Every year we see an exodus of holidaymakers from Europe’s cooler climates making pilgrimage to the Iberian Peninsula, flooding the most popular tourist destinations such as Benidorm, Valencia, and Málaga. Hey, if you’re after a relaxing, cheap, sun-soaked holiday, then these destinations are great. Us Lost Kayak lot though, we prefer something a bit more adventurous. Check out our top 7 lesser-known destinations in Spain for those looking for quieter, more exciting, and more authentic Spanish adventure.
Frigiliana, Andalusia
For the best wild water swimming in Spain
70km from Málaga and 5km from Nerja, the town of Frigiliana can be found nested in the hills overlooking some of the best landscapes on offer along the Costa del Sol. The buildings here are painted in a brilliant white colour, with a maze of small alleyways providing a great way to explore the town. Experience one of the most beautiful regions in Âthe whole of Spain, with botanic gardens, local festivals, and incredible cafés and shops littering the town. The Higueron river is a great place to go wild swimming if it gets too hot, and if you walk further out of town, you can bathe in some of the most incredible waterfalls and natural pools we’ve seen in Spain! If you’re looking to enjoy some Spanish culture, fascinating architecture, and beautiful scenery along the Costa del Sol, then Frigiliana is a must visit.
Agüero, Huesca
For the best geology in Spain
In the shadow of the towering rock formations of Mallos de Agüero, the scenic little town of Agüero in the province of Huesca is an absolute treat for those looking to travel back in time and escape to a small Spanish town (the population here is only 130). Rock climbers and photographers make pilgrimage here to scale the immense rock cliffs that dwarf the settlement below. If you make it to the top of the mountains, you can get some snapshots of some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. Back in the town, why not head here in mid-August to join the city festival? Music, food, wine, and street entertainment give you a great taste of Spanish culture.
Monfragüe National Park, Cáceres
For the best wildlife in Spain
Home to some of the best night skies in Europe, coupled with fantastic bird-watching thanks to some of the most diverse areas for avian wildlife in Spain, Monfragüe National Park, located in the Cáceres province is a must-visit for those wanting to experience Spanish wildlife. Dense forest of holm oaks and cork trees surrounded by mountains and spectacular rock formations make this one of our favourite places to visit in Spain for sheer natural beauty. Home to one of the largest colonies of black vultures anywhere in the world, the Monfragüe National Park provides adventurers, birdwatchers, photographers, and hikers seeking an adventure off the beaten path a haven of year-round beauty and adventure. A must-visit. Check out the Spanish tourist board’s website for more information.
Villajoyosa, Alicante
For the best quiet beaches in Spain
Our little treat for you sun-seekers is Villajoyosa. Not too far from the main tourist hotspots along the Costa Blanca, Villajoyosa is a fantastic costal town for those looking for a sun-soaked beach escape that few tourists know about. With buildings painted in vibrant colours, a quaint old town, and many beautiful sandy beaches to explore, Villajoyosa is a great destination for those looking for a more relaxed adventure along Spain’s beautiful and sunny Costa Blanca. Take in the unique Spanish architecture, walk along the picturesque promenade, or dive into the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean – this is a must-visit on your Iberian adventure. Check out TripAdvisor’s things to do in Villajoyosa.
Ronda, Málaga
For the best history in Spain
For those seeking history and culture, Ronda in the Málaga province is an absolute must-visit. Rated as one of Europe’s best hidden gems, this historic town can be found built into the hills and cliffs and provides some incredible views of the valley below. At the top of our list of things to do here is to visit Puente Nuevo, the bridge that connects the city over the El Tajo, a gorge carved by the Guadalevin River. It’s an incredible sight, with fantastic ancient architecture this feat of engineering is an unmissable attraction in the city. You can also explore some of the narrow streets, old churches and buildings and the Arab baths, which are the best-preserved in Spain. There’s loads to do here, and it’s a fantastic day out for those visiting the more popular resorts in Málaga. If you want an opportunity to explore a beautiful Spanish town rich in history, then you should absolutely visit Ronda.
Montserrat, Catalonia
For the best hikes in Spain
Known for its rock climbing and hikes, Montserrat in Catalonia is a fantastic must-visit for those staying in or near Barcelona. Rock needles stick out nearly 1km above the surrounding landscape, which provides fantastic opportunities for rock climbers and hikers. Known as the 100 summits mountain, Montserrat has some of the best views in all of Spain. In fact, when we at Lost Kayak came for a visit here, we were taken away by the sheer natural beauty of this place and the adventurous activities we could get involved in. If you’re looking to visit Catalonia, then Montserrat is definitely worth a visit.
Olvera, Cadiz
For the best cultural experience in Spain
Those looking for an authentic Spanish experience should absolutely take a trip to Olvera in the Cadiz province. The area surrounding Olvera, Andalusia, is known for producing a huge amount of olive oil, and, as the name would suggest, Olvera is no exception. In fact, it’s rated the best olive oil in in the region! If you fancy yourself a bit of an olive oil connoisseur, then we recommend a trip here. The oil here really is worth the hype! It’s not just the oil that’s to love about Olvera either, the white village itself is chocked full of history and tradition, with a castleand beautiful old church at the top of the must-sees if you’re visiting here. If you want to escape and immerse yourself in true Spanish culture away from the crowds, then Olvera might be right up your street…
