Discover Spain’s lesser-known yet entrancing cities

Spain has some of the best-loved and most visited cities in the world and while most people have explored Barcelona and Madrid, there are plenty of other culturally-rich cities offering the classic Spanish experiences of balmy climate, vibrant tapas bars and impressive architecture.  Spain-holiday.com, the fastest growing company for holiday rentals in Spain, features over 4,500 holiday homes across Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with many city-based properties suiting every budget.  Here are just a few of the options:

Steady on with the sherry in Jerez de la Frontera – from £60 pp (four sharing)
Known for its sherry production, Jerez de la Frontera is the city to head to if you’re looking to sample the world-famous fortified wine, and trying it at one of the many charming bodegas (wineries) is a must do.  The city is also known for its magnificent dancing horses that can be seen at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art, which stages a unique equestrian ballet based around classical flamenco music.  Stay centrally in a hip two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment within a converted 18th century townhouse (property ref: 6085) with a private roof terrace and modern interior from £238 (€270) for three nights or £60 pp (four sharing).  Flights extra. Return flights to Jerez start from £68 pp with Ryanair.

Speed and Science in Valencia – from £66 pp (four sharing)
Despite being Spain’s third-largest city, it is still relatively undiscovered by the Brits.  In recent years, Valencia has become a much-celebrated city having hosted high-profile sporting events such as the Americas Cup and the European Formula One Grand Prix.  Other attractions include the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences educational complex which includes an opera house and oceanarium park.  Benefit from the city’s coastal location and stay in a waterside apartment (property ref: 4549) set in the charming harbour known as Little Venice with two bedrooms, balcony and shared pool – just a short taxi ride away from the city centre.  Three nights cost from £264 (€300) for the property or £66 pp (four sharing). Flights extra. Return flights to Valencia start from £68 pp with Ryanair/Easyjet.

The Grandeur of Toledo – from £73 pp (six sharing)
This remarkable medieval walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site bristles with monumental splendour and has a fascinating history having been ruled by Romans, Jews, Muslims and Christians.  Just an hour’s drive from Madrid and perched on a hilltop, cultural attractions include the Alcazar, 900 year old cathedral, Jewish quarter and the imposing Bisagra Gate.  Located in Toledo’s historical centre (property ref: 6567) is a stylish two-bedroom apartment which is within walking distance of the city’s museums, historical sites and restaurants.  A week costs from £440 (€500) for the apartment or £73 pp (six sharing).  Flights extra.  Return flights to Madrid start from £47 pp with Ryanair/Easyjet.  Madrid is an hour from Toledo by car.

Feel the buzz in Salamanca – from £96 pp (six sharing)
Salamanca is Spain’s oldest university city with a vast student population, an eclectic collection of bars and interesting Baroque architecture.  The city’s Plaza Mayor is considered to be Spain’s most engaging central plaza where bullfights were held well into the 19th century.  Its festivals are legendary and include the feast day of St. John of Sahagún, Salamanca's patron saint, on 12th June, which is celebrated with a four-day extravaganza of entertainment.  Stay in a modern loft-style apartment (property ref: 5267) which sleeps six, stumbling distance from the heart of Salamanca, from £574 (€650) per apartment or £96 pp (six sharing).  Flights extra.  Return flights to Madrid start from £47 pp with Ryanair/Easyjet.  Madrid is a three hour drive from Salamanca.

Charming Palma – from £164 pp (six sharing)
Palma is the main cultural hub of the Balearic Islands and is famed for its fine Gothic cathedral, art galleries, music festivals and wonderful mix of city and beach life.  The city boasts glamorous yacht clubs, sophisticated bars - including Abaco, housed in an ornate mansion - and the trendy port areas of Portixol and El Molinar.  Just a stone’s throw from Palma’s promenade (property ref: 8093) is a three-bedroom contemporary apartment with shared pool, close to beaches and the historic city centre.  A week costs from £986 (€1,120) for the apartment or £164 pp (six sharing).  Flights extra.  Return flights to Palma start from £49 pp with Ryanair/Easyjet.

Rural bliss combined with Andalucia’s most celebrated cities – from £93 pp (four sharing)
City-centre locations aren’t for everyone so if you prefer a slower pace of life, Casa en la Colina (House on the Hill – property ref: 3474) is a quaint two-bedroom cottage with private pool.  The property is close to the whitewashed village of Iznajar which has spectacular views over a vast lake which is popular for canoeing and sailing.  Hire a car from £20 (€23) per day with Spain-holiday.com and head to cultural Cordoba, Seville or Granada and revel in all three cities’ artistic heritage and vibrant nightlife.  A week costs from £370 (€420) for the property or £93 pp (four sharing).  Flights extra.  Return flights from Malaga start from £49 pp or Seville from £54 pp both with Ryanair/Easyjet.

For further information on all of Spain’s cities, Spain-holiday.com’s website provides detailed area guides, useful maps, lively and regularly-updated blogs (many with excellent insider tips) and professionally-filmed HD video footage of many of Spain’s cities and coastal resorts.  

For further information, visit spain-holiday.com.