The best cities in Spain, one by one
Eight cities, each with a page that says who it suits, how many days to give it, what to book ahead and how to get there by train.
Madrid
Spain's capital: the Prado, the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and fast trains to most of the country.
Barcelona
Gaudí's Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter and the sea, about 3 hours from Madrid by train.
Seville
Andalusia's capital: the Real Alcázar, the Cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España and Triana.
Granada
The Alhambra, the Albaicín and free tapas with drinks, below the Sierra Nevada.
Valencia
Spain's third city: a Gothic old town, a park in an old riverbed and the home of paella.
Málaga
Picasso's birthplace: a Moorish fortress, a Roman theatre and the Picasso Museum in one compact centre.
San Sebastián
Basque seaside city on La Concha bay, with pintxo bars in the old town and two hills to climb.
Bilbao
Basque river city with the Guggenheim, a compact old town of pintxo bars, and the coast nearby.