10 Hidden Gems in Spain You Must Visit in 2026

Ronda, Andalusia

Address: Ronda, Málaga, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Perched dramatically on the edge of a sheer cliff, Ronda is a town that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale. The Puerta Nueva bridge, spanning the El Tajo gorge, is nothing short of breathtaking. As you stand on the bridge, the wind whipping through your hair, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer drop below. The town itself is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden plazas where locals gather to chat over glasses of sweet Moscatel wine.

One of my most memorable experiences in Ronda was stumbling upon a tiny, family-run bodega tucked away in a quiet alley. The owner, a man with a face as weathered as the ancient stones of the town, poured me a glass of his homemade wine and proceeded to tell me stories of Ronda’s past, his hands gesturing wildly as if he were painting the scenes in the air. It was a moment of pure connection, a reminder of why travel is so deeply enriching.

For history buffs, Ronda is a goldmine. The Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, is a must-visit. Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this controversial tradition. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike down into the gorge. The path is steep and a little treacherous, but the views from the bottom are worth every step.

Albarracín, Aragon

Address: Albarracín, Teruel, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Albarracín is one of those places that makes you question whether you’ve accidentally stepped into a time machine. This medieval village, with its winding streets and perfectly preserved architecture, is like something out of a storybook. The walls of the houses are painted a warm, terracotta hue, and the entire town is encircled by a sturdy medieval wall that has stood the test of time.

I remember wandering through the narrow streets, the scent of wood smoke from the chimneys mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest. The town is so quiet that you can hear the echo of your own footsteps, and there’s a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in our fast-paced world.

One of the highlights of Albarracín is the Castle of Albarracín, perched high above the town. The climb to the top is a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning. And if you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, the nearby Sierra de Albarracín offers some fantastic hiking trails. I spent an afternoon exploring the forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the sound of birdsong filling the air.

Cudillero, Asturias

Address: Cudillero, Asturias, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a charming fishing village straight out of a postcard, Cudillero is the place for you. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Asturias, this colorful town is a cascade of pastel-colored houses tumbling down the hillside towards the sea. The harbor is a hive of activity, with fishermen unloading their catch and seagulls wheeling overhead, their cries echoing off the cliffs.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Cudillero. I had been driving along the winding coastal roads, the Atlantic Ocean stretching out endlessly to my right, when I rounded a bend and there it was—a splash of color against the green hills and the blue sea. It was like something out of a dream.

The best way to experience Cudillero is to simply wander. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of steep, narrow streets, pop into the tiny shops selling local crafts, and stop at one of the many seafood restaurants for a plate of fresh pulpo (octopus) or merluza (hake). And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat tour along the coast. The views of the cliffs and the hidden coves are absolutely breathtaking.

Besalú, Catalonia

Address: Besalú, Girona, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Besalú is a town that wears its history on its sleeve. The moment you set foot in this medieval gem, you’re transported back in time. The star of the show is the stunning Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River. Built in the 12th century, this architectural marvel is a testament to the ingenuity of the past.

I remember standing on the bridge, the stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, and looking down at the river below. The water was crystal clear, and I could see fish darting among the rocks. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the simplest of things.

Besalú is also home to a thriving Jewish quarter, a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. The narrow, winding streets are lined with ancient stone houses, and the air is filled with the scent of baking bread and the sound of children laughing. Be sure to visit the Mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath that dates back to the 12th century. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.

Aínsa, Aragon

Address: Aínsa, Huesca, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Aínsa is a town that seems to have been frozen in time. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, this medieval village is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and hidden plazas. The main square, Plaza Mayor, is a particular highlight. Surrounded by arcaded buildings and dominated by a beautiful 16th-century church, it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

One of my favorite memories of Aínsa is the day I decided to explore the surrounding countryside. I rented a bike and set off along the winding mountain roads, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs and the scent of wildflowers perfuming the breeze. The views were absolutely stunning, with the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees rising majestically in the distance.

Aínsa is also a great base for exploring the nearby Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. I spent a day hiking through the park, the sound of the river accompanying me as I made my way through the stunning landscape.

Cadaqués, Catalonia

Address: Cadaqués, Girona, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Cadaqués is a town that has long been a magnet for artists and bohemians. Located on the rugged Costa Brava, this whitewashed village is a maze of narrow, winding streets and hidden courtyards. The air is filled with the scent of salt and the sound of the sea, and the light has a particular quality that seems to make everything glow.

I remember the first time I visited Cadaqués. I had been driving along the coastal road, the Mediterranean Sea stretching out endlessly to my right, when I rounded a bend and there it was—a splash of white against the blue sea and the green hills. It was like something out of a dream.

One of the highlights of Cadaqués is the house of Salvador Dalí, the surrealist painter who made the town his home. The house, located in the nearby village of Portlligat, is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. The rooms are filled with strange and wonderful objects, and the views of the sea from the windows are absolutely stunning.

Almagro, Castilla-La Mancha

Address: Almagro, Ciudad Real, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Almagro is a town that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a history book. Located in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, this Renaissance gem is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and hidden plazas. The main square, Plaza Mayor, is a particular highlight. Surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings and dominated by a beautiful 16th-century church, it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

One of my favorite memories of Almagro is the day I decided to explore the town’s famous theater, the Corral de Comedias. Built in the 17th century, this open-air theater is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Spain. As I sat in the wooden seats, the sun warming my face and the sound of birdsong filling the air, I couldn’t help but imagine the plays and performances that had taken place here over the centuries.

Almagro is also a great base for exploring the nearby Tablas de Daimiel National Park. This unique wetland is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its vast expanses of marshes and lagoons. I spent a day exploring the park, the sound of the birds accompanying me as I made my way through the stunning landscape.

Consuegra, Castilla-La Mancha

Address: Consuegra, Toledo, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Consuegra is a town that seems to have been frozen in time. Located in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, this medieval village is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and hidden plazas. The main square, Plaza de España, is a particular highlight. Surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings and dominated by a beautiful 16th-century church, it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

One of my favorite memories of Consuegra is the day I decided to explore the town’s famous windmills. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, these iconic structures are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. As I stood among the windmills, the wind whipping through my hair and the scent of wildflowers perfuming the breeze, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer beauty of the landscape.

Consuegra is also a great base for exploring the nearby Cabañeros National Park. This vast expanse of wilderness is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. I spent a day hiking through the park, the sound of the river accompanying me as I made my way through the stunning landscape.

Vejer de la Frontera, Andalusia

Address: Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Vejer de la Frontera is a town that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a history book. Located in the heart of Andalusia, this whitewashed village is a maze of narrow, winding streets and hidden courtyards. The air is filled with the scent of orange blossoms and the sound of distant church bells, and the light has a particular quality that seems to make everything glow.

I remember the first time I visited Vejer de la Frontera. I had been driving along the winding mountain roads, the sun warming my face and the scent of wildflowers perfuming the breeze, when I rounded a bend and there it was—a splash of white against the green hills and the blue sky. It was like something out of a dream.

One of the highlights of Vejer de la Frontera is the Castle of Vejer, perched high above the town. The climb to the top is a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning. And if you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, the nearby La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park offers some fantastic hiking trails. I spent an afternoon exploring the park, the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the sound of birdsong filling the air.

Santillana del Mar, Cantabria

Address: Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain

Hours: Open 24/7 (specific attractions have varying hours)

Santillana del Mar is a town that seems to have been frozen in time. Located in the heart of Cantabria, this medieval village is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient stone houses, and hidden plazas. The main square, Plaza Mayor, is a particular highlight. Surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings and dominated by a beautiful 16th-century church, it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

One of my favorite memories of Santillana del Mar is the day I decided to explore the town’s famous Collegiate Church. Built in the 12th century, this stunning example of Romanesque architecture is a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. As I stood in the nave, the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows and the scent of incense filling the air, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer beauty of the place.

Santillana del Mar is also a great base for exploring the nearby Altamira Cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most impressive prehistoric cave paintings in the world. I spent a day exploring the cave, the sound of the dripping water accompanying me as I made my way through the stunning landscape.

Conclusion

Spain is a country that never fails to captivate the soul. From the dramatic cliffs of Ronda to the medieval streets of Albarracín, from the colorful fishing village of Cudillero to the artistic haven of Cadaqués, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of this extraordinary country. So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and set off on a journey of discovery. You won’t be disappointed.