Places in Spain Beginning with S

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

NameProvincePopulation
SabadellBarcelona213,000
SalamancaSalamanca144,000
San FernandoCádiz95,000
San SebastiánGipuzkoa186,000
SantanderCantabria172,000
Santiago de CompostelaA Coruña97,000
SegoviaSegovia52,000
SevillaSevilla688,000
SoriaSoria38,000
SuancesCantabria8,000

Sabadell

Sabadell is a city in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. Located near the capital, it has grown into a major commercial and industrial hub, once famous for its textile industry. Its name comes from “Sab-,” which is thought to be derived from “Sabba,” a Roman personal name, and “-dell,” meaning ‘small valley.’ The city is now known for its modern business activity and historic sites, such as the Sant Felix church.

Salamanca

Salamanca is a historic city in the province of Salamanca, Castile and León. It is renowned for its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1134. The city’s name comes from the ancient Celtic tribe called the “Vacceos,” who once settled the area. Known for its sandstone buildings and the famous Plaza Mayor, Salamanca attracts visitors from all over the world.

San Fernando

San Fernando is located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, and sits on the Bay of Cádiz. The town is named after King Ferdinand III of Castile and is known for its naval and military history. It is also home to the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada, a major astronomical and geophysical research facility.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián, located in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, is a beautiful coastal city known for its beaches, especially La Concha. Its name refers to Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr. The city is also famous for its culinary tradition, boasting numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria. It lies on the northern coast of Spain along the Bay of Biscay. The city’s name may have originated from “Sancti Emeterii,” a reference to Saint Emeterius. Santander is known for its beaches, historic architecture, and the Magdalena Palace, a former royal residence.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is located in the province of A Coruña, Galicia, and is famous as the destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The city’s name comes from Saint James (“Santiago” in Spanish), and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. Its grand cathedral is a focal point of religious and historical significance.

Segovia

Segovia, the capital of the province of the same name in Castile and León, is well known for its Roman aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering. The city’s name comes from a Celtic word meaning “fortress.” Segovia is also famous for its fairy-tale Alcázar and the Segovia Cathedral.

Sevilla

Sevilla, or Seville, is the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s largest cities. The name comes from the Phoenician word “Hispalis,” and later Latinized by the Romans. Sevilla is famous for its rich Moorish architecture, including the Giralda and Alcázar, as well as its vibrant culture of flamenco and festivals like the Feria de Abril.

Soria

Soria is a small provincial capital in Castile and León. Its name is of uncertain origin, though it may be derived from a Celtic root meaning “river.” Soria is known for its natural surroundings, Romanesque churches, and proximity to the ruins of the ancient Numantia settlement.

Suances

Suances is a coastal town in Cantabria, known for its picturesque beaches and natural beauty. Its name might come from the Latin word “summum,” meaning ‘the highest’ due to its elevated position above the sea. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and water sports.

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

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