As full-time travelers in our 50s who spent over a year living in Girona, Spain, we’ve come to appreciate the slower, more meaningful side of Spanish travel. Gone are the days of racing from city to city with a checklist in hand. Now, we seek places where we can truly experience the culture — sip the local wine, walk without hurry, and stay long enough to feel part of the rhythm of daily life. And, that’s how we came up with our list of the best Spanish cities to visit, if you want to take a it a bit slower.
Spain is an ideal country for slow travel, especially for mature travelers. Rich in history, cuisine, architecture, and community life, the country offers charming cities where you can explore at a relaxed pace without sacrificing comfort or cultural depth.
Here are our favorite cities in Spain for slow travel over 50 — including the one we proudly called home.
Relaxed Exploration for the Mature Traveler, Inspired by Our Time Living in Catalonia
1. Girona – Our Home Base and a Hidden Gem in Catalonia
Located just 40 minutes north of Barcelona by train, Girona offers all the beauty of a medieval city without the crowds and chaos. From the cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter to the colorful houses lining the Onyar River, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and look closer.
Why it’s perfect for 50+ travelers:
- Walkable Old Town with low traffic
- Excellent cafes and markets
- Easy day trips to the Costa Brava and Pyrenees
- Home to one of Spain’s best culinary scenes (yes, El Celler de Can Roca)
🚶♀️ We spent many afternoons walking Girona’s ancient walls (La Muralla) or enjoying a long lunch in Plaça de la Independència. It’s a place that feels lived-in and authentic — without trying too hard.
2. San Sebastián – Coastal Elegance and Pintxos Galore
In Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a dream for food lovers and beach walkers alike. With its picturesque bay, Belle Époque architecture, and laid-back sophistication, it’s ideal for mature travelers who appreciate good food and coastal views without the resort-town vibe.
Why slow travelers love it:
- Legendary culinary culture, including pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Relaxing seaside promenades and sandy beaches
- A compact, walkable city center
- Deep cultural identity and friendly locals
🍷 We recommend spending afternoons strolling La Concha beach, followed by pintxos and a glass of txakoli — the region’s slightly sparkling white wine.
3. Seville – History, Flamenco, and Orange Blossoms
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, offers a magical mix of Moorish architecture, lively plazas, and centuries-old traditions. While the summer heat can be intense, a spring or fall visit offers mild weather and blooming beauty.
Why it’s great for 50+ travelers:
- Gorgeous historic sites like the Alcázar and Cathedral
- Flamenco shows in intimate, authentic venues
- Delicious tapas culture and welcoming hospitality
- Great weather for al fresco dining and walks
🪗 In Seville, time slows naturally. We recommend wandering through Barrio Santa Cruz in the morning, then savoring a leisurely lunch in the shade of an orange tree.
4. Valencia – Culture, Beaches, and Green Space
Spain’s third-largest city often flies under the radar, but Valencia offers the perfect mix of urban life, Mediterranean charm, and innovation. It’s less overwhelming than Madrid or Barcelona, and more affordable — ideal for long stays.
What makes Valencia slow-travel friendly:
- A vast green belt (Jardín del Turia) perfect for walking or biking
- Beautiful mix of Gothic, modernist, and futuristic architecture
- City beaches accessible by public transit
- Great public markets and walkable neighborhoods
🏖️ We especially loved visiting the Mercado Central for fresh produce, then walking through the Turia Gardens to the City of Arts and Sciences.
5. Córdoba – Small City with Big History
Often overshadowed by Seville or Granada, Córdoba is a compact, relaxed city with a spectacular cultural past. The Mezquita (mosque-cathedral) alone is worth the trip, but there’s much more to discover at a comfortable pace.
Perfect for slow travelers because:
- Smaller crowds compared to other Andalusian cities
- Historic Jewish Quarter is flat and easy to walk
- Affordable accommodations and excellent dining
- Intimate festivals like the Patio Festival in May
🌸 The patios of Córdoba, filled with flowers and fountains, are a peaceful joy to explore — especially if you prefer tranquil beauty over big attractions.
6. Logroño – A Tasting Room for La Rioja
For wine-loving travelers, Logroño in the La Rioja region offers a slower pace of life and easy access to the region’s famous wineries. It’s less touristy than you’d expect and ideal for a multi-day wine-focused escape.
Why it fits a slower itinerary:
- Dozens of wine bars and bodegas within walking distance
- Quiet mornings and vibrant evenings
- Easy day trips to wineries and nearby villages
- Low cost of living and lodging
🍇 We suggest spending afternoons visiting local bodegas and evenings strolling Calle Laurel — the city’s famed tapas street.
7. Cuenca – Dramatic Views and Total Peace
If you’re looking to truly disconnect, Cuenca — a UNESCO World Heritage city perched above a gorge — delivers serenity, scenery, and simplicity.
Ideal for mature travelers who want:
- Stunning natural surroundings with minimal tourism
- Museums and architecture without crowds
- Artistic flair and traditional Castilian cuisine
- A good base for hiking or nature-based escapes
🪨 The “hanging houses” (casas colgadas) are iconic, but what we loved most was the peaceful vibe that encourages long meals and lazy mornings.
Slow Travel Tips for Spain Over 50
Regardless of the cities you choose, here are a few Spain travel tips we always follow to make the most of our time in Spain:
- Stay at least 3–5 nights in each city — ideally more.
- Book accommodations with kitchenettes so you can shop at local markets.
- Travel off-peak (May–June, September–October) for comfort and value.
- Avoid overplanning — leave room for spontaneous discovery.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases — locals appreciate the effort, especially in smaller towns.
Final Thoughts: Spain Was Made for Slow Travel
Spain invites you to slow down. It rewards curiosity and savoring over rushing and box-checking. As travelers over 50, we found Spain — and especially Girona — to be a place where we could not only see but truly live.
Whether you’re sipping wine in La Rioja, wandering a flower-filled courtyard in Córdoba, or enjoying a seaside sunset in San Sebastián, Spain has a way of making you feel present — and that’s what slow travel is all about.
🧳 Ready to start planning your next Spanish adventure? Check out our other posts on traveling Spain by train, managing the heat, and experiencing authentic food culture — all from a 50+ perspective.