12 Oldest Cities in Spain:
Ancient Cities You Can Visit

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Looking to discover the oldest cities in Spain?

Spain has a history stretching back thousands of years, and you can still see traces of the different civilisations that have called the country home today. From Roman amphitheatres and ancient city walls to Moorish fortresses and winding medieval streets, some of Spain’s oldest cities feel like open-air history books.

But which Spanish city is actually the oldest?

Cádiz is generally regarded as the oldest city in Spain, with its origins dating back around 3,000 years to the Phoenicians. However, creating a definitive list of Spain’s oldest cities isn’t quite as straightforward as it might first appear. Foundation dates can be disputed, ancient settlements existed before some modern cities were officially founded, and cities have sometimes been destroyed, abandoned and later rebuilt.

That makes exploring Spain’s oldest cities even more fascinating.

I’ve visited many of the cities in this guide myself, from exploring Tarragona’s incredible Roman ruins to getting lost among the winding streets of Toledo. Along the way, I’ve discovered that some of the places we now think of as modern Spanish city-break destinations have histories stretching back centuries before Madrid even existed.

In this guide, I’ll take you through 12 of the oldest cities in Spain, explain what makes each one historically significant and show you what remains of their fascinating past that you can still experience today.

What Is The Oldest CIty in Spain?

Cádiz is generally considered the oldest city in Spain and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.

The city traces its origins back around 3,000 years to the Phoenicians, who established a settlement called Gadir on Spain’s Atlantic coast. Its location made it an important trading point, and over the centuries Cádiz was influenced by numerous civilisations, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors.

However, determining the exact age of an ancient city isn’t always straightforward. Archaeological discoveries can change what we know about early settlements, while there is also a difference between evidence of people living in an area and the foundation of a recognisable city.

For that reason, the dates in this guide should be treated as approximate rather than an exact ranking down to a particular year.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 12 of the oldest cities in Spain and the history you can still discover when you visit them today.

How I Ranked the Oldest Cities in Spain

Ranking the oldest cities in Spain is more complicated than simply looking for the earliest date associated with each place.

Some modern Spanish cities developed from ancient settlements, while others were officially founded much later despite evidence of people living in the surrounding area for thousands of years. Cities have also been destroyed, abandoned and subsequently rebuilt, making direct comparisons difficult.

For this list, I’ve focused primarily on the recognised foundation or establishment of the city, rather than the earliest evidence of human settlement in the area.

It’s also worth remembering that ancient foundation dates are often estimates and can be disputed as new archaeological evidence emerges. That means you may occasionally see different dates, or even a different order, depending on the historical sources being used.

Rather than claiming there is one definitive ranking, this guide brings together 12 cities recognised for their particularly ancient origins, while explaining the history behind each one.

12 Oldest Cities in Spain

Definitions of both what constitutes a city and how to date a city’s age can be quite flexible. For this list, I have included 12 major cities that are known for being amongst the oldest in Spain and are recognised as some of the most historic across the country.

1. Cádiz

• Founded: Around 1100 BC
• Founded by: Phoenicians
• Autonomous Community: Andalusia
• Best for: Phoenician history, Roman remains and combining history with the beach

Cádiz takes the number one spot on this list, with its origins traditionally dating back to around 1100 BC. The Phoenicians established a settlement called Gadir here, attracted by its strategic position on the Atlantic and its potential as a trading port.

Over its long history, Cádiz came under the influence of the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. The Romans knew the city as Gades, and it developed into an important and prosperous port connected to the wider Roman Empire.

Today, Cádiz is particularly interesting because its ancient history sits alongside a lively modern Spanish city. You can explore the Roman Theatre, wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre and visit Cádiz Cathedral before heading to the waterfront or one of the city’s beaches.

The city is also famous for the Carnival of Cádiz, one of Spain’s best-known carnival celebrations.

If you’re interested in Spanish history but don’t want your trip to revolve entirely around museums and archaeological sites, Cádiz offers a brilliant combination of ancient history, local culture, seafood and the sea.

How to get to Cádiz

Jerez Airport is the closest airport to Cádiz, while Seville offers considerably more flight options. Cádiz is also connected to Seville by direct train, making it possible to visit without hiring a car.

2. Málaga

• Founded: Around 770 BC
• Founded by: Phoenicians
• Autonomous Community: Andalusia
• Best for: Phoenician history, Moorish architecture and combining culture with the Costa del Sol

Málaga is another of the oldest cities in Spain, with its origins dating back almost 2,800 years. The Phoenicians established a settlement known as Malaka around 770 BC, and its coastal location helped it develop into an important Mediterranean trading centre.

The city later came under Carthaginian and Roman control before becoming part of Al-Andalus. One of the most impressive reminders of this period is the Alcazaba of Málaga, the fortified palace overlooking the city. Below it, you can also see Málaga’s remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre.

Before my first visit, I mainly thought of Málaga as a gateway to the resorts of the Costa del Sol. The Alcazaba completely changed my impression of the city. I hadn’t realised just how much history there was to discover, and Málaga deserves far more attention than simply being somewhere you fly into before heading to the beach.

Today, you can combine that history with the Picasso Museum, Málaga Cathedral, excellent food and, of course, the city’s beaches.

How to get to Málaga

Málaga is particularly easy to visit thanks to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, one of Spain’s busiest international airports. Trains connect the airport with the city centre, and Málaga is also served by high-speed rail from cities including Madrid.

3. Tarragona

• Founded: Around the 5th century BC
• Early settlement: Iberian, later developed by the Romans
• Autonomous Community: Catalonia
• Best for: Roman history and archaeological sitesYear Founded: 5th century BC

Tarragona is one of the best places in Spain to experience the country’s Roman past. The city developed from an earlier Iberian settlement before the Romans established Tarraco, which became one of the most important cities in Roman Hispania.

At its height, Tarraco was the capital of Hispania Citerior, and the remains of the Roman city are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can still explore Roman walls, the circus and other archaeological remains scattered throughout modern Tarragona.

The highlight for me is the Roman Amphitheatre, dramatically positioned between the old city and the Mediterranean. I visited Tarragona in 2025, and the Roman ruins were stunning. Seeing the amphitheatre with the sea immediately behind it is one of those views that really sticks with you.

But Tarragona isn’t solely about its Roman history. Head uphill and you’ll find a beautiful medieval old town, Tarragona Cathedral and narrow streets that are perfect for exploring on foot.

How to get to Tarragona

Reus Airport is the closest airport, but Tarragona is also very easy to reach from Barcelona. Trains run regularly between the two cities, making Tarragona an excellent option for a day trip if you’re staying in Barcelona.

If you’re planning that journey, my guide to visiting Tarragona on a day trip from Barcelona covers what to see and how to make the most of one day in the city.

4. Cartagena

• Founded: Around 227 BC
• Founded by: Carthaginians
• Autonomous Community: Region of Murcia
• Best for: Roman history, archaeology and exploring on foot

Next on our journey through the oldest cities in Spain is Cartagena, a historic port city on Spain’s southeastern coast. The city was founded by the Carthaginians around 227 BC and was originally known as Qart Hadasht.

Its strategic Mediterranean location soon attracted the attention of the Romans, who captured the city and renamed it Carthago Nova. Cartagena subsequently became an important Roman port, with its natural harbour helping the city prosper through trade and mining.

Today, Cartagena is one of my favourite places in Spain for seeing ancient history woven into a modern city. I visited in December 2023 and was surprised by just how beautiful the city was.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Roman Theatre, which sits right in the heart of Cartagena. Seeing such an impressive archaeological site surrounded by the modern city really brings home just how many layers of history there are here. You can also explore the Roman Forum District and learn more about Cartagena’s long maritime history.

How to get to Cartagena

The nearest airport is Región de Murcia International Airport, although Alicante Airport offers a much wider choice of international flights. If you’re already travelling around southeastern Spain, Cartagena can also be reached by train and bus from Murcia and other nearby cities.

5. Salamanca

• Founded: Around the 2nd century BC
• Early settlement: Pre-Roman, later developed under Roman rule
• Autonomous Community: Castile and León
• Best for: Medieval architecture, university history and beautiful historic squares

Salamanca’s recorded history stretches back to at least the Roman period, although archaeological evidence suggests people were living in the area long before then.

The city became important under Roman rule thanks partly to its position on the Vía de la Plata, an important Roman route across western Spain. However, it was during the Middle Ages that Salamanca really began to develop the identity for which it is famous today.

The University of Salamanca, founded in the 13th century, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and helped establish the city as an important centre of learning. Its historic buildings remain some of Salamanca’s biggest attractions.

At the heart of the city is the magnificent Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the golden sandstone architecture that gives Salamanca its distinctive appearance. You can also explore its Old and New Cathedrals, the university buildings and the unusual Casa de las Conchas.

Salamanca is a great choice if you’re interested in Spanish history but want something different from the Roman ruins found in several of the earlier cities on this list. Much of its appeal comes from its beautifully preserved historic centre and centuries-old university atmosphere.

6. Toledo

• Founded: Around the 2nd century BC
• Early settlement: Carpetani, later conquered by the Romans
• Autonomous Community: Castilla-La Mancha
• Best for: Medieval streets, religious heritage and panoramic views

Perched above the River Tagus, Toledo is one of Spain’s most atmospheric historic cities. The area was settled before the arrival of the Romans, who conquered the Carpetani settlement in the 2nd century BC and developed the city they called Toletum.

Toledo later became an important Visigothic centre before coming under Muslim rule and eventually being incorporated into the Christian Kingdom of Castile. This long and complex history is reflected in the city’s churches, synagogues, mosques and medieval architecture.

I visited Toledo in 2024, and the old town was every bit as impressive as I’d hoped. Its winding streets were a highlight for me, and Toledo has that wonderfully traditional Spanish atmosphere that makes simply wandering around part of the experience.

There is plenty to discover, including Toledo Cathedral, the former synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz. The historic city is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get to Toledo

Toledo is particularly easy to visit from Madrid, with direct high-speed trains connecting the two cities. This makes it one of the most popular day trips from the Spanish capital, although staying overnight gives you more time to explore once many day visitors have left.

7. Córdoba

• Founded: Around the 2nd century BC
• Developed by: Romans
• Autonomous Community: Andalusia
• Best for: Roman and Islamic history, architecture and atmospheric old streets

Few cities on this list demonstrate Spain’s different historical layers quite as spectacularly as Córdoba. Although earlier settlements existed in the area, the Roman city of Corduba was established in the 2nd century BC and eventually became the capital of the Roman province of Baetica.

Centuries later, Córdoba reached another extraordinary period of importance under Muslim rule. During the Caliphate of Córdoba, the city became a major political, cultural and intellectual centre in Al-Andalus.

The most famous reminder of this period is the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, where rows of distinctive red-and-white arches create one of Spain’s most remarkable interiors. Elsewhere, you can cross the Roman Bridge, wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre and explore the remains of the city’s long Roman, Islamic, Jewish and Christian past.

I first visited Córdoba in 2012, and its beautiful old town made a lasting impression on me. The Mezquita-Catedral in particular is incredible to experience in person, and I’m looking forward to returning in October 2026.

How to get to Córdoba

Córdoba doesn’t have a major commercial airport, but its high-speed rail connections make it particularly easy to reach. Direct trains connect the city with Madrid, Seville and Málaga, so it fits naturally into a wider Andalusia itinerary.

8. Girona

• Founded: Around the 1st century BC
• Developed by: Romans
• Autonomous Community: Catalonia
• Best for: Roman and medieval history, atmospheric streets and city views

Girona’s history stretches back more than 2,000 years. The Romans established the fortified settlement of Gerunda in the 1st century BC, strategically positioned along the route connecting the Iberian Peninsula with the rest of the Roman world.

While its Roman origins are important, it’s Girona’s wonderfully preserved medieval old town that makes the city’s history so enjoyable to explore today. Ancient walls, narrow lanes and steep stone stairways surround landmarks including Girona Cathedral and the city’s historic Jewish Quarter.

I’ve visited Girona in both 2024 and 2025, and its old town is stunning. It’s the kind of place where I’d recommend allowing yourself some time simply to wander rather than rushing between attractions.

Film and television fans may also recognise parts of the old town from Game of Thrones, which used several locations around Girona during filming. But even if you’ve never watched the series, the historic streets are easily reason enough to visit.

How to get to Girona

Girona has its own airport, although many visitors arrive from Barcelona. High-speed trains make the journey from Barcelona particularly straightforward, which is one reason Girona works so well as a day trip.

If that’s how you’re planning to visit, my guide to spending one day in Girona will help you plan your time and decide what to prioritise.

9. Mérida

• Founded: 25 BC
• Founded by: Romans
• Autonomous Community: Extremadura
• Best for: Roman ruins, archaeology and ancient history

If Roman history is what draws you to Spain’s oldest cities, Mérida is one of the most rewarding places on this list. Unlike cities that gradually developed from earlier settlements, Roman Mérida has a particularly clear foundation story.

The city was founded in 25 BC as Augusta Emerita under the Roman emperor Augustus. It was established for veteran soldiers and went on to become the capital of Lusitania, one of Rome’s provinces on the Iberian Peninsula.

That Roman legacy is still remarkably visible today. Mérida’s archaeological ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with monuments including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, Temple of Diana, Roman Bridge and the remains of an aqueduct.

I visited Mérida in 2016, and the Roman Amphitheatre was particularly impressive. What makes Mérida special, though, is the sheer amount of Roman history you encounter across the city. It doesn’t feel as though you’re visiting one isolated archaeological attraction.

How to get to Mérida

Mérida is in Extremadura, between Madrid and the Portuguese border. Badajoz Airport is the closest airport, although its flight options are limited. For many international visitors, Mérida makes most sense as part of a wider journey through western Spain, with rail and bus connections from other Spanish cities.

10. Zaragoza

• Founded: Around 14 BC
• Founded by: Romans
• Autonomous Community: Aragon
• Best for: Roman history, Moorish architecture and impressive monuments

Zaragoza is another Spanish city with strong Roman roots. The Romans founded Caesaraugusta around 14 BC, naming the city after Emperor Augustus. It later became an important Roman settlement in the Ebro Valley, and traces of that ancient city can still be explored today.

Several archaeological sites reveal Zaragoza’s Roman past, including the remains of its Roman theatre, forum, public baths and river port. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Caesaraugusta.

But Zaragoza’s history certainly didn’t end with the Romans. The city later came under Muslim rule, and one of its most impressive monuments dates from this period. The Aljafería Palace was built in the 11th century and is one of the finest surviving examples of Islamic architecture from the era of the taifa kingdoms.

I hadn’t visited Zaragoza when I originally wrote this article, but I have since been there, and the Aljafería was particularly impressive. It’s a good reminder that Zaragoza offers much more than its Roman origins, with Islamic, Christian and Mudéjar heritage adding further layers to the city’s story.

You’ll also want to see the enormous Basílica del Pilar, which dominates Zaragoza’s riverfront and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

How to get to Zaragoza

Zaragoza sits roughly between Madrid and Barcelona, making it particularly convenient to include in a journey between Spain’s two largest cities. High-speed trains connect Zaragoza with both, while the city also has its own airport.

11. Barcelona

• Founded: Roman city established around the late 1st century BC
• Roman name: Barcino
• Autonomous Community: Catalonia
• Best for: Roman remains, Gothic architecture and layers of history

Barcelona might feel thoroughly modern, but its history stretches back more than 2,000 years. The Romans established a colony called Barcino around the end of the 1st century BC, centred on what is now the Gothic Quarter.

Although Roman Barcelona was considerably smaller than the city you see today, traces of Barcino are surprisingly easy to find. Sections of the Roman city walls remain visible around the Gothic Quarter, while the columns of the Temple of Augustus are tucked away among its narrow streets.

I’ve been to Barcelona many times, and one of the things I love about the city is how easily you can stumble across different periods of its history. You can be exploring Roman remains one moment, wandering through medieval streets the next, and then find yourself surrounded by Modernista architecture.

The Gothic Quarter is the obvious place to start exploring Barcelona’s older side. Away from the busiest streets, you’ll find historic squares, medieval buildings and reminders of the Roman settlement beneath the modern city.

How to get to Barcelona

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main international gateway to the city, with extensive connections across Europe and beyond. Barcelona is also extremely well connected to the rest of Spain by high-speed rail.

If you’re deciding how much time to allow, my guide to how many days you need in Barcelona can help you plan a longer stay beyond the historic centre.

12. Seville

• Founded: Ancient origins, with settlement predating Roman rule
• Roman name: Hispalis
• Autonomous Community: Andalusia
• Best for: Roman, Islamic and medieval historyear Founded: 25 BC

Seville brings us to the final city on the list, although putting a precise foundation date on it is difficult. The area was settled long before the Romans arrived, and ancient Seville developed into the Roman city of Hispalis, an important commercial centre on the River Guadalquivir.

It was under Muslim rule, however, that some of the foundations for Seville’s most recognisable historic landmarks were laid. The city became known as Ishbiliya, and the Giralda began life as the minaret of the Almohad mosque that once occupied the site of Seville Cathedral.

Following the Christian conquest in 1248, Seville continued to grow in importance. Its fortunes reached another high point after voyages to the Americas transformed the city into one of Europe’s great centres of trade.

Today, that long history is visible throughout the centre. You can explore the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda, then wander through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz to experience a city shaped by Roman, Islamic, medieval and early modern influences.

How to get to Seville

Seville Airport has connections with numerous European cities, while high-speed trains make the city easy to reach from Madrid, Córdoba and Málaga.

If you’re still deciding when to go, my guide to the best time to visit Seville compares the seasons and helps you avoid some of the city’s most intense summer heat.

Map Of The Oldest Cities In Spain

What About Valencia and Alicante?

You might be wondering why Valencia and Alicante aren’t included in the 12 oldest cities in Spain, particularly as both have ancient histories.

It’s a fair question, and one a reader of the original version of this article raised with me. The answer highlights one of the difficulties with creating a definitive ranking of ancient Spanish cities.

Does Valencia belong on the list?

Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC as Valentia, so there is a strong argument that it deserves a place in a list like this. Valencia City Council confirms the foundation date, and archaeological remains from Roman Valentia can still be explored at the L’Almoina Archaeological Centre.

There’s an interesting complication, though. Valencia was destroyed in 75 BC during the Roman civil wars and remained largely abandoned for almost half a century before being rebuilt during the reign of Augustus.

That raises an important question: should the oldest cities be ranked purely by their original foundation date, or should continuous urban occupation also matter?

For transparency, Valencia is a strong candidate for inclusion, and its absence demonstrates why I wouldn’t describe this ranking as definitive.

If you’re visiting, my guide to things to do in Valencia includes plenty more ideas for exploring the city.

What about Alicante and Akra Leuke?

Alicante is more complicated.

The ancient Carthaginian settlement of Akra Leuke has historically been associated with the Alicante area, including attempts to identify it with the archaeological site at Tossal de Manises. However, that identification has been debated by archaeologists rather than conclusively established. Research published by Alicante’s MARQ archaeological museum discusses both the proposed connection and the archaeological uncertainty surrounding it.

For that reason, I wouldn’t give modern Alicante a precise ancient foundation date based solely on Akra Leuke and insert it into the ranking as established fact.

Which Old Spanish City Should You Visit?

With so many ancient cities in Spain, the best one to visit depends less on which is technically the oldest and more on the kind of history you want to experience.

For the deepest sense of ancient history, Cádiz is the obvious choice. Its Phoenician origins stretch back around 3,000 years, but you also get beaches, seafood and a lively Andalusian atmosphere alongside the history.

If Roman Spain interests you most, I’d put Mérida and Tarragona near the top of the list. Mérida has an extraordinary concentration of Roman monuments, while Tarragona combines impressive ruins with a Mediterranean setting. Having visited both, Tarragona’s amphitheatre overlooking the sea is particularly memorable.

For Islamic architecture and history, Córdoba is difficult to beat. The Mezquita-Catedral alone makes the city worth visiting, while Zaragoza’s Aljafería offers another fascinating glimpse into Islamic Spain.

If you prefer getting lost in atmospheric historic streets, I’d consider Toledo or Girona. Both have beautiful old towns that reward exploring without too rigid an itinerary.

And don’t overlook Málaga. I certainly did before visiting. I once thought of it primarily as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but its Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and historic centre completely changed my perception of the city.

Ultimately, you don’t need to visit Spain’s oldest city to experience its most fascinating history. Each of these cities reveals a different chapter of Spain’s past, which is exactly what makes exploring them so rewarding.

Final Thoughts: 12 Oldest Cities In Spain

Exploring the oldest cities in Spain is a brilliant way to understand just how many civilisations have shaped the country we see today.

From the Phoenician origins of Cádiz and Málaga to the Roman remains of Mérida and Tarragona, and the Islamic heritage of Córdoba and Zaragoza, each city reveals a different layer of Spain’s extraordinarily long history.

What I find particularly fascinating is that this history isn’t confined to museums. You can walk beside Roman walls in Barcelona, explore the Alcazaba in Málaga, wander Toledo’s winding streets or stand inside an ancient Roman theatre in Cartagena.

And, as we’ve seen with Valencia and Alicante, creating a definitive ranking isn’t always straightforward. Foundation dates can be disputed, settlements evolve, cities disappear and re-emerge, and archaeological discoveries can change our understanding of the past.

That’s part of what makes exploring these places so interesting.

Whether you start with Cádiz, Spain’s oldest city, or choose one of the other historic cities on this list, you’ll be experiencing a part of Spain whose story began thousands of years before the modern country existed.