Spain’s most beautiful province (according to travel enthusiasts): an ideal blend of sea and mountains

Many people champion their native land’s beauty and charms whilst others might be more circumspect. For travel enthusiasts however, there is one Spanish province that stands out from all the others.

shutterstock_2602104573 — Image: Shutterstock

Miriam Díaz Leiva

Updated: 29/01/26 | 12:58 | Read time: 3 min.

Spaniards’ long traditional ties to their native regions, with their own cultural and environmental factors, can influence their character and worldview. As a consequence, selecting Spain’s most beautiful region requires experienced and open-eyed travellers capable of discerning the beauty and mystery on display throughout the country.

The travel community’s verdict

Similar to prior surveys regarding Spain’s most beautiful village and its most beautiful city, followers of España Fascinante are once again consulted in order to discover the country’s most captivating province, the place that delights the eyes as much as the heart.

The most oft-repeated comment regards the sheer impossibility of making such a choice, which makes this selection even more thrilling. Each region of Spain is clearly endowed with its own matchless beauty. Notwithstanding, insightful suggestions from travel enthusiasts put together an intriguing ranking.

Candidates for the most breathtaking Spanish province

Aerial view of Bolonia Beach in Cádiz. | Dreamstime

Quite a few travellers opt for entire autonomous communities, unable to settle on only one of its provinces. Spectacular places like Cáceres and Girona, though obtaining many votes, still fall short of the top spots. And one autonomous community pulls off a hat trick with three of its provinces among the most voted. Here is a look at the ranking’s five top spots.

Fifth place is a province that instantly comes to mind to most people. Málaga is a natural selection owing to the province’s exquisite blend of tradition and modernity, stunning mountains and the diversity of its numerous beaches. The fourth-place winner and sitting on the opposite end of the Iberian Peninsula is Cantabria. Possessing an intense lush greenery like no other place, Cantabria is a must-visit for its countless castles, monasteries and picturesque villages along the sea and in the mountains.

Spain’s third most beautiful province is a return to Andalusia, the autonomous community with the most overall votes. This is none other than the province of Granada, with the capital city front and centre. A paragon of Moorish heritage, Granada offers some of the country’s highest and most stunning mountain peaks.

Also in Andalusia, the silver medal is awarded to Cádiz, the most welcoming of provinces and home to many famed white villages. The combination of vast beachfronts of fine white sand, fried pescaíto fish and a carnival spirit make the province of Cádiz a favourite summertime destination.

And Spain's most beautiful province is…

Landscape at the Lakes of Covadonga in Asturias. | Dreamstime

The winner of Spain’s most beautiful province is Cantabria’s neighbouring province of Asturias. This gold-medal winning province requires little explanation, for any visit there will quickly tell you why.

A confluence of factors in Asturias makes it one of the most cherished of provinces. Namely, its charming people and villages, exquisite cuisine, and the extraordinary diversity of its coastal and mountain landscapes, all concentrated in such a small territory. Moreover, Asturias’ mild climate and abundant countryside make it a place where travellers long to return.

You can also read this article in Spanish and French.

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