Millions of tourists head to Spain every year for a dose of Mediterranean sunshine and an unforgettable vacation. With all the tourists around, it’s no surprise that people nowadays are searching for less crowded destinations. Destinations where you can enjoy Spain’s beauty while being away from the tourist hordes. If you’re one of them, you’re lucky. We just compiled a list of the most interesting hidden gems in Spain you didn’t know existed to ensure that you can have a relaxing holiday away from the popular tourist destinations.
Carmona
We start this list of hidden gems in Spain with Carmona, one of those hidden, small towns that can rival much bigger and more significant cities in terms of history despite its small size. The small town of 28,000 people located only one hour driving away from Seville is a wonderful place where Moorish and Roman architecture meet. This makes it a great place to visit for culture buffs.
However, despite being so close to Andalusia’s capital, I can’t help but feel Carmona is severely underrated by most tourists that visit Spain. Whether you want to admire the Roman necropolis, enjoy the baroque architecture, stay in a Moorish fortress or enjoy some of the best views in Andalusia, Carmona surely won’t let you down.
Cerdanya
Cerdanya is a region in Catalonia that covers an area of over 1,000 km2 equally-divided between France and Spain. If you visit this place for the first time you might think you’re in the remote Alps of Austria or Switzerland, with the lush nature, mountain villages, and cow-filled meadows. Even though it sounds difficult to comprehend, Cerdanya offers the ultimate mix of the Mediterranean and the Alpine world. Many people don’t know this but there’s also a lesser-known stretch of the Camino de Santiago. Getting around the region is relatively easy. All villages are linked by tracks but exploring on foot or by bike isn’t hard to do either.
Planning to travel to Spain alone? Make sure to read this before your solo trip to Spain.
Onati
Located in the heart of peninsular Euskadi (Basque country), Onati lies in a picturesque valley completely surrounded by mountains. Onati offers a lot of hiking opportunities but it’s also a city with a rich culture and tradition and happens to be one of the most epic road trips in Northern Spain. In fact, so much, that the famous Spanish painter Ignacio Zuloaga called Onati the Toledo of Basque. Wandering around the town, you will find impressive samples of gothic and baroque architecture, and the city also has its own renaissance university. Alternatively, if you like nature, you will find hiking opportunities on every turn and the Aizkorri National Park is also not too far away.
Babia
This list can’t be complete without Babia. Spanish people use the phrase ‘estar in Babia’ (you are in Babia) when talking to a person that doesn’t know what they’re talking about or are daydreaming. If you would see where Babia is, you would understand where this phrase is coming from. This area of emerald meadows and snow-capped mountains is not popular even among locals, not yet tourists. Hence, if you’re looking for hidden gems in Spain far away from crowded destinations, Babia is a great starting point.
However, keep in mind that Babia and many other places on this list aren’t very easy to rich and the best way to reach them is by renting a car. If you want to rent a car and get off the beaten track in Spain, use this link and save up to 30% on your car rental for your upcoming trip.
Valles Pasiegos
Los Valles Pasiegos is an area of lush green hills where a traditional way of life is conserved. The region consists of three parts, Meira, Pisuena, and The Pas. This is the area where the wet nurses for the Spanish Royal family traditionally came from. The reason? Los Valles Pasiegos was deemed to be the healthiest in all of Spain. Today, the region is easily accessible from Santander, and visitors can see impressive cave art, enjoy the nature and the amazing food, and go fishing, another thing Los Valles Pasiegos is famous for.
Looking for more hidden gems in Spain? Check out my article about visiting the Canary Islands and my Nerja travel guide.
Montes Universales
This 32-kilometer long mountain range lies half-way between Madrid and Valencia and is the least populated area in the country. There are some hiking enthusiasts that visit Montes Universales but they aren’t too many. One of the most famous Spanish landmarks in the region (but still not too famous) is Albarracin. Albarracin is a hilltop village surrounded by rivers and mountain streams that often comes into the conversation about the most beautiful village in Spain. Only Albarracin is worth seeing but there are many more things to experience in Montes Universales, from divine waterfalls to endless stretches of pine and juniper trees.
Peniscola
Peniscola is a medieval walled town with a typical Mediterranean charm situated on the Orange Blossom Coast, not too far from Valencia (if you’re into walled cities, check out our list of walled cities in France). Occupying a steep outcrop of land, surrounded by formidable stone walls, Peniscola was one of the most interesting hidden gems in Spain for years. However, in the last couple of years, more tourists started discovering it. Some of that probably has to do with the filming of Game of Thrones which took place in 2015. And we all know what happens to ‘Game of Thrones destinations’. If you want to visit, you better hurry up before tourists flood Peniscola.
Cudillero
Cudillero is one of the most charming, remote fishing villages in Spain. It resembles a town on the Italian Riviera with its colorful, vibrant streets filled with shutter-windowed dwelling painted in different colors in a way that fishing boats can navigate through the tight passages by recognizing the environment. Being a village famous for fishing, there’s no shortage of food options in Cudillero but that’s not all. You can also find a few beautiful remote beaches which are still undiscovered by tourists and stunning secret viewpoints hiding between the tight alleyways, where you can witness amazing views over the terracotta roofs.
Altea
Altea is a small, historic seaside-town on the Costa Blanca that resembles the popular Greek Island, Santorini. That’s because Greek colonists formed one of the early settlements in this town. Afterward, the city had several other visitors, including the Romans, Visigoths, and finally Moors. This makes Altea an ultimate mix of cultures, which gives another reason to visit except for the beautiful, hidden beaches.
Extremadura
If you want to visit Extremadura, you’ll have to face the poor transport links and sometimes inhospitable climate. Maybe these are some of the things that make this place one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Extremadura is an endless track of lush meadows and oak forests, where some of the best Spanish wine is made and where the famous Iberian black pigs roam freely in their natural inhabitant. Many of the historic honey-colored towns of Extremadura appears in movies that need a glimpse of the glorious medieval ambient that creates a bygone age backdrop. However, (fortunately or not) not too many tourists have discovered the beauty of this region.
Cabo De Gata-Nijar
When talking about hidden gems in Spain, I just can’t forget to mention Cabo de Gata-Nijar; a remote Spanish coastal town located on the southeastern tip of the country, bordering Europe’s only semi-desert. The divine beaches, hidden between sharp rocks and ochre cliffs, always made me wonder how there aren’t more tourists around? One potential answer might be the bumpy, dangerous roads that lead to the city. However, that didn’t stop the makers of Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia from filming here!
Cies Islands
An hour’s boat trip from Vigo will take you to Cies Islands, some of the most remote islands in Spain. These are Monteagudo, San Martino, and the Lighthouse Island, with Rodas Beach connecting the last two. Rodas beach is popular among many writers and artists because of the fact that it was one of the most remote places in the country. It seems like a great place where you can go to isolate yourself and completely devote yourself to creating. Cies is also a great option for birdwatchers because it hosts the largest colony of seagulls in the world. The area has been a national park since the 80s’ but international tourists apparently still aren’t aware of this hidden paradise.
Zahara De Los Atunes
This small coastal town on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia has some of the most underrated beaches in Spain. A lot of locals go there for their summer vacation. However, when it comes to foreign tourists, Zahara de los Atunes is oftentimes overshadowed by Ibiza, Mallorca, and even Alicante. However, the lack of foreign tourists has its advantages. This makes Zahara the ultimate destination for people that aren’t keen on resorts and like to sink into local life. The best time to visit is probably in the late spring when the blue tuna fishing season is underway and you can taste some of the best flavors of the region.
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Cazorla
Cazorla is probably the most overlooked city in Spain, including the cities on this list. If you don’t trust me, try Googling it. All you’ll get is information about the Spanish football player, Santi Cazorla. However, this frequently overlooked town is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. This picturesque, romantic town sits underneath the towering crags where the Sierra de Cazorla rises up from a rolling sea of olive trees. There are also some trekking options, as it’s located right next to Las Villas National Park, the largest protected area in Spain.
Beach Of The Cathedrals
This one is probably the most famous place on this list of hidden gems in Spain. The beach of the Cathedrals is one of the prettiest beaches in Spain. It’s located in the not-so-touristy northwestern part of Spain but the reason it receives a low number of visitors is the fact that you have to make a reservation if you want to go there. If you don’t do that, your access will be denied. The entry is free but the reservations are there to preserve arguably the most pristine place in the Galicia province.
Zahara De La Sierra
One of the Pueblos Blancos or the White Towns of Andalusia, Zahara is situated on a hill with a turquoise reservoir and the ruins of a Moorish castle standing on the summit. The strikingly white buildings of the town, its cobblestone streets and the surrounding natural ‘park make it a photographer’s paradise. This is a good place for people who want just fall into history, nature and slow life of Spanish villages. Hiking in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, just nearby, one can take advantage of the local flora and fauna. And in hot summer the reservoir is a perfect place for a good swim.
Setenil De Las Bodegas
Last but not least, we conclude this list of hidden gems in Spain with Setenil de las Bodegas, another extraordinary town, famous for its dwellings built into rock overhangs above the Rio Trejo. Located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, Setenil offers a unique urban landscape where homes, shops, and cafes are embedded within the cliffs. This architectural marvel creates a natural cooling effect, providing shelter from the Andalusian sun. The town’s streets are a labyrinth of beauty and history, with views that change dramatically as the sun moves across the sky. Setenil is not only about its unique geography; it’s also known for its vibrant food scene, with local specialties like chorizo, honey, and almond products.
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So, there you have it: Spain’s 15 most beautiful hidden gems. Did you like the list? Do you have some other places you think I missed and might make the list? Feel free to share your thoughts and drop a comment below.
Wow! Spain is even more beautiful outside of the major cities. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you for your comment, Kate!
It actually is… I will always recommend to my foreign friends to get lost and discover the unknown and deep Spain… Spain is incredibly beautiful and diverse, both culturally and environmentally. Sometimes the most touristy areas have lost its uniqueness and that Spanish essence, while all these areas remain untouched by this tourist influence, so there you can feel the real Spain. If you have the opportunity to do it, I truly recommend you to discover that unknown Spain, there´s always a new place to know and a new experience to live, from amazing and beautiful landscapes, to countries where time stopped sometime.
I´m so happy that I can call Spain my home, and, as most of my compatriots, we are so glad to share it with everyone.
You will really love it!
You’re absolutely right, Nacho- that’s why I wrote this article (and will write more) about your amazing country 🙂
Wonderful descriptions. Can’t wait to visit some of these locations!
We were actually talking about Spain a couple of days ago, as we’ve only visited Barcelona and we want to explore a lot more of the country. This gives us so many great ideas to plan a trip, as we love to find places off the beaten path. Great article!
Awesome Alex! I hope you get to visit some of these soon 🙂
I can’t get over how beautiful these photos are! It makes me want to get on a plane and visit right now. Saving this post for future reference. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Nicole! I hope you get the chance to visit some of these places
I thought I knew Spain pretty well – but apparently not! Thanks for compiling this list – I just love exploring the hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist map yet! Love the photographs too, they are amazing!!
Thank you, Noraly- I’m really glad you liked it
Ok. I’ve heard of 0 of these places and I like to think I read a lot on travel and everything. You’re right about Cazorla: first thought into my head was the football player lol. These are absolutely gorgeous and probably a good thing that they’re unknown because over-tourism—> foreign travel companies–> no investment in local population & biz—> pollution—> destruction of natural habitat. We’re trying to clean up polluted tourist spots & natural habitats. Let’s keep these quiet amongst ourselves lol.
That’s absolutely true, Kemi 🙂 That’s why I always hesitate when I write these articles with hidden gems but I’m always led by the premise that there are people that want to get off the beaten track and enjoy places without tourists and that’s why I keep writing articles similar to this one 🙂
I have heard before about Extremadura and Cudillero, but had no idea about the rest! It comes in very handy as we are planning our Spain roadtrip itinerary.
Thank you, Anca! Hope you have a great trip
Although Extremadura (Extrema + dura) is more or less considered to mean an environmentally harsh place on the frontier, it’s an unfair description of a place abundant with life and beauty.
Yes, it is hot in the summer, but the heat feels more like a hairdryer than a hot shower.
Come during Spring and you will see one of the most beautiful places in Spain, an amazing array of flowers and fruits, with cherry blossoms draping lush valleys.
Indeed, it is an unfair description, Christopher. I did visit in the summer and I know how hot it gets. Would love to come back and visit during spring.
There are amazing! The only place in Spain we’ve been to was Barcelona and we didn’t like it. These places are totally a great reason to go back!
Definitely, Kasia! I visited Spain more than 10 times and every time I discover something new 🙂
Barcelona? Did Not like? ?? Please double check. It was not Barcelona.
I really need to spend some time in Spain, I’ve scarcely visited, only a couple of times, and I love every single suggestion in your post. I am particularly drawn to Carmona, Cudillero, and Altea, Cabo de Gata-Nijar and Cazorla!
Thank you, Kavita! I hope you visit Carmona, Cudillero, and Altea, Cabo de Gata-Nijar and Cazorla! It will be an amazing experience
I am glad I came across your article. I will be visiting Madrid next year for a week’s vacation. I haven’t planned an itinerary yet but would love to include some of these gems too. I had only heard about Extremadura from your list. Thanks for all the great recommendations.
That’s great to hear, Anjali. I’m glad you could find some useful tips here and I hope you get to visit some of these places.
Such beautiful photos! I am planning a Euro trip next year and this surely will come handy!
Thank you, Madhurima! I’m glad you found it useful
You’re right, I’ve not heard of any of these places in Spain, and I’ve been a lot! Some of the places, like Babia, really doesn’t look like Spain. I also like that they filmed Indiana Jones at the cabo, how cool! I’ll have to look out for it the next time I’m back.
That’s one of the reasons why Spanish people joke about Babia 😀 Thanks for the comment
“Some of the places, like Babia, really doesn’t look like Spain.” That´s because people think Spain is a country of only beach and sun and that´s so far from reality. We are that, but we are a lot more. Northern Spain is as green as Ireland (search “Valle de Baztán” in Navarra, or “Valles Pasiegos” in Cantabria), almost the whole country is covered by mountains, The Pyrenees (Ordesa y Monte Perdido, in Huesca), the Cantabric Mountain Range (Picos de Europa, in Asturias) in the North, the Iberian Mountain Range in the East (Moncayo, Zaragoza, or Picos de Urbión in Soria), the Central Mountain Range (Sistema Central), with Sierra de Guadarrama or Sierra de Gata, the Betican Mountain Range, with Sierra Nevada (Granada) or Cazorla (Jaén), etc.
We have Canyons and Gorges (Hoces del Duratón, Arribes del Duero, Cañón del Río Lobos, Hoces del Rudrón, Sierra de Guara, Foz de Arbayún, etc), we have some of the cleanest and most beautiful dark night skies of Europe (Sierra de Javalambre in Teruel, for example), we have many different kinds of forests, like Selva de Iraty, or Hayedo de Tejera Negra, Fragas do Eume o Muniellos, more “look-alike” northern Europe, Sabinares de Arlanza, Cabañeros or Sabinares del Solorio, really Mediterranean, Pinares de Rodeno, rainforest in Canary Islands, like Laurisilva in La Gomera… We have deserts or semi-deserts like Desierto de Tabernas, Los Monegros or the Bardenas Reales… We have rocky mountains like La Pedriza in Madrid or el Torcal de Antequera in Málaga… We have almost every landscape you can imagine and many others you will never imagine… Spain is so big and diverse that we are the biodiversity hotspot of Europe, with the largest number of natural protected areas under Natura 2000, the European Network of Natural Protected areas, and we are also the country with the largest number of areas protected as Biosphere Reserve in the whole world.
You just need to come and discover it! You will be more than welcome. Spain is much more of what people think, everyone gets surprised after discovering a little bit more of my amazing country.
Indeed, Nacho- a lot of people associate Spain with beaches and sunny resorts but this country has so much more to offer. As you mentioned, Spain has so many diverse landscapes, it’s hard to believe that all those places are located in the same country.
I knew some of it. But not all of them. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your comment 🙂
I would like to add each one to my bucketlist. And so true they all look like hidden gems. Your photography is so stunning. Great post 🙂
Thank you, Ketki- I really appreciate it
What a brilliant post of a Spain unknown and not the normal tourist trail. It is amazing to know there are so many other places to visit Spain . These will be less touristy I’m sure . For me the main winners are Peñíscola the medieval walled town on the Orange Blossom Coast and the Beach of Cathedrals. Both have spectacular views I must say and ones I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing these hidden gems.
These 15 offbeat places of Spain are much more beautiful than the most famous tourist attractions of Spain, I guess. Loved the Beach of Cathedrals with those natural pillar rocks and clear waters. Colorful Cudillero looks very pretty, same as that colorful town on Almafi Coast.
Thank you, Yukti! I’m glad to hear you liked it
I’ve only ever heard of Barcelona for Spain and it was nice to discover all these hidden gems. I would love to visit Oñati someday (I’m so obsessed with gothic architecture). I’m someone who hates crowds at a beach so I would love to visit Zahara and sink into all the local culture.
Thank you, Anshula and I’m glad you could learn get some cool suggestions for your upcoming trip 🙂
Our family visited Spain and Portugal this past July. Visited Madrid and Lisbon. Big cities. I have never heard of these smaller places. They seem better to me in the sense that they are non-touristy. Thanks for the info. I will look to add these stops in the future.
Indeed, Alexander- I prefer the non-touristy places too
You have found some real gems in Spain! I’m especially happy to find so many beaches on your list. I’ve wanted to visit Spanish beaches but I’d heard that they were overcrowded. But now I can look forward to visiting some beautiful secluded spots when I visit next summer.
Thank you, Annick- I’m glad you found some cool suggestions for your summer trip
I spent last spring in Spain but didn’t know about these gems. Indeed these are all fantastic and exotic locations. Had I known this before i’d surely have given beach of cathedrals a try. The beach seriously looks so pristine.
Thank you, Sinjana- I guess you saw this article a bit too late but hey you can always visit again.
I love Spain but I have never been to these off the beaten path locations! Will definitely check them out when we are back in Europe!
Thanks, Katie- I’m glad you liked it
Fantastic selection! I haven’t heard of any of these places before and they all look so pretty! Cabo de Gata-Nijar and the Beach of the Cathedrals are probably my favorite and I’ll surely remember them on my next trip to Spain!
Thank you, Val- I’m glad you loved some of the destinations on this list.
I have not been to Spain yet but would love to. Now reading your post and gazing at your stunning photographs I am excited more.
Thanks, Indu- I really appreciate it
I’m one of the (few) Brits who live in Extremadura and it really is The Undiscovered Country.
It is a challenge getting here, best suited to go by car, but many people pass through it without realising; it connects Madrid to Lisbon and Seville to Salamanca. It has a Tesla charging station in its capital, Mérida, though!
It’s the only region with inland beaches awarded Blue Flags, but the food here is fantastic, and it’s just so cheap. For culture vultures, it has three UNESCO Heritage Sites of Roman, Arabic and Medieval architecture, truly some of the best in Spain. For walking, cycling, and kayaking, it’s beautiful, but also incredibly tranquil, and it’s internationally recognised for its birdlife, especially at the UNESCO Biosphere in Monfragüe.
It’s Secret Spain so don’t tell everybody… 🙂
So, you’re one of the lucky ones 🙂 I visited a few years ago and loved it. It’s one of my favorite places in Spain. The food is absolutely amazing and the history of the region is fascinating
I wasn’t a huge fan of Peñiscola (non-stop gift shops and tacky restaurants) but “estoy en Babia” thinking about estando en Babia. That’s one corner of Spain I’ve yet to visit and can’t wait to. Thanks for the info.
Any hidden gems in Spain you have targeted to visit next, Dan?
Thanks, Chris. But for now, I don’t think there are any hidden places in Spain that I haven’t been to yet. 🙂
After traveling to Spain more than 20 times since 1985, and writing articles about some of its
museums and festivals, I can never answer the question I often get:
Which city in Spain did you like most? This beautiful magical country has so many unique and fabulous towns and cities that I do not yet have a favorite one!
But travelers looking for off-the-beaten track experiences would do well to visit towns in the
Sierra Nevada outside of Granada. I also recommend the town of Priego de Cordoba and the Altamira caves outside of Santander in Cantabria. It took me more than 20 trips to Spain to see most of the country, and I am still in LOVE with SPAIN!!
You’re absolutely right, Rosi. Spain has so many places worth visiting that even 20 trips aren’t enough to cover everything! It’s very hard to choose a favorite but one of the towns that left the strongest impression on me was Cudillero with the beautiful blue waters of Playa del Silencio and the scenic Cabo Vidio. Definitely one of the more underrated towns in Spain, in my opinion.