The most popular tourist destination for Brits is Spain with Mallorca, Ibiza and Benidorm being three of the most visited places. One thing all of these places have in common is that they’re beautiful coastal retreats that offer fascinating nightlife opportunities for all ages to enjoy. The major cities of Spain also see a lot of British traffic with very regular flights from London and Manchester, such as Madrid and Barcelona.
Spain has many hidden gems across the country that are less popular with tourists but offer something truly special that makes them perfect for a bucket list adventure. From mediaeval wonderlands to amazing beaches to beautiful mountains, the country isn’t short of hidden gems that are just waiting to be explored. While you won’t have time to visit every hidden gem, you can take your pick and plan out a journey where you can visit as many as you can.
This article will take a closer look at some areas of Spain that you’ve probably never heard about, so if you’re looking for a new adventure, look no further. These are unranked, as we feel like they are all amazing places to visit.
Hidden Gems of Spain
Ronda (Malaga)
Located just 100 kilometres from the city of Malaga is Ronda. It has plenty to explore with Puerto Nuevo being the most famous spot with its 98-metre high view that gives you a grand spectacle, perfect for a photo opportunity. The area also has a historic quarter with cobbled streets that make for a beautiful day out with a partner. You can also check out the Bullring and Alameda del Tajo, both giving unique experiences that are difficult to come by anywhere else.
Besalu (Girona)
This mediaeval town in Girona has an iconic 12th-century Romanesque bridge into an old town that would make for the perfect holiday destination. The bridge goes over the Capellada River to the north and the Fluvià River to the south, which will give you the best of both worlds in terms of views. Taking a boat and travelling down this river is allowed, so you can sit back and relax on your chosen yacht to enjoy the pleasant weather Girona has on offer. There is also a castle and natural park in Besula for you to explore during your adventure.
Calella de Palafrugell (Costa Brava)
The beautiful coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most underrated holiday destinations in the whole of Europe. While Costa Brava is a relatively popular tourist destination, this location is more secluded and offers a quaint but mesmerising coast line that will leave you in awe. The small fishing village adds a very cute aesthetic to the location. While the place isn’t large, it can be the ultimate relaxation spot as you can sunbathe without a hassle. It also has eco-friendly hotels to choose from.
Agüero (Huesca)
For those who love mountain range retreats, Agüero is the perfect hidden gem. The gigantic rock formations stand over 200m tall and dwarfs the town in its presence, which makes for a unique aesthetic that can’t be found anywhere else in Spain. The “Los Mallos” mountains are great for both climbers and photographers looking for unique places around the world. If you go in mid-August, you can get involved with the city festival to celebrate the Feast Day of San Rocco. This tradition has existed since the 17th century.
Sierras de Cazorla (Jaen)
A beautiful location for hikers and wildlife lovers, Sierras de Cazorla in Jaen has some amazing sights. Majestic mountains, forests and rivers cover this spectacular location, as it makes for one of the most fascinating walks in the whole country. One of the most amazing things about Sierras de Cazorla is that it has crystal clear waters that add to the tranquillity and make it truly magnificent. Getting into these waters is forbidden in some places, so it’s a good idea to do some efficient research before going to the area.
Mijas (Andalusia)
Mijas is a large municipality located in Andalusia with an abundance of white facades with thousands of geraniums hanging on the walls. It’s a beautiful place to stay in or visit during a journey to Spain and has become a hidden gem location, especially for avid Instagram users who are searching for the perfect shot. You are only 20 minutes from visiting Malaga if you want a big city experience and you can even request a private tour to improve your trip.
Playa de las Catedrales (Lugo)
Spain’s breathtaking cathedral beach is one of the most impressive sights on the north coast. The name comes from the towering arches and formations that look like Gothic cathedrals that are spreading across the beaches. During low tide, visitors can stroll through these natural wonders and take in the unique experience that not many people are aware of. It’s not close to any major cities, which is one of the reasons it’s not too crowded in the low and shoulder seasons.
Cudillero (Asturias)
Taking a road trip to Asturias and making a detour to Cudillero will be a fantastic experience. This beautiful fishing village is a hidden location with multiple amenities within a small radius, with some amazing local restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a cute but quaint location to share with your partner, or a low-key photo opportunity, Cudillero is perfect. There are also some stores placed around the village where you can purchase items for the rest of your road trip, such as nicopods, travel snacks or toiletries.
Peniscola (Castelló)
Located a three hour drive from Barcelona, Peniscola is the definition of a hidden gem. It’s a beautiful village that houses the castle of Pope Luna, which is a must visit when you’re in the area. It has excellent ancient fortifications, nature reserves and Mediterranean climates that will give people of all ages something to sink their teeth into. The sunshine is present in Peniscola 300 days of the year, so you can be sure to catch a tan.
Juzcar (Andalusia)
Juzcar is located in Andalusia, which is ironically the home village of Smurfs in their famous first from 2011. All of the homes in the village were painted blue for the filming of the movie and these were supposed to be painted back to white upon the filming ending. However, the locals chose to keep the blue paint in the hope of attracting more tourists. It makes for an interesting place to visit in Spain due to its unique lore. Aside from this, there are several restaurants with delicious local food for tourists to enjoy during their stay.