Spain off the beaten path: 20 hidden gems in Spain to discover

Plasencia is known for its magnificent cathedral and natural wonders

Hidden Gems in Spain? Plasencia will always be the most special place in my heart. I have happy memories of this little ancient city with a wall that is located in the less visited Extremadura region. It was whether I was walking on the Jerte river in the morning before having lunch at La Isla or wandering through the Parque de los Pinos surrounded by peacocks that were curious It’s a spot which has left an emoji on my face. There may not be a lot of things to do but it’s bound to appear as a spot where that you can rest, recharge, and take a break for a bit.

It is compact and easy to discover on the foot, Plasencia boasts some fantastic architectural landmarks derived that are a part of it’s extensive Roman and Arabic heritage. Its unique design dates to the 13th century The Old Cathedral is attached to the New Cathedral, where Gothic and Romanesque styles meet, just minutes away of The Episcopal Palace, a delight of Renaissance design. This is known as the Parador de Turismo, an old hotel converted into a convent, is an impressive structure (the ceilings with wooden decorations are particularly beautiful) Non-guests are also welcome to go to the hotel for drinks inside the garden.

Your taste buds will reward if you travel to Extremadura. It doesn’t matter if you’re sipping your local Cherry beer, or digging into the most exquisite Jamon Iberico,or eating the delicious Torta del Casarcheese with the local Smoked spice called paprika. In the same way, Plasencia is a great location to explore the nature in The Monfrague National Park, a Biosphere Reserve of peaceful natural beauty.

It spans three distinct three regions (Asturias, Cantabria and Leon) located in northern Spain This natural playground is perfect for extreme multi-day hikes, Caminos or simply a chance to enjoy the views from the vehicle. Although Torre de Cerrado, the most awe-inspiring peak in the range, is only the height of 2650 meters experienced mountain hikers are able to appreciate the splendor of this park that is protected.

Choose a hike, breathe through the fresh air and take in a totally different view of Spain. There are a lot of idyllic villages with stone homes and stunning views including Cosgaya for an ideal day hike, and campsites and Camino routes can make for an excellent multi-day excursion.

Ibiza is one of them. Ibiza famous for its nightlife hedonistic, is currently enjoying a place on the map. In the process of reimagining Ibiza as a year-round luxury option The island’s less pristine and natural aspect is becoming more sought-after. The high-end restaurants as well as peaceful Ibiza villas are bringing travelers of a different kind to the island more frequently. It doesn’t matter if you go to the more tranquil beach resorts in Santa Eulalia and Portinatx or towards the tranquil interior, you’ll discover the quiet side of Ibiza which is a world away from the nightclubs.

Also, even on the popular island of Mallorca There are quiet areas available, no matter if exploring the Tramuntana mountains or taking a trip to the capital city of Palma which is where sophisticated cocktail bars and innovative culinary eateries offer a completely different island lifestyle in that of the Magaluf strip.

It is the Murcia wine trail, that connects three towns: Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla You will be tasting the delicious locally grown grape Monastrell. Modern and funky, as well as traditional and historic vineyards as well as tasting rooms await you. Delicious tasting menus that pair well with wine can be as little as EUR40 This makes it an affordable region to taste.

Take this into account with the distinctive lodging options available at reasonable prices like visiting castles, wineries as well as windmills within orchards and you’ll have an area in Spain which deserves more focus.

Cuenca is a charming city with historic streets

This much under-appreciated treasure located in Spain was my most memorable vacation of the year, and what a treasure it was to explore. Although the majority of online discussion about the medieval city centers around its famous Casa Colgados, the hanging homes that seem to hang from the sides on the rock entire old city is enchanting and well-deserving of its UNESCO world heritage designation.

Atop a rock, and with a past that dates back to the year 1300-years-old The colorful houses that are ruins of castles, houses, and a cathedral brimming with architectural details from different eras are a perfect combination to give visitors a atmosphere that is reminiscent of the world. Entering Cuenca is like taking a step back in the past. The natural surroundings of the karst mountain ranges, together with the clear blue river, offers an amazing adventure play area during the city breaks.

The most popular landmarks, like The Grand Plaza Mayor, which is truly alive after darkness and the two cathedrals are sure to make you snap too many pictures. There is also the Casa de las Conchas, uniquely decorated with shells and the many churches scattered around the city contribute to the splendor of the city.

One of my favorite places to visit in New York is an Art Nouveau museum, Casa Lis that houses the most fascinating collection of Art Deco work. The main attraction is the stunning stained glass ceiling and glass windows which are breathtaking.

There arein actual about 150 Gastronomic Societies ( txoko in Basque) in San Sebastian. Due to the small homes and apartments located in San Sebastian, the kitchens that were only for members thrived as ideal venues for hosting large family gatherings with an exquisite meal. Gastronomy could be said to run through the veins of the people in San Sebastian, and these spaces prove it. Each family member is give their own access key with 24/7 access. Many families will be cooking together eating together, discussing recipes and meals in a raucous atmosphere.

Although you must invite by a member in order to join any of the societies, certain tours, such as the one I did, give the privilege of enjoying an authentic meal in these places.

Segovia for an architectural culinary feast

A day trip that is easy from Madrid You may prefer to stay longer in Segovia one of my latest lesser-known Spanish destinations.

A trip to Segovia is sure to provide you with a array of architectural treasures that are worth a visit, so take your camera. The very like a Disney movie Alcazar de Segovia, dating to the 12th century it has been meticulously restore and was use throughout many years as a fortress castle and even as a prison. Today, inside it is an intriguing museum. But, for the best views, climb the hill on the opposite direction of the roadway until you reach the Mirador of Alcazar.

Other noteworthy sights include the huge and impressive Roman Aqueduct, the Cathedral that towers over everything else in the city. The beautifully designed Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso sits just outside the city’s main area.

But, I loved this area, and because of the fortress that was build by the medieval fortress in Vila Vella. Which rises over the sandy beaches on both sides, it has something more unique in it than the modern beach resorts with high-rises are often associate in the Southern Spain coast.

Logrono for an Pinchos bar crawl

The capital city of The capital city of Rioja wine region the ambience of Logrono will surely entice you with its enthralling charm, especially after your first crawl.

These skewers that are bite-size typically serve with bread, are delicious mixtures of cheese, meat seafood, local flavors and even seafood which are all deliciously wash with an ice cold glass of vino tinto. Go toward Calle Laurel, pick a start point and walk between one wall to another , much like your usual bar crawl.

The food is either serve at the window or served in adorable little bars that are bursting with charm – with the only difference is that the emphasis is on the food and the atmosphere in the same way as the drink. You’ll be in a great group because it’s a favorite pastime of locals too. to get the best food at any restaurant, you can simply ask what the most popular dish is, since each establishment has its own famous menu.

More than just stuffed your face Beyond eating your fill of food, it is worth a visit to the Rioja Museum, ancient church and stunning Cathedral will keep you busy between dinner and pincho crawls!

It is a must to visit the market on the square. Stallholders are eager to serve you samples of local cheeses , cured meatsthat are perfect to create a picnic in the mountains nearby. Take a stroll along the old streets and marvel at the fact that some of the old wooden houses remain in place.

The Roman Amphitheatre which is now located between graffiti-stained walls and tapas bars is, naturally the center in the town. However, the extensive assortment of museum and Roman ruins that are accessible as well as the fantastic food as well as the wine industry, as well as the incredibly low cost when compared to, Barcelona, make this an area that I can easily get to be in the groove of.

Take the time to visit The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena, where you can view artifacts from ships that have lost. Visit the now-defunct ruin with no roof of the Old Cathedral of Cartagena and then explore one of the numerous old-fashioned museums and sites scattered throughout the city.

Fortunately, the compact old town is easy to walk around on foot; but, upon arriving in the bustling and modern New Town, one could be wondering if you’ve actually arrived at the right location. When you are surround by the historical architecture and narrow streets but you’ll able to be able to forget about the world outside and see why it’s been designate as a World Heritage City.

There is a variety of architectural styles within Old Town. Roman, Moorish, Gothic are all a part of the same with the towers of fame that date back to the Islamic times to the Roman exhibits of artifacts and the stunning Cathedral. There are hardly any people living in the town’s historic center taking a stroll in the morning or at night will leave you feeling as if you’re the royals of this ancient country.

La Lonja de la Seda The silk exchange in Valencia is an intriguing and intricately design structure, that it was give UNESCO designation. There, you can read about the historical background of the silk trade and further production that took place in the third largest city of Spain.

A great city break on its own There is a wide choices in Valencia whether it’s raining or shining. Its Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is located outside of the city center, is home to numerous museums and a cinema dedicated to the sciences and the arts. The Cathedral of the 13th century is awe-inspiring located in Valencia’s historic town due to its many architectural styles that creates a distinctive look. To end the day, you can enjoy the sights with a delicious paella, because it was in Valencia where the recipe was first thought of.

Take a drive towards Las Arenas, and here is The Cueva del Queso de Cabrales museum. It will take you through the production process and then taken to the caves to taste a sample of this blue cheese that has won awards, still made by farmers in rural areas up to the present. It’s not just the location that is an ideal spot for nature lovers, but here , it’s an ideal place for slow traveling, local product, and excellent hiking trails . It is ideal to be include in an excursion into The Picos de Europa mountain range.

Laguardia is one of Spain’s most stunning villages

Although beautiful Laguardia may be an undiscovered gem for many British tourists, the area’s of wine Rioja it is the one that is well-known to most of us however, that’s not the only reason to go to Laguardia.

The walled town, although with walls that are a little less well-maintained in the aftermath of the war, is definitely one of those magical places. The five gates that lead into the town will lead you into the maze of streets that are now only home to a couple of thousand residents. Because of the 250 tunnels that lie beneath these roads, vehicles are strictly prohibite to prevent the tunnels from falling down.

Of course, you wouldn’t really be serving Laguardia properly without taking part in some tasting wine. For this, you’ll given the opportunity to visit the underground tunnels in person in which wine is make and store. Visit Bodega El Fabulista in order to find out about the old-fashioned methods of production and to taste their wonderful wines. Enjoy a wonderful meal set in the vineyard that is just outside the walls located at Villa Lucia Espacio Gastronomico.

A Coruna for an exquisite seafood tasting

While the majority of visitors to Galicia enjoy admiring The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, go to the second city A Coruna for the hidden treasures of the Spanish coast.

Famous for its fresh catch and a passion for Seafood The tastes are sure to be delight when you visit A Coruna. There is a lot to enjoy. Galician culture and language are a highlight as well One of the best things for me when I travel throughout Spain is learning about the different cultures among the various regions. Did you know that, for instance, that the primary instrument used in the northern region of Portugal is call the gaita which is a kind of bagpipe?

In the city take a look at the stunning Plaza de Maria Pita or go to the intriguing Domus Museum, focused on the human body. After that, you can head to the coast for rocky paths, windswept beaches and the oldest lighthouse in the world by its name, The Tower of Hercules.

It is distinctively Catalan and the second city in the Autonomous Region, sprawls out from the old town with its colorful bridges and houses. traverse across the Guell River. Let yourself get lose through the maze of streets of the Jewish Quarter, one of the most preserved in Europe. Enjoy with your Game of Thrones superfan status in the Arab Baths or climb the steps at the top of Girona Cathedral, and be certain to stroll along through the city walls to enjoy the best views you can get.

Merida is a step back in Roman times

Extremadura is one of the more remote Spain places to visit for Brits and Merida Merida, the capital of the region is a real Roman jewel.

You’ll find some of the most well-preserved Roman sites in the entire nation and the globe. It’s worth it to purchase the multi-attraction ticket to ensure you can go to all of them and, if you can, at the very least, allow you to stay for an overnight, giving you two days to see every single thing on the list.

The amphitheatre remains in great condition. even though you are able to tour it during the daytime If you are able to attend a performance in the area and you must not miss it in – particularly during July and August, when there is Classical Theatre Festival takes place.

The close-by National Museum of Roman Art is home to a large collection of mosaics and other artefacts. In addition Aqueducts, aqueducts, the stunning Temple of Diana as well as other architectural gems within the city will transport you back to the past.

Uncarbonated, the flavor is distinctive from other ciders. The serve , expertly served via the escanciadoris pour from the top, which means that when it hits the glass there are air bubbles that have made its way into the beverage and are ready for consumption immediately.

Beyond the well-known apple beer The city is a great location to spend a few days in the relaxed vibe of the old town, or to use as a base for exploring the countryside. Free entry to the Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias is an excellent place to take in, both for its collections it houses and the buildings that it houses.