Hidden Spain: Destinations off the beaten track
Beautiful beaches, incredible cuisine, and diverse cities are just some of the things that have made Spain the second-most-visited country in the world.
Among its hotspots are Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, but beyond these cities, there is plenty more to discover. From UNESCO biosphere reserves to Roman settlements, read on for some of Spain’s best hidden gems.
Asturias
The northern region of Spain is often called ‘Green Spain’ due to its substantial rainfall. Unlike much of Spain, Asturias is home to plenty of deep forests and green hills. In fact, one-third of the region is designated protected parkland. Here, you’ll find national parks including Picos de Europa, Europe’s first national park, which you can discover on a Walking the Picos de Europas eight-day tour, as well as the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Somiedo, home to the Cantabrian brown bear. Keen to see some history? Visit Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, and discover pre-Romanesque structures from the 9th century.
Cazorla
Cazorla
Cazorla is one of Andalucía’s most striking villages, located within Sierra de Cazorla, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and the largest protected natural space in Spain. Set beneath a stunning mountainous backdrop, it is surrounded by olive groves spanning 37,500 hectares. The neighbouring Castle of la Yedra is a must-see attraction, housing the Upper Guadalquivir Museum of Arts and Popular Customs. Discover more of Andalucía on a nine-day Grand Tour of Spain.
Alcalá del Júcar
The historic town of Alcalá del Júcar has been home to settlements since ancient times. Steep streets lead towards a 12th-century castle at the top of a rocky slope, where you can witness panoramic views of the gorge formed by the Júcar river, as well as the Roman bridge crossing it below. Along the rocky slope, you’ll also find distinctive white houses with deep caves inside. Uniquely, the caves can maintain the same temperature naturally year-round. Check out the Hotel Pelayo for the perfect base to explore this fantastic place from.
Carmona
Carmona
On this 15-day Spain and Portugal Iberian Explorer tour, you’ll discover the highlights and hidden gems of Spain. Among them is the pretty white-washed town of Carmona. Situated only 30 minutes from Seville, Carmona is an ancient city filled with Roman ruins. It’s also home to several Moorish buildings, which you can explore during the tour, and the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, where you can climb up the tower for views over the town. Other must-see sites include the 15th-century Church of Santa María la Mayor, one of the jewels in the crown of Galician Gothic architecture, and the Plaza San Fernando in Carmona’s historic centre. Climb the Torre del Oro, a dodecagonal military watchtower at the Alcazar for stunning views.
Cadaqués
Cadaqués
Located on the Cap de Creus peninsula, Cadaqués is, without a doubt, one of Spain’s most incredible hidden gems. While it’s adored for its quiet coves and sandy beaches, it is perhaps best known for being the former home of Salvador Dalí. In a bay called Portlligat, one of the most popular coves in Cadaqués, you’ll find the renowned Salvador Dalí House-Museum. Other nearby attractions include the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the first maritime-terrestrial natural park in Catalonia, and the 16th-century fortress Ciutadella de Roses. Both are easily accessible from Hotel Montecarlo Spa & Wellness, a casual beachfront hotel on the Costa Brava.
Logroño
Laying largely undiscovered among the vineyards of La Rioja, Logroño invites visitors to enjoy a taste of northern Spain without the crowds. As expected, it is known for its wine culture – but there’s plenty more to keep you happy, especially if you’re a foodie. In Logroño, the pinchos ‘crawl’ is reason enough to visit. It’s like a typical bar crawl, except food – or pinchos (bite-sized skewers of food) – are the focus, rather than drink. Start your adventure at Calle Laurel and enjoy a day hopping between hole-in-the-wall spots. Travel to Logroño on a Best of Northern Spain tour and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
