Expat Guide To Spain

Spain remains one of the world's most beloved travel destinations, a vibrant tapestry of history, sun-drenched beaches, and world-class cuisine. Yet, the sheer volume of visitors has led to over-tourism in hotspots like Barcelona, Seville, and the Balearic party islands. For travellers seeking authentic charm, natural beauty, and a peaceful escape, the secret lies in turning away from the well-trodden paths toward Spain's magnificent, less-visited regions.

Here are some of the country’s best-kept secrets, offering a true taste of Spanish life far from the tourist throngs.

The Wild Green North: From Coast to Wine Country

While the southern coast basks in relentless sun, Northern Spain offers a dramatically different, lush, and rugged landscape, often feeling more like Ireland or Cornwall than the Mediterranean.

• La Rioja: Often cited as Spain’s least-visited region, La Rioja is an absolute must for wine lovers. Beyond its over 500 internationally renowned wineries, the region boasts stunning medieval villages, pilgrimage churches, and the quiet beauty of the Sierra de Cebollera Nature Reserve.

• Asturias: Nestled between Galicia and the Basque Country, Asturias is a haven of green mountains, spectacular coastline, and picturesque fishing villages like Cudillero and Luarca. Its unpredictable weather keeps mass tourism at bay, ensuring tranquillity and a truly authentic northern Spanish experience. Don't miss the dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches that resemble the rugged English coast.

• Galicia: Known for its Celtic roots, foggy forests, and spiritual heritage, Galicia is home to the stunning Rías Altas—a craggy coastline dotted with quiet seaside towns. A highlight is the Cíes Islands, an archipelago off the coast, often called the "islands of the gods," which feature pristine, Caribbean-like beaches with protected status and limited daily access.

• Cantabria: Explore the hidden gem of the Costa Trasmiera, a surprisingly rural coastline with superb beaches like Playa de Ris. The quaint mountain village of Carmona offers a look at traditional northern mountain life.

Inland and Southern Tranquillity

Beyond the coastal rush, Spain’s interior offers historic cities and bucolic mountain escapes that have largely flown under the radar.

• Aragón (The Matarraña): This vast region remains stubbornly off the mainstream tourism map. One of its most beautiful corners is The Matarraña in the province of Teruel. Dubbed the "Spanish Tuscany," this area features rolling hills covered in olive and almond groves, peppered with gorgeous, honey-colored medieval villages like Valderrobres, perfect for slow travel and quiet contemplation.

• Extremadura (Valle del Ambroz): Located in western Spain, the Valle del Ambroz is a bucolic, sparsely populated area. It’s ideal for nature lovers, offering an abundance of beech and birch forests, terraced hillsides of cherry and plum orchards, and numerous wild swimming spots.

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• Cádiz, Andalusia: While Andalusia has major hotspots, the port city of Cádiz offers an escape. As one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, it rivals the historic charm of Seville but with a more laid-back, coastal vibe. South of Cádiz, the town of Tarifa is a surf-loving haven on the southernmost tip of mainland Europe, offering stunning views of Morocco and access to wild, protected beaches.

Island Getaways Without the Crowds

While Mallorca and Ibiza are globally famous, not all of Spain's islands are overwhelmed.

• Quieter Balearics: While northern Ibiza is known for its pine woods and secluded coves, the island of Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers a significantly quieter alternative, ideal for peaceful breaks and nature-focused activities.

• Lesser-Known Canaries: Head to the smaller, westernmost Canary Islands to truly avoid the masses. La Gomera and El Hierro are less-visited and offer a sanctuary for reflective tourists. La Gomera is known for its lush, laurel forests in the Garajonay National Park, perfect for hiking, while El Hierro is the smallest island and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, popular for its clear waters and diving opportunities.

By choosing these destinations, you not only enjoy a more serene and culturally rich holiday but also contribute to a more sustainable distribution of tourism across Spain. It's time to discover the true, unspoiled heart of the country.