Spain is full of a wide diversity of cultures and breathtaking sites. There is so much to see; When planning your trip it can be hard to know where to start. There are many common tourist sites to visit; but if you are looking for something a little less mainstream that will make your trip unforgettable, here are 9 of our favorite hidden gems in Spain!
Orgiva Tea Garden in Andalusia
This little Mediterranean oasis located in the Alpujarra valley of Southern Spain is a diversion seemingly from a fairytale! The garden features a variety of exotic Mediterranean plants and shade trees, along with garden animals like ducks, peacocks, turkeys, and even fluffy alpacas. The garden also has English tea and a variety of cakes available as you relax in this garden paradise.
La Fabrica in Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona
Architect Ricardo Bofill purchased the old world war II cement factory and began to transform it into his incredible vision of an office, studio, and mansion. The half-century project continues to be renovated and perfected, bringing new change and beauty to the estate. The grounds are elaborate gardens, carpeted with lush grass and exotic trees and flowers. The interior of the building provides the comfort of “home”, structured with contemporary style while preserving the historic beauty of the original factory.
Cudillero, Asturias
One of the prettiest seaside towns in the country, Cudillero is located on the North-western coast of Spain. It's a picturesque fishing village scene, with quaint streets and accents of rich primary colors in contrast to the typical white-washed buildings. It offers a perfect backdrop for an instagram-photoshoot along with delicious fresh seafood brought in from the harbor by the local fisherman.
Bike Tours in Andalucia or Barcelona
If you prefer an athletic challenge or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride, Spain has an abundance of biking routes and paths to accommodate you! The roads in Spain are typically bike friendly, as much of the population uses bikes as a mode of transportation or sport. You can experience the vast beauty of the countryside by taking a guided tour through several cities. Or you can take a leisurely ride or tour in Barcelona, which is an appealing city that features mostly flat terrain. Make sure you research the route length and gradient to determine that it is your desired difficulty level. You can experience more real time pleasure and see more sites while touring the countryside by bike.
Barrio de la Villa and Priego de Cordoba
If you feel the wanderer, this is the perfect place to soak in the romantic atmosphere as you stroll down these charming streets. This picturesque villa is full of pristine white architecture, attractive churches, and lush parks. You can take a stroll down one of these romantic streets and become mesmerized by its charm. This district is beautiful and peaceful. Containing white washed buildings with cast iron accents on windows, balconies are delightfully adorned with colorful flower pots.
The Corral de la Moreria in Madrid
Spain is famous for its historic Flamenco dancing, which is a passionate dance of hand and foot percussion and expression. The origins of the Flamenco dance is not clear; however, some people believe it came from Indian dances influenced by the religious cultures of Spain. The dance itself is very engaging, and is a must see attraction to experience while in Spain.
Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo
At low tide these incredible stone structures, carved by nature's architect, can be seen along the shore of Spain's galician coast. This incredible sanctuary is a popular destination for those looking for a spiritual connection or “holy kinship” with nature. The local’s refer to it as Playa de las Catedrales or “beach of the cathedrals”, but its official title is Praia de Augas Santas or “beach of the holy waters”. Either name captures the reverence of this hidden refuge. If you’d like to add this gem to your itinerary, make sure to check the tides before you go, as the “Cathedrals” are only visible at low tide, making this exclusive site rather magical
Cueva de los Murcielagos in Cordoba
If you enjoy a little adventure, you can visit this wondrous cave hosting subterranean lakes and well-defined stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is home to one of the largest bat colonies in Andalusia. However, one of its most noteworthy features is the discovered paleolithic period tombs, evidence of human occupation close to 35,000 years ago! Speleologist research paints a picture depicting the lives of these ancient ancestors who cultivated crops and hunted among the local game. The cave also features cave drawings dated back to the Neolithic period, which can be seen while taking one of the fascinating guided tours offered by local guides! An incredible opportunity to realize your inner Indiana Jones.
Iberfauna, Cordoba
Perfect for natural animal lovers or for those curious for a wild experience; this exotic center specializes in Iberian fauna such as the Iberian wolf, fox, lynx, and roe deer. You can take a tour and meet some of the animals up close. The facilities often cater to educational groups and families interested in experiencing what the Iberian wild has to offer. As well as experiences to meet the animals, they provide recycling and other workshops where you can show your renewed appreciation for the earth!
Post written by Rachel Allred