Here are my top 5 most underrated cities in Spain that you simply can’t miss. If you’re looking for cool city breaks in Spain that are off the tourist radar, look no further – you’re in the right place!

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5 Top Underrated Cities in Spain

For me, an underrated city is one that has something unique but remains largely overlooked in the media. It should be almost undiscovered by international tourism. While all the cities on this list of The Most Underrated Cities in Spain have been featured on my blog several times, I never thought of putting them together in a single post – until I saw what various online sources suggest on the topic and realized I completely disagree. The term ‘underrated’ is subjective, but some writers seem to think Spanish tourism is limited to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and Malaga. The rest – Valencia, Girona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Cordoba, Segovia, Salamanca – might not make it onto a first-timer’s Spain bucket list, but they are still well-established on the tourist trail. Of course, this is just my personal opinion.

5 Most Underrated Cities in Spain You Can’t Miss

Teruel

Teruel is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Spain. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in Spanish history while avoiding the crowds. Visiting Teruel feels like traveling back to the origins of Spain. The country was unified in 1492 through the marriage of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand of Aragón and Isabella of Castile. As you may know, Aragón is composed of three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Of these, Teruel is definitely my favorite for a city break, as there are so many unique things to explore.

So, what is Teruel known for? The city is primarily famous in Spain for its stunning Mudejar architecture and the romantic legend of the Lovers of Teruel. The historic city center of Teruel was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. What I love most about Teruel is its unmatched Mudejar heritage. You can read more about Teruel here.

Plus, if you travel by car and want to explore the surroundings, the region of Teruel is known for its secret villages and hikes (like Camino Natural del Rio Guadalaviar, Ruta del Barranco de La Hoz, Parrizal de Beceite, Ruta Estrechos del Rio Ebron), and natural wonders (like Grutas de Cristal, Organos de Montaro, Pinares de Rodeno, Sima de San Pedro).

Cartagena

Cartagena was another major highlight during my trip to the Murcia region. It is one of the most underrated cities in Spain, in my opinion. The port city of Cartagena is home to impressive Roman sites that transport you back to the days of the ancient city of Carthago Nova and the peak of the Roman Empire’s glory in Hispania (modern-day Spain). Cartagena is one of my favorite destinations for exploring remarkable Roman ruins in Spain. The city is also renowned for its rich naval history, making a visit to the Museo Naval a must. In the port area, you can also explore ARQUA Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática, a museum dedicated to underwater archaeology. For those interested in Spanish history, another fascinating stop is the Museo de la Guerra Civil, which focuses on the Spanish Civil War. You can read more about Cartagena in this post.

Soria

During my last trip to Soria, almost everything exceeded my initial expectations. This hidden gem is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Spain that you can’t miss. Soria is globally known for the heroic resistance of Numantia against the Roman Empire. After a 13-month siege, the Numantians chose to burn their city rather than surrender it to the Romans. Additionally, the region’s natural wonders, such as Laguna Negra de Urbión and Cañón del Río Lobos, are popular destinations for nature lovers in Spain.

Beyond its unique landmarks, Soria has given the world several notable figures, including Fray Tomás de Berlanga, advisor to the Spanish crown and the discoverer of the Galápagos Islands, as well as inspiring writers and poets like Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Gerardo Diego, and Antonio Machado. In addition to the Museo Numantino (The Museum of Numantia) and the famous Numancia Archaeological Site, which is just a 15-minute drive from the city, Soria offers many other fascinating places to visit, including Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Iglesia de San Juan de Rabanera, Arcos de San Juan de Duero, Plaza Mayor, and Palacio de los Condes de Gomara.

Caceres

Cáceres might soon no longer be on the list of the most underrated cities in Spain. After my recent trip to the region of Extremadura, I can confidently say that the area remains under the radar of mass international tourism. However, the city of Cáceres has recently gained attention by appearing in HBO’s House of the Dragon.

The Old Town of Cáceres (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the most stunning architectural gems in Spain. It became my second favorite place on in Extremadura, after the Roman heritage of Mérida, of course. We visited the city early in the morning, before the tourists arrived, and I experienced a magical feeling of traveling back in time to the Middle Ages. To start your walking tour, head to Plaza Mayor and walk through the 15th-century arch, Arco de la Estrella. Keep an eye out along the way for the marks of the House of the Dragon filming locations on the walls. Don’t miss Cuesta de Adana, Callejón de la Monja, Casa de los Solís, Casa de los Becerra, Palacio de los Golfines, Cuesta de la Compañía, and Plaza de San Mateo. The local Museum of Cáceres is renowned for its famous sculpture, Genio Androgino, dating back to the first century. Another iconic landmark in the city is the Torre de Bujaco, a beautiful 12th-century tower offering great views of the city.

Cadiz

I know you might argue with me on this one, especially as Cadiz is gaining more and more attention from international visitors. But I was really impressed with the city the last time I visited. It definitely felt like one of the most underrated cities back then, especially after spending time in the romantic Seville and a few days in the Algarve. Although I’m aware that Cadiz feels increasingly touristy with each passing year, so it might not stay on this list for long if I discover a new city crush. But for now, I’m not ready to replace it. Not yet.

This post might not be enough to cover all the amazing things to do in Cadiz. The city took me by surprise with its many unique sights. I still can’t believe that, on my first visit, I had originally planned to spend just one evening in Cadiz. Aside from the magical ocean, you’ll find some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks in Cadiz. Wandering through its narrow cobbled streets, you can uncover traces of different epochs and civilizations – from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Moors, and even Christopher Columbus (who sailed from Cadiz on his second and fourth journeys to America). Plus, it was in Cadiz that the Spanish Liberal Constitution was enacted in 1812.

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