For an autumn trip to Spain, it is nice to visit a city where there is also plenty to do. We move away from Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, to highlight 7 cities in Spain definitely worth for an autumn city break .
Because much of Spanish life takes place outside the home, Spain has the most bars and restaurants per capita in Europe. Wherever you are, no matter how you find yourself in a city, you can always order a coffee or a drink with a tapas on the side. Combine your introduction to Spanish cuisine with a cultural trip to a special museum or with an interesting city walk. If you stay longer, there are always fun trips to make in the immediate vicinity.
Take a look at our 7 cities in Spain, perfect for an autumn break.
Girona
This Catalan city is often mistakenly overlooked as it lies in the shadow of big brother and city-tripper Barcelona. The cathedral of Girona – built between the 11th and 18th centuries – has the widest nave in the world. It is a true showpiece.
Meander through the narrow streets of Call Jueu, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Follow up with Girona’s most popular photo scene – the coloured houses along the Onyar River. For a walk through the greenery, choose La Devesa, the largest urban park in Catalonia. The culinary offer of Girona varies from the Michelin star offer such as in restaurant El Celler de Can Roca and haute cuisine to traditional.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is not only the southernmost city in Europe but also one of the sunniest. In autumn and winter you can enjoy the eternal spring-like atmosphere here. After a city walk, enjoy a drink on Playa de Canteras and take in an amazing sunset. Alternatively, delve into an important piece of Spanish history in the old Columbus house in the centre.
Outside the city, the island forms a real mini continent in terms of variety in landscapes. You can hike on volcanoes, visit historic towns such as Acazur or wander through Tamadaba Natural Park. Let the child in you out, as you roll down a dune in the Maspalomas in the south of the island.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is an extremely cosy and still quite authentic Spanish city. Here too you can combine a city trip with sea and beach. It is not without reason the Spanish royal family returns here every summer for their holidays.
Visit the cathedral, the Arab fortress of La Almudaina, stroll through the covered fresh market and walk through the narrow streets with increasingly hip bars. Palma is also easy to explore by bike. Various companies rent out bicycles and offer guided tours.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town, on the east coast of the most popular Balearic island among the younger set who love exclusive parties and famous DJs. Yet the island also has a lot to offer for those who have other interests. The island is not only worth a visit during the summer months, but very suitable for an autumn city break.
Related post: Discover Ibiza in the winter months
You have the nicest (hippy) markets in combination with trendy boutiques that make the city a paradise for shopping fanatics. If you are more culturally oriented, there is a beautiful cathedral and special old city walls to visit. Finally, you can enjoy fantastic food on the nicest terraces and the most atmospheric squares.
Valencia
Valencia increasingly belongs in the list of European city trip toppers. It is the third largest city in Spain and has been booming in recent years. When you are there, you will notice many people explore the city by bicycle. Pass by (and pop in to) all the sights, such as the covered fresh market in a beautiful building and the cathedral.
Pedal through a maze of narrow streets, elegant squares and along the 9 kilometre long Turia park with an interesting museum offer on both sides, to the famous city of the Arts and Sciences. Designed by the Valencian architect Santiago de Calatrava, the futuristic building complex includes the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, the Hemisferic, a 3D Cinema and a science museum. After such rich offerings, cycle to the beach to eat delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Read: Valencia – World Design Capital
Bilbao
Bilbao on the northern Spanish coast was for decades mainly known as an industrial and port city. However, since the Guggenheim Museum of modern art opened there, and the municipality invested heavily in the cultural sides, it is a very interesting city to spend a few days in.
The historic centre is worth a visit. There is an interesting maritime museum, a museum of fine arts and offers a rich gastronomic offer. Find out why the Basque cuisine is so famous. We recommend taking a boat trip on the River Nervion to the coastal town of Getxo, about 10 kilometres away. You will then pass the world’s oldest suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel (of tower fame) from 1893.
Read our Quick Guide to Bilbao
Cádiz
Cádiz is often referred to as the oldest inhabited city in Spain, founded more than 3,000 years ago. The town is located at the end of a peninsula and the historic centre is completely surrounded by the sea, except for the narrow entrance.
Relax in the narrow streets and extensive range of nice squares; visit the Torre de Tavira with a magnificent view over the entire city and a special camera obscura at the top. The two castles Santa Catalina and San Sebastián are worth a visit. The city is also referred to as the Havana of Spain, because of the Caribbean atmosphere with the coloured facades along the southern boulevard. In the background, the cathedral’s gold-coloured dome sparkles in the sun. Order delicious langoustines or a piece of fresh tuna with a vino fino or manzanilla in the old covered fresh market Mercado de los Abastos (1837).
For more autumn travel inspiration, read Spain’s Best Small Cities
Or take a look at our article The Spanish culinary autumn
