Places in Spain Beginning with A

The table below lists all the major cities and towns in Spain whose names start with the letter A. Further down you will also find some general data and facts about each.

NameProvincePopulation
A CoruñaA Coruña246,000
ÁguilasMurcia35,000
AlbaceteAlbacete173,000
Alcalá de HenaresMadrid195,000
AlcoyAlicante58,000
AlgecirasCádiz122,000
AlicanteAlicante337,000
AlmeríaAlmería204,000
AranjuezMadrid59,000
AvilésAsturias77,000
ÁvilaÁvila57,000
Alcalá la RealJaén21,000
AntequeraMálaga42,000

A Coruña

A Coruña is a coastal city located in the northwestern region of Spain, in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. It has a rich maritime history and is known for the Tower of Hercules, an ancient Roman lighthouse that is still operational. The city’s name comes from the Roman name “Brigantium,” which evolved over time. It is also known for its bustling port and vibrant cultural scene.

Águilas

Águilas is a coastal town in the province of Murcia, situated along the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches and carnival, which has been declared a festival of international tourist interest. Its name comes from the Latin word for “eagle,” a symbol that is present on its coat of arms. The town is also a popular destination for water sports.

Albacete

Albacete is the capital of its namesake province in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. It is one of the largest cities in the region and an important hub for commerce and industry. Its name derives from the Arabic word “Al-Basit,” meaning “the flat” or “the plain,” reflecting its geographical features. The city is also famous for its knife-making tradition.

Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá de Henares, located in the Madrid province, is famous for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of “Don Quixote.” The city’s name means “Castle on the Henares River,” and it was an important medieval and Renaissance center. Its historic university and well-preserved old town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Alcoy

Alcoy, a city in the Alicante province, is known for its industry, especially textiles, and for its medieval festival, Moros y Cristianos, which reenacts historical battles between Moors and Christians. The city’s location in a valley surrounded by mountains gives it a picturesque setting, and its name likely originates from the Arabic word “al-kūya,” meaning “hill or mound.”

Algeciras

Algeciras is a port city in Cádiz province, located near the southern tip of Spain, across from Gibraltar. Its name is derived from the Arabic “Al-Jazira Al-Khadra” meaning “Green Island.” It is one of the largest ports in Europe and serves as a major gateway for shipping between Europe and Africa. Algeciras is also known for its ferry services to Morocco.

Alicante

Alicante, the capital of the province of Alicante in the Valencian Community, is a popular tourist destination known for its Mediterranean beaches, the Santa Bárbara Castle, and the Explanada de España promenade. The city’s name comes from the Arabic “Al-Laqant” (Latin Lucentum), meaning “the city of light.” It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling port.

Almería

Almería, located in southeastern Spain, is the capital of the province of the same name. The city boasts the Alcazaba, one of the largest fortresses built by the Moors in Spain. Its name comes from the Arabic word “Al-Mariyya,” meaning “the watchtower.” The region is known for its arid climate and its use as a filming location for many Western films.

Aranjuez

Aranjuez is a historic town in the province of Madrid, known for its Royal Palace and Gardens, which have been used by the Spanish royal family as a spring residence. The town’s name is believed to be derived from a pre-Roman term. Its cultural landscape has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Avilés

Avilés is a coastal town in the Asturias province, northern Spain, known for its industrial heritage and its historic old town. It is also home to the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre. The name likely comes from the Roman period, with connections to an ancient settlement. The town has a unique blend of industrial and maritime history.

Ávila

Ávila, the capital of the province of Ávila, is famous for its medieval walls that encircle the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s name is of uncertain origin, but it may have pre-Roman roots. Ávila is also known for being the birthplace of the mystic Saint Teresa of Ávila and its stunning Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Alcalá la Real

Alcalá la Real is a town in Jaén province, Andalucía. It is known for its Fortaleza de la Mota, a large medieval fortress that dominates the landscape. The name comes from the Arabic “Al-Qalat,” meaning “fortress.” The town has a rich history due to its strategic importance during the Reconquista.

Antequera

Antequera is a town in Málaga province, known for its ancient dolmens and its impressive historical monuments, including the Alcazaba and numerous churches. The town’s name derives from its Latin name “Anticaria,” meaning “ancient town.” Antequera’s dolmen sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it is often referred to as the “heart of Andalucía” due to its central location.

Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.

AB | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z