Spain knocked my socks off, and not just because of Barcelona’s crazy architecture or Madrid’s world-class museums. After road-tripping across the country multiple times, I’ve fallen for places most visitors never see.
Trust me, the best places in Spain are hiding in plain sight. I still dream about getting lost in Frigiliana’s impossibly charming streets and waking up to mountain views from my little rental near Ronda. The locals I met were right—you haven’t really experienced Spain until you’ve shared tapas in a tiny village square where no one speaks English and everyone wants to chat anyway. Ready to discover Spain beyond the tourist traps? These 12 spots will give you stories worth bragging about—guaranteed.
Top Must-See Destinations in Spain
Looking to uncover Spain’s hidden gems? Beyond the popular attractions, the country offers plenty of lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. Wander through the Ribeira Sacra, known for its stunning vineyards and landscapes. Marvel at the Cíes Islands, a pristine natural paradise.
Stroll the historic streets of Cuenca, a charming town with hanging houses. Whether you’re into nature, history, or unique experiences, here are 12 of Spain’s most underrated destinations!
1. Albarracín, Aragon
- 📍 Location: Teruel Province, eastern Aragon
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 Medieval vibes, 🥾 scenic hikers, 📸 architecture lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to Andador Tower, strolling Plaza Mayor, hiking the ancient walls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November for autumn colors and fewer crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Doña Blanca – Cozy and traditional stay just steps from the old town walls
Albarracín feels like it was lifted straight from a storybook. Its pink-hued stone buildings and twisting alleyways give it a timeless, enchanted atmosphere. The town sits high above a rocky gorge, with pine forests framing its medieval skyline. Narrow streets lead to quiet plazas, historic homes, and tiny shops with handmade crafts.
You’ll want to climb the ancient walls to the Andador Tower for one of the best panoramic views in eastern Spain. The 16th-century cathedral and town hall add depth to its already rich architecture. Late afternoons are magical here, when the sun hits the buildings and the whole place glows.
Albarracín is calm but full of character, perfect for travelers who prefer small towns with big charm. Whether you’re into photography, history, or quiet hiking trails, this hidden gem rewards slow exploration and a curious mindset.
2. Cudillero, Asturias
- 📍 Location: Western Asturias, near Avilés
- 🏆 Best For: 🎣 Coastal explorers, 🌈 color chasers, 🍽️ seafood fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to La Garita, exploring steep alleys, dining by the harbor
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to July for sunny skies and vibrant town life ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casona de la Paca – Charming boutique hotel tucked into lush surroundings nearby
Cudillero looks like someone stacked rainbow-colored houses on a cliff and forgot to tell the tourists. This fishing village tumbles down into a small harbor, creating a colorful amphitheater that’s incredibly photogenic. The maze of staircases and alleys invites slow wandering and plenty of breaks for photos.
La Garita viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas, especially at sunset when the rooftops turn golden. Fishermen still mend their nets by the water, and the scent of fresh-cooked seafood fills the air. It’s the kind of place where you can sip cider and watch life unfold with zero rush.
Unlike some beach towns, Cudillero keeps its authenticity. Restaurants usually serve daily catches right by the boats that brought them in. And even during the busier months, the atmosphere stays relaxed. It’s a perfect escape for travelers who want coastal charm without the tourist chaos.
3. Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia
- 📍 Location: Cádiz Province, near Ronda
- 🏆 Best For: 🪨 Geology lovers, 🏠 quirky architecture fans, 🍷 tapas hunters
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking Calle Cuevas del Sol, dining in cave bars, seeing Nazarí Castle
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for mild weather and fewer tour groups 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Villa de Setenil – Cozy rural hotel tucked right by the cave district
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of those places that doesn’t seem real until you’re standing under a rock ceiling while sipping wine. Built directly into the cliffs of a narrow river gorge, the village features cave dwellings carved into massive overhangs. Homes and shops blend naturally with the stone.
Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra are the heart of the village, lined with tapas bars, cafés, and local shops sheltered beneath giant boulders. These streets stay shaded even in summer, making them perfect for a midday stroll. The town’s layout is compact but packed with character.
Setenil is just a short drive from Ronda, but it feels like a completely different world. It’s calm, low-key, and filled with friendly locals who keep things traditional. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind town that’s equal parts peaceful and jaw-dropping, this one delivers.
4. Ronda, Andalusia
- 📍 Location: Málaga Province, above El Tajo Gorge
- 🏆 Best For: 🌉 Dramatic views, 🍷 wine lovers, 🐂 history fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing Puente Nuevo, hiking El Tajo gorge, visiting Plaza de Toros
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for warm weather and blooming hillsides 🌺
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Montelirio – Elegant boutique hotel perched right beside the gorge
Ronda is one of Spain’s most striking hill towns, dramatically split in two by the El Tajo gorge. The massive Puente Nuevo bridge connects the old and new quarters, offering sweeping views of cliffs, farmland, and distant mountains. The setting is unforgettable, especially at golden hour when the light deepens the color of the stone.
Beyond the scenery, Ronda is rich in culture and history. You can visit Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring, or wander through the Moorish architecture of Mondragón Palace. The Camino de los Molinos trail offers a scenic way to view the gorge from below.
The town stays peaceful in the evenings. Local taverns serve bold red wines and tapas with a view, while lanterns light up narrow streets. It’s a place to slow down, soak in the surroundings, and enjoy a more atmospheric side of southern Spain.
5. Zahara de la Sierra, Andalusia
- 📍 Location: Sierra de Grazalema, Cádiz Province
- 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Castle explorers, 🌸 wildflower hikers, 💧 reservoir swimmers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Zahara Castle, swimming in Arroyomolinos, enjoying views from town
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for wildflowers and clear skies 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Al Lago Hotel – Relaxed lakeside stay with epic views and fresh Andalusian cuisine
Zahara de la Sierra looks like something painted onto a postcard. The whitewashed village rises from a hillside above a turquoise reservoir, crowned by a crumbling Moorish castle. It’s a compact town with steep lanes and unbeatable photo angles everywhere you look.
The hike up to the castle is short but steep, and the reward is a panoramic view of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains. You’ll spot olive groves stretching in every direction, and if the skies are clear, even the Mediterranean shimmer in the distance. It’s a great area for scenic drives or trail walks.
Down by the water, Playa de Arroyomolinos is a freshwater beach where locals gather for picnics and swims. With its quiet charm and high-up views, Zahara feels both cinematic and peaceful. It’s the kind of village where you’re always just a few steps from a beautiful lookout.
6. Luarca, Asturias
- 📍 Location: Coastal town in western Asturias
- 🏆 Best For: 🌊 Coastal calm, ⚓ harbor walks, 🍲 seafood fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the harbor, visiting La Atalaya, eating fabada asturiana
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for sunny skies and sea breeze days 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Villa la Argentina – Elegant hilltop stay with garden views and coastal access
Luarca is the kind of coastal town that feels like a secret. Set along a natural harbor on Spain’s green northern coast, it blends maritime life with aristocratic charm. Fishing boats, hillside mansions, and whitewashed buildings make it easy on the eyes and relaxing to explore.
Seven small bridges connect the town’s districts, each offering a different view of daily life. You’ll find fishermen’s cottages, quiet cafés, and narrow alleys leading up to the Cemetery of Luarca. Perched high on a cliff, it’s one of the most scenic cemeteries in Europe with panoramic sea views.
Make time for a walk to La Atalaya lighthouse or enjoy fresh seafood at a local tavern. With far fewer tourists than other coastal towns, Luarca offers space to breathe and time to enjoy a quieter version of the Spanish coast that still feels incredibly local.
7. Aínsa, Aragon
- 📍 Location: Huesca Province, near Ordesa National Park
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 History lovers, 🥾 mountain hikers, 🍷 foodies
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering Plaza Mayor, climbing castle walls, dining at Callizo
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for pleasant hikes and village events 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Los Siete Reyes – Boutique stone hotel right in the old town square
Aínsa feels like a medieval movie set, only it’s completely real and full of life. The cobblestone Plaza Mayor is surrounded by stone arcades and historic buildings, with the Pyrenees rising in the background. The layout makes it one of the most atmospheric villages in northern Spain.
Walk the 11th-century castle walls for sweeping views, or visit the eco-museum inside to learn about local wildlife and culture. The town is also a gateway to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, which offers some of Spain’s most beautiful alpine hiking trails.
Food here is a surprise. At Callizo, dishes use ingredients foraged from the region, giving traditional Aragonese recipes a modern twist. Aínsa mixes deep history with creative energy and access to nature. It’s a great stop for travelers who want to connect with local life while still being close to epic outdoor adventures.
8. Frigiliana, Andalusia
- 📍 Location: Inland from Nerja, Málaga Province
- 🏆 Best For: 🏘️ Whitewashed villages, 🖼️ Moorish history, 🥾 hillside hikers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking El Barribarto, viewing mosaic panels, hiking El Fuerte
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for pleasant temps and blooming flowers 🌷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Frigiliana – Central stay with mountain views and pool access
Frigiliana is one of Andalusia’s most picturesque villages, nestled just inland from the Costa del Sol. With narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed homes, and vibrant flowers spilling over balconies, it’s the kind of place where every corner feels photo-worthy.
The Moorish quarter, El Barribarto, is especially stunning. Mosaic panels along Calle Real tell stories from the town’s past, and views from the higher terraces stretch toward the sea. For a deeper dive into the region’s history, a hike up El Fuerte leads to dramatic overlooks and ruins.
Frigiliana remains largely untouched by mass tourism, which gives it a calm, authentic feel. Art galleries and small artisan shops line the streets, and local festivals often light up the village with music and dancing. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want beauty, culture, and a slower pace just minutes from the coast.
9. Llastres, Asturias
- 📍 Location: Coastal village east of Gijón, Asturias
- 🏆 Best For: ⚓ Fishing village charm, 🥾 coastal walkers, 🌅 scenic viewpoints
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to the Clock Tower, exploring harbor streets, walking to the lighthouse
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for warm weather and clear ocean views 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Eutimio – Family-run hotel near the harbor with sea-facing rooms
Llastres spills down a steep hillside into the Cantabrian Sea, offering picture-perfect views at nearly every turn. The village remains a working fishing port, where you’ll see nets drying on docks and locals chatting by boats. Its layered streets make it feel like a living balcony over the water.
Each part of the town tells a story. The lower section hugs the harbor, the middle features the Church of San José, and the upper area is anchored by the Clock Tower. From here, the view over the coastline is one of northern Spain’s best.
For those who love coastal hiking, a trail leads to the Cape Lastres Lighthouse through cliffs and meadows. Llastres doesn’t feel staged or overdone. It’s a quiet place with a timeless rhythm, ideal for travelers seeking peace, views, and a strong sense of place without the usual crowds.
- Read Next: 13 Scenic Places in Spain
10. Alquézar, Aragon
- 📍 Location: Overlooking Río Vero, Huesca Province
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 Cliffside towns, 🥾 canyon adventurers, 🎨 history lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Pasarelas del Vero, touring Santa María la Mayor, viewing prehistoric art
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry trails and vibrant landscapes 🏞️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Castillo – Comfortable hillside stay with panoramic views of the village
Alquézar is perched dramatically above a canyon carved by the Vero River, offering cliffside views and narrow stone streets that feel frozen in time. Its honey-colored buildings and medieval fortress make it one of the most visually unique towns in northern Spain.
The Pasarelas del Vero trail is the big draw for adventurers. This cliff-hugging walkway gives close-up access to the gorge, with clear water below and vultures soaring overhead. Inside the village, the fortified church of Santa María la Mayor reveals centuries-old murals and religious history.
Beyond its medieval charm, Alquézar is surrounded by natural beauty. Caves nearby feature ancient rock art, and trails lead into the Sierra de Guara. Whether you’re into quiet village life, outdoor exploration, or a bit of both, this town offers a one-of-a-kind blend of cultural heritage and rugged landscapes.
- Read Next: My Summer in Spain Bucket List
11. Capileira, Andalusia
- 📍 Location: Poqueira Gorge, Sierra Nevada, Andalusia
- 🏆 Best For: ⛰️ Mountain hikers, 🏡 white village fans, 📷 nature photographers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring village streets, hiking Poqueira Gorge, admiring traditional houses
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to July for clear skies and accessible mountain trails ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Finca Los Llanos – Rustic hotel with garden terraces and great hiking access
Capileira is one of the highest villages in mainland Spain, nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada. At over 4,700 feet, it combines cool mountain air with sweeping valley views. The town’s whitewashed architecture stands out against the rugged terrain, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
Wandering the steep streets reveals local life at a slow, steady rhythm. Many of the buildings follow Berber-style construction with flat roofs and prominent chimneys. Trails wind right out of town, leading to dramatic gorges and ridgelines that make this region a paradise for hikers.
Capileira is also part of the Poqueira Gorge trio, with trails connecting it to Bubión and Pampaneira. Visitors come for the mountain access, but they stay for the quiet beauty and sense of remoteness. It’s a rewarding stop for anyone craving nature, culture, and a slower pace in southern Spain.
- Read Next: Spain’s Coolest Spots
12. Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
- 📍 Location: Inland Cantabria, near Altamira Caves
- 🏆 Best For: 🏛️ History buffs, 🪨 cave art fans, 🚶 slow travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Santa Juliana, walking cobbled streets, visiting the Altamira Cave replica
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November for fewer tourists and cozy village weather 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Altamira – Historic inn set within a restored stone manor in the old town
Despite its name, Santillana del Mar is neither holy, flat, nor by the sea, but it’s one of the most charming medieval towns in Spain. The entire village feels like a preserved time capsule with cobblestone streets, stone homes, and quiet courtyards.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana is a standout, with its Romanesque cloister offering a peaceful place to reflect. Just outside the town, the Altamira Cave Museum features replicas of 22,000-year-old cave paintings, giving a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life.
Santillana moves at a gentle pace. Visitors stroll, admire architecture, and pop into local shops selling crafts and regional goods. It’s a great destination for those who want to walk through centuries of history without the crowds found in larger cities. The mix of heritage and charm makes this village feel like a true hidden treasure.
- Read next: 12 Coolest Places in Valencia (Spain)
- You may also like: 12 Best Places to Visit in Seville
