Discover the most beautiful secret destination.Come and discover the most beautiful hidden gems in Spain. Add these secret destinations to your bucket list; they are away from the beaten tracks and big cities and are known only to passionate travellers and locals
Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions of Spain. Seville, Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz are perfect for a gastronomic, cultural or relaxing city break or an afternoon on the beautiful beaches of Nerja or for a visit to the “Spanish Wild West”, the Tabernas desert in Almeria (ranked among the best film locations in Europe). But Andalusia is also full of beauties and hidden treasures for those who love venturing off the beaten path.
This little village of white houses is amazing: many astute people decided to build their houses under a huge rock to avoid paying for new roofs which cost an arm and a leg. Nearly 3000 inhabitants live in this picturesque and very surprising village. The village of Setenil de las Bodegas is worth a visit and is only 20 kilometres from Ronda, another hidden gem of this beautiful province.
Albarracín
Set in the middle of a wild, rocky landscape, on a curve of the Guadalaviar river, the peachy-colored, fairytale-esque village of Albarracín is one of the most beautiful places to see in Spain. In fact, it has been voted the most beautiful small town in Spain several times. Located in the Province of Teruel, about three hours due east of Madrid, Albarracín really gives you the feeling of stepping back in time. Despite its small size, it’s well worth setting aside at least half a day to explore.
As you wander through the cobbled streets, be sure to stop by Casa de la Julianeta and Casa de la Calle Azagra, two of the best-preserved buildings in the village. Other highlights include the Cathedral of El Salvador, Plaza Mayor and Torre del Andador which boasts incredible views of the town and surrounding area
Alcalá del Júcar
Set on a rocky slope that overlooks the Jucar River, Alcalá del Júcar is truly one of Spain’s hidden gems. Due to the river, fertile fields and unique location, which allows easy defense, there have been settlements here since ancient times. And it’s that location that makes Alcalá del Júcar such a special place to visit today. With a castle/fortress on top of a huge rock, charming white houses built into the rockface and a Roman bridge crossing the river below, the little town is a magnificent sight.
Aside from going for a stroll through the windy streets, one of the most interesting places to see is the Cave El Diablo, a makeshift museum/bar. There are various rooms and artifacts to explore, giving you a glimpse of the history and local life in Alcalá del Júcar. Finish the day off with a visit to the 12th-century castle that boasts panoramic views of the town and surrounding area.
Babia
Calling all nature lovers, Babia is a must on your Spain bucket list! Located in the northwest of Castilla y León, the Babia region, including the villages of Cabrilanes and San Emiliano, was in 2004 declared a Biosphere Reserve. With peaks of over 2,000 meters, such as Peña Ubiña at 2,417 meters, The Cantabrian mountains that separate Asturias from León, mark the reserve’s northern limit.
The unique landscape of snow-clad peaks, rock fields, vast valleys and glacial lakes, makes this area a paradise for avid hikers and mountaineers.
Zumaia
Located in Basque Country, which is famous for its specific geology, Zumaia has an important place on Spain’s hidden gems list. Although it’s not as popular as San Sebastian, for example, Zumaia is considered one of the most important geological sanctuaries in the world, covering more than 4000 hectares of both land and sea.
Before planning your next successful trip to Spain, you should know a few things about the flysch natural phenomenon, found in Zumaia. The “flysch” refers to a rock formation created through the combination of different sediments. To enjoy an unforgettable and picturesque sunset, I recommend you visit Sakoneta beach
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
One of the less-known places in Spain is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a beautiful island located in the northern part of the country. To get to it, you’ll have to cross a bridge with breathtaking views and climb no less than 241 steps. You might recognize this island from the famous Game of Thrones TV series where it was portrayed as Dragonstone Fortress.
Once you reach the island, you can admire the Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which has an incredible legend. If you ring its bell three times, you can make a wish. What do you think, do you believe in legends
El Rocio
If you’re simply in love with the small, but lively towns’ charm, then you must add El Rocio to your itinerary! Located in the center of Donana Park, El Rocio is one of the hidden places in Spain which perfectly combines the picturesque landscapes, the regional Andalusian food and the well-known Romeria del Rocio (which is considered the most traditional Spanish religious festival).
So, whether you get used to traveling for cultural purposes or you adore discovering new, but not-so-popular beautiful scenery, you must visit El Rocio at least once in your lifetime.
