The 10 Best Cities in Spain for Walking and 10km Routes in Each of Them

Chairman LUXONOMY™ Group

I am passionate about exploring and learning cities by walking. I have memorized the streets of half the world by walking at a good pace. When I visit a city that is not prepared for walking, I stop liking it, like Dubai, where there are only sidewalks on the main avenue and three poorly paved streets in Al Bastakiya, the historic center.

Spain is a country with impressive geographical and cultural diversity, reflected in its cities. Many of them offer excellent opportunities to stroll, enjoy the outdoors, and discover their history and charm. To select the 10 best cities in Spain for walking, the following criteria were considered:

Tourist Attractions: The presence of monuments, squares, parks, and other places of interest.
Accessibility: Ease of walking around the city, with well-defined and accessible pedestrian routes.
Scenic Beauty: Natural or architectural views that make walking around the city a pleasant experience.
Safety: Cities with a good reputation for pedestrian safety.
Culture and History: Historical and cultural richness that can be explored on foot.
Atmosphere: A pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for walkers.

Here we present a selection of the 10 best cities in Spain for walking, justifying each choice by its unique characteristics and providing a route of approximately 10 km for each one.

1. San Sebastián

San Sebastián, located in the Basque Country, is a perfect city for walking due to its compact size and its impressive La Concha bay. The promenades are wide and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the old town, known as Parte Vieja, is ideal for getting lost among its narrow streets and discovering pintxos on every corner.

10 km Route:

Start at La Concha Beach and walk along the promenade.
Climb Monte Urgull for panoramic views.
Descend to the Parte Vieja and explore its streets.
Continue to Zurriola Beach.
End at the Peine del Viento, a sculpture by Eduardo Chillida.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona stands out for its combination of modernism and tradition. Strolling down Las Ramblas, exploring the Gothic Quarter with its medieval alleys, or enjoying the splendid Park Güell are unforgettable experiences. The city also offers wide avenues such as Passeig de Gràcia, where some of Gaudí's masterpieces are located.

10 km Route:

Start at Plaça de Catalunya.
Walk down Las Ramblas to the Columbus Monument.
Venture into the Gothic Quarter and visit the Cathedral.
Head to Passeig de Gràcia to see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Finish at Park Güell, enjoying its views and architecture.

3. Seville

Seville is synonymous with Andalusian charm. Walking through its historic center, you can visit the majestic Cathedral and the Giralda, as well as the iconic Alcázar. The cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza de España make this city a magical place to explore on foot.

10 km Route:

Start at Plaza de España.
Stroll through the María Luisa Park.
Visit the Cathedral and climb the Giralda.
Explore the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
End at the Torre del Oro next to the Guadalquivir River.

4. Granada

Granada is famous for the Alhambra, but it is also a fabulous city for walking. Its old town, the Albaicín, offers a network of narrow, steep streets that reward with panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. Walking along the Paseo de los Tristes is a unique experience, especially at sunset.

10 km Route:

Start at the Alhambra and visit the Generalife.
Descend to the Albaicín and walk through its streets.
Reach the Mirador de San Nicolás for views of the Alhambra.
Walk along the Paseo de los Tristes.
Return to the historic center.

5. Madrid

The capital of Spain is a city that can be extensively explored on foot. From the impressive Retiro Park to the lively Malasaña neighborhood, passing through Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, Madrid has something for everyone. Additionally, the city has numerous parks and squares, ideal for resting between walks.

10 km Route:

Start at Retiro Park.
Head to the Prado Museum.
Walk to Puerta del Sol.
Stroll along Gran Vía.
End at the Temple of Debod for a sunset view.

6. Valencia

Valencia perfectly combines history and modernity. Walking through its old town you can visit the Cathedral, the Central Market, and the Silk Exchange. The Turia Garden, a former riverbed turned park, is perfect for long walks that lead to the City of Arts and Sciences.

10 km Route:

Start at the City of Arts and Sciences.
Walk through the Turia Garden.
Visit the Central Market.
Explore the Silk Exchange.
End at Malvarrosa Beach.

7. Córdoba

Córdoba is known for its Mosque-Cathedral, but its old town, declared a World Heritage Site, is a charming place to walk. The narrow cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards, and ancient Roman bridges create a unique atmosphere. The Jewish Quarter is particularly picturesque.

10 km Route:

Start at the Mosque-Cathedral.
Cross the Roman Bridge.
Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Explore the Jewish Quarter.
End at the Plaza de las Tendillas.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, this Galician city offers an old town full of history. Walking through the Plaza del Obradoiro and the surrounding streets, with their medieval architecture, is like stepping back in time. In addition, the welcoming atmosphere of the city invites you to explore every corner on foot.

10 km Route:

Start at the Cathedral of Santiago.
Walk through the Plaza del Obradoiro.
Stroll through the Alameda Park.
Visit the Monastery of San Martín Pinario.
End at the Abastos Market.

9. Toledo

Toledo is a historical treasure located on a hill above the Tagus River. Its old town, with narrow and steep streets, is full of monuments, including the Cathedral and the Alcázar. The mixture of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures is reflected in every corner, making Toledo a fascinating city to walk through.

10 km Route:

Start at the Bisagra Gate.
Visit the Toledo Cathedral.
Walk to the El Greco Museum.
Explore the Synagogue of El Tránsito.
End at the Valley Viewpoint.

10. Bilbao

Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. The walk along the Nervión River offers modern and traditional views, with the iconic Guggenheim Museum as a highlight. The Old Town, known as the Seven Streets, is perfect for strolling and enjoying Basque cuisine.

10 km Route:

Start at the Guggenheim Museum.
Walk through the Old Town.
Visit the Ribera Market.
Stroll through Etxebarria Park.
End at the Abandoibarra Promenade.

These 10 km routes offer an excellent way to discover and enjoy the most walkable cities in Spain. Each city presents its own charm and a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making walking the best way to explore them.