The fascination with street art is growing worldwide – and Spain has once again proven itself this year as a leading stage for mural art. The international platform Street Art Cities has released its annual ranking of the 50 best murals of 2025. Among the selected works, no fewer than 15 are in Spain – more than any other country.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Greece Takes the Lead – Yet Spain Shines in Diversity and Impact
Claiming the top spot on the list is ‘Kalamata’ by the artist KLE in Greece, followed by ‘Deep Reflection’ by Pijanista in Belgrade, Serbia, and the Spanish mural ‘Niños perdidos I’ by Murfin in Fuenlabrada, just outside Madrid.
For Spain, this success goes beyond a simple ranking: with 15 murals featured across eight autonomous communities, the country showcases not only a wealth of works but also impressive artistic diversity in its urban art scene.
Madrid Tops the List of Street Art Cities
Madrid claimed the title of World’s Best Street Art City, surpassing Athens and Lisbon. The Spanish capital has firmly established itself as a hub of urban art, with vast façades serving as open galleries and international artists leaving their creative imprint.
Spanish Murals: Places, Techniques, and Meaning
The Spanish contributions showcase striking examples of style, meaning, and context:
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‘Niños perdidos I’ by Murfin in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, which secured third place, combines vibrant colour with urban storytelling, bringing international attention to the city.
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‘Fireman’ by Sfhir in Alcalá de Henares, a highly detailed mural by the acclaimed Madrid artist, also earned a standout position in the ranking.
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‘El Descendimiento’ by JM Brea in Plasencia and ‘Mural itinerante 2025’ by Eva Casais in Ponteareas are also standout Spanish works garnering international recognition.
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Artists like Leyvel in Madrid, Tinte Rosa in Miranda de Ebro, Delio Rodríguez in As Pontes de García Rodríguez, COSA.V. in Linares, and Mikele Irazusta in Markina‑Xemein illustrate the significant role that regional centres play in shaping the global street art scene.
Why Spain Holds a Leading Place in the Global Street Art Scene
Street art has long moved beyond being just a graffiti subculture; it forms a vital part of urban identity, civic life, and public expression. Spain’s extensive tradition of public art, together with thriving local scenes in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and A Coruña, offers fertile ground for murals of every style. The street art scene also increasingly acts as a meeting point for social commentary, historical reflection, and public debate.
A distinctive feature in Galicia: artists like Eva Casais use murals to promote social causes. Her work ‘In Defence of Animals,’ which links art with animal welfare, was even nominated for the 2025 global ranking.
Cultural and Tourism Benefits
Spain’s street art scene draws visitors with a passion for art while enhancing the cityscape and promoting urban identity. Public murals transform into cultural landmarks that, akin to historic monuments, become integral to the tourist experience. This bolsters the local creative economy and makes cities more lively and open to narratives beyond conventional sightseeing trails.
Spain’s Street Art Reaches New Heights
At the 2025 Street Art World Championship, Spain demonstrated more than just diversity – it has cemented its status as a hub of contemporary urban art. The blend of local talent, international influences, and dynamic urban communities has made Spanish murals an indispensable presence in global rankings
For artists, locals, and visitors alike, the streets have long transformed into a canvas – and Spain has firmly established its place on the world map of mural art.
