Spain is a country of contrasts, where cultural, historical and natural wealth is on display at every turn. While cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to capture the attention of travelers, medium-sized cities offer a unique perspective from which to explore the essence of the country. Málaga, Valencia and Santander, three jewels located in different regions, are perfect examples of how these cities combine history, modernity, gastronomy and landscapes to show the best of Spain. Through them, you can discover a more intimate, accessible and authentic Spain, far from the crowds of the big metropolises.
Málaga: The charm of the south between history and modernity
Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a city that breathes history in every street and, at the same time, enthusiastically embraces modernity. With a population of approximately 570,000, this Andalusian city is an ideal entry point for discovering the south of Spain. Malaga is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and his artistic legacy is present in the Picasso Museum, located in the Buenavista Palace, where more than 200 works by the genius of cubism are on display. This museum not only attracts art lovers, but also offers a window into the painter’s life and his connection to the city.
The historic center of Malaga is another of its great attractions. The Alcazaba, an 11th-century Arab fortress, stands majestically on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and recalling the region’s Muslim past. A few steps away, the Roman Theater, discovered in 1951, is a testament to Roman Malaga, while Malaga Cathedral, known as “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because of its unfinished tower, shows the influence of the Spanish Renaissance. Strolling through its narrow streets, full of local shops and tapas bars, allows you to feel the pulse of a city that lives its day-to-day life with passion.
But Malaga is not just about history. Its privileged location on the Costa del Sol makes it an exceptional beach destination. Beaches such as La Malagueta or Pedregalejo offer golden sands and calm waters, ideal for relaxing or enjoying some fried fish, one of the star dishes of the local cuisine. In addition, the city has undergone a transformation in recent decades, with spaces such as Muelle Uno, a modern promenade full of restaurants and shops, or the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a branch of the famous Parisian museum that brings contemporary art to the region.
Malaga represents the soul of southern Spain: a place where sun, history and hospitality intertwine to offer an unforgettable experience. It is a medium-sized city that allows you to explore its nooks and crannies in depth without feeling overwhelmed, making it perfect for those looking to discover Spain in a leisurely and authentic way.
Valencia: Innovation and tradition on the Levantine coast
In eastern Spain, on the shores of the Mediterranean, Valencia shines as a city that perfectly balances its rich past with a futuristic vision. With a population of around 800,000, it is the third largest city in the country, but its relaxed atmosphere and manageable size make it an ideal option for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big capitals. Valencia is a reflection of the character of the Levantine people: cheerful, creative and deeply rooted in their traditions.
One of the biggest attractions in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava that looks like something out of a science fiction movie. This group of buildings includes the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, the Hemisfèric, with its impressive IMAX cinema, and the Science Museum, an interactive space that fascinates visitors of all ages. This project, inaugurated at the end of the 90s, symbolizes the innovative spirit of Valencia and its commitment to the future, attracting millions of tourists every year.
However, Valencia is not just about modernity. Its historic center is a labyrinth of squares and buildings that narrate centuries of history. Valencia Cathedral, with its famous Miguelete —a tower from which spectacular views of the city can be obtained—, is a Gothic symbol that holds the supposed Holy Grail inside. A few steps away, the Central Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, dazzles with its modernist architecture and stalls full of fresh produce, from Valencian oranges to freshly caught seafood. Here, the essence of the city can be felt in every conversation and in the aroma of freshly made paella, the region’s iconic dish.
Valencia’s beaches, such as Malvarrosa or El Cabanyal, are another of its treasures. Although not as touristically exploited as those of the Costa del Sol, they offer a perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sea, with beach bars where you can try horchata, the refreshing local drink made from tiger nuts. In addition, events such as the Fallas, declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, fill the streets with color, music and fire every March, showing the vitality of a city that lives its traditions with intensity.
Valencia is a gateway to the Spanish Mediterranean, a city that combines the best of the coast, culture and gastronomy in an accessible and welcoming environment. To discover it is to understand how Spain can be both traditional and avant-garde.
Santander: The elegance of the north in the most beautiful bay
In the north of Spain, bathed by the Cantabrian Sea, Santander offers a different experience, marked by its elegance and its connection with nature. With a population of around 180,000, this city is smaller than Malaga and Valencia, but its beauty and charm make it an essential destination for exploring the character of northern Spain. Capital of Cantabria, Santander is known for its bay, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and for its stately air, a legacy of its past as a summer resort for royalty.
The Palacio de la Magdalena is the emblem of Santander. Built at the beginning of the 20th century as a summer residence for King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia, this eclectic-style building stands on a peninsula with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains. Today, open to the public, it is a perfect place to stroll through its gardens and enjoy the tranquillity of its surroundings. The Magdalena peninsula also has small but charming beaches such as Bikini, which reflect the intimate character of the city.
Santander’s seafront promenade, with its belle époque buildings and views of the bay, is another of its main attractions. Places like the Casino del Sardinero or the Gran Hotel evoke a golden age when the city was a refuge for the aristocracy. The wide, fine sandy beaches of Sardinero are ideal for walks by the sea, even on the coolest days of the year, when the waves of the Cantabrian Sea show their strength.
Santander’s gastronomy is another reason to visit. Fresh fish and seafood, such as rabas (fried squid) or anchovies from Santoña, are the protagonists of a simple but delicious cuisine. In addition, its proximity to nature allows for getaways to places such as the Cabárceno Nature Park or the Altamira caves, famous for their prehistoric cave paintings.
Santander is green and peaceful Spain, a place where the sea and the mountains merge to create a unique landscape. Its medium size means you can enjoy it without rushing, offering an authentic vision of the north of the country.
Other cities that invite you to explore Spain
Malaga, Valencia and Santander are just three examples of how Spain’s medium-sized cities can be gateways to the country’s diversity. However, there are many others that are also worth a visit. Bilbao, with its iconic Guggenheim Museum and vibrant cultural scene, Zaragoza, with its majestic Basilica del Pilar and rich history, or La Coruña, with its Tower of Hercules and Atlantic air, are destinations that complement this journey through a lesser-known Spain. Another possibility is to discover small cities that preserve the memory of the Spain of yesteryear.