The McXperience

Spain is full of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible cuisine – there’s a reason I keep coming back. From the lively streets of Seville to the stunning beaches of Ibiza, each city offers unique experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Let’s explore some of the best cities to visit in Spain, especially for you first-timers!

Seville: The Heart of Andalusia

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, has it all which makes it a great place to visit in Spain if you’ve never been before. From stunning architecture to mouthwatering tapas, and a nightlife scene that will have you dancing till dawn, there is something for everyone.

What to Do in Seville

• Walk Around Barrio Santa Cruz: Walk through the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz to hit some of the highlights of Seville such as Royal Alcazar, Jardines del Murillo, Seville Cathedral, and La Giralda Tower.
• See Plaza de España: This iconic square, Plaza de España, is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. I loved strolling around the plaza, admiring the beautiful fountains and tiled alcoves representing different provinces of Spain.
• Attend Flamenco Show: This is something you’ve got to experience if you’re visiting Seville. Local places like Casa de la Memoria offer an authentic and fun look at this piece of culture.
• Eating Tapas & Churros: Probably my favorite thing to do in Seville is walk around and try as many tapas and churros as humanly possible. Jamón ibérico is a classic that you need to order and Bar El Comercio was my favorite place I had churros from.
• Walk the Guadalquivir River: Stroll along the Guadalquivir River, where you can soak in the views and stop along the way at some riverfront restaurants and bars. One of my favorites being Maria Trifulca.
• Go Clubbing: Seville is known for its night life and it definitely lived up to the hype. There are a number of well-known clubs to choose from but Uthopia was my personal favorite.

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: March – May is my recommendation for the best weather and before the summer crowd comes.
• How to Get Around: This city is very walkable, especially if you’re staying near the city center. Ubers and taxis are also an easy way to get around and had no trouble finding these.
• Who to Visit With: One of the reasons I love this city so much is because it’s the perfect place to visit for family, significant others, girls trip, or even a solo adventure. I went solo for a few days before a girls trip and felt so safe and comfortable exploring on my own.

Ibiza: More Than Just Party Cities

Ibiza is often seen as a party island, and it definitely is, but it has so much more to offer if you’re looking for it! From stunning beaches to charming towns, the cities of Ibiza offer a laid-back vibe (or a party one) which makes it perfect for every traveler.

Ibiza Town

As the capital of Ibiza, Ibiza Town definitely deserves a spot on your list. Walk around old town, do some shopping, and hop around to different tapas restaurants!

Sant Josep de sa Talaia

While Sant Josep de sa Talaia is known for its beautiful beaches, what makes this one of the best cities to visit in Spain is the sunset. Head over to Cala d’Hort for a view of es Vedrà, a small rocky island off the coast, as the sun sets behind it. If you’re looking for a spot to grab dinner, walk over to El Carmen for one of my favorite meals I’ve had in Europe. The perfect place to experience traditional tapas with a view of es Vedrà.

San Antonio

While San Antonio definitely a more touristy city, this is great if you’re looking for the party. Walk along the strip to beachfront bars, lounge on the beach, or head out on the water for an excursion. The Sunset Strip is a great place to grab a cocktail while you watch the sunset.

Playa d’en Bossa

If you’re looking to experience Spanish nightlife, Playa d’en Bossa is one of the best cities to visit in Spain for it! My favorite club was Hï Ibiza but Ushuaïa Ibiza is the most iconic so I’d definitely hit both up if you have time.

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: If you’re looking to party, make sure you go during peak season when the beach and night clubs are open. Most of the clubs are open by late May and close by early October. To avoid the crowds but still have warmer weather, plan for late May or early September.
• How to Get Around: If you’re staying around the main strips, you won’t need a car to get around – taxis or walking should suffice. If you want to explore other cities throughout the island, like Sant Josep de sa Talaia, you can rent a car or hire a driver for the day.
• Who to Visit With: While you would have a blast with anyone, a lot of these cities would be perfect with significant others or for a girls trip!

Mallorca: Mediterranean Paradise

The cities of Mallorca offer breathtaking views, incredible food, and charming streets. Mallorca has the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure which is why it’s home to some of my favorite cities in Spain.

Palma

As the capital of Mallorca, there is tons to do in Palma from seeing the iconic Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca and stopping for tapas to shopping and just strolling around. If you’re looking for a great place to grab a cocktail before dinner, Bar Abaco is one of my favorites.

Deia

This mountain village is quite literally picture perfect and one of the prettiest places I’ve been to in Spain. Deia is the perfect place for a hike, grabbing a drink and a bite to eat, or lounging at Cala Deia.

Pollença

While there are many things to do in the city of Pollença, my favorites are seeing Cap de Formentor from the viewpoint or lounging at Cala Formentor. If you’re looking for more beaches, here’s a list of some of my favorites around the island.

Sóller

Not only is Sóller itself beautiful, but the views on the way are just as great. To experience the best views and see the citrus groves, take the train to Sóller from Palma. Once you’re in Sóller, walk around the city, check out the port, and don’t forget to get gelato made with fresh citrus from Gelat Sóller.

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: To avoid the crowds but still have warmer weather, plan for late May or early September.
• How to Get Around: If you’re looking to explore different cities and beaches throughout the island without hopping from hotel to hotel, the easiest way to get around is by renting a car.
• Who to Visit With: Mallorca is perfect to visit with your family, significant other, or a girls trip which is what makes this island so great. If you’re looking for more info on Mallorca, check out my 3-day itinerary.

Menorca: The Low-Key Escape

Menorca is a quieter alternative to its Balearic neighbors, offering stunning beaches and charming villages. Here are some of my favorite cities to visit in Menorca.

Ciutadella

Once the capital, Ciutadella has a beautiful harbor and historic buildings to check out such as Catedral de Ciutadella and the local market. Be sure to explore the nearby beaches – my favorite is Cala en Turqueta.

Mahón

As the current capital of Menorca, Mahón is known for its impressive harbor which makes it a great place to take a boat trip. If you’re a foodie like me, make sure to hop around to different waterfront tapas restaurants.

Binibeca

Binibeca may be small, but this fishing village with its whitewashed buildings and charming beaches makes it one of the best cities to visit in Spain. The paella here is so fresh so definitely save time to grab some.

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: Like the other islands, late May or early September are best for warmer weather and less crowds.
• How to Get Around: The island is relatively small and is super easy to navigate so I’d recommend renting a car. You’ll be able to get across the island in less than an hour.
• Who to Visit With: Menorca is a great place to visit with your family, significant other, or a girls trip.

Formentera: The Boujiest Beaches

While Formentera isn’t technically a city, it deserves a shoutout for its breathtaking beaches, laidback vibe, and insanely delicious food.

What to Do in Formentera

• Explore the Beaches: Ses Illetes Beach is often considered one of the best beaches in the world because its calm, turquoise waters make it one of the best spots to swim and sunbathe.
• Eat on the Water: The beachfront restaurants have some of the most fresh fish I’ve ever had in my life. My personal favorite is Juan y Andrea on Ses Illetes Beach.

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: Typically, this island is less frequented than its Balearic neighbors but for the best experience I would still stick closer to the shoulder months – late May and early September.
• How to Get Around: The easiest way to get to the island is by taking the short ferry ride from Ibiza. Once you’re here, rent a moped near to the port to zip around and explore!
• Who to Visit With: Formentera is a great place to hop over for the day with anyone, but is especially fun with a significant other.

Jerez: Flamenco and Flavor

Jerez de la Frontera is known for its sherry production and flamenco culture. It gives you a look at authentic Spanish life which is what makes it one of the best cities to visit in Spain.

What to Do in Jerez

• Attend Feria de Jerez: Feria de Jerez is a celebration that is traditionally held in the first or second week of May that originated from buying and selling horses in the medieval ages. Now, you can still experience the horses and coachmen, check out the theme park, or hang out at the public casetas to enjoy food, drinks, and live music.
• Drink Some Sherry: As the birthplace of sherry, it’s a must try when you’re visiting the city and you can find it literally everywhere.
• Enjoy Authentic Tapas: Jerez is the perfect place to experience authentic Spanish dishes. Don’t miss out on jamón ibérico, croquetas, and of course…paella!

Pro Tips

• Best Time of Year to Visit: If you’re visiting Jerez, you’ve got to go during Feria which falls at the beginning of May. This iconic festival isn’t something you’re going to want to miss!
• How to Get Around: I’d recommend tacking this onto your Seville visit because of how easy the 45-minute train ride is. Once you’re in Jerez, this city is relatively small so you can easily get around by walking or taxiing.
• Who to Visit With: This city is a great place to visit on a girls trip or with your family!

As some of the very best cities to visit in Spain, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic streets of Seville, party on the beaches of Ibiza, or enjoy the laid back vibes of Menorca, Spain has something for everyone!