Visiting underrated places in Spain offers a truly authentic and unique travel experience. These hidden gems reveal the lesser-known aspects of the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
Exploring destinations off the beaten path destinations allows travelers to escape the crowds and discover charming villages, unspoiled landscapes, and hidden architectural treasures. They have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, talk to friendly locals and enjoy regional cuisine.
Plus, visiting underrated places often has the added benefit of lower prices, fewer tourist crowds, and a closer connection to the destination. From picturesque coastal towns to quiet mountain villages, exploring Spain’s underrated places reveals the true essence of the country and unveils hidden treasures that leave a lasting impression.
Juzcar, Andalucia (Smurf Town)
Before filming “The Smurfs,” the film crew painted all the houses in the village of Juzcar blue, promising to repaint them all white again after filming was completed. The residents soon understood that being the only blue village in a region full of white villages was fascinating and would attract more tourists. So they decided to keep them blue.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava
One of the best-kept secrets of the Costa Brava and one of Spain’s most beautiful hidden gems is Tossa de Mar. Located just 1:30 minutes from Barcelona’s city center, Tossa de Mar seems incredible, as it has several great beaches of golden sand and an impressive medieval fortress. The charming fishing village is filled with the wonderful scent of pine trees. If you want to see the most breathtaking places in Spain, Tossa de Mar should be on the top of your list of places to visit.
Peniscola
Peniscola is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, as it is also one of the most picturesque villages in the country, which should come as no surprise. From Barcelona, Peniscola is a three-hour drive away. Explore the castle of Pope Luna, the historic walls of Pensicola, the nature reserve and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of the region with its warm winters and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Soller, Mallorca
The most picturesque village in Mallorca is Soller. It is surrounded by mountains, which makes it peaceful, relaxing and ideal for a family vacation. Although it is located in a remote area, Soller is well connected to Palma de Mallorca (30 minutes from the airport) thanks to its extensive tram and bus network. Soller is the right place for you if you like nature, hiking and good food.
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Sun lovers can travel to the Canary Islands at any time of the year. One of the best kept secrets in Spain is Puerto de la Cruz, located on the north coast of Tenerife. During your visit to the island of Tenerife, you should definitely go there. Although Puerto de la Cruz is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, this stunning place with its authentic restaurants, fishing boats and postcard-perfect landscape has lost none of its fascination.
Olvera, Andalusia
Olvera is a must-visit location for lovers of history, culture and authenticity; it is not just another white village in Andalusia. Visit the castle and the chapel and taste one of the best olive oils in Andalusia. Because so many olive trees were planted in this area, it got its name of “Olvera”
Cadaqués
Strolling through the streets of Cadaqués, you have the impression that the soul of Salvator Dali still hangs in the air. In truth, Dali used to live in “Portlligat”,” which is near Cadaquès. Having previously slept in motels, this was his only residence. You can not miss his house in Portlligat, which is now a museum and definitely worth a visit, because on the roof is enthroned a huge egg! For Dali, the egg stood for rebirth.
Cala Figuera, Mallorca
Cala Figuera, quiet and spared from mass tourism, is a modest piece of paradise located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the metropolis of Palma de Mallorca. This small fishing village is one of the least populated places on the island of Mallorca in the summer, since there are no extensive beaches.