12 Most Expensive Destinations in Spain You’ll Want To Splurge On

One of the best things about Spain is its diversity. Famed for its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, picturesque coastline, and fascinating architecture, Spain offers something for every kind of traveler. However, some destinations are more affordable to visit than others. While some places offer budget-friendly lodgings and cheap eats, others are renowned for their high-end luxury.

As such, many places across Spain are expensive to visit. To learn more, here is a list of 12 of the most expensive destinations in Spain. These places offer luxury accommodations, upscale restaurants, many things to do, and high-end shopping. Stick around to find Spain’s most luxurious vacation destinations.

San Sebastian

Let’s start this list with San Sebastian, a beautiful coastal city on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. This seaside vacation retreat is best known for its scenic beaches, epic surf, picture-perfect bayfront promenade, and upscale dining. San Sebastian is also one of the most expensive summer destinations in Spain.

During summer, beachgoers can expect to pay over $135 per night for a basic bedroom. Hotel Maria Cristina is a fine example of how luxurious San Sebastian can be. In summer, this 5-star hotel can cost upwards of $850 a night for two people. The terrace suite, which has a rooftop terrace, costs over $1,000 a night.

Peniscola

Peniscola might not be one of Spain’s most famous tourist destinations, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most expensive. A 2-star hotel can cost over $150 per night in the summer. If you were to stay in a luxury hotel like Aparthotel Acuazul, you’d have to spend at least $250 a night.

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Peniscola is a beautiful place to visit, so you could argue your money is well spent. Located in Eastern Spain, the town is much-loved for its pristine beaches, fascinating Old Town, and stunning castle. Spend your time in Peniscola exploring the 13th-century Peniscola Castle, sunbathing on Pebret and Norte Beaches, and getting lost in the historic Old Town.

Barcelona

It’s probably not a surprise to see Barcelona on this list; it’s one of Spain’s most famous and popular tourist destinations. It is also one of Spain’s most expensive places to live. While you can find affordable accommodation across the city, any sort of luxury costs.

For example, a standard room in the glamorous ME Barcelona costs almost $500 a night. However, you’ll have a rooftop pool, gym facilities, panoramic city views, and a beautifully appointed bedroom. Therefore, it’s worth it if you have the cash. Noteworthy things to do in Barcelona include visiting La Sagrada Familia, exploring Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell, walking along the promenade, and tucking into paella along La Rambla.

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Madrid

Unsurprisingly, Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital city, is also one of the country’s most expensive cities. Like Barcelona, Madrid is home to world-famous attractions and luxury hotels. In Madrid, you’ll also find over 25 Micehlin-starred restaurants, high-end shopping streets like Calle de Serrano, and royal-esque plazas surrounded by wealth and elegance.

Notable points of interest in the Spanish capital include the lively Plaza Mayor, the picturesque Retiro Park, the fascinating Museo Nacional del Prado, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. If you want to live a life of luxury in Madrid, stay at Hotel Montera Madrid. This 5-star hotel has a breathtaking rooftop terrace and swimming pool, a lavish bar and restaurant, and gorgeous King rooms with walk-in showers.

Ibiza Town

Ibiza Town, the largest city on the island of Ibiza, Spain’s premier party destination, is usually associated with party-going youngsters who want to spend their summer drinking, dancing, and getting up to all kinds of debauchery. However, Ibiza Town is surprisingly expensive. For example, the average cost of living in Ibiza is $2,629 monthly.

This makes Ibiza Town expensive, especially in the summer when the cheapest accommodation options cost over $150 per night. Ibiza Town is home to a beautiful Old Town called Dalt Vila, which has many high-end bars and clubs and several luxury hotels. The beachside One Ibiza Suites is one of the best, offering visitors luxurious rooms, sea views, and an outdoor pool.

Marbella

The following Spanish destination on our list is Marbella, a breathtaking coastal city and seaside resort located on Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. This beautiful summer vacation destination is a big hit with the rich and famous, mainly soccer players, who head to the city to enjoy lavish hotels, fine dining, white sand beaches, and plenty of glitz and glamor.

As a result, prices are high in Marbella’s most sought-after destinations, such as Nueva Andalucia and Puerto Banús. El Fuerte Marbella may cost over $600 a night, but it offers an exceptional 5-star experience with a seafront swimming pool, luxury rooms, and three first-class restaurants. In Marbella, make sure you visit Playa Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús, and Playa Río Verde.

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Sierra Nevada

Escaping Spain’s stunning coastline, Sierra Nevada is the place to be if you love outdoor activity, especially skiing. A short journey from Malaga and Granada, Sierra Nevada is a picturesque mountain range in the Andalusian province, famed for its skiing slopes and epic landscape vistas.

At the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, skiing enthusiasts can enjoy over 70 miles (112 kilometers of skiable land and 134 slopes. Other popular activities include snowshoeing, ice skating, and snow groomer driving. There are no 5-star hotels in Sierra Nevada on Booking.com, but that doesn’t stop it being expensive to stay there. 4-star hotels like SKI 7 Vistasur Sierra Nevada still cost over $280 per night.

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is the most luxurious destination on our list. The largest privately owned residential development in Andalusia, this gorgeous location occupies just 7.7 square miles (20 square kilometers) of coastline. Still, it packs a punch with some of the country’s finest hotels, golf clubs, homes, and restaurants.

When visitors aren’t playing golf at La Reserva Club or eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant, they’ll be strolling around the luxury yacht-filled marina or watching polo. Sotogrande oozes class, elegance, sophistication, and ultimate relaxation at every corner. At Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel, you can enjoy world-class cuisine in several restaurants, play golf at one of Spain’s best courses, and kick back in a bedroom fit for a king.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is perfect if you seek sun, sea, and sand. This resort city is the capital of Mallorca, one of the most popular Balearic Islands. Located in the Western Mediterranean, the city is famed for its beautiful coastline, Spanish cuisine, and impressive 13th-century architecture. However, with an average cost of living of $2,312, you can expect to spend a lot of money in Palma.

In August, many hotels in Palma cost more than $400 per night. Conveniently situated in the center of Palma, the Puro Grand Hotel is one of our favorites. You can relax at Playa de Palma, try local cuisine at Mercat de Santa Catalina, and explore the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.

Cádiz

Much loved by beachgoers and history buffs, Cádiz is an ancient port city in southwestern Spain known for its historic architecture, authentic Spanish charm, and golden sand beaches. However, it’s also one of Spain’s more expensive seaside destinations. For example, the average daily cost for one person in Cádiz is $166.

For context, that’s over $40 more than in Santander, a coastal city in Northern Spain. In Cádiz, you’ll likely spend most of your time admiring the spectacular coastal views, sunbathing on Playa de la Victoria, and exploring the Old Town. Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri offers celebrity treatment, epic sea views, luxurious bedrooms, world-class cuisine, and multiple swimming pools.

Bilbao

The penultimate Spanish destination on our list is Bilbao, a beautiful port city in Northern Spain known for its industry, architecture, arts, and waterfront walking trails. Despite being one of Spain’s lesser-visited tourist destinations, Bilbao is surprisingly expensive. The average monthly cost of living in the city is $1,952.

Furthermore, the average daily cost for tourists in Bilbao is $150. In the city, you can dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, shop in luxury boutiques, admire the iconic architecture, such as the famous Guggenheim Museum, and indulge in local culture, art, and music. As for accommodation, the 5-star Radisson Collection Bilbao exemplifies the wealth and luxury the city offers, although a room will set you back at least $262 a night.

Malaga

The final destination on our list is Malaga, a beautiful port city in Southern Spain famed for its sandy beaches, stunning architecture, and historic landmarks. In the city, tourists are treated to 16 beaches, most with turquoise waters, soft golden sand, and access to authentic Spanish restaurants. Noteworthy beaches include La Malagueta, Playa de Huelin, and Playa Pedregalejo.

Malaga is also home to upscale restaurants and designer outlets. However, these perks come at a cost because Malaga’s average daily travel cost is $152. 5-star hotels in the city often cost over $340 a night. Vincci Selección Posada del Patio is a fabulous option. This gorgeous hotel in a central location offers sleek and stylish rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a Mediterranean restaurant.