Skip the crowds and discover Spain’s best-kept secrets with our insider travel tips.
I’ll be honest with you – I love Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid just as much as the next person. But let’s face it: sometimes the crowds can get a bit too long, the queues for tapas stretch longer than your patience, and those once-peaceful beaches? Swamped.
That’s exactly why I started hunting down the hidden gems in Spain – those lesser-known Spanish spots that still feel untouched, where you can breathe easy, eat incredibly well, and explore like a local.
So if you’re dreaming of a Spanish adventure that’s a bit off the radar (and totally brag-worthy), here are 10 incredible destinations that you’ve probably never heard of – but you absolutely need to visit.
Las Médulas, Castilla y Leon
Tucked away in the province of Leon, Las Medulas looks like something straight out of a sci-fi film. Towering red rock formations, carved out by the Romans in their hunt for gold, now form an otherworldly landscape surrounded by chestnut forests and walking trails.
Why go? It’s peaceful, historical, and ideal for hiking. I recommend visiting the Mirador de Orellana for a stunning panoramic view. Stay in nearby Ponferrada, where you’ll find charming cafes and a Templar castle that’s worth a wander.
Cazorla, Jaen (Andalucia)
This one's a personal favourite. Cazorla sits in the shadow of the Sierra de Cazorla mountains – a dream if you love hiking, rivers, and dramatic views. The surrounding national park is actually Spain’s largest protected area!
Pro tip: Have lunch at La Sarga, a lovely rustic spot with local dishes like wild boar stew. And if you’re driving, rent a sturdy car – the mountain roads are breathtaking (but a bit twisty!).
Ainsa, Aragon
Imagine a perfectly preserved medieval village, complete with cobbled streets, a hilltop castle, and views over the Pyrenees – that’s Ainsa. I stumbled across it on a road trip and honestly didn’t want to leave.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset from the old castle walls with a cold cerveza in hand. There’s also a little riverside beach if you fancy a dip after a hike.
Albarracin, Teruel (Aragon)
Consistently voted one of the most beautiful villages in Spain – and yet still blissfully uncrowded. Albarracin’s terracotta-coloured houses and ancient city walls look like they’ve been pulled from a fairytale.
Top tip: Walk the town’s outer defensive walls just before dusk – the golden hour lighting is pure magic for photos.
Combarro, Galicia
This seaside village in Galicia is ridiculously photogenic – think old stone houses, traditional hórreos (grain stores on stilts), and the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
Eat at: O Bocoi, right on the waterfront. Get the zamburinas (scallops) and a glass of Albariño wine – heaven.
Alquezar, Huesca (Aragon)
Another stunner perched on a hill, Alquezar is a dream for outdoor lovers. The Vero River canyon nearby has some incredible walking trails – one of which is a wooden walkway that winds along the cliffs.
Insider tip: There’s a family-run bar called Casa Pardina that does delicious tapas with epic views over the valley. Perfect pit stop after a hike.
Frigiliana, Malaga (Andalucia)
Ok, this one’s just outside the well-trodden path, near Nerja. But Frigiliana itself feels a world away from the bustling Costa del Sol. It's all whitewashed buildings, colourful ceramics, and steep, winding streets.
Stay at: Hotel Villa Frigiliana – great value, lovely rooftop terrace, and perfect for exploring on foot. Grab a mojito from the tiny bar on Calle Real – you'll know the one when you see it.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Cadiz (Andalucia)
You've probably seen photos of this place without realising it – whole streets built under huge rock overhangs. It's bizarre and beautiful in equal measure.
Tip: Avoid midday in summer – the rocks trap heat like an oven. Visit in the morning, have a cold beer in one of the cave-side bars, then move on before it gets too toasty.
La Alberca, Salamanca (Castilla y Leon)
Nestled in the Sierra de Francia mountains, La Alberca is a feast for the eyes, with black-and-white timbered houses and ancient traditions still very much alive.
Why I loved it: It’s one of those rare places where it feels like time has stopped. You might even see a local dressed in traditional attire just doing the shopping. For an authentic experience, pop into La Cantina and order the cured ham – they’re famous for it.
Genalguacil, Malaga (Andalucia)
This artsy little village is part of a project where artists come to live and leave behind a piece of work. So you’ve got all the classic charm of an Andalucian white village – with a twist. Modern art installations are scattered everywhere.
Best bit: No two visits are the same. The vibe is super chill, and the surrounding hills are perfect for walking or picnicking. Great base if you want to explore the Serrania de Ronda.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re planning a Spanish road trip or just fancy escaping the tourist trail, these hidden gems are where the real magic happens. I’ve always found that the places with the least hype often give you the richest memories – those quiet walks, friendly locals, unexpected feasts, and sunsets you don’t have to share with a hundred other people.
Spain is full of surprises – you’ve just got to be willing to look past the obvious. And trust me, once you’ve been to even one of these off-the-radar spots, you’ll be hooked.
Want to read more articles like this? Check out my blog – Matt Robson @ SpainGuides.com
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