SPAIN has once again cranked up the thermostat, with soaring temperatures sending residents and holidaymakers scrambling for swimming pools, shady plazas and anywhere with air conditioning.

While heatwaves now affect much of the country every summer, a handful of towns have built a reputation for living on the edge of the thermometer, regularly recording some of the highest temperatures in Europe. 

Unsurprisingly, most are found in Andalucia, where scorching summers are simply a way of life.

That said, the south doesn’t have a monopoly on extreme heat. 

Valencia reached a blistering 46.8ºC in August 2023, Alcantarilla, in Murcia, hit 47.0ºC in 2021, while the Canary Island of El Hierro baked under 46.2ºC in 2023. 

Inland cities such as Badajoz, Toledo and Ciudad Real also rank among Spain’s hottest places in summer year after year.

So, if you’re planning a summer road trip – or simply want to know where to avoid when the mercury starts climbing – here are the towns that really turn up the heat, along with a few reasons they’re worth visiting despite the sweltering temperatures.

Ecija

Known as La Sartén de Andalucía – the Frying Pan of Andalucia – Ecija has earned its fiery nickname thanks to summer temperatures that regularly climb beyond 46ºC.

But there’s far more to this elegant town than its scorching climate. 

Often called the ‘City of Towers’, it boasts 24 bell towers rising above a maze of handsome Baroque streets, earning it one of the most distinctive skylines in Spain.

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Visitors can cool off inside the magnificent Church of San Juan, admire the ornate Peñaflor Palace or wander through the beautifully restored Casa del Gremio de la Seda. 

Just an hour from Sevilla and Cordoba, Ecija makes an ideal day trip for lovers of history, architecture and authentic Andalucian charm – provided you avoid sightseeing in the afternoon heat.

Montoro

Perched dramatically above a bend in the Guadalquivir River, Montoro is as beautiful as it is blistering. 

The Cordoba province town holds Spain’s highest officially recorded temperature, after the mercury soared to an astonishing 47.4ºC in August 2021.

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Its red-ochre houses cascade down towards the river, creating one of Andalucia’s prettiest panoramas, while the historic centre is packed with narrow streets, traditional squares and centuries-old churches.

Surrounded by endless olive groves and just 45 minutes from Cordoba city and the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park, it’s the perfect stop for travellers looking to combine dramatic scenery with some of Spain’s finest olive oil – just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Moron de la Frontera

Lying between Sevilla and the white villages of Cadiz, Moron regularly features among Spain’s hottest towns, with temperatures climbing to around 46ºC during the fiercest summer heatwaves.

The town’s hilltop Moorish castle offers sweeping views across the Andalucian countryside, while the impressive Church of San Miguel dominates the historic centre below. 

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Moron is also famous for its traditional flamenco culture and artisan lime kilns, recognised by UNESCO as part of Spain’s industrial heritage. 

With the spectacular Sierra Sur and Serrania de Ronda within easy reach, it’s an excellent base for exploring inland Andalucia – preferably outside the midday sun.

Sanlucar la Mayor

Just 20 minutes west of Sevilla, Sanlucar la Mayor regularly swelters under temperatures above 46ºC, making it one of Spain’s hottest spots.

Fortunately, its maze of narrow streets offers pockets of welcome shade, while history lovers can explore the 13th-century Church of San Pedro, the Gothic-Mudejar Church of Santa Maria and the remains of the old Moorish walls. 

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It’s also an excellent base for exploring the spectacular Roman city of Italica, birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian, or heading into the wildlife-rich Doñana National Park, home to flamingos, deer and the elusive Iberian lynx.

Just be sure to save the sightseeing for the cooler hours before rewarding yourself with a long, leisurely lunch. 

Marmolejo

Nestled on the edge of the Sierra Morena Natural Park, Marmolejo proves that Spain’s hottest towns can also be among its greenest.

Despite recording temperatures of up to 46.5ºC, the town has long attracted visitors to its mineral-rich thermal springs, while landmarks include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Paz and the remains of Aragonesa Castle overlooking the Guadalquivir valley. 

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It’s also a gateway to the Sierra Morena, where hiking trails, wildlife and cork oak forests offer a cooler escape from the summer heat.

El Carpio

Perched on the banks of the Guadalquivir in Cordoba province, El Carpio combines record-breaking heat with centuries of history. 

Temperatures have climbed to 47.3ºC here, placing it among the hottest places ever officially recorded in Spain. 

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The town’s standout landmark is the 14th-century Torre de Garci Mendez, while the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dominates the old centre.

Just a short drive from Cordoba city, it’s an easy stop for visitors exploring the region’s castles, olive groves and riverside landscapes.

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