Spain has cemented its reputation as a leading destination for beauty, culture, and charm, with four of its cities making the prestigious ranking of the most beautiful in Europe, as compiled by the international travel, tourism, and lifestyle magazine Travel + Leisure. The ranking is based on a vote by nearly 180,000 readers who evaluated cities across the globe on their attractions, culture, gastronomy, friendliness, service, and overall value.
While Florence, Italy, secured the top spot in Europe with a remarkable score of 90.08 out of 100, Spanish cities dominated the runner-up positions, highlighting the country's enduring appeal.
The Andalusian Gems Claim the Podium
The top of the European list is marked by the stunning success of two Andalusian cities: Seville and Granada. These cultural powerhouses claimed the second and third places, respectively, confirming their status as must-visit European destinations.
Seville, with its stunning Alcázar, grand Gothic cathedral, and vibrant flamenco culture, scored an impressive 89.49 points
Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra palace and the charming Albaicín neighbourhood, followed closely with a score of 89.48 points.
Madrid and Córdoba Complete the Quartet
Rounding out the Spanish representation are the nation's capital and another Andalusian treasure:
Madrid, a hub of art, history, and cosmopolitan energy, secured eighth place on the list with 88.02 points. The capital was praised for its world-class museums, lively squares, and excellent culinary scene.
Córdoba, with its breathtaking Mezquita-Cathedral and picturesque flower-filled patios, also made a strong appearance, earning 13th place with 87.22 points.
The strong showing of Seville, Granada, Madrid, and Córdoba underscores Spain's incredible diversity, offering visitors everything from imperial palaces and Moorish architecture to world-class modern museums and bustling city life, all underpinned by the country's renowned warmth and gastronomy.
The most beautiful cities in Europe
|
Rank
|
City
|
Country
|
Score (out of 100)
|
|
|
1
|
Florence
|
Italy
|
90.08
|
|
|
2
|
Seville
|
Spain
|
89.49
|
|
|
3
|
Granada
|
Spain
|
89.48
|
|
|
4
|
Istanbul
|
Turkey
|
89.47
|
|
|
5
|
Rome
|
Italy
|
88.91
|
|
|
6
|
Siena
|
Italy
|
88.33
|
|
|
7
|
Porto
|
Portugal
|
88.24
|
|
|
8
|
Madrid
|
Spain
|
88.02
|
|
|
9
|
Lisbon
|
Portugal
|
87.44
|
|
|
10
|
Lyon
|
France
|
87.43
|
|
|
11
|
Prague
|
Czech Republic
|
87.38
|
|
|
12
|
Salzburg
|
Austria
|
87.3
|
|
|
13
|
Córdoba
|
Spain
|
87.22
|
|
|
14
|
Athens
|
Greece
|
86.69
|
|
|
15
|
Aix-en-Provence
|
France
|
86.6
|
|