Articles > Geography
Preparing for the Spain Largest Cities or Spain Cities Top 3 Blackout quizzes? Spain is a country with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and some of the most historically rich cities in Europe. Here, we look at the 25 largest cities in Spain by population, highlighting their unique features and interesting facts.
1. Madrid – 3,340,176
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is known for its artistic heritage, including the famous Prado Museum, and its lively nightlife. The city features a combination of modern architecture and historic sites such as the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, making it a top destination for culture and history enthusiasts.
Interesting Fact:
Madrid is home to Sobrino de Botín, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, established in 1725.
2. Barcelona – 1,655,956
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is renowned for its distinctive architecture, especially the works of Antoni Gaudí, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The city is also known for its beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and the historic Gothic Quarter.
Interesting Fact:
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed in the coming years.
3. Valencia – 804,121
Valencia, located on Spain’s eastern coast, is famous for its mix of historical and modern architecture, including the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. It’s also known for the vibrant annual Fallas Festival, where enormous sculptures are burned in celebration.
Interesting Fact:
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, one of Spain’s most iconic dishes.
4. Sevilla – 684,164
Sevilla, or Seville, is the capital of Andalusia and known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and flamenco music. Major attractions include the Alcázar Palace, the Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda tower, which all reflect the city’s Moorish influence.
Interesting Fact:
The Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
5. Zaragoza – 683,949
Zaragoza, located in the Aragón region, is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a famous pilgrimage site. The city is also celebrated for its diverse festivals and the Aljafería Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Interesting Fact:
Zaragoza hosts the Fiestas del Pilar each October, one of Spain’s most celebrated festivals.
6. Malaga – 587,068
Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol, is known for its warm climate, beaches, and rich history dating back to Phoenician times. The city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and its museums include the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga.
Interesting Fact:
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded around 770 BC by the Phoenicians.
7. Murcia – 467,501
Murcia, located in southeastern Spain, is famous for its baroque architecture, particularly the Cathedral of Murcia. It’s known for its agricultural industry, producing much of Spain’s fresh produce.
Interesting Fact:
Murcia is often called “Europe’s Orchard” due to its extensive agriculture, especially citrus fruits and vegetables.
8. Palma de Mallorca – 430,640
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands and is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle are key attractions in this beautiful Mediterranean city.
Interesting Fact:
Bellver Castle in Palma is one of the few circular castles in Europe.
9. Las Palmas – 380,863
Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria, is known for its year-round warm climate and beautiful beaches. The city has a lively cultural scene, with historic sites like the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Columbus House.
Interesting Fact:
Las Palmas is one of the best cities in the world for mild climate, with average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C year-round.
10. Alicante – 350,598
Alicante, located on the Costa Blanca, is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic castle, and annual Hogueras de San Juan festival. The Santa Bárbara Castle offers panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Interesting Fact:
The Hogueras de San Juan, held in June, celebrates the arrival of summer with bonfires and fireworks.
11. Bilbao – 345,235
Bilbao, located in the Basque Country, is known for its modern architecture and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. The city has transformed into a center of culture and art in Spain, with its unique blend of old and new architecture.
Interesting Fact:
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and helped revitalize the city’s economy.
12. Cordoba – 324,418
Cordoba, located in Andalusia, is famous for its historical sites, particularly the Mezquita, a former mosque that is now a cathedral. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with narrow streets and courtyards filled with flowers.
Interesting Fact:
Cordoba was the capital of the Islamic Emirate and later Caliphate of Córdoba, one of the most advanced cities in Europe in the Middle Ages.
13. Valladolid – 297,129
Valladolid, in the region of Castile and León, has a rich history and was once the capital of Spain. It’s known for its beautiful churches, including the Cathedral of Valladolid, and for its cultural heritage, including the National Museum of Sculpture.
Interesting Fact:
Christopher Columbus spent his last years in Valladolid, and there is a museum dedicated to him in the city.
14. Vigo – 294,910
Vigo, located in Galicia, is one of Spain’s major fishing ports and has a lively maritime culture. The city is known for its beaches, seafood, and the nearby Cíes Islands, which are part of a protected national park.
Interesting Fact:
Vigo’s Christmas light display is one of the most spectacular in Spain, attracting visitors from across the country.
15. L’Hospitalet de Llobregat – 276,617
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, located near Barcelona, is known for its dense population and growing business district. The city is also recognized for its vibrant neighborhoods and proximity to major cultural and economic hubs.
Interesting Fact:
L’Hospitalet is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe.
16. Gijon – 268,948
Gijon, situated in the region of Asturias, is known for its coastal charm and maritime heritage. The city offers beautiful beaches, the historic Cimavilla neighborhood, and the famous Laboral City of Culture.
Interesting Fact:
Gijon hosts the International Film Festival, one of the most important cultural events in Asturias.
17. Vitoria-Gasteiz – 255,423
Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, is known for its well-preserved medieval center and commitment to green urban spaces. The city has been recognized as a European Green Capital for its sustainable initiatives.
Interesting Fact:
Vitoria-Gasteiz was named European Green Capital in 2012 due to its extensive green spaces and sustainable practices.
18. A Coruña – 247,350
A Coruña, located in Galicia, is known for its scenic coastline and the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse still in use today. The city also boasts beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Interesting Fact:
The Tower of Hercules is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world still in operation.
19. Elche – 238,285
Elche, located in the Valencian Community, is famous for its palm grove, the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also known for its footwear industry and traditional mystery plays.
Interesting Fact:
The Palmeral of Elche is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 200,000 palm trees.
20. Granada – 232,246
Granada, in Andalusia, is known for the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex. The city is also famous for its unique blend of Islamic and Spanish architecture and its vibrant student population.
Interesting Fact:
The Alhambra is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and a symbol of Moorish heritage.
21. Terrassa – 225,274
Terrassa, located near Barcelona, is known for its rich industrial heritage and Romanesque churches. It is a hub for Catalonia’s textile industry and home to various architectural landmarks, including the Church of Sant Pere.
Interesting Fact:
Terrassa has a long history of jazz, hosting an annual international jazz festival that attracts musicians from around the world.
22. Badalona – 224,301
Badalona, a coastal city near Barcelona, is known for its beaches, the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, and its Roman roots. The city blends history with modernity and offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Interesting Fact:
Badalona is one of the oldest cities in Catalonia, with origins dating back to ancient Roman times.
23. Cartagena – 218,196
Cartagena, in the Murcia region, is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including a theater dating back to the first century BC. The city’s strategic location has made it an important port since antiquity.
Interesting Fact:
Cartagena’s Roman Theater, discovered in 1988, is one of Spain’s most significant archaeological finds.
24. Sabadell – 217,968
Sabadell, part of the Barcelona metropolitan area, was once an industrial powerhouse, particularly known for its textile industry. Today, it’s a thriving suburban city with a strong commercial and industrial sector.
Interesting Fact:
Sabadell was the first city in Spain to have a modern steam-powered textile mill.
25. Oviedo – 217,369
Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is celebrated for its medieval old town, stunning architecture, and green surroundings. The city is known for its historic churches, the University of Oviedo, and its role in Spain’s Reconquista.
Interesting Fact:
Oviedo hosts the prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards, celebrating contributions in arts, sciences, and humanities.
