The love for a European summer getaway knows no end. The Cyclades and Capri are obviously fan favorites for many reasons. The same goes for Paris and the south of France, especially popular destinations like Saint Tropez (although Antibes and Mougins are highly recommended as less touristy alternatives). Portugal is a gem with dazzling regions such as the sun-drenched Algarve and the more rural Alentejo. This year, holiday fantasies focus on Spain. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, impressive architecture and Jamón ibérico are enough to stimulate your wanderlust.
Given flight schedules and airport sizes, most travelers visiting the Iberian Peninsula will fly to Barcelona or Madrid and spend a few days exploring the respective metropolitan areas, before flying to the most popular Baler Islands destinations such as Ibiza and Majorca. Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions and is full of unique and extraordinary places to discover. Apart from large cities, diminutive towns tempt tourists with local culture, delicious food and charm. Some of the country’s best kept secrets are the perfect places to escape the hordes in June, July and August.
Scroll through for a list of seven hidden towns in Spain worth visiting this summer.
Hondarribia
While San Sebastián continues to gain international recognition as a culinary hotspot, nearby Hondarribia remains under the radar. Located near the border with France, the medieval walled city was the site of some of the most significant historical battles in the Basque Country. Today it is a charming place with cobbled streets, monuments (check out the Castle of Emperor Carlos V and Iglesia del Manzano), a sandy beach and a mix of Spanish and French cultural influences.
Sanlúcar de Guadiana
Sanlúcar de Guadiana, a postcard-pretty, whitewashed village on the Andalusia-Portugal border, has just a few hundred inhabitants and exudes the perfect energy for a siesta. Despite its sleepy charm, there is one electrifying attraction waiting for tourists: a high-speed zipline across the Guadiana River to Alcoutim. Not in the mood for a return trip to high altitude? Kayak, hop in a taxi, or walk back across the floating bridge.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas, located in a less traveled corner of southern Spain, about 20 minutes from the city of Ronda, is a village lost in time with whitewashed houses built into the bottom of the cliffs, archaic ruins and the remains of a hilltop castle that dates back to Moorish rule. Cuevas de la Sombra, also known as “Shade Street”, sits beneath a natural boulder that creates a rocky ceiling. There are many lovely bars and restaurants in Cueva del Sol, which runs parallel to the Trejo River.
Villajoyos
Located on the Mediterranean coast of Alicante, south of Valencia, Villajoyosa, known simply as La Vila, is a photographer’s dream with brightly colored facades painted by local fishermen and a lovely beach. Recently named “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024” by The best places in Europe, this charming seaside town will not remain a secret for long. Book a tour to admire the colorful architecture and take a walk by the sea before the crowds descend.
Indicator
Tarifa, a city on the Costa de la Luz, across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, claims the title of the windiest destination in Europe. Windy conditions along the coast produce some of the best recreational waves and gusts on the continent. And yet, this coastal treasure goes unnoticed by most travelers who aren’t actively searching Google for “surf spots in Spain” or “best windsurfing spots.” In addition to riding the waves, visitors can catch some rays on the beaches, explore the whitewashed city and visit a 10th-century castle.
Pots
While everyone else is chasing the sun and sea, why not escape to the mountains? The tranquil and endlessly charming town of Potes in Cantabria in northern Spain will steal your heart with its rolling hills and medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and historic bridges that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a great place to get outside. The relaxed pace encourages seasoned vacationers to leisurely down with a glass of wine and tapas on the shaded riverside terrace.
Getaria
Why is it worth visiting Getaria, an inconspicuous fishing village on the Urola coast in the Basque Country? It offers idyllic landscapes from the coast to the green hills and a powerful food scene with delicacies such as freshly caught grilled fish that goes from sea to plate within hours, and txakoli, a local white wine that screams summer. There’s also an unexpectedly cosmopolitan attraction, a museum dedicated to fashion designer and homegrown talent Critsóbal Balenciaga.
