We all know and love Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville and, of course, they’re worth knowing and loving. But, Spain is bursting at the seams with under-the-radar spots that are just as magical – and far less crowded.
If you love cobblestone streets, medieval villages, dramatic coastlines, and authentic Spanish charm, then get ready to pack your suitcase. These hidden gems are the kind of places that will make you feel like you’ve discovered a whole new world, one you can have all to yourself.
Albarracín, Aragón
Tucked away in the hills of the Teruel province, Albarracín seems to have fallen out of a fairytale. This walled medieval town, with its terracotta-colored buildings and narrow, winding streets, feels like it hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s precisely its charm. Surrounded by cliffs and perched above a river gorge, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, wander, and just soak it all in.
Spend your time getting lost in the maze of streets (seriously, get lost; it’s part of the fun), climb up to the old castle ruins for panoramic views, and check out the cathedral. The nearby Pinares de Rodeno park has prehistoric cave paintings that are thousands of years old (very interesting). And, if you’re staying overnight, the skies here are amazing; it’s a stargazer’s paradise.
Cudillero, Asturias
Cudillero is a tiny fishing village on Spain’s northern coast. Picture pastel-colored houses stacked on the hillside, all facing the sea like they’re watching something wonderful happen. Everything here feels authentic; the fishermen still go out every morning for their daily catches, and the seafood is out of this world.
Enjoy a lazy afternoon strolling the harbor before climbing the narrow staircases that wind through the town. The views of the coastline are indescribable. Words do not do them justice. In our opinion, the Mirador de la Garita-Atalaya is the best lookout point.
Also, be sure to try the local fabada (a hearty bean stew) or anything fresh off the boat. There aren’t a lot of big tourist attractions here, and that’s exactly the point. It’s peaceful, restful, and impossibly pretty.
Frigiliana, Andalusia
If you’re already visiting Málaga or Nerja, take a detour up into the hills where you’ll find Frigiliana, a whitewashed village that looks like it’s popped off a postcard. It’s full of Moorish history, winding alleys, and blue-painted doors that pop against the white walls. It’s calm, colorful, and full of little surprises.
Spend the day just walking around and ducking into craft shops, local art galleries, or tapas spots with views of the sea. If you love history, check out the remains of the old Moorish fortress or the small archaeological museum. And, if you’re up for a hike, the nearby natural park of Sierras de Almijara y Tejeda offers trails with coastal views that can’t be beat.
Calella de Palafrugell, Catalonia
Forget the crowded beaches of Costa Brava. Calella de Palafrugell is the coastal town you want. Again, you’ll find those lovely whitewashed houses, little coves with crystal-clear water, and a laid-back, fishing village that’s somehow managed to stay under the radar.
In the morning, you can swim or kayak in the calm coves before wandering down the narrow streets in search of fresh paella. There’s also a lovely botanical garden nearby (Cap Roig) with ocean views that are Instagram gold. If you can, time your visit with the summer music festival. It’s small, intimate, and held right by the sea.
Alquézar, Aragón
Alquézar is a medieval village perched on a hill above the Vero River Canyon. It’s the very definition of “hidden gem.” With its stone houses, cobbled streets, and dramatic landscapes, it feels a bit like Tuscany meets Game of Thrones. The old collegiate church at the top of the town is certainly worth the climb; the views are spectacular.
But, what makes Alquézar extra special is the adventure factor. You can hike down into the canyon on wooden walkways (Pasarelas del Vero) or try canyoning in the nearby natural park. If you prefer to keep things simple, sip a glass of Somontano wine at a terrace with mountain views and simply enjoy the silence. It’s a perfect combo of history, nature, and pure serenity.
Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia
Setenil is the kind of place that will make you do a double-take. The town is literally built into and under giant rock overhangs. The rocks are the roofs in some streets. It’s bizarre, beautiful, and unimaginably cozy. The houses here blend right into the cliffs, creating natural shade and a totally surreal experience.
You can walk through Calle Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, where shops and tapas bars are tucked into the rocks. Then, grab a table outside and sip a cold drink while staring up at the massive stone overhead. The whole town is walkable and, nearby, you’ll find olive groves and countryside trails that are happy to give you a taste of rural Andalusia.
Ribadavia, Galicia
Ribadavia is tucked into the heart of Galicia’s Ribeiro wine region, and it’s full of surprises. It has a long Jewish history, medieval streets, and an almost forgotten feel that’s really enchanting. The historic Jewish quarter is one of the best preserved in Spain and offers a glimpse into a lesser-known part of the country’s past.
You can explore the old castle ruins, wander through quiet plazas, and pop into local bakeries to try traditional Galician sweets. Whatever you do, don’t leave without tasting the local Ribeiro wine. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for sipping in the afternoon sun. If you can, time your visit for the Festa da Istoria in late summer; the town turns back the clock for a full-on medieval party full of costumes, markets, and endless platters of food.
Aínsa, Aragón
When you visit Aínsa, you’ll wonder why it’s not packed with tourists; it’s incredibly picturesque. Situated between two rivers and backed by the Pyrenees, Aínsa is a beautifully preserved medieval old town, complete with a stone plaza that will make you feel like you’re being welcomed home.
Start your day with coffee on the main square, then climb the old fortress walls for sweeping views of the mountains. The surrounding area is packed with hiking trails, swimming spots, and nature reserves, as well. Aínsa is also a great base if you’re exploring the nearby Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. All in all, it’s peaceful, authentic, and surrounded by wild beauty.
Valverde de los Arroyos, Castilla-La Mancha
Hidden in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, Valverde de los Arroyos is a tiny slate village with a lot of rustic charm. The houses are made of dark stone and wood, giving the whole place a cozy, alpine feel. You won’t find big tourist crowds here, just quiet streets, fresh mountain air, and incredible opportunities to hike.
The main draw here is the trek to the Chorrera de Despeñalagua, a waterfall that’s especially beautiful in the spring when the snow melts. The walk isn’t too tough, and the views along the way are showstopping. Afterwards, you can reward yourself with a long lunch at one of the traditional inns. Valverde de los Arroyos is the kind of place where time slows down in the best way possible.
Puebla de Sanabria, Castile and León
This medieval town near the Portuguese border is completely underrated. Puebla de Sanabria sits on a hill above the Tera River and is crowned by a 15th-century castle. The old town is full of stone houses, balconies draped in flowers, and quiet cobbled streets just waiting to be explored.
Be sure to visit the castle. You can climb the tower for beautiful views. Then, stroll along the old city walls, and check out the Gothic church and small museums. Not far from town is Lago de Sanabria (Spain’s largest glacial lake), perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just lazing on the shore. It’s a great mix of history, nature, and total relaxation.
There’s a Spot In Spain for You
Spain has more hidden gems than we can count, but these ten are a great start if you want to ditch the crowds and see something special. Whether you enjoy hiking, history, or just sipping wine in a quiet plaza, one of these towns will touch your heart.
Before you go, come check out our library of destination guides. We’re here to help you plan a big trip to the big cities, or a small trip to the hidden villages and towns we dream about at night.
Either way, we’ll help you make it a success with all the best places to eat, sleep, and explore. And, until we meet on the road to Valverde de los Arroyos, we wish you safe travels, wherever the road takes you next!