The Best Places to Go in Spain That Aren’t Barcelona or Madrid

Updated December 30th, 2025

Spain is one of the most popular countries in Europe.

With mountains, a large coastline, ancient cities, Roman ruins, incredible cuisine, and Spanish as its widely spoken language, the list of "pluses" could go on and on.

Some things are no-brainers when planning a trip - like understanding entry requirements and getting travel insurance.

Others, like exactly where to go and what to see, take a bit more creativity.

Most travelers have heard of Madrid (Spain's capital) and Barcelona, but there are so many towns and cities all across the country that deserve a bit of recognition (and perhaps an independent trip) too.

If you're planning to head to Spain, but are still thinking of where exactly you'd like to visit, this list will give you a great selection of options!

San Sebastián, Spain

Who it’s for: foodies, beachgoers

Is there an airport?: Yes

Does it have Uber?: Yes

Located in Northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is famous for a few things in particular: The scenery, the beaches, and its multiple Michelin Star restaurants. 

The city itself is small, but there are museums, walking and hiking paths, historical locations, and Basque culture as far as the eye can see

While in San Sebastián, travelers typically enjoy walking through the Old Town (Parte Vieja). It has little shops, bars, and restaurants all squeezed alongside important monuments like the 16th-century San Vincente church.

The weather is great in July and August, but the city can be pretty busy as it’s the peak of tourist season. If you have some flexibility, a trip in May, June, September, or even October should still be pleasant enough, but with smaller crowds.

Marbella, Spain

Who it’s for: luxury travelers, golfers, water enthusiasts 

Is there an airport?: No, but there are airports in nearby cities that have taxis and rideshare services available. 

Does Marbella have Uber?: Yes

Marbella is a seaside town on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol... which means Mediterranean beaches, upscale shopping, and luxury yachts.

If you enjoy golfing, you can book a tee time at the Los Naranjos Golf Club, which has world-famous green rolling hills and palm trees.

Definitely explore the Parque de la Alameda - it has rich blue tiling and tropical foliage lining the walkways.

Avenida del Mar is another must-see pathway that is surrounded by shops and beaches. To top it off, it's also decorated with sculptures created by Salvador Dalí!

A lot of tourists book water excursions in Marbella. Depending on what you're looking for, you should find a lot of different options available through different booking companies.

There are catamarans, whale-watching excursions, dolphin watching, and other water activities

Marbella's summers are sunny and very hot, and the water is warm, so July and August are excellent times to visit.

However, it’s also the busiest time of year. If you prefer fewer crowds, June and September are still warm, but peak season starts to dwindle. 

Formentera, Spain

Who it’s for: beach lovers, travelers who want some R&R

Is there an airport?: No, but you can fly into neighboring Ibiza and take a ferry

Does Formentera have Uber?: Yes

You may have heard of Ibiza – an island famous for its nightlife and club scene, but have you heard of its little sister, Formentera? 

Formentera is a small island in the Mediterranean that is only accessible by sea, but don’t worry! You can easily travel there by public aqua buses and ferries. They run regularly.

Fromentera offers the beauty of Ibiza, but with a much quieter atmosphere. While small, the island does have hotels and vacation rentals on the island, as well as bike and scooter rentals. It’s also possible to stay in Ibiza and take day trips to Formentera if you’re looking for something a little less remote for your overnight stays.

There are also activities you can book, like snorkeling, and restaurants too.

Mid-June to mid-September is the best time to visit for hot weather and warm waters. 

Córdoba, Spain

Who it’s for: history buffs, architecture enthusiasts 

Is there an airport?: Yes, but it’s very small. Many travelers fly into Malaga or Seville, then by car to Córdoba (1-2 hours away). 

Does Córdoba have Uber?: Yes

Located in central southern Spain, Córdoba used to be a very important Roman center, and then an Islamic hub in the Middle Ages.

That means you will be able to see some of the most unique architecture in the world: a blend of Roman, Moorish, and Spanish motifs and designs. 

There are museums, highly ornate mosques and cathedrals, and even an ancient Roman bridge that is still standing.

One of the best times to visit is in May during Córdoba's patio festival.

During the festival, locals compete for the best-decorated outdoor space, and these competing patios are open to the public to see.

Unlike many cities in Spain, visiting in July and August isn’t generally advised, as Córdoba is one of the hottest cities in Spain. 

Teruel, Spain

Who it’s for: Travelers seeking a unique destination, architecture lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts

Is there an airport?: Technically, yes, but travelers visiting Teruel will need to fly to a nearby city and take a train or car. Options include Castellón, Valencia, Madrid, and others. 

Does Teruel have Uber?: Yes

Teruel is truly off the beaten path. If you're the kind of traveler who likes unique destinations, this might be one you want to add to your bucket list.

This small town is in Eastern Spain, and it's at a high altitude. This makes it popular for athletes, rock climbers, and hikers.

While the town is small, there are different local tours that travelers can do. Even without, the views are worth a trip.

Due to its unique history, Teruel is known for its Mudéjar architecture (which is a mixture of Gothic and Islamic aesthetics). The city has incredible and highly decorated archways, towers, monuments, and more, giving you photo opportunities at every turn. 

February is a fun time to visit, as locals dress up in medieval attire and recreate Isabel’s wedding, though the weather may not be ideal.

With museums, churches, and historic landmarks throughout the town, Teruel will give you an experience like nowhere else.

Ronda, Spain

Who it’s for: outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, history lovers

Is there an airport?: No. Travelers can fly to Malaga and then take a bus or rideshare to Ronda.

Does Ronda have Uber?: Yes

Built along a pretty dramatic gorge, add Ronda to your list if you're looking for something different.

This small town is located within the boundaries of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park in Southern Spain, which makes it unique enough.

Whether you want to be active and hike all around the park, or you want a peaceful kind of retreat, Ronda can really be seen both ways.

It has historic, walkable streets lined with shops and restaurants. Throughout the entire town, you’ll find historical landmarks, museums, and even one of the oldest bullrings in the entire country.

While Ronda isn’t a mainstream destination, it has been a niche attraction throughout time. It was a popular summer retreat for writers like Hemingway and Orson Welles, and it’s no wonder. It has sweeping canyons, cobblestone streets, and beautiful buildings... Ronda gets the creative juices flowing.

It is worth noting: Ronda gets very hot during the summer months, so the best time to visit is typically late Spring or early Fall. 

Consuegra, Spain

Who it’s for: outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, history lovers

Is there an airport?: No. The closest airport is in Madrid, where travelers can take a bus or rideshare to Consuegra (about an hour and a half away). 

Does Consuegra have Uber?: No

Consuegra is a small but famous town. Its main attraction is a series of old windmills. You might recognize them from Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote.

Twelve windmills exist here today, and each one has its own name, such as Caballero del Verde Gabán (Spanish for Knight of the Green Coat) and Chispas (Sparks). 

The windmills aren’t the only reason to go to Consuegra, however.

On top of the hill is the Castillo de Consuegra, a castle with origins dating back to the 12th century! Another must-see landmark is the El Pozo los Lagartos (The Lizards Well). The El Pozo los Lagartos is an outdoor art space with unique statues, tiling, and walking paths. 

Consuegra is known for having a mild climate, with the summer months being the most comfortable for travelers.

Cudillero, Spain

Who it’s for: Travelers in need of R&R, sea enthusiasts, art lovers

Is there an airport?: No, but there are nearby airports. A common one is Asturias, about an hour and a half away. 

Does Cudillero have Uber?: While technically functional, there may not be drivers available. Cudillero is very small and walkable, but keep in mind it is hilly.

Located on the Bay of Biscay in Northern Spain, Cudillero is a hidden town, tucked into a natural coastal inlay.

The town is famous for its bright buildings, sunny patios, and ocean views. As noted above, it is very hilly.

This small town is perfect for anyone who wants to soak up the sun in a brightly-colored destination. There are houses of all hues, intricate tilework throughout, and seashells reimagined as decorative elements.

The climate is fairly mild, with summer months being the warmest (but also the busiest). 

With its local fishing industry, Cudillero is known both for its beaches as well as its decadent seafood.

On top of that, cider is a beverage enjoyed by the locals, so it’s not something to skip out on should you end up traveling here.

Cádiz, Spain 

Who it’s for: Travelers in need of R&R, sea enthusiasts, art lovers

Is there an airport?: Travelers will need to fly to nearby Jerez or Seville. From there, you can take a train, bus, or car. 

Does Cádiz have Uber?: No

Cádiz is on the Iberian Peninsula, making it a seaside town. It has pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and blue waters. 

The fact that it's beautiful isn't the only draw.

Cádiz is also an important historical relic.

In the 16th century, the local port was vital to both trade and exploration. Additionally, there are more than 100 watchtowers throughout the area, as well as iconic churches, like the Catedral de Cádiz.

Travelers today enjoy visiting the ruins of the local castle, Castillo de Santa Catalina, as well as the local plazas, like the Plaza San Antonio, with unique, bright architecture. There’s even a Roman theatre! 

While there’s so much to see within the city, there are also beaches!

The main beach in Cádiz is La Caleta, within a small bay. The summer months are very warm, perfect for a dip in the southern water.

Granada, Spain

Who it’s for: History buffs, art lovers, travelers craving a rich cultural experience

Is there an airport?: Yes

Does Granada have Uber?: Yes

Granada is a small city in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Southern Spain). This means it has cold winters and hot summers.

It also has one of the most famous palaces in the world, La Alhambra, which has been featured in several movies, books, and stories.

La Alhambra is one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic palaces in the world, with highly decorated ceilings, columns, archways, and fountains.

In fact, Washington Irving lived in La Alhambra for a short time (if you visit, you can see the building he lived in).

While it's probably the most grand, La Alhambra isn’t the only thing to see in Granada.

In the city, you'll want to explore the bright white buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets in the Albaicín neighborhood. Many of these streets still exist according to the medieval city plans, giving you a real sense of what it was like to live here throughout time. 

Additionally, you’ll find many churches, mosques, museums, and local markets in the streets of Granada. With a strong Jewish and Arabic heritage and background in the city, you’ll find local gastronomy with cumin, coriander, raisins, almonds, or honey. 

Granada is hot in the summer months. Late April through early October is considered the best time to visit.

Mérida, Spain

Who it’s for: Travelers with an interest in Roman history

Is there an airport?: No, travelers can fly into nearby Badajoz (about a half hour away).

Does Mérida have Uber?: Yes

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C., Mérida has some of the most well-preserved Roman landmarks in Spain.

With a Roman theater (still in use today), aqueducts, the Temple of Diana, a Roman bridge, and more, Mérida allows you to see what Roman life was like outside of Italy. 

On top of all of the ruins, Mérida also hosts Spain's National Museum of Roman Art, where visitors can see rare pottery, jewelry, and artwork from the Roman Empire. 

Merida has no shortage of beautiful cathedrals, an old town with narrow streets, palm trees, fountains, and plenty of places to pop in for a quick, refreshing drink and tapas. 

It does get quite warm in July and August. The best travel times are late spring to early fall.