15 Largest Cities in Spain by population and area

Want to know which is the most populated city in Spain? Here’s a list of the largest cities in Spain by population and area in 2019. 

1. Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest city by population and size. There are more than 3.2 million people living in the city, which also makes it one of the largest cities in Europe. 

Madrid is also one of the best places to experience Spanish food culture, and the city is home to the oldest restaurant in the world. If that wasn’t enough, the Spanish capital city is also home to one of the most successful football clubs in history – Real Madrid. 

Population: 3,255,944

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain as a whole. Like Madrid, it’s also home to one of the most successful football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona, which is the fiercest rival club of Real Madrid.

Barcelona is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with famous attractions such as the Gaudi buildings, La Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. 

Population: 1,621,537

3. Valencia

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain with a population of more than 814 000 people. The port of Valencia is one of the most important container ports in Europe, and the city is also known for its futuristic buildings and impressive architecture.

Population: 814,208

4. Seville

Seville or Sevilla is the largest city in Andalusia, and the city is known as a major cultural center of southern Spain, and it has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Seville is also home to the Spanish dance known as Sevillanas, which is the city’s traditional folk music and dance. 

Population: 703,206

5. Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the largest city in the autonomous community in Aragon, and the city is famous for its folklore, local gastronomy and the famous pilgrimage site – Basilica del Pilar.

The annual Fiestas del Pilar is one of the most celebrated festivals in Spain. Zaragoza is also well-connected to both Madrid and Barcelona.

Population: 674,317

6. Malaga

Malaga is one of the largest cities in Andalusia and is known as the gateway to Costa del Sol, which has been an important part of the country’s tourism for decades.

It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, and the birthplace of the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso. Malaga also has a pleasant climate year-round. 

Population: 568,305

7. Murcia

Murcia is the 7th largest city in Spain with a population of more than 436 000 people. It’s located in south-eastern Spain and was founded already in 825.

Murcia has a long agricultural tradition where lots of fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers, are being grown and exported.

Population: 436,870

8. Palma de Mallorca

Palma is the capital and the largest city in the Balearic islands with a population of more than 400 000 people. Palma Airport also serves as a gateway to the island of Mallorca and receives over 29 million passengers per year. 

Population: 401,270

9. Las Palmas

Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands and has been a transportation hub since colonial times. Today, Las Palmas is home to the famous beach Las Canteras, which has been named as one of the best city beaches in the world. 

The city was founded in 1478 as Real de Las Palmas by Juan Rejón.

Population: 381,847

10. Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in Basque Country, and it was previously known as an industrial city. However, today it’s more famous for art and culture where visitors can, for example, visit the Guggenheim Museum.

Population: 354,860

11. Alicante

Alicante is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe and serves as the gateway to Costa Blanca, and the city is also known for its boulevards filled with palm trees and shopping as well as its old town. 

Population: 334,757

12. Cordoba

Cordoba is one of the largest cities in Andalusia, and the city is famous for its Moorish architecture and historic center. Cordoba is also known for picturesque streets and quality of leather products. 

Population: 328,428

13. Valladolid

Valladolid is the capital of the autonomous community of Castile and León, and it was founded in 1072. The city is hosting several events annually, including the film festival known as Valladolid International Film Week and the famous Holy Week.

Population: 317,864

14. Vigo

Vigo is located on the northwest coast of Spain in the autonomous region of Galicia. It’s one of the rainiest areas in Europe, but the city is also known for its quality seafood.

Population: 297,332

15. Gijon

Gijon is the largest city in Asturias, and it was founded in the 5th century BC. The city is known for its great number of seafood restaurants as well as cider bars and beautiful beaches. 

Population: 277,554

The Biggest City in Spain by Area

Madrid is the largest city in Spain with a total area of 604.3 km².

Map of the largest Spanish cities

Below, you can see where the largest cities in Spain are located on the map. 

More about the Largest Cities in Spain

Three of the largest cities in Spain are located in Andalusia, Malaga, Seville, and Cordoba, which is the most populous region in the country as a whole with more than 8.4 million people.

Many of the Spanish cities were founded a long time ago, and the majority of them still have a historic old town center. The population of the largest cities in Spain is likely to increase as more people are moving to urban areas due to education and job opportunities. 

However, countrywide, the population is estimated to have a decline due to low fertility rate and an aging population.

How many cities are there in Spain?

There is a total of 8,124 municipalities in Spain, including the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

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How many of the largest cities in Spain did you know about? Leave a comment below!