Spanish Cities Whose Names Are in Other Countries Around the World

author

Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

Spanish Cities Whose Names Are in Other Countries Around the World

Cartagena de Indias in Colombia
photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Spain, for better or worse, has left an indelible mark on the world. The legacy of the empire that long ago sought to conquer the globe can be appreciated far and wide in the form of traditions, religion, culture, architecture, art, and other types of customs, spread across a myriad of different countries. It goes without saying that it was not a commendable enterprise in every sense.

Nevertheless, thousands of Spanish tourists traveling each year to discover the secrets of the Philippine Islands or the idyllic Caribbean coasts are surprised to find cities, towns, and villages that share names with their own homeland. Here are some of the places you can travel to that are named after Spanish cities.

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New Cities with a Familiar Name

It is no surprise, if you think about it, that there are so many places in the world with names of cities from the peninsula, as during the colonization of America, the settlers renamed many of the places they annexed to the empire with those that were already familiar to them. This practice has left us with a large number of sites that feel familiar to Spanish tourists, some of which have become more renowned than the original place.

Cartagena de Indias

Aerial view of the old town of the city
Aerial view of the old town of the city photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

The site of one of the most important battles in the Caribbean and with a star appearance in the book History of a Shipwrecked Sailor by Gabriel García Márquez, this Mexican locality has transcended the Murcian enclave, becoming known worldwide.

This city, where urban art and paradisiacal beaches dance to the same rhythm, boasts a historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Córdoba in Argentina

Plaza de San Martín with the Cathedral in the background
Plaza de San Martín with the Cathedral in the background photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

The provincial capital of the same name, Córdoba is the largest city in Argentina and the second most populated with one and a half million inhabitants, five times more than its Spanish counterpart. Its importance was such that it served as a provisional capital on two occasions; during 1806 and in 1955.

It stands out for its impressive colonial architecture and vibrant entertainment options, as this place boasts an electrifying nightlife.

Nueva Valencia del Rey in Venezuela

Colonial style church
Colonial style church photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Known as the industrial capital of Venezuela, this city has become a hub for investment and major projects for the country.

Also, with nearly one and a half million inhabitants, it has become the third most populous city in Venezuela, after Caracas and Maracaibo.

Salamanca in Mexico

Municipal Presidency of Salamanca
Municipal Presidency of Salamanca photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Named after its founder Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, a native of Salamanca, who founded the city in 1602. It has just over a third of the population of its Spanish namesake and is known for its industrial activities ranging from petrochemicals to automotive.

It also features countless points of interest, as well as an enviable gastronomy, making it a worthy place to visit.