Five Spain less traveled towns

Add these to your itinerary!

Originally published April 13, 2020.

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

Have the desire to explore Spain off the beaten path? Here are some of Spain's not to miss towns.  I've traveled all over Spain (of course I have! I work as a Spain travel planner) These towns were handpicked by me for their architecture, culture, food, and vistas.

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Altea

The whitewashed houses of Altea plunge into the blue Mediterranean Sea

Everyone knows that Granada is one of my favorite cities in Spain.  But it is not exactly "Spain off the beaten path."  Meet Altea! On Spain's Costa Blanca, Altea looks like a small Granada by the sea.

Whitewashed houses with Mediterranean views, this is one of the Costa Blanca's more charming towns.  With authentic Spanish charms that many of the larger beach cities do not have, Altea is the perfect stop for travelers who want those Mediterranean vibes coupled with Spain's enchantment. Easily accessible from Alicante by tram or car, Altea’s charm is worth the detour. It’s just north up the coast from Benidorm, but a completely different vibe.

Wear good walking shoes, because like Granada, Altea is on a hill. And the best views are from the top of the town, of course!

Altea insider tip: Tiny El Petenero Bakery has some of the best pastries I've ever had in Spain

Consuegra

If chasing your inner Don Quixote fantasies is what you’re after in Spain, then missing Consuegra, especially at sunset, would be tragic!

Less than two hours from Madrid by car, Consuegra is where you can find some of Spain’s best best Cervantes-style windmills.  Not only you can pretend to the protagonist as you hop from windmill to windmill, headed toward the castle, but Consuegra also offers beautiful views of Spain’s vast plains of La Mancha.

Live out those wildest Don Quixote fantasies in Consuegra, Spain

Try to visit soon. Once off the beaten path, Consuegra is sadlystarting to attract big bus day trippers from Madrid. That said, to best explore the plains of La Mancha, I recommend renting a car in Madrid for a fantastic day trip. A visit to Consuegra can also be combined with a visit to Toledo. On the road from Madrid to Andalucía, Consuegra also makes a good stop for those heading to other parts south.

Consuegra insider tip: If you’re into chasing sunsets, Consuegra’s sunsets over the La Manchan plains are epic. Be sure to time it correctly so you are up in the hill for a 360 view.

(Here are my picks for other best day trips from Madrid Spain)

Grazalema

Renting a car and exploring Andalucía’s pueblos blancos (white villages) will give you an authentic taste of the South of Spain off the beaten path.  And Grazalema is one of my personal favorite these special towns

Sunrise over Grazalema

Nestled in the green Sierra de Grazalema, Grazalema’s small streets are to die for.  Take time to wander them, taking in the views and the slow pace of life.

For a little local flair, have a drink at one of the terrace cafes in Grazalema’s tiny Plaza Mayor. Grazalema is a great town to plan to have a meal too. Gastrobar La Maroma is one of my favorite restaurants in the pueblos blancos.

And if cheese is what you are after, Grazalema produces some of the world’s best called Payoyo.

Grazalema insider tip: Spending the night at one of Grazalema’s casa rurales will provide an incredible, localized experience. The sunrises over the foggy mountains are beautiful and worth waking up for.

(For more tips about Andalucía less traveled, be sure to check out the Ultimate Travel Guide to Andalucía off the beaten path! )

Arenas de Cabrales

Aside from great cheese, Arenas de Cabrales has colorful buildings and great views!

Speaking of cheese and in this case, pungent blue cheese, Arenas de Cabrales in Asturias Spain is where you can find it.  The North of Spain is known for being Spain’s #1 gastronomical region.  And an Asturian (and Galician! And Cantabrian!) road trip is a must for delicious food and amazing scenery.

With just about everything to satisfy cheese lovers, Arenas de Cabrales offers more than that.  Beautiful architecture, and friendly locals, this little town is worth the drive to get there.

This area is also a great base for exploring the Picos de Europa. There are plenty of hiking trails near by.

Also close to Arenas de Cabrales is the mountain top town of Bulnes , one of Spain’s more interesting curiosities.

Arenas de Cabrales insider tip: The patatas de Cabrales at the local restaurants here are to die for! Seriously. It sounds cliche but it’s true!

Albarracín

If you’ve seen photos of it, is no surprise that Albaraccín was voted the most beautiful pueblo in Spain in 2018.  Just look at this post’s header for more affirmation.

Driving in, you can sense it right away. Tucked away in the beautiful landscape surrounding it, Albarracín’s rusty pink tinted buildings flanked by dramatic mountains make it breathtaking. The fall is absolutely beautiful here.

The rusty pink tinted buildings in Albarracín, Spain. The header photo is also of the town, taken from the castle.

Part of the Teruel province, this is a great place to try some of Spain’s famous jamón.  Albarracín also makes for a good starting point to explore some of Aragón’s best nature.

Albarracín makes for a great day trip from Zaragoza (on the AVE route between Madrid and Barcelona) or from the regional capital of Teruel. You will want to rent a car to get here.

Albarracín insider tip: For the postcard-worthy views of the town and the natural landscape, you will need to hike to the mirador on the grounds of the old castle.  Part of the path is rocky, good footwear is a must.

Those are just a few of Spain’s spectacular off-the-beaten-path towns

There are so many more!

Is your Spain wanderlust fueled yet? Have you already traveled to Spain but want to return to see more of the country? The good news is, you can find authentic and beautiful towns all over Spain.  I can recommend more of these lesser traveled places based on your preferences and timeframe for your trip to Spain.

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