15 Beautiful Places in Spain Beginning with A (You’ve Probably Missed)

Discover 15 stunning places in Spain beginning with A — from the golden beaches of Alicante to the ancient walls of Ávila. Whether you’re planning your next Spanish getaway or just love uncovering new destinations, this list showcases some of the most captivating towns and cities that all happen to start with the same letter. From coastal charm to hilltop history, these “A” locations reveal the depth and diversity of Spain — and might just inspire your next adventure.

Top 15 Must-Visit Places in Spain starting with ‘A’

1. Alicante, Valencian Community

Alicante is a sunny coastal city famous for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historic castle overlooking the sea. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and culture, with a charming old town and lively marina.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, don’t miss Alicante’s vibrant city life and historical sites as featured in our guide to the best day trips from Valencia.

• Top Attractions: Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España promenade, Postiguet Beach.
• Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local seafood paella, a speciality of Valencia or the sweet turron candy.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Travel Tip: Alicante-Elche Airport offers easy access, and the city is well-connected by train to Madrid and Barcelona.

2. Ávila, Castille and Leon

Famous for its remarkably preserved medieval walls, Ávila is a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. The city’s Gothic cathedral and historic churches add to its medieval charm.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, don’t miss Alicante’s vibrant city life and historical sites as featured in our guide to the best day trips from Valencia.

• Top Attractions: Ávila’s city walls, Cathedral of Ávila, Convent of Saint Teresa.
• Cuisine: Sample local specialities like “yemas de Santa Teresa” (sweet egg yolk pastries).
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or early autumn for pleasant sightseeing weather.
• Travel Tip: Ávila is about 1.5 hours by train from Madrid, making it a perfect day trip.

3. Almería, Andalusia

Almería combines stunning desert landscapes with beautiful Mediterranean beaches. The city’s Moorish Alcazaba fortress is one of the largest in Spain, offering panoramic views of the coast.

• Top Attractions: Alcazaba of Almería, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Playa de los Genoveses.
• Cuisine: Enjoy local specialities like “gurullos” (a type of pasta) and fresh seafood dishes.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for ideal beach weather without the summer crowds.
• Travel Tip: Almería Airport offers good connections; the city is also accessible by road.

4. Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha

Albacete is a modern city known for its role as an industrial hub and for hosting one of Spain’s largest and most famous fairs. It serves as a gateway to the cultural and culinary delights of Castilla-La Mancha.

• Top Attractions: Museo de la Cuchillería (Knife Museum), Pasaje de Lodares, Parque Abelardo Sánchez.
• Cuisine: Sample Manchego cheese and hearty regional stews.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate.
• Travel Tip: Well connected by train and road to Madrid and Valencia.

5. Alcalá de Henares, Community of Madrid

Alcalá de Henares is a historic university town and the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Its beautifully preserved old town offers rich, cultural heritage and vibrant student life.

• Top Attractions: Cervantes Birthplace Museum, University of Alcalá, Plaza de Cervantes.
• Cuisine: Try “rosquillas de Alcalá,” a local pastry speciality.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for mild weather and pleasant exploration.
• Travel Tip: Just 40 minutes from Madrid by train, making it an easy day trip.

6. Aranjuez, Community of Madrid

Aranjuez is famed for its grand royal palace and magnificent gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a favourite springtime retreat for Spanish royalty, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.

• Top Attractions: Royal Palace of Aranjuez, Jardín del Príncipe, Casa del Labrador.
• Cuisine: Don’t miss local asparagus dishes and river fish specialities.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for garden blooms.
• Travel Tip: A 50-minute train ride from Madrid makes it ideal for a day visit.

7. A Coruña, Galicia

A Coruña is a vibrant Atlantic port city in Galicia known for its iconic Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, and dramatic coastal views. Its historic centre offers charming streets and delicious Galician cuisine.

• Top Attractions: Tower of Hercules, Maria Pita Square, Aquarium Finisterrae.
• Cuisine: Feast on fresh seafood like octopus (pulpo a la gallega) and Galician empanadas.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach weather and festivals.
• Travel Tip: A Coruña Airport connects to several Spanish cities; the city is well served by trains and buses.

8. Águilas, Murcia

Águilas is a sunny coastal town in Murcia known for its sandy beaches and lively annual carnival, one of Spain’s most colourful. It’s a perfect destination for sun seekers and culture lovers alike.

• Top Attractions: Águilas Castle, Las Delicias Beach, Carnival of Águilas.
• Cuisine: Enjoy Mediterranean seafood and Murcian specialities like caldero (fish stew).
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for beach-friendly weather and festivals.
• Travel Tip: Close to Murcia International Airport and accessible by train.

9. Alcoy, Valencian Community

Alcoy is a mountain town famous for its dramatic Moors and Christians festival, celebrating its historical battles. The town also boasts impressive modernist architecture and scenic mountain surroundings.

• Top Attractions: Moors and Christians Festival, Pont de Sant Jordi bridge, Archaeological Museum.
• Cuisine: Try traditional rice dishes and “cocas savoury pastries,” savoury pastries.
• Best Time to Visit: April or October during festival season.
• Travel Tip: Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Alicante.

10. Algeciras, Andalusia

Algeciras is a busy port city in Andalusia views across to Africa, known for its strategic location near the Strait of Gibraltar. Visitors can enjoy and explore nearby natural parks.

• Top Attractions: Parque María Cristina, Gibraltar viewpoint, Mercado de Abastos.
• Cuisine: Sample fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild temperatures.
• Travel Tip: Connected by ferry to Tangier, Morocco; close to Málaga and Gibraltar airports.

11. Arcos de la Frontera, Andalusia

Arcos de la Frontera is a stunning cliff-top town with classic whitewashed Andalusian architecture. Its narrow winding streets and dramatic views make it a favourite among travellers seeking authentic charm.

• Top Attractions: Castle of Arcos, Church of Santa María, Plaza del Cabildo.
• Cuisine: Enjoy Andalusian tapas and local wines.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for pleasant sightseeing weather.
• Travel Tip: About 45 minutes from Jerez by car; limited public transport options.

12. Antequera, Andalusia

Known as the “Heart of Andalusia,” Antequera offers an impressive mix of archaeological sites, Renaissance architecture, and natural parks, including the spectacular El Torcal limestone formations.

• Top Attractions: Dolmens of Antequera, Alcazaba fortress, El Torcal Natural Park.
• Cuisine: Try “porra antequerana,” a refreshing cold tomato soup.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for hiking and sightseeing.
• Travel Tip: Located 45 minutes from Málaga by car or train.

13. Avilés, Asturias

Avilés is a northern Spanish city in Asturias, blending its industrial heritage with a flourishing cultural scene. Its revitalised historic centre is filled with modern art, galleries, and charming plazas.

• Top Attractions: Centro Niemeyer, Church of Santo Tomás, Parque de Ferrera.
• Cuisine: Taste Asturian cider and local seafood dishes.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for festivals and mild weather.
• Travel Tip: Accessible via Asturias Airport; well connected by rail and road.

14. Alcalá la Real, Andalusia

Alcalá la Real is a fortress town in Andalusia surrounded by olive groves and dominated by the impressive La Mota Castle, offering rich history and panoramic views.

• Top Attractions: La Mota Fortress, Church of Santiago, local olive oil museums.
• Cuisine: Sample olive oil-infused Andalusian dishes and hearty stews.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn to enjoy mild weather and outdoor exploring.
• Travel Tip: Best accessed by car; nearest airports are Granada and Málaga.

15. Aznalcázar, Andalusia

Aznalcázar is a peaceful town near the Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important wetlands. It’s perfect for birdwatchers and those seeking rural tranquillity close to nature.

• Top Attractions: Doñana National Park, local hiking trails, traditional Andalusian architecture.
• Cuisine: Enjoy rustic Andalusian dishes featuring fresh local ingredients.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for wildlife spotting and pleasant weather.
• Travel Tip: Located about 30 minutes from Seville by car.

Regional Spotlight: Where in Spain Are These ‘A’ Places?

Before you plan your next Spanish getaway, it helps to understand where these captivating places sit on the map — and what makes each region so unique. From flamenco-filled Andalusia to seafood-scented Galicia, these ‘A’ destinations offer more than just pretty names. Let’s take a closer look at how they group regionally and what cultural delights you can expect along the way. 

Spain’s alphabet of attractions is spread far and wide — from sun-soaked southern coasts to windswept Atlantic shores. Grouping these cities and towns by region can help you plan a more efficient route or understand how Spain’s diverse geography shapes its culture and character. 

• Andalusia: A land of Moorish palaces, flamenco rhythms, and whitewashed towns. Here you’ll find Almería, Arcos de la Frontera, Antequera, Alcalá la Real, Aznalcázar, and Algeciras — each steeped in southern soul. 
• Valencian Community: Hugging the Mediterranean, the lively port city of Alicante and the historic mountain town of Alcoy bring a perfect blend of beach and tradition. 
• Madrid Region: Just beyond the capital, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares offer royal gardens and literary landmarks. 
• Castilla y León: Ávila, known for its preserved medieval walls, is a gem of this rugged heartland. 
• Castilla-La Mancha: Discover inland charm in Albacete, a laid-back gateway to La Mancha’s wide plains. 
• Galicia: The coastal city of A Coruña delivers Atlantic drama, Celtic echoes, and hearty Galician seafood. 
• Murcia: Águilas, with its golden beaches and carnival spirit, sits on Spain’s southeastern curve. 
• Asturias: Industrial heritage and artistic rebirth come together in Avilés, a rising star of Spain’s green north. 

Pro Tip – If you’re planning a regional road trip, this breakdown helps you group nearby cities to make the most of your time in each part of Spain.

Culture & Cuisine Across the ‘A’ Cities 

One of Spain’s greatest charms is how much culture can change from town to town — even when the names all begin with “A”! As you explore these destinations, you’ll uncover a vibrant mix of history, tradition, and delicious local flavours. 

• Andalusian towns like Arcos, Algeciras, and Antequera offer flamenco performances, tapas culture, and ancient architecture with Moorish roots. 
• In Alicante, you’ll taste the rich paellas and enjoy vibrant street festivals on the Explanada de España. 
• Ávila and Alcalá de Henares preserve medieval and literary legacies — perfect for history lovers. 
• Coastal cities such as Águilas and A Coruña serve up fresh seafood with a view, from grilled octopus to razor clams. 
• In the north, Avilés and A Coruña are reinventing themselves as cultural hubs, mixing modern art with traditional Asturian and Galician customs.

Whether you’re wandering through olive groves in Aznalcázar or sipping wine in a hidden plaza in Alcalá la Real, these destinations prove that Spain’s cultural richness starts from A to… well, you get the idea. 

Travel Tips for Exploring Spain’s ‘A’ Cities 

Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked road trip or hopping between cities by train, here are some tips to make your journey through Spain’s ‘A’ cities smooth and unforgettable. 

Getting Around 

Spain’s public transport is efficient and well-connected: 

• Trains: High-speed AVE trains link major hubs like Madrid to cities such as Alicante, Aranjuez, and Alcalá de Henares. 
• Buses: Intercity buses are often the easiest way to reach smaller towns like Águilas, Aznalcázar, and Alcalá la Real. 
• Car rental: For exploring rural areas or combining multiple cities in one trip — like Antequera and Arcos de la Frontera — a rental car gives you the most freedom. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists. 
• Coastal cities like Alicante and Águilas are perfect in late spring or early autumn for beach time without peak-season crowds. 
• Inland cities like Ávila or Albacete are best visited in shoulder seasons to avoid summer heat.

Quick Tips 

• Book ahead during festivals like Carnaval in Águilas or Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy — accommodation fills fast. 
• Sundays and Mondays can mean closures at museums and restaurants in smaller towns. 
• Local markets (mercados) are great spots to try authentic food on a budget — look out for fresh turrón in Alicante or olives in Antequera.

Pro Tip – Pack layers — Spain’s regions can vary in temperature even on the same day, especially if you’re heading from beach to mountain. 

Final Thoughts: 15 Beautiful Places in Spain Beginning with ‘A’

From Alicante’s golden beaches to Ávila’s ancient walls, these 15 ‘A’ cities and towns showcase the rich variety of Spain’s landscapes, cultures and history.

Whether you’re drawn to coastal sunshine or mountain traditions, there’s an ‘A’ city in Spain waiting to surprise you.

Ready to keep exploring? Check out our post on the 20 best places to visit in Spain for first timers for more travel inspiration, and let us know which of these ‘A’ cities you’ll be adding to your bucket list!