Here are my top 6 most underrated cities in Spain, based on 15+ years of traveling across the country and exploring the Iberian Peninsula off the beaten path. If you’re looking for cool city breaks in Spain that are far from the tourist radar, you’re in the right place!

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6 Top Underrated Cities in Spain

While the concept of an “underrated” city in Spain is highly subjective – and I often see bloggers calling popular destinations like Valencia or Girona underrated – I wanted to create my own list from a local perspective, as someone who has visited every province in Spain.

For me, an underrated city is one that offers something truly unique but remains largely overlooked in the media and by international travelers. And believe me, there are so many hidden gems in Spain. These are places that are still almost undiscovered by international tourism. So, if you want to explore Spain beyond Madrid, Barcelona, or Malaga, here are the cities you should consider for your next city break in 2026.

6 Most Underrated Cities in Spain You Can’t Miss in 2026

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. This city is hugely underrated, in my opinion. 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-stop. 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 expectations. This hidden gem is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Spain – and it’s perfect for a day trip from Madrid. Soria is historically famous 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.

The surrounding region is also a paradise for nature lovers, with stunning sites like Laguna Negra de Urbión and Cañón del Río Lobos.

Beyond its landmarks, Soria has produced several notable figures, including Fray Tomás de Berlanga, advisor to the Spanish crown and discoverer of the Galápagos Islands, as well as celebrated writers and poets like Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Gerardo Diego, and Antonio Machado.

Caceres

Caceres may soon be off the list of Spain’s most underrated cities. After my recent trip to Extremadura, I can confidently say the region remains largely under the radar for international tourism, though Cáceres has recently gained some well-deserved attention after being featured in HBO’s House of the Dragon.

The Old Town of Cáceres (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of Spain’s most breathtaking architectural treasures. It quickly became my second favorite spot in Extremadura, just after Mérida’s Roman ruins, of course. We visited early in the morning, before the crowds arrived, and I had the enchanting feeling of stepping back into the Middle Ages.

To begin your tour, head to Plaza Mayor and walk through the 15th-century Arco de la Estrella. Along the way, keep an eye out for filming locations from House of the Dragon etched into the walls. Be sure to explore 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. Don’t miss the Museo de Cáceres, home to the famous Genio Androgino sculpture dating back to the first century. Another must-see landmark is the Torre de Bujaco, a stunning 12th-century tower offering panoramic views of the city.

Cadiz

Cadiz is steadily gaining more attention from international travelers, thanks in part to its ease of access on southern Spain road trips. Still, with famous neighbors like Seville and Malaga, I’m always confident that Cadiz will continue to be somewhat overshadowed. But when I visited last, I was genuinely impressed by the city. You can read more about Cadiz in this post.

Tomelloso

Another underrated Spanish city I recently had the chance to explore in depth is Tomelloso. While it’s occasionally included in Don Quixote-themed road trips, many travelers tend to overlook it – much like the rest of the Castilla-La Mancha region in central Spain.

However, Tomelloso is an incredible stop for anyone traveling between Madrid and Valencia, especially for those seeking authentic Spanish cities with a real, unpolished charm and plenty of hidden gems. You can read more about Tomelloso in this post.

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