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.

Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 17.171 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 17.008 % for 2016. Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 15.595 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.171 % in 2017 and a record low of 14.326 % in 1960. Spain ES: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; Weighted average;

Population in largest city in Spain was reported at 6783241 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Spain - Population in largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Population in the largest city (% of urban population) in Spain was reported at 17.16 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Spain - Population in the largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Geographical Outreach: Number of Branches in 3 Largest Cities, Excluding Headquarters, for Other Financial Intermediaries for Spain (ESPFCBMLNUM) from 2004 to 2015 about intermediaries, branches, Spain, and financial.

Censo de Población: Population by year of arrival in Spain, year of arrival in the municipality, sex and age group (Provincial capitals and main cities). Annual. Municipalities.

Spain Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Madrid data was reported at 2,924.400 EUR/sq m in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,861.500 EUR/sq m for Dec 2017. Spain Avg Housing Price: Free Market: Madrid data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,886.800 EUR/sq m from Mar 2005 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 53 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,889.800 EUR/sq m in Mar 2007 and a record low of 2,372.000 EUR/sq m in Sep 2014. Spain Avg Housing Price: Free Market: 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.P003: Housing Prices: Free Market: by Region and Major City.

Project Approvals: No of Dwellings: Barcelona data was reported at 110.000 Unit in Aug 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 383.000 Unit for Jul 2018. Project Approvals: No of Dwellings: Barcelona data is updated monthly, averaging 320.000 Unit from Nov 1991 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 322 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,046.000 Unit in Jul 1999 and a record low of 20.000 Unit in Sep 2008. Project Approvals: No of Dwellings: Barcelona 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.

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.

Table of INEBase 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. Censo de Población

In 2024, Barcelona received the largest number of international tourists staying at hotel establishments in Spain, with nearly *************. The Spanish capital followed, with a little almost *** million foreign hotel guests.

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

Avg Housing Price: Free Market: More than 5 Years Old: Bilbao data was reported at 2,345.300 EUR/sq m in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,320.300 EUR/sq m for Dec 2017. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: More than 5 Years Old: Bilbao data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,388.300 EUR/sq m from Mar 2010 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,985.100 EUR/sq m in Mar 2010 and a record low of 2,183.600 EUR/sq m in Sep 2016. Avg Housing Price: Free Market: More than 5 Years Old: Bilbao 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.

The Spanish commercial real estate market, valued at approximately €XX million in 2025, exhibits robust growth potential, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% through 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Increased tourism, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, is boosting demand for hospitality and retail properties. Furthermore, a strengthening economy and ongoing investments in infrastructure are creating favorable conditions for industrial and logistics development, particularly in strategically located areas near ports and transportation hubs. The burgeoning technology sector is also contributing to the growth, with increased demand for office spaces in key technology clusters. Segment-wise, the office sector, driven by both domestic and international companies, shows significant promise. Retail, while facing some challenges from e-commerce, remains a significant segment, particularly in prime locations within major cities. The logistics sector experiences strong growth, mirroring broader European trends in e-commerce and supply chain optimization. While challenges exist, such as potential interest rate fluctuations and economic uncertainty, the overall market outlook remains positive, supported by consistent foreign investment and a relatively stable political environment. However, certain restraints must be considered. The availability of suitable development land in prime city center locations is a key constraint, pushing developers towards peripheral areas or to pursue redevelopment projects. The impact of potential regulatory changes and evolving sustainability standards also present challenges to developers. Effective management of these challenges will be crucial for sustained market growth. The geographical spread of growth is notable, with significant activity concentrated in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, though secondary cities are also experiencing increasing interest. The presence of major players like Merlin Properties, Klepierre, and Via Celere underscores the market's maturity and attractiveness to established investors. The continued expansion of the logistics and hospitality sectors, coupled with smart urban development initiatives, is poised to shape the trajectory of the Spanish commercial real estate market in the coming years. 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.

Madrid and Barcelona were the hotel markets receiving the largest share of investment among urban destinations in Spain in 2024. These Spanish cities accounted for nearly 70 percent of that year's total. The average room transaction price of the Spanish hotel market was at 195 thousand euros in 2024.

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