10 Best Places to Stay in Spain & Top-Rated Hotels for 2025

Buenos dias traveler, welcome to your ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Spain! I’m happy to share my experience in this beautiful Mediterranean country and help you plan your trip! 

I’ll share the 10 top places you should visit (okay, maybe you can’t fit them all into one trip), but I also cherry-picked the top-rated hotels for every place so you can book right away! I lived in Barcelona for a long time and visited most of Spain from North to South, and I surely have some insider tips for you!

I recommend you start your trip from Barcelona, Spain’s most beautiful city if you ask me, and then make your way further South or West. It’s super convenient from the logistics point of view as well!

Now remember to book your stay in Spain in advance! In 2023, Spain was the 2nd most visited country in the world with over 85 million tourists! A lot of them are rushing to book the best hotels!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels available for grabs in Barcelona:

The map below pinpoints all the best places to stay in Spain to help you plan your itinerary:

1. Barcelona – where to stay in Spain for the first time

Welcome to the city that has it all! And when I say all, I mean sandy beaches, incredible architecture, a rich history, vibrant nightlife, and amazing restaurants! No wonder Barcelona is the most popular city in Spain!

What I loved the most while I lived in Barcelona was the atmosphere. Every day is like a party, especially in the popular areas around La Rambla (map). But then at the same time, you can escape all the crowds and enjoy some tranquility just a few streets from this central Barca street!

Naturally, there are many things to do in Barcelona, and you should surely start with Park Guell (one of my favorites) or Casa Batlló, but let’s not forget about the famous Sagrada Familia! 

PRO TIP: Consider the Barcelona City Pass if you plan on visiting multiple attractions in Barcelona. Alternatively, plan a detailed itinerary in advance and book all the skip-the-line tickets you can to save you from all the waiting! Otherwise, you’ll likely be disappointed when you see the long lines to enter Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, and other central attractions (or you might not even be able to get tickets since they sell out super fast).

Barcelona is surely one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, with its unbeatable food (think delicious paella on every corner) and places to visit that cater to all interests. It’s not only grown-ups who love this place; there are many things to do with kids as well!

Finally, Barcelona’s location makes it a great base for day trips! See the 8 best ideas here!

GETTING AROUND: For Barcelona and all major cities in Spain, public transport (buses and metro) is the best way to get around. Traffic is a bit hectic for car rental, but you can use the local taxis to get to or from the airport with large suitcases. In Barca, you can also rent e-bikes to explore the city (one of my favorite ways to get around).

Finding a fabulous place to stay in Barcelona is easy, especially if you do it early (the hotels here sell out months in advance).

Other accommodation options in Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona 

• Join a walking tour with tapas and wine-tasting
• Explore Sagrada Familia with an audio guide
• Get your admission ticket for the Park Guell
• Visit the famous Casa Batlló
• Enjoy a flamenco show at La Rambla
• Chill on Barceloneta Beach
• Take a day trip to Sitges or Cap de Creus Nature Reserve
• Enjoy yourself on a half-day guided tour to Montserrat

2. Madrid – best place to stay in Spain for the urban atmosphere

Although Barcelona enjoys much more popularity than the country’s capital city, Madrid is a place that you shouldn’t miss on your Spanish adventures! 

Everyone is always on the go in Madrid, so if you’re a fan of that bustling urban atmosphere and like exploring the crowded city streets, then book your tickets already because you’ll love this city! 

This complex capital city is so big that you’ll need a few days to explore it! And before you ask, the answer is yes, there are many amazing places to stay in Madrid!

Most tourists prefer to stay in central Madrid, as this is where you’ll find all the big attractions, the train station, and metro stations for easy commuting! Plus there are many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where you can eat delicious tapas and drink sangria! And don’t forget to treat yourself to some churros.

As the country’s capital city, Madrid is a wonderful place to explore for people who want to visit museums all day long and important cultural buildings such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the National Museum of Prado! 

Madrid’s Royal Palace is the largest of its kind in Western Europe! It has 3,418 rooms and covers an area of 135,000m²! But don’t worry, it takes most visitors just a bit over 2 hours to tour the place.

As the highlight of the urban, modern, vibrant daylife and nightlife, don’t miss the iconic Gran Via Street (map). Plus, one of Madrid’s (and Spain’s) most beautiful buildings, the Metropolis Building (map), is located here!

Let’s dive into the top places to stay in Madrid.

Other accommodation options in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

• Explore the city on a private city tour in an eco-tuk-tuk
• Walk around Plaza Mayor (map)
• See unique works of art at The Prado Museum
• Catch the iconic Emociones live flamenco show
• Explore the gardens in El Retiro Park (map) and find the unique devil monument
• Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid on a tour
• Eat in the world’s oldest restaurant (est. 1725), Sobrino de Botin (map)
• Go food tasting at Mercado de San Miguel (map) 

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3. Seville – where to stay in Spain for culture

The capital of the Andalucia region is anything but short of cultural attractions! Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in the world (and I totally second that), Seville is perfect for anyone who wants to dive into the country’s past!

Set in Southern Spain, the city offers a fantastic mix of Moorish (Muslim) and Spanish architecture! You’ll need a few days to discover all the amazing things to do in Seville, but trust me, you’ll love every minute of it just like I did! 

Most of its main attractions, like the Seville Cathedral (map), the Royal Alcázar Palace complex (map), and Plaza de España (map), are set in the Old Town and Santa Cruz district, 2 of the best places to stay in Seville. I was lucky to visit Seville without the crowds (it was Covid time), so we basically had the main square all for ourselves! That was really cool!

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world! This ex-mosque built in the early 16th century is 135 m (442 ft) long,100 m (330 ft) wide, and 42 m (138 ft) tall!

This energetic city has lots of other places to discover, especially after dark! Oh yes, you must attend at least one of the famous flamenco shows! And, of course, let’s not forget about the traditional tapas bars and rooftop bars, they are quite a thing here in Seville, and I’m sure you’ll love it! We visited multiple rooftop bars and it was a blast! Tip: Abba (map) is great one for eats and drinks!

Ideally, spend 3 days in Seville (as recommended by our past contributor who used to live in Seville) to fully experience its vibe!

Other accommodation options in Seville

Things to do in Seville 

• Attend a flamenco show in Seville
• Walk along Plaza de España, Seville’s main square
• Visit the Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcazar on a guided tour
• Eat delicious tapas at the legendary Bar Santa Cruz (map)
• Go on a yacht tour with drinks and food
• Stroll in the beautiful Parque de Maria Luisa (map)
• Catch a sunset on the rooftop bar at EME Catedral Mercer Hotel (map)

4. Valencia – where to stay in Spain for foodies

Flamboyant and fun, Valencia is one of the most famous cities in Spain and a great place to visit for those of you who want to enjoy Spain’s cuisine! 

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and they’ve got a few more dishes that will have you roaming around the restaurants after every attraction you visit! 

TIP: Try the signature paella dish at Paella House (map), but you’ll only find a place if you book a table in advance!

And yes, there are many things to do in Valencia, from exploring the peculiar-looking buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences to taking a cooking lesson on how to make your own paella!

This city certainly has something for everyone, and besides its historic attractions like its Cathedral (map, which peacefully guards the one and only Holy Grail), you’ll also get a sandy beach.

You’ll have no trouble finding a great place to stay in Valencia! There are so many amazing areas with great hotels like the Old Town (where you’ll be just a few minutes walk away from many attractions) or Rufaza, Valencia’s hip district with cafes and shops on every corner. 

During my first visit, I stayed in the city center, and then on the second trip I chose a place by the beach and absolutely loved the vibe there!

Other accommodation options in Valencia

Things to do in Valencia

• Tour the Old Town and eat tapas in an 11th-century building
• Take cool pics at the City of Arts and Sciences (map)
• Learn how to make paella during a cooking class
• Eat yummy food at the Central Market (map)
• Get a ticket for the iconic Palosanto Flamenco Show
• See the legendary Holy Grail at the Cathedral
• Admire the street art in Barrio del Carmen (map)
• Visit the Oceanografic, Valencia’s oceanarium in its landmark building

5. Cordoba – best area to stay in Spain for history lovers

When you look at the map, you’ll see that Seville, Cordoba, and Granada form this cool triangle with Cordoba sitting right at the top! As I mentioned, Andalucia is a magical region, and this city trinity proves my point! 

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cordoba is one of those places you visit and think time stood still here! Its crown jewel built by the Moorish, the Mosque-Cathedral (map), dates back to the 10th century and has survived all the wars! 

But that’s not all of it! While you’re in Cordoba, you’ll see unique architecture dating back even earlier to Roman periods, like the Roman Bridge of Cordoba (map)!

This ancient city is any historian’s dream come true, and its white-washed and beige buildings will win your heart and make you want to come back! I also loved how everyone puts so much effort into decorating their patios; I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them!

It’s not only the architecture that evokes the past so beautifully. Cordoba has been a major trading point for a long time, and now you can still find many small shops selling their unique crafts. It’s so magical! I must say Cordoba was one of my favorite cities in Spain!

Other accommodation options in Cordoba

Things to do in Cordoba

• Visit the famous Mosque-Cathedral on the skip-the-line guided tour
• Cross the Roman Bridge of Cordoba
• Travel back in time to the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (map)
• Catch a sunset at Templo Romano (map)
• Relax in the gardens at Palacio de Viana (map)
• Get a ticket for the unique Caballerizas Reales Equestrian Show

6. Costa Brava – where to stay in Spain with kids

Traveling with the little ones to Spain? I think Costa Brava in Northern Spain may just become their favorite place! This region stretches some 60 km (37 mi) from the town of Blanes, which sits just 1 hour away from Barcelona, all the way to the French border (basically covers the coast of Girona province). 

Beaches, waterparks, and lots of watersports is how I could shortly describe Costa Brava! The beaches here are safe for kids, and the waters are very calm, which is a big plus! Plus, you can spend hours with the little ones in Water World, a large water park located in Costa Brava’s main resort, Lloret de Mar.

FUN FACT: Salvador Dali, the famous artist, was born in Costa Brava, in the town of Figures. There are many museums dedicated to Dali, and you can even visit his former residence in this little town at the Dali Museum in Figures. 

So if you can convince the kids to leave the beach fun for later, go on a journey of discovering the late artist!

There are also these cute old towns like Pals (map) that make this region special! I rented a car to drive around the area and explore these villages, and I definitely recommend that you do that as well!

Other accommodation options in Costa Brava

Things to do in Costa Brava

• Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum
• Spend a fun day with the kids at Water World Parc
• Check out Dali’s former home at Salvador Dalí House Museum
• Try cool water sports at Playa de Fenals (map)
• Admire the scenic views at Jardín Botánico Marimurtra (map)
• Go wine tasting at the iconic Costa Brava winery of Mas Molla (map)

7. Balearic Islands – where to stay in Spain for island hopping

The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera await for some more seaside fun just off the coast of Eastern Spain! From the party capital of Ibiza to the beach paradise of Mallorca and Menorca, there’s something to choose from for all types of travelers!

Think natural escapes, archipelago national parks, delicious seafood, and age-old fishing villages! Seriously, you’d need over a week if you want to properly explore all these islands, but you can also just pick one that best matches your travel interest.

For island hopping, Ferry Balearia is the main ferry line with connections to all 4 islands from Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia (a small coastal city closest to Ibiza). You can also reach the main islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca) by plane from most of the big cities in Spain and many European destinations.

The ferry rides can get a bit long. Valencia to Palma in Mallorca is almost 7 hours, but there are many night departures, so you can basically sleep there. For those short on time or prone to seasickness, it’s best to book a flight from Barcelona or Valencia.

Now let’s explore 2 of the main islands in the Balearics, Ibiza and Mallorca!

7.1. Ibiza – best place to stay in Spain for nightlife

This island’s wild party scene is no secret! Ibiza has long been known as the ultimate place to visit in Spain for partygoers from all around Europe! But I absolutely loved the historical buildings and the beaches here when I visited on a solo trip, so I think everyone can visit Ibiza, not just nightlife seekers!

It’s super important to choose wisely where to stay in Ibiza. If you’re coming solely to party and chill on the beach, then look for hotels in Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa. That’s where you’ll find the biggest concentration of clubs, and restaurants. 

And if you’re looking for something a bit more peaceful, I’d recommend staying in areas like Santa Eularia des Riu (map) and Talamanca (map).

PARTY TIP: Pacha (map) is one of the most popular nightclubs in Ibiza Town, and DJs like Calvin Harris and David Guetta have played here. Don’t miss it for ultimate Ibiza fun!

Still, given the party nature of the place, a lot of hotels and resorts here are adult-only. If you’re traveling with kids, definitely schedule the visit outside the season to avoid the party crowds (but also score better price deals).Also, I recommend you get around Ibiza on a scooter or car rental since public transport is limited, differently from mainland Spanish cities.

Other accommodation options in Ibiza

Things to do in Ibiza

• Dance all night long at Pacha club
• Explore the Castle of Ibiza (map)
• Chill on the Cala Gració (map) and Platges de Comte (map) beaches
• Catch an event at the beachfront Ushuaia Club (map)
• Visit the largest and oldest market in Ibiza, Punta Arabi (map)

7.2. Mallorca – best place to stay in Spain in the summer

Looking for a fantastic summer holiday destination? Spain is filled with dreamy spots where you can enjoy sunbathing on the best beaches, eating mouth-watering food and discovering historic sites!

Mallorca surely fits in that description! The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca (or Majorca as the locals call it) is an island of infinite possibilities! Here you can chase sunsets on the most scenic beaches, explore the mountains, and visit the island’s top attractions.

NOTE: Don’t confuse Palma de Mallorca with Las Palmas, one of the areas in Gran Canaria.

You’ll find most of the landmarks on Mallorca in Palma de Mallorca, the capital city, and one of the best places to stay in Mallorca! I stayed in Palma where we celebrated my husband’s birthday, it was a lovely stay. 

We took a bus to explore the nearby attractions, but there’s a whole island of fun places to visit. That’s why I recommend taking more than a few days here. The beaches around Cala Millor (map) and the clubs in Magaluf (map) are waiting! 

Much like Ibiza, it’s best to get around Mallorca by car rental. If you don’t drive, there’s an extensive network of buses that connects the island with the capital, Palma, and it’s more efficient than that on Ibiza.

Other accommodation options in Mallorca

Things to do in Mallorca

• Chill on Playa de Palma (map) or Cala Major (map) beaches
• Go shopping in Mercat de l’Olivar (map)
• See the ancient Catedral-Basílica de Santa María (map)
• Visit the Castell de Bellver (map) and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina (map)
• Take a trip to the iconic Drach Caves (map)
• Explore the spectacular marine life at the Palma Aquarium (map)

8. Granada – where to stay in Spain to visit El Alhambra

The Andalusia region is full of surprises! So far I covered the magical Seville and Cordoba, but that was only the start! Now we’re moving closer to the sea, and we’re touching down in Granada, which is set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains (the views here are fantastic)!

FUN FACT: Granada was under Islamic rule for more than 700 years, and from here the Moorish culture began spreading throughout the region.

You can’t walk 2 meters in this town without seeing something old and beautiful! That’s why I think history enthusiasts will have a hard time leaving this place! Especially after exploring Alhambra Palace (map), one of the most visited medieval complexes in Europe, and a real work of art!

PRO TIP: Book a stay inside the Palace grounds for an authentic Granada experience. I found 3 great options so have a look at this post with the best places to stay in Granada, you’ll find all the details you need!

I recommend taking your time to explore Granada’s narrow streets, that’s how you’ll get to see all its hidden gems, tapas bars and clubs, and of course, all its areas like El Albaicin (map) and El Centro (map)!den gems, tapas bars and clubs, and of course, all its areas like El Albaicin and El Centro!

Other accommodation options in Granada

Things to do in Granada

• Visit El Alhambra on a tour and get skip-the-line tickets 
• Explore the beautiful gardens at Generalife (map)
• Eat Andalusian fare at the iconic Restaurante Los Manueles (map)
• Admire the architecture of the Catedral de Granada (map)
• Get the best views of the city at Mirador de San Nicolás (map)

9. Bilbao – best place in Spain for architecture enthusiasts

With access to the sea and a lot of ground to cover, Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque country! 

Perfect for a city break and maybe some longer stays as well, Bilbao offers a unique combination of old and new architecture, making it the place to be for anyone interested in the topic. 

Pay close attention to the buildings set around Casco Viejo (map), the city’s Old Town, where you can see a glimpse of how Bilbao looked a really long time ago. 

NOTE: The Basque Country is famous for its cuisine so while you’re here, you need to try their version of tapas called pintxos!

And when you’re ready to explore more, then head over to Abando, where you’ll find the famous Guggenheim Museum of Modern and contemporary art, one of the largest museums in Spain! 

Bilbao is always filled with eager tourists, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance. Although there are many places to stay in Bilbao, the good ones always sell out fast! 

Other accommodation options in Bilbao

Things to do in Bilbao

• Admire the futuristic-looking Guggenheim Museum 
• Enjoy a coffee in Plaza Nueva (map)
• Try some pintxos in Erribera Market (map)
• Visit the Santiago Cathedral (map)
• Walk the pedestrian Zubizuri (map) bridge

10. San Sebastian – the most charming city to stay in Spain

While you’re in the Basque country exploring Bilbao, make a quick detour East to San Sebastian and see all its renowned restaurants, surfing spots, and charming Old Town! 

Think the perfect mix of old and new, world-renowned cuisine with 15 Michelin-star restaurants, breathtaking nature, and historical buildings – so much charm in a single city!

If you’re into a beach vacation, La Concha (map) is the jewel of the region that you’ll spot in all the travel magazines!

The Basque region of Spain is unique for its language, which is not at all related to Spanish. In fact, the Basque language is older than all other Indo-European languages! Its origins date back to Neolithic times, around 5,000 BC.

Apart from hearing this unique language, you can also experience some amazing local dishes in San Sebastian. They have the same pintxos culture as in the neighboring Bilbao, but with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere.

Of course, for sightseeing, it’s best to stay in the Old Town of San Sebastian. But for more details on lodging and other areas worth exploring, check out our separate article on where to stay in San Sebastian!

Other accommodation options in San Sebastian

Things to do in San Sebastian 

• Join a small walking tour of the city
• Go pintxos bar hopping in the city’s central streets
• Do some more food tasting on a guided food tour 
• Visit the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd of San Sebastian (map)
• Get cultural at the San Telmo Museum of Art
• Explore local marine life in the San Sebastian Aquarium

Other visit-worthy places in Spain

Spain is so big and filled with fantastic places, I couldn’t fit them all in the top 10! These 4 towns and places below are also major tourist spots that you can add to your itinerary:

• Tenerife – The largest of the Canary Islands and home to the region’s largest carnival, Tenerife is a real treat. I went there on a solo vacation and had a full-board hotel, it was so worth the money! Check out the 6 best places to stay in Tenerife.
• Alicante – An important port city, beach heaven, and urban town attractive to all categories of travelers! We explain in detail the 6 best areas to stay in our special Alicante guide.
• Menorca – The 3rd most popular Balearic Island with absolutely stunning natural landscapes and a more laid-back alternative to Ibiza and Mallorca. See the best towns to stay in Menorca.
• Marbella – An energetic coastal city popular for celebrity sightings, Marbella is an ideal match for luxury travelers, but not only. See the 5 ideal areas to stay in Marbella for all budgets.

🇪🇸 Top city in Spain:	Barcelona
👪 Best place for families:	Costa Brava
🗝️ Most historic area:	Cordoba
🏝️ Top island:	Mallorca
💰 Avg hotel price:	€80
🧳 Cost of traveling:	medium

FAQs about the best areas to stay in Spain

Final thoughts on best places to stay in Spain

That’s it, my dear reader, you’ve reached the end of my guide on the best places to stay in Spain! This country holds a special place in my heart and after having visited most of the places on this list, I can only say try to allocate as much time as possible for your stay in Spain! 

Probably my 2 favorite places are as follows:

• Barcelona – because what’s not to love in the city that has it all: great beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious foods, and friendly people?
• Seville – a highlight of my journeys across Spain with so much history and beautiful architecture

Also, a precious tip is to book your favorite hotels as quickly as you can! These are the most popular cities in the country and the best accommodations always go first, so better secure your spot! 

If you want personalized advice on the best places to visit in Spain or would like to share your experience, you can do that in the comments below!

Safe travels,

Yulia

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