Which are the most populated cities in Spain?
Spain is the fourth most populous country in the European Union in 2025. A large part of its population is concentrated in large urban centres.
As of 1 July 2025, the provisional population of Spain stood at 49,315,949 inhabitants, according to the INE. Of this total, the number of people with foreign nationality reached 7,050,174 on that same date, according to the INE.
The most populated cities in Spain are: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Sevilla y Málaga, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Alicante y Bilbao.
Below you can find some details about these cities.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, with a population of over 3.5 million people, can be classified as the political, cultural and economic epicentre of the country. In this sense, it is the perfect choice for those seeking opportunities and enjoying the energy of being surrounded by a crowd.
The city offers a variety of services and is conveniently located near the country's main international airport.
It is also famous for its renowned museums, such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum, which house some of the world's most important works of art.
FOTO MADRID
In addition, the city offers a lively nightlife, with bars, restaurants and clubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning. Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) is an oasis of tranquillity in the city centre, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
For those who wish to study, it is important to mention that this city is home to several renowned universities, such as the Complutense University of Madrid and the Autonomous University of Madrid.
It is important to remember that the Madrid is the city with the highest number of job offers. The service sector ranks first, but there are also many opportunities in areas that require highly qualified professionals.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Spain's most visited cities, famous for its unique architecture, stunning beaches and vibrant culture. It has a population of over 1.7 million people.
The city is home to the works of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, which are true masterpieces of Catalan modernism.
In addition, Barcelona offers an incredible gastronomic scene, with fresh food markets, tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Barcelona's beaches are also a major attraction, providing the opportunity to relax by the sea.
The city is home to Pompeu Fabra University and the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
FOTO DE BARCELONA
It has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
For job seekers, it is the second city with the most job opportunities, especially in the service and industrial sectors.
Therefore, Barcelona is ideal for dreamers and admirers of beauty and art who do not want to give up living in a dynamic and touristy city.
Valencia
Valencia, an increasingly fashionable city that combines centuries-old traditions and ancient buildings with new trends and futuristic constructions, is another of Spain's most beautiful cities. In 2025, it has a population of over 825,900 inhabitants.
Starting a walking route from the Plaza de la Virgen, located in the heart of the old town and home to the Cathedral, you will discover a city with magnificent examples of Modernist architecture such as the Central Market, ancient churches that will leave you speechless such as San Nicolás, and charming corners such as the Lonja de la Seda and the Plaza Redonda.
In the afternoon, you can visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences designed by Santiago Calatrava and have a drink or some tapas in the Ruzafa neighbourhood, which always has a great atmosphere.
The City of Arts and Sciences is an avant-garde complex. This work by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela has become one of the most iconic places to visit in Valencia.
Among the important buildings that make up this complex are L'Hemisfèric, the Science Museum, the Umbracle, the Palace of Arts, the Agora, the Assut de l'Or Bridge and the Oceanographic.
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Port of Valencia. Among its historic buildings, the Reales Atarazanas del Grao stands out, a civil Gothic-style building used since the 14th century to build and repair all kinds of boats.
After visiting this building, you can head to the city's old port, now the Marina de Valencia, to see the iconic Clock Building, the modern Veles i Vents building and the America's Cup House, where you can watch an audiovisual presentation on the history of this famous regatta.
Malvarosa Beach. With more than 2 kilometres of fine golden sand, this beach is usually very busy during the summer due to its proximity to the city and because it has some of the best paella and fish restaurants, such as Nou Casa Ripoll, Casa Carmela and Bobo, on its lively promenade.
Albufera de Valencia. Albufera Natural Park, an oasis surrounded by rice fields and pristine dunes located just 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Sevilla
The capital of Andalusia and considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Spain, it should be a must-see for every traveller. In 2025, Sevilla has a population of almost 687,500 inhabitants.
Wandering through the historic neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, visiting the Cathedral with its magnificent Giralda tower and the Real Alcázar with its beautiful gardens, reaching Plaza España, climbing to the top of the Torre del Oro or strolling along the banks of the Guadalquivir at sunset are just some of the best things to do in Seville.
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One of the best times to visit Seville is in autumn and especially in spring, when the temperature is more pleasant and the scent of orange blossom fills many corners of the city.
Another of this city's great attractions is its delicious cuisine, which features a wide and delicious selection of tapas and typical dishes.
When is the best time to visit Seville? Although any time is perfect for visiting the city, one of the best times to visit Seville is undoubtedly in autumn and especially in spring, when the temperature is more pleasant and the scent of orange blossom fills many corners of the city.
Zaragoza
The capital of Aragon, one of the autonomous communities in north-eastern Spain and bathed by the waters of the River Ebro. Zaragoza has more than two thousand years of history. In 2025, Zaragoza has a population of almost 687.000 inhabitants.
In the centre of the city stands the Baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, facing the River Ebro. It is a popular place of pilgrimage with several domes and a tabernacle dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The city has emblematic monuments in the Mudejar style (a fusion of Islamic and Gothic architecture), such as the Aljafería, an 11th-century Arab palace, declared a World Heritage Site and known as the ‘little Alhambra’. and the Cathedral of El Salvador en su Epifanía, which began construction in the 12th century.
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You can lose yourself in the old town, where there are several Roman archaeological sites, until you reach the Tubo neighbourhood, where you can sample its most famous tapas. At sunset, cross the River Ebro via the Stone Bridge as the basilica lights up.
Málaga
This beautiful, sunny city on the Mediterranean coast has a population of 591.637 inhabitants. If you are planning a getaway to Malaga, there are two places you cannot miss: Muelle Uno and Palmeral de las Sorpresas.
Located next to the port and just a few minutes from the historic center, they are perfect for enjoying a sunset stroll, shopping, having a drink by the sea, or simply relaxing with views of the Mediterranean.
At Muelle Uno, you'll find the perfect blend of leisure, gastronomy, and culture. Charming restaurants, exclusive shops, and a vibrant social life make this place a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It's also home to the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a must-see for art lovers.
Right next door, the Palmeral de las Sorpresas offers a landscaped area with palm trees, fountains, benches, and shaded areas.
If you love adventure and spectacular scenery, walking the Caminito del Rey. This trail, considered one of the most impressive in Europe, runs along the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge at a height of over 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River.
Located about 45 minutes from Malaga city, the trail, which is about 7.7 km long in total, combines suspended walkways, tunnels in the rock, and natural viewpoints that will take your breath away. But don't worry, the Caminito has been completely renovated and is totally safe.
FOTO DE MALAGA
You must try the espetos de sardinas which are prepared by skewering fresh sardines on sticks and grilling them over a wood fire. You'll find them in many beach bars along the promenade, especially in areas such as Pedregalejo, El Palo, and La Malagueta.
If there is one place on the Costa del Sol where luxury can be felt around every corner, it is Puerto Banús, in Marbella. Strolling through this exclusive marina is like stepping onto an open-air catwalk of glamour: multi-million-dollar yachts, haute couture boutiques, chic restaurants, and a constant parade of luxury cars that look like something out of a movie.
Murcia
Located in the south-east of Spain, on the so-called Costa Cálida, Murcia has a population of 474.617 inhabitants.
Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, popularly known as Plaza de la Catedral, is one of the city's highlights.
Catedral de Santa María: is the city's main architectural feature, where the ornate cathedral, with its mix of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque, and the colourful 18th-century Episcopal Palace stand in striking contrast to the modern Town Hall annexe dating from the 1990s.
Museo Salcillo is the museum in Murcia dedicated to the Murcian sculptor Francisco Salzillo y Alcaraz, the most important artist of the Baroque period.
Santuario Ntra. Sra. de la Fuensanta, it's worth climbing up to visit La Fuensanta, patron saint of Murcia, at her sanctuary on the mountain. Especially for the views of Murcia. I recommend having a marinera or an iced coffee on the “Quitapenas” terrace.
Monasterio de Santa Clara Museo: It is one of the most important historical buildings, as it contains remains of the Arab palace.
There are also many places worth visiting throughout the Region of Murcia, such as:
El Valle de Ricote (The Ricote Valley), a natural paradise in the Region.
El Salto del Ciervo, nature, adrenaline, and breathtaking views.
Sierra Espuña, the green heart of the Region.
La Manga del Mar Menor, an exclusive strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma, capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is a tourist city located in the western Mediterranean Sea.
The immense Cathedral of Santa María, a Gothic monument whose construction began in the 13th century, dominates the skyline of Palma Bay.
Next to it stands the Almudaina, an Arab-style fortress converted into a royal residence. To the west of the city, Bellver Castle, located on top of a hill, is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape.
Must-see places to visit in Mallorca
Cape Formentor: shaped by the wind and sea, Cape Formentor is one of the most spectacular places in Mallorca.
Sóller: located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramontana mountains, Sóller is one of the most beautiful villages in the interior of Mallorca.
The Drach Caves are a natural wonder formed by stalactites and stalagmites.
Formentor Beach enjoys an idyllic natural setting that makes it one of the best beaches in Mallorca.
Es Trenc beach is considered one of the best beaches in Mallorca thanks to its spectacular natural surroundings.
The Sóller Train is one of Mallorca's main tourist attractions.
Cala Mesquida: with its stunning natural beauty formed by dunes, pine trees and clear waters, Cala Mesquida is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca.
Fortalutx: located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramontana, Fornalutx is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria —the capital of Gran Canaria, and of the archipelago in general— is a dynamic, exotic and cosmopolitan city that requires several days to enjoy.
With a population of 380,436, it is the most populous city in the Canary Islands and the ninth largest in Spain.
Regardless of the time of year, as the average annual temperature on the island is around 22 degrees, visitors to Las Palmas will find a paradise happily isolated from the world, where beaches such as Las Canteras and volcanic calderas such as Bandama flank the entrance to picturesque neighbourhoods such as Vegueta and Triana, with their colonial houses, museums and ancient castles, exotic markets and traditional restaurants.
Must-see places in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Museo Canario: a scientific and cultural society founded in the Vegueta neighbourhood in 1879, with the aim of recovering the island's pre-Hispanic past from oblivion. Inside, you can visit a permanent collection on the aborigines of Gran Canaria, consisting mainly of ceramic vessels, terracotta figurines, and pintaderas.
Las Palmas Cathedral and Columbus House: also in the Vegueta neighbourhood, less than a minute's walk from the Canarian Museum, is the Holy Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Anne —popularly known as the Cathedral of the Canary Islands—, considered the most important monument of Canarian religious architecture. This temple is located in the Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana and dates back to 1497. Its neoclassical façade contrasts with a distinctly Gothic interior.
Casa de Colón: located behind the cathedral. It is said that Christopher Columbus, during his stay in Gran Canaria in 1492, stayed in one of the buildings that make up this complex.
Calle Mayor de Triana: considered one of the most important commercial arteries in the island's capital, due to the large presence of major fashion and food chains. It crosses the historic district of Triana from top to bottom, an area originally inhabited by Andalusian immigrants.
Alfredo Krauss Auditorium: one of the most visited buildings in Gran Canaria.
Playa de Las Canteras: stands out as the most important urban beach in the Canary Islands, amongst the total of five beaches that the capital of Gran Canaria has. Located on the west side of the isthmus that separates the island from the La Isleta peninsula, this three-kilometre-long beach offers warm, calm waters 365 days a year.
An extensive reef bar located 200 metres from the shore protects swimmers from the waves and also allows for a unique ecosystem.
Alicante
A port city in the Valencian Community, it is located on the Mediterranean coast. With 358,720 inhabitants, it is the second most populous municipality in the autonomous community and the tenth in the country.
It is not known for being monumental, but it does offer a great quality of life
Indeed, it is a city where life is phenomenal. Among the essential places t see in Alicante city are the castle of Santa Bárbara, on the hill of Benacantil, and the Santa Cruz neighborhood, which is home to places such as the co-cathedral of San Nicolás and the hermitage of Santa Cruz.
Continue your cultural tour at the Archaeological Museum and stop by the Central Market for a snack. Finally, we'll let you head to the Explanada de España to cool off with a horchata before continuing your day at Postiguet Beach or San Juan Beach.
If there is one destination that never goes out of style, it is Benidorm.
Other places in the province of Alicante that are not to be missed are:
Denia, relaxation on the coast
Calpe, walks by the sea
Jávea, beach and excursions
Altea, whitewashed houses facing the sea
Guadalest, hidden among mountains
Villajoyosa, lively and seaside
Santa Pola, salt flats, beaches, and Tabarca
In addition to the beautiful, wide golden sand beaches, there are many charming coves, such as:
Cala Granadella, a little dream
Cala de Moraig, wild and hidden
Playa del Albir, accessible and pleasant
Cala Barraca (Portixol), between cliffs
Cala Racó de Conill (Villajoyosa), naturist and unspoilt
What about Alicate's Natural Environment, outdoor trails:
Trails in Montgó Natural Park, located between Denia and Jávea.
Cabo de la Nao and its secrets, this point is the first to greet the sun each day on the Iberian Peninsula.
Cova Tallada, a surprising visit, protected area located on the cliffs of Cape San Antonio, which means that visits are regulated.
Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island in the region
Fuentes del Algar, a dip in nature, just 16 kilometers from Benidorm lies one of the most beautiful landscapes in Alicante.
Peñón de Ifach, the watchful peak, we know the promontory of Calpe as Peñón de Ifach, but surrounding it is an entire protected area.
Serra Gelada, the mountain range of Benidorm, is a protected area that extends across several municipalities (Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, and Altea).
Barranco de la Encantada, among pools, gorges, and waterfalls, the gateway to this uniquely beautiful natural space is the small village of Planes, located in the Comptat region, in the north of the province.
Guardamar Dunes, constantly evolving, this natural space has been formed over many centuries by the accumulation of sand carried by the sea breeze from the beaches near this municipality.
La Pedrera Reservoir, artificial biodiversity, despite being a man-made structure completed in 1980, this is a wetland of great importance from the point of view of biodiversity, located in the vicinity of Orihuela.
The salt flats of Torrevieja and Santa Pola are located in the southeast of the province of Alicante, on the coast between Cape Santa Pola and Cape Cervera.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a town located in northern Spain, capital of the province and historical territory of Vizcaya, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.
Bilbao is now an internationally recognised benchmark in urban planning because the strength of its avant-garde approach is based on integration and respect for its industrial past.
The icon of Bilbao's transformation is the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, with its impressive architecture, which you have probably already heard about.
You will have to come and see for yourself how design and architecture permeate the entire city, starting with the Abandoibarra promenade, where tourists and locals, runners and families meet and mingle every day. From the promenade, you can see new buildings such as the Isozaki and Iberdrola towers. Bilbao's metro and Azkuna Zentroa are also examples of design.
The Bilbao Estuary and its bridges. When visiting Bilbao, use the estuary as your reference point. This waterway was once used by ships to enter the city and continues to play a key role in city life today. Following its course, you will find the Bizkaia Bridge, a jewel of industrial architecture and a World Heritage Site.
FOTO DE BILBAO
To explore the estuary and its bridges is to explore the history of the city. The Zubizuri and Arrupe footbridges are icons of the new Bilbao, while others, such as the San Antón Bridge, are great representatives of its past.
The estuary will also take you to the Casco Viejo, an area full of life.
