In 2024, Madrid was the city with the most inhabitants in Spain. In that year, more than 3.42 million people lived in the city. Barcelona was the second-largest city with 1.69 million residents.

Madrid was the largest city in Spain in 2024, with around 3.4 million inhabitants. Barcelona followed second, with nearly 1.7 million people residing there. The most populated city in the Spanish islands that year was Palma de Mallorca.

In 1500, the largest city was Paris, with an estimated 225 thousand inhabitants, almost double the population of the second-largest city, Naples. As in 1330, Venice and Milan remain the third and fourth largest cities in Western Europe, however Genoa's population almost halved from 1330 until 1500, as it was struck heavily by the bubonic plague in the mid-1300s. In lists prior to this, the largest cities were generally in Spain and Italy, however, as time progressed, the largest populations could be found more often in Italy and France. The year 1500 is around the beginning of what we now consider modern history, a time that saw the birth of many European empires and inter-continental globalization.

Censo de Población: Population by year of arrival in Spain, year of arrival in the municipality, sex, age (major groups) and nationality (Spanish/foreign) (Provincial capitals and main cities). Annual. Municipalities.

It is estimated that the cities of Cordova (modern-day Córdoba) and Palermo were the largest cities in Europe in 1050, and had between fifteen and twenty times the population of most other entries in this graph, Despite this the cities of Cordova (the capital city of the Umayyad caliphate, who controlled much of the Iberian peninsula from the seventh to eleventh centuries), and Palermo (another Arab-controlled capital in Southern Europe) were still the only cities in Western Europe with a population over one hundred thousand people, closely followed by Seville. It is also noteworthy to point out that the five largest cities on this list were importing trading cities, in modern day Spain or Italy, although the largest cities become more northern and western European in later lists (1200, 1330, 1500, 1650 and 1800). In 1050, todays largest Western European cities, London and Paris, had just twenty-five and twenty thousand inhabitants respectively.

The period of European history (and much of world history) between 500 and 1500 is today known as the 'Dark Ages'. Although the term 'Dark Ages' was originally applied to the lack of literature and arts, it has since been applied to the lack or scarcity of recorded information from this time. Because of these limitations, much information about this time is still being debated today.

It is estimated that the largest cities in Western Europe in 1330 were Paris and Granada. At this time, Paris was the seat of power in northern France, while Granada had become the largest multicultural city in southern Spain, controlled by the Muslim, Nasrid Kingdom during Spain's Reconquista period. The next three largest cities were Venice, Genoa and Milan, all in northern Italy, renowned as important trading cities during the middle ages. In October 1347, the first wave of the Black Death had arrived in Sicily and then began spreading throughout Europe, decimating the population.

Censo de Población: Population by gender, nationality (Spanish/foreign) and country of birth (province capitals and main cities). Annual. Municipalities.

Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Cadiz data was reported at 1,878.900 EUR/sq m in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,851.000 EUR/sq m for Dec 2017. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Cadiz data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,256.900 EUR/sq m from Mar 2005 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 53 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,064.100 EUR/sq m in Sep 2007 and a record low of 1,733.100 EUR/sq m in Jun 2017. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Cadiz data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Public Works. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.P003: Housing Prices: Free Market: by Region and Major City.

Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Less than 5 Years Old: Ceuta data was reported at 2,034.400 EUR/sq m in Jun 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,958.600 EUR/sq m for Mar 2017. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Less than 5 Years Old: Ceuta data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,082.000 EUR/sq m from Mar 2010 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,140.696 EUR/sq m in Mar 2014 and a record low of 1,958.600 EUR/sq m in Mar 2017. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Less than 5 Years Old: Ceuta data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Public Works. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.P003: Housing Prices: Free Market: by Region and Major City.

Madrid was the most visited city destination in Spain in 2023, having welcomed nearly 10 million overnight visitors. The Catalonian capital followed second in the ranking that year, with roughly 8.2 million tourists spending at least one night in the destination. How did Madrid rank in tourist visits and accommodation? In 2022, Madrid attracted over 4.5 million domestic and 4.6 million international tourists for stays exceeding one day, despite experiencing a more than 10 percent decrease compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the Spanish capital has consistently ranked among the top ten European cities with the highest number of nights spent by tourists in paid accommodation, securing the 8th position that year. Which regions attracted the most international tourists? Spain's international tourism rebounded strongly from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, surpassing 100 million visitors in 2022. Catalonia led as the most visited region, attracting over 14.9 million international tourists. The United Kingdom played a pivotal role as the primary source of international tourists, contributing over 15 million travelers, followed by France with around 10 million visitors.

Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Madrid data was reported at 749.000 Unit in Aug 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,355.000 Unit for Jul 2018. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Madrid data is updated monthly, averaging 1,098.500 Unit from Nov 1991 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 322 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,560.000 Unit in Oct 2003 and a record low of 83.000 Unit in Feb 2010. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Madrid data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Public Works. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.EA004: Project Approvals: Dwellings: by Type of Commissioner and Major City.

Table of INEBase Population aged 16 and over by year of arrival in Spain, year of arrival in the municipality, sex, country of birth (Spain/foreign) and relationship with the activity (provincial capitals and main cities). Annual. Municipalities. Censo de Población

While Spain’s population has increased slightly since the year 2000, the share of the rural and urban populations has remained relatively constant, with Spain being a highly urban country. This consistently high urbanization is a consequence of both economic and social factors. The Spanish wealth is generated in the cities to a large extent Two thirds of Spain’s economic output, as divided across economic sectors, comes from the service sector, with only three percent originating from agriculture. Naturally, service-based economies are easiest when people live closely, while agricultural practices need more land, and thus a rural population. Of course, this also brings economic costs, such as the high living and housing costs in Madrid. What draws people into cities? Social factors also drive people to cities. For some, it is being closer to family or culture, such as art museums. For others, it is finding a large city with green spaces, like Madrid. For others, it is the opportunity to watch a game in a world-class soccer stadium, perhaps FC Barcelona. These and other factors continue to keep Spaniards in their cities.

Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Valencia data was reported at 129.000 Unit in Apr 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 277.000 Unit for Mar 2018. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Valencia data is updated monthly, averaging 260.000 Unit from Nov 1991 (Median) to Apr 2018, with 318 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,172.000 Unit in Jul 2000 and a record low of 2.000 Unit in Aug 2011. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Dwellings: Valencia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Public Works. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.EA004: Project Approvals: Dwellings: by Type of Commissioner and Major City.

Spain Project Approvals: Number of Buildings: Barcelona: Residential data was reported at 73.000 Unit in Aug 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 147.000 Unit for Jul 2018. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Buildings: Barcelona: Residential data is updated monthly, averaging 109.500 Unit from Nov 1991 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 322 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 539.000 Unit in Jul 1998 and a record low of 8.000 Unit in Aug 1994. Spain Project Approvals: Number of Buildings: Barcelona: Residential data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Public Works. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.EA003: Project Approvals: Buildings: by Type of Commissioner and Major City.

The largest Western European city in 1200 was Palermo, with 150 thousand inhabitants. This is a great decrease in the number 150 years previously, where the population was 350 thousand. The city of Cordova also decreased by almost 400 thousand in this time, possibly because of the declining Arabian control and influence in the area. Seville is the third largest city on this list, although it's overall population decreased by ten thousand since 1050. The largest cities are generally in Spain or Italy, although the second largest city on this list is Paris, with 110 thousand inhabitants. In the lists that follow, Paris remains at the top as either the largest (1500 and 1650) or second largest (1330 and 1800) city in Western Europe.

The highest number of Bitcoin ATMs in Spain were located in the big cities as of May 2025, although several touristic locations also had some. Palma de Mallorca and Alicante, for instance, had more of these machines than Seville. These dispensers are different from traditional cash machines in that they do not connect to a bank account but connect users to a Bitcoin wallet or exchange. This way, they can convert physical money into digital currency. Spain ranked as one of the leading countries worldwide in terms of Bitcoin ATMs.

The Spain commercial real estate market is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Strong tourism in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia consistently boosts demand for hospitality and retail properties. Furthermore, a growing population and increasing urbanization are driving demand for residential and office spaces, particularly in multi-family developments. The logistics sector is also experiencing significant growth, driven by e-commerce expansion and improving infrastructure. While the market faces some constraints, such as potential interest rate fluctuations and construction material price increases, these are being mitigated by strong investor confidence and continued government support for infrastructure projects. Key players like Merlin Properties, Kronos Investment Group, and others are actively shaping the market through large-scale developments and strategic acquisitions. Segmentation analysis indicates a balanced portfolio of investment across office, retail, industrial, logistics, multi-family, and hospitality sectors, with Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Catalonia leading the regional market share. The market's resilience is evidenced by the consistent performance during recent economic fluctuations, indicating a relatively stable investment opportunity despite inherent market risks. The ongoing expansion in the Spanish economy, particularly in key sectors like tourism and technology, contributes significantly to the commercial real estate market's optimistic outlook. The diversification across asset classes minimizes risk exposure and provides opportunities for investors with varied portfolios. While specific market size figures require further data, considering a CAGR above 5% and a current sizeable market, reasonable estimation suggests significant growth in the coming years. The presence of established and emerging players indicates a healthy and competitive market environment with opportunities for both large-scale and niche players. Continued monitoring of macroeconomic factors and regional specific dynamics remains crucial for forecasting accurate market trends. The long-term projections suggest a promising future for the Spanish commercial real estate industry, particularly for those with diversified investment strategies that capture the various segments and locations presented above. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the Spain commercial real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a focus on key cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Catalonia, this report is essential for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to understand the dynamics of this dynamic market. We delve into market size and segmentation, identifying key trends, growth drivers, and challenges. Our detailed forecast, based on the Base Year 2025 and Estimated Year 2025, provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making, extending to the Forecast Period 2025-2033 and utilizing data from the Historical Period 2019-2024. Recent developments include: December 2022: GAena, the Spanish public company in charge of general aviation airports in Spain, announced today a call for tenders for 86 duty-free shops, all of which are indivisible, at 27 airports in its network. The bidding documents include six lots in total, which is twice the number of lots available in the previous tender. According to a press release issued by Aena, the tender will double the number of lots to increase and favor competition among global operators. The total commercial space available will exceed 66.000 square meters, allowing for the development of economies of scale., June 2022: Allianz Real Estate, acting on behalf of several Allianz group companies, paid EUR 185 million (USD 196.95 million) for a portfolio of nine prime residential buildings in Madrid's Chamartn district. The transaction consolidates Allianz Real Estate's ownership of the larger block and expands its exposure to the highly attractive Spanish PRS sector, particularly in Madrid. It is located next to Castellana 200, a mixed-use office and retail asset already owned by Allianz Real Estate. The nine assets include 245 residential units as well as additional retail space.. Key drivers for this market are: Government Initiatives Promoting Affordable Housing, Economic Growth and Rising Disposable Incomes. Potential restraints include: Shortage of Skilled Labor, Fluctuating Construction Materials Costs. Notable trends are: Increasing demand for logistics property driving the market.

Table of INEBase Population by year of arrival in Spain, year of arrival in the municipality, sex and country of birth (main countries) (Provincial capitals and main cities). Annual. Municipalities. Censo de Población

The Spain office real estate market, valued at approximately €15 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, fueled by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 4%. This positive trajectory is driven by several key factors. Firstly, a burgeoning tech sector and increasing foreign direct investment are creating significant demand for modern office spaces, particularly in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Secondly, the ongoing recovery of the Spanish economy and a growing number of multinational corporations establishing or expanding their presence in Spain are contributing to this growth. Finally, a shift towards flexible workspaces and a focus on sustainability in new developments are reshaping the market landscape. While some challenges remain, such as potential interest rate hikes impacting financing and a lingering impact of previous economic downturns in certain regions, the overall outlook remains optimistic. However, the market's segmentation reveals nuanced dynamics. While Madrid and Barcelona dominate market share, other cities like Valencia and Seville are witnessing increasing activity, driven by regional economic growth and infrastructure development. Competition among major players, including Savills Spain, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE Spain, Knight Frank, and Avny Group, is intense, with a focus on providing specialized services and adapting to evolving client demands. The construction sector, represented by companies like Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas and Dragados S.A., plays a crucial role in supplying the market's need for new and renovated office spaces. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, albeit potentially at a slightly moderated pace due to macroeconomic factors, but a consistently positive trend is expected in the coming years, driven by fundamental market forces and investor confidence. Recent developments include: Feb 2023: Hospitality technology provider and apartment operator, limehome, has signed 82 flats in the Balgequartier district of Bremen. The Balgequartier, a new inner-city district along Langenstraße, is currently being developed by Joh. Jacobs and Co. Four buildings of the mixed-use development will house shops and office space., March 2022: Meta announced new, 2,000 Staff Meta Lab to be Developed in Madrid. The new office space will provide flexible base for Meta's remote workers in Spain with space for local tech entrepreneurs and small businesses start-ups.. Notable trends are: Office Take-up Remains Strong in Spain.