Whether you’ve just moved to the Costas or you’ve been living in Spain for years, it’s easy to fall into the routine of visiting the same familiar hotspots. But beyond the well-trodden paths of the Costa del Sol and the big-city buzz of Madrid and Barcelona, Spain hides some truly magical corners.
A recent feature by National Geographic highlighted seven lesser-known towns that offer a glimpse into the "real" Spain—perfect for an expat weekend getaway or a scouting trip if you're looking for a quieter pace of life.
From the misty mountains of the north to the windswept Atlantic coast, here is the full list of destinations every Spain-based resident should have on their radar.
1. Beget (Catalonia): The Ultimate Off-Grid Escape
If you really want to leave the modern world behind, head to the Catalan Pyrenees. Beget is so tucked away that it wasn't even accessible by car until the 1960s and only received mobile phone service in 2023. Today, it remains a honey-hued treasure of cobblestone streets and stone bridges.
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Don’t Miss: The 12th-century Church of Sant Cristòfol.
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Best For: Hikers and those looking for authentic mountain cuisine. It’s a key starting point for the Camí de Nord, a stunning trail through ancient oak forests.
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2. Aínsa (Aragon): A Medieval Fortress with a View
Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees near the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Aínsa is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s not just a gorgeous medieval village; it’s a strategic hub for some of the best birdwatching and mountain biking in Europe.
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Highlight: The Zona Zero mountain biking destination features over 150 miles of marked trails.
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Nature Lovers: Visit the Pyrenees Bird Centre along the town's fortress walls to see majestic birds of prey.
3. Combarro (Galicia): Coastal Charm Without the Crowds
Galicia offers a completely different vibe from the Mediterranean south. Combarro is famous for its hórreos—unique stone granaries raised on stilts that line the shoreline. While it is on a variant of the Camino de Santiago, it remains much quieter than the main routes.
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Why Go: To see quintessential Galician architecture and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the country.
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Pro Tip: Visit during the low season (even if it rains!) to see the 60+ stone granaries without the summer crowds.
4. Priego de Córdoba (Andalusia): The World's Best Olive Oil
This village checks every box for a southern Spanish escape: whitewashed facades, cascading magenta flowers, and sweeping hilltop views. But Priego’s true "liquid gold" is its extra-virgin olive oil, which has been recognized as the best in the world for 14 consecutive years.
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The Experience: Take a tour of 1,000-year-old groves at mills like Aceites Vizcántar to see the extraction process.
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Don't Miss: A hike to La Tiñosa, the area’s highest peak, where you can see farmers still harvesting olives by hand.
5. San Martín del Castañar (Castile and León): A Step Back in Time
Located south of Salamanca in the heart of the Sierra de Francia, this town feels like a living museum. It features half-timbered houses, Roman bridges, and the second-oldest bullring in Spain.
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Nature & Art: Hike the Camino de Espejos, a nearly 6-mile trek through chestnut forests where sculptures are hidden among the trees.
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Summer Tip: Cool off like a local in the natural spring pool located in the Parque Municipal.
6. Zumaia (Basque Country): Geological Wonders and Txakoli
An hour east of Bilbao lies Zumaia, home to the "Flysch"—coastal rock formations that look like the pages of a giant stone book revealing 15 million years of history.
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Must Do: Hike the coastal Ruta del Flysch from Deba to Zumaia. At low tide, you can walk right out onto the rocks.
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Taste of the North: Sip on txakoli (the region's famous effervescent white wine) and, if you're feeling indulgent, head to nearby Getaria for the world-famous grilled turbot at Elkano.
7. Trujillo (Extremadura): Ancient History and "3D" Art
Equidistant from Madrid and Lisbon, Trujillo is a powerhouse of history. Its Plaza Mayor and 10th-century Alcazaba (castle) are so atmospheric they were used as filming locations for Game of Thrones.
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The History: Explore the Moorish architecture and the underground cisterns with a local guide.
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Modern Twist: Drive 30 minutes to Romangordo to see the transpantojo murals—stunning 3D-style street art that pays homage to traditional village life.
