Originally published 18 December, 2024

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

With Spain becoming increasingly more popular, our founder Karen wanted to share her personal top 15 places in Spain to visit in 2025. Sure some of the “heavy hitters” are on here, but you will also find recommendations for places that aren’t as touristic, to inspire you to really explore Spain!

This list includes regions, cities, small towns, and natural areas... and one is an island! There are names you may be familiar with, others perhaps not so much. Some of these places are accessible by public transport. But for many of them you will need your own transportation. And some may inspire you to center your whole trip around them. But you may want to sprinkle some of these places into your Spain travel itinerary to spice it up a little.

No matter which of these you find alluring, it is our hope that you will find the perfect part of Spain to start your 2025 Spain trip planning. (And we’d love to help with that, be sure to check out the professional Spain travel planning services we offer.)

So here you have it, Spain Less Traveled founder Karen’s suggestions for Spain trip planning in 2025…

Where to go in Spain in 2025… some inspiration!

Murcia

Keep your eye out for Murcia as it’s about to explode in popularity. Hence now is the time to visit.

This large, yet local city is a true gem. Very few international visitors make it to this southeastern corner of Spain, but Spaniards will tell you that Murcia is a true Spanish city. Loud, friendly, and welcoming, Murcia is also becoming a large player in the Spanish culinary and gastronomical scene.

The Gothic and Baroque style cathedral is worth checking out, and like in most Spanish cities, the area around the cathedral is bustling. Calle Trapería and Calle Platería (streets) are probably the most picturesque and famous. Historically, Plaza de las Flores was the “it” spot, but in recent years the pedestrianized zone between City Hall and Plaza Circular is the place to be!

Casinos normally aren’t on our top places to visit, but Murcia is an exception, and also this is not a gambling casino, more like a social club. The Royal Casino of Murcia is full of exquisite architecture including an impressive Muslim-style patio. Absolutely worth a visit!

Try to go in April when the city celebrates its local festival, Bando de la Huerta (22 April in 2025).

Getting to Murcia has never been easier, with a new high-speed train service from Madrid.

Tarragona

Just over 60 miles southwest of Barcelona, along the Costa Daurada you will find the smaller city of Tarragona.

Tarragona is most famous for stunning Roman ruins that include an amphitheater, an aqueduct, and a circus, all of which are well-preserved. The circus was the site for many horse-drawn races and currently lies under 19th-century buildings. You can visit many of the numerous vaults underground that have been uncovered in recent years.

We love a good historic center, and Tarragona is no exception. The historic center, or Trinquet Nou, is centrally located and makes for a great stop to have a caña along your historic site tour. The Tarragona Cathedral is just a short walk away and is a gothic masterpiece with a touch of Romanesque influence that you cannot miss. The cathedral also holds a vast collection of medieval artwork.

For a more serene beach trip than Barceloneta beach, visit L'Arrabassada beach where you can swim out to a platform and relax with the waves.

Tarragona is not only a great day trip from Barcelona, but also a good base for southern Cataluña. More and more, visitors to Spain are looking for alternatives to Barcelona, and Tarragona is the perfect mix: a chiller Catalan city with easy access to most of the region.

Vejer de la Frontera

Vejer de la Frontera is a small, whitewashed hilltop town near the Costa de la Luz in Cádiz, which is one of the provinces in Andalucía.

Rightfully on the official list of the most beautiful villages in Spain (Los pueblos más bonitos de España), just getting lost in Vejer de la Frontera’s charming maze of streets can easily occupy you for a few days. There are small artisan shops and little hideaways to discover. Plaza de España is where you will find most of the action, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.

Vejer de la Frontera makes for a great base to explore the surrounding region. You can easily access Spain’s Atlantic coastline, Costa de la Luz, with many long, sandy beaches and beach towns, some of the best in Andalucia.

And if you love Roman Ruins, a day trip to Baleo Claudia near Bolonia is a must! Head all the way down the coast to Tarifa, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and you can see the Moroccan coastline from the southernmost tip of Spain and Europe.

Galicia

Galicia is a whole region of Spain, and it is worth exploring!

In Spain’s far northwestern corner, just above Portugal, Galicia is far removed from so much of the rest of Spain. It has its own unique landscapes, parts looking more like Ireland than Spain. And there is Gaelic influence. And the Vikings were there too! The region has its own language, Gallego, which is a sing song sounding mix of Portuguese and Spanish, but with its own tone.

Galicia packs a major punch and you could easily spend weeks just exploring this region. It is impossible to list it all, as there is just so much to see and do. But some of the highlights are Lugo, a city with intact Roman walls. Or Ourense, also a small city, with hot springs within the city limits. The larger cities of A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo are great too, especially if you like urban Spain!

And there is so much natural beauty. For example, the Ribeira Sacra with endless miradores and hiking (and an abandoned monastery!). Galicia has a wild coastline, with some beautiful beaches. There are even a group of islands (Cíes) that are a protected reserve with crystal clear waters. Plus wine lovers, especially white wine, will enjoy the winemaking regions of Rías Baixas and Monterrei. There’s so much more too!

Galicia really has something for everyone. And hence this region, often overlooked by international visitors to Spain (except those doing the Camino, that ends in Galicia), makes our list of top places to visit in Spain in 2025!

Zamora

Zamora located in northern Spain (Castilla y León region to be precise) is one of the most up and coming small cities to visit, thanks in part to the new(ish) high-speed train service from Madrid. It takes just an hour from the capital.

Once in Zamora, travelers will find a stunning mix of architecture, including some Romanesque and even Modernista masterpieces.

In the museum of the cathedral of Zamora, you will find an amazing collection of tapestries from the late 1400s. They are perfectly perserved. Some say it’s one of the best artistic experiences you can have in Spain!

Just a hop away from Zamora is the town of Toro, a well known wine destination that produces some of Spain’s finest tempranillos.

In 2025, Zamora will host “Las Edades del Hombre”, a rotating exhibition which is hosted in a different city of the Castilla y León region every year. Starting in September, Zamora will be the host, showcasing religious art from all over the surrounding areas.

Menorca

Menorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, about 240 km (150 miles) from the eastern coast of the mainland. Along with Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, these islands make up the Balearics.

Not as internationally known as Mallorca or Ibiza, Menorca is known to be much chiller. Here you won’t find many high rises and resorts. Instead you will find beautiful, clear blue waters off the calas (coves) and beaches. But there is so much more! Hikers will be happy to know that there is a circular hiking route around the whole island called El Cami de Cavalls, where you can hike bits or the entire 185 km (115 miles) trail in stages.

And if you like history, culture, and gastronomy, Menorca has that in abundance. The island is home to a plethora of well-preserved pre-historic sites. You can visit cheese making farms to try Menorca’s signature Mahon cheese. And you can also do a gin-tasting, another of Menorca’s specialities thanks to it once being a British colony.

There are two small “cities” on the island: Ciutadella and the capital Mahon (or Maó in Menorquin), both worth visiting. And if you like pueblos (small towns), Menorca has some beautiful ones too!

Consider visiting Menorca in 2025 and perhaps pair it with Mallorca or one of the other Balearics for an island hopping adventure in Spain!

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria region in Northern Spain. Often quickly passed through or overlooked completely, Santander is worth visiting and we think you should put it on your 2025 Spain travel plans.

For starters, Santander is unlike just about every other Spanish city. Much of the historic center was destroyed by a fire in the 1940s, and instead of rebuilding it to recreate what the area used to look like, Santander looked forward. You won’t find much of a cute and quaint historic center, but instead Santander will impress you with its stately and elegant architecture.

Thanks to the opening of the Centro Botín, a modern and contemporary art center right on the water, Santander has become somewhat of an art destination.

Santander was also historically a summer destination for the Spanish Royal Family - they had a palace, Palacio de la Magdalena, that can be visited now. The city also boasts some of Spain’s best urban beaches, Playa del Sardinero being the most famous.

From the city, you can take a day trip by boat to Somo, a surfing town right across the Bay of Santander. This underrated city is absolutely gets a spot on our top 15 places to visit in Spain in 2025!

Cabo de Gata

In Andalucía’s Almería province, you can visit Cabo de Gata, one of Spain’s largest protected coastal area. It’s remote and wild. And if you dream of Mediterranean beaches seemingly to yourself, this is where to find them.

The area has some of Spain’s least built up beaches on the Mediterranean Coast

The most famous beach is Playa de los Genoveses. Further down is Playa de Mónsul. A bit further afield, other good bets are the beaches of Playa de Playazo, Las Negras, and the small beaches near the fishing village of La Isleta del Moro. Playa de las Salinas is right across from the salt flats, and if you get lucky you may see some flamingos there. And Playa El Playazo is in the shadow of castle ruins.

The area also offers a lot of opportunities for hiking and other water sports.

It’s a vast area and nature lovers can easily spend a few days exploring the park. You can also visit the site of a former gold mine if you’re in to those kinds of things.

The views from the faro (lighthouse), at the tip of the cape, are magnificent.

Cabo de Gata is the perfect escape for those looking for beautiful beaches and scenery, and seeking some time in Southern Spain off the beaten path.

Antequera

Antequera, in Málaga province, is one of those cities that should be on your radar but perhaps isn’t.

Rich in southern Spanish culture, one of the historically most important cities, and pretty much in the dead center of Andalucía, Antequera was actually slated to be the region’s capital, but Seville took that title.

In the city you will find a lot of significant architecture. The Alcazaba of Antequera is one of the best preserved Moorish castle walls in all of Spain. The 360 views from the top of whitewashed Antequera and the beautiful countryside surrounding it are well worth the price of admission (and the climb!).

Just below are Antequera’s old Moorish quarters which are charming and much less crowded than the Albaizyn in Granada. Don’t miss Iglesia del Carmen, with its elaborate interior decoration. Make sure to look up at the ceiling. And don’t forget to get lost in Antequera’s beautiful maze of streets, just taking it in.

If that isn’t enough, Antequera has its own UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dólmenes, which are ancient monolithic burial sites, can be found in Antequera (two are in the city limits itself and one is on the outskirts of the city). These are some of the best-preserved sites from the Bronze age in the world and are truly one-of-a-kind. A recently opened museum was added to the Dólmenes site, which shows how the burial sites were built to be in line with the sun, stars, and nearby mountains.

Antequera is so easy to get to from many of the most popular points in Andalucía, and it is definitely worth visiting in 2025.

Sierra de Aracena

At the far western end of Andalucía there is Huelva Province. And in Huelva Province there is Sierra de Aracena, so close to the border with Portugal that Portuguese radio and TV comes in clearly. This area, with beautiful towns and stunning nature, is worth spending some time and is one of our top recommendations for Spain in 2025.

The largest town is Aracena, and it makes for a good base. Here you can explore a complex of caves. Above ground, there are many pottery shops selling Aracena’s signature red ceramic pieces. Climb to the castle on top of the hill for great views.

In Almonaster la Real, you can visit an abandoned old Mosque, with some of the most prominent features of Moorish architecture (think arches). And unlike in Córdoba you won’t find a slew of visitors here (if any at all).

Jabugo produces some of the best “jamón” (ham) in Spain. You can learn more about it and buy it at the Museo del Jamón.

So rent a car and explore, as the Sierra de Aracena is one of our top places to visit in Spain in 2025!

Cuenca

One of Spain’s most colorful cities, Cuenca makes for a great stop en route from Madrid to Alicante or Valencia as it’s on the high-speed train line. Some like to go to Cuenca on a day trip from Madrid, but it’s worth spending the night, as Cuenca lights up beautifully after the sun goes down.

Most famous for its “casas colgadas” (hanging houses), Cuenca also has a small abstract art museum. The cathedral is one of Spain’s more interesting ones.

One of Spain’s most beautiful paradores is located in Cuenca. Housed in a beautiful old monastery, the views from the complex at night, across the river from the main part of the city, are to die for.

Hike to the miradores (you will understand why Cuenca has the legend that it does), stroll around the town’s colorful center, and walk along the river on the city’s beautiful green trails.

Cuenca is worth getting to know and its easy to get to. There is a high-speed train connecting Madrid and Valencia, with a stop in Cuenca midway.

Extremadura

We love writing underrated regions of Spain into client itineraries, and Extremadura is one of our faves. It is just such a gem.

In the extreme west Spain, next to Portugal, Extremadura truly encompasses Spain’s “wild west.” If you are looking to step back in time, to a Spain of the past, sparsely populated Extremadura, with signature Spanish big blue skies is the Spanish destination for you. And one of our top picks for places to visit in Spain in 2025!

Extremadura has just about everything culturally and historically minded visitors to Spain are looking for. Cacéres is a gorgeous medieval city. And if you like Roman Ruins, Mérida is a must!

Plasencia has one of our favorite cathedrals in Spain!

There are gorgeous and untouched whitewashed villages in the region such as Jerez de los Caballeros. And other towns with so much history, such as Hervás, (noted for its Jewish history and heritage) and Trujillo.

Nature lovers will lust after Extremadura’s national parks and open spaces such as Monfragüe National Park and “Valle del Jerte”, noted for its cherry blossoms in the spring. And Extremadura is a major food and wine production region, providing Spain with some of its best “jamón”, cherries (and other produce) and more!

Planning an Extremadura road trip should be on your Spain travel bucket list, so why not plan it for 2025?

Bilbao area

Bilbao is the most populated city in the north of Spain, and its metropolitan area is Spain’s fifth largest. The city and its surrounding areas should be on your list of top places to visit in Spain in 2025.

This entire area is fantastic and is often overlooked for other destinations in Basque Country such as San Sebastián. Let’s start with Bilbao itself. Like Santander, it was also transformed into a city of the arts thanks to the opening of a modern art museum. The Guggenheim is not only one of our favorite museums in Spain, but it is one of the best modern art centers in the world. The exterior, designed by Frank O. Gehry, is just as impressive as the works found inside.

Bilbao’s “casco historico”, or historic center, is brimming with Basque pintxos bars, but with less tourists than San Sebastián. “Mercado de la Ribera”, its central market is one of Spain’s finest.

Bilbao is a cool, fun, and edgy city, with an industrial past that has undergone a renaissance in the past several years.

But don’t neglect to get out of the city and head to Bilbao’s suburbs. The Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can ride across on a suspended cable car, connects the pretty suburbs of Getxo and Portugalete. And a bit further toward the coast, Algorta is a proper small Basque fishing town. All of these places are accessible by metro, bus, or commuter train, so you can ditch the car here!

Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is a mountainous area that spans from Cantabria to neighboring Asturias. Named after the “peaks of Europe” by early navigators, these mountains were once a barrier to the expansion of the Spanish kingdom. Over time, the region developed a unique blend of history and traditions, influenced by both the Romans and the Visigoths, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers.

The Picos de Europa are home to charming towns like Cangas de Onís, with its Roman bridge, and the village of Bulnes, on top of a mountain, which can only be reached by funicular or a challenging uphill hike. The Cabrales area is full of villages and cheesemaking caves, that produce the area’s famous blue Cabrales cheese.

The Picos de Europa offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and canyoning, with trails that range from scenic walks to demanding climbs.

The Picos de Europa offers something for almost everyone. From dramatic landscapes to tranquil villages, abundant outdoor activities make it an unforgettable experience, earning it a spot on our top 15 places to visit in Spain in 2025!

Madrid

Madrid rounds out our list of top places to visit in Spain in 2025. This might come to a surprise to some as it is Spain’s largest city and capital. But, unfortunately, for many Madrid is still not a destination within itself. A myriad of travelers just use Madrid to pass through, as connection to the more popular (touristic) Barcelona or Andalucía.

But the Spain Less Traveled team adores Madrid for the city that it is!

Vibrant, friendly, and authentic, Madrid is not just another big city, it’s the heart and soul of Spain. A city where boredom is not an option, Madrid literally has something for everyone. And if that is not enough, its central location and status as the transportation hub in Spain makes Madrid a great base for day trips too!

Sure, visit central historic areas, which are touristy, and famous museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía. They are totally worthy, but also make time in Madrid to explore its diverse neighborhoods. That is where you will find what makes Madrid… well Madrid. Pay close attention to smaller museums, special exhibitions, theater and music productions, and more. Spend at least three full days (but preferably more) in the city of Madrid.

Find the new local hotspots for dinner and tapas (hint: it’s not in the touristic center). Take a walk along Madrid’s river, the Manzanares, which is a local’s favorite, as the river doesn’t flow through the center of the city. Take a street art tour. Learn about the “Movida” art and culture movement after the fall of Franco’s dictatorship. Go on a local market and food tour. By extending your time in Madrid out of the key touristic areas, we know that you will fall in love with it too!

Inspired by our top places to visit in Spain in 2025?

So there you have it, our founder’s top 15 places to visit in Spain in 2025!

But Spain Less Traveled is not just a travel blog. We are a team of professional Spain travel experts. And we’d love to help you plan your unique trip to Spain too!

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