing food? That’s what you’ll find at the resort town of San Sebastián. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country, this is a perfect place to spend the summer months lounging on the beach, splashing in the water, and enjoying great things to eat. 

The Basque Country is famous for pintxos, a form of tapas that serves bite-size regional specialties along with drinks. Basically, if it can be put on a piece of bread and stabbed with a toothpick, that’s exactly what they’ll do. It means you can try a huge variety of creative takes on this theme, often very affordably.

Málaga

Another of Spain’s coastal gems, Málaga gives you that Mediterranean resort town experience. The heart of the Costa del Sol, this is a great place to party, swim, and laze on the beach, but it also has plenty of culture if that’s more your speed. Its massive hilltop castles are witnesses to the area’s history of Moorish rule, and with exceptional weather all year round, there’s never a bad time to explore.

The Balearic Islands

Of course, if you really want to party, Spain has some of the best options you’ll find anywhere in the world. The Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera – are known around the world for the spectacular club scene and year-round nightlife. These Mediterranean islands are an incredible place to let your hair down, and the high level of tourism means you’ll find tons of activities, from diving and snorkeling to quad biking and paragliding.

The Canary Islands

Off the coast of Africa, these volcanic islands offer landscapes that feel like another world. These islands were once home to a unique culture that you can explore in the local museums, but don’t forget to spend some time on the beach. With year-round warm weather and amazing nature destinations like Teide National Park, these islands feel like nowhere else on earth.

Staying Connected in Spain Without Roaming Fees

Wherever you go in Spain, you’ll have an easier time traveling if you can stay connected. Public Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, and can present security risks. Download an eSIM from ZenSim, and you can book travel tickets, look at restaurants, and find your way around with the best coverage in the country – at an affordable price.

For example, the ZenSim EU plan covers you across thirty-nine European countries, including Spain, with prices starting at just $21AUD for thirty days. That way, you can book a train in Seville or upload photos of Bilbao to your social media without worrying about roaming charges.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting smaller cities in Spain?

If your time is limited, it’s tempting to concentrate on the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona. But often, smaller Spanish cities like Seville and Malaga can provide a more authentic experience, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices.

Which region of Spain is the best?

It’s impossible to say which is best. Andalusia offers diverse landscapes and rich history, while Catalonia has beautiful Mediterranean coastline and vibrant, fiercely independent cities. The Basque Country offers a more laid-back vibe, while the Balearic Islands are party central.

How easy is it to travel between cities in Spain?

Spain has an excellent transport network, with high-speed trains, regional rail, and affordable buses. It’s generally easy to travel from one city to another to make the most of your time in the country.

There’s More To Spain Than Madrid and Barcelona

I’ll say it again – Madrid and Barcelona are amazing places to explore, and well worth visiting if you get the chance. But outside these popular cities, Spain has so much more to discover.

Check out some of these destinations on your next trip. With an eSIM from ZenSim, you can stay connected no matter where you go.