7 Hidden Gems in Spain You Must Visit This May

Spain in May is a symphony of warm breezes, blooming almond trees, and the distant hum of fiesta preparations. While Barcelona's La Rambla and Madrid's Prado Museum are eternal classics, this month we're revealing seven of Spain's best-kept secrets—places where the soul of the country still whispers instead of shouts. These are the spots where you'll sip wine with the winemaker, wander cobbled lanes without a single selfie stick in sight, and discover beaches so pristine you'll wonder if you've accidentally stepped into a postcard.

1. Rupit, Catalonia – A Medieval Village Frozen in Time

Address: Rupit, 08569, Girona, Catalonia

Hours: Always open (best explored 9 AM–7 PM)

Tucked into the foothills of the Pyrenees, Rupit is the kind of village that makes you question whether you've wandered onto a film set. Stone houses with wooden balconies overflow with geraniums, and the scent of baking bread drifts from the 12th-century church. The village is built around a dramatic cliff, with a stone bridge—El Pont de Rupit—arching over the rushing river below. May is magical here: the surrounding forests are lush, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the air is crisp with the promise of summer.

Start your day at Can Rupit, a family-run bakery where the coca de recapte (a Catalan flatbread topped with local veggies) is legendary. Then, hike the Salt de Sallent, a hidden waterfall just 30 minutes from the village center. The trail winds through moss-covered rocks and ends at a cascading fall that's perfect for a quiet picnic. If you're lucky, you'll spot wild boar or deer in the early morning mist.

For lunch, El Restaurant de la Plaça serves hearty Catalan stews and botifarra (local sausage) with a side of stories from the owner, who's lived in Rupit his entire life. As the sun sets, grab a glass of vi negre (red wine) at Bar El Pont and watch the village glow golden under the fading light.

Why May? The crowds of summer haven't arrived, but the weather is perfect for hiking and exploring. The Fira del Ram (a small local festival) happens in late May, with artisans selling handmade crafts and live sardana (traditional Catalan dance) performances.

2. Cudillero, Asturias – The Fisherman's Paradise

Address: Cudillero, 33150, Asturias

Hours: Always open (best visited 10 AM–6 PM)

If you've ever dreamed of a Spanish fishing village that hasn't been overrun by tourists, Cudillero is your answer. Perched on a steep hillside, the town's colorful houses cascade down to a tiny harbor where fishing boats bob in the Atlantic swell. The air smells of salt, seaweed, and the occasional whiff of fabada (Asturian bean stew) wafting from a nearby sidrería (cider house).

Start your day at the Mirador de la Garita, a viewpoint that offers a postcard-perfect panorama of the village. Then, wander down the narrow streets, stopping at La Cueva, a tiny shop selling queso de Cabrales (a pungent blue cheese aged in caves) and sidra natural (Asturian cider). For lunch, El Pescador is a must—order the merluza a la sidra (hake cooked in cider) and watch the fishermen unload their daily catch just meters away.

In the afternoon, take the short drive to Playa de Silencio, one of Spain's most stunning (and secluded) beaches. The name says it all—this crescent of golden sand is often deserted, with only the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. If you're feeling adventurous, hike the Ruta del Camino de Santiago along the coast for breathtaking views.

Why May? The weather is mild, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the summer crowds haven't yet descended. Plus, the Fiesta de San Pedro (late June) is just around the corner, but May offers a quieter, more authentic experience.

3. Albarracín, Aragon – The Red-Walled Wonder

Address: Albarracín, 44100, Teruel, Aragon

Hours: Always open (best explored 9 AM–8 PM)

Albarracín is one of those places that makes you gasp when you first see it. The entire village is encased in reddish-pink walls, giving it the nickname La Ciudad Encantada (The Enchanted City). The winding streets, medieval towers, and hidden plazas feel like stepping into a fairy tale. May is the perfect time to visit—the almond trees are in bloom, and the air is filled with the scent of wild rosemary.

Start your day at the Murallas de Albarracín, the ancient walls that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Then, visit the Museo de Albarracín, a small but fascinating museum housed in a 14th-century palace. For lunch, Restaurante El Portalón serves ternasco asado (roast lamb), a local specialty, in a cozy stone dining room.

In the afternoon, hike the Ruta de los Puentes (Bridge Trail), a scenic route that takes you over medieval bridges and through lush forests. If you're a photography buff, the golden hour here is unreal—the red walls glow like fire under the setting sun.

Why May? The Festival de la Rosa (late May) celebrates the village's medieval heritage with parades, jousting, and traditional music. Plus, the weather is ideal for exploring without the summer heat.

4. Cadaqués, Costa Brava – Dalí's Secret Hideaway

Address: Cadaqués, 17488, Girona, Catalonia

Hours: Always open (best visited 10 AM–7 PM)

Cadaqués is the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job and become a painter. This whitewashed fishing village on the Costa Brava was Salvador Dalí's favorite retreat, and it's easy to see why. The cobbled streets wind like a labyrinth, the sea shimmers in impossible shades of blue, and the air smells of salt and pine.

Start your day at Casa Dalí, the surrealist's former home in nearby Portlligat. The house is a work of art itself, with egg-shaped rooms and a garden filled with bizarre sculptures. Then, wander through Cadaqués' narrow streets, stopping at Comptoir de Cadaqués for a coffee and ensaimada (a sweet Mallorcan pastry).

For lunch, Restaurante Es Baluard serves some of the best seafood on the Costa Brava—try the suquet de peix (fish stew) with a glass of local vi blanc. In the afternoon, head to Cala Culip, a secluded beach with crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the hidden coves along the coast.

Why May? The summer crowds haven't arrived, but the water is warm enough for a swim. The Festival de Música de Cadaqués (late May) brings world-class musicians to the village's historic church.

5. Ronda, Andalusia – The Cliffside Beauty

Address: Ronda, 29400, Málaga, Andalusia

Hours: Always open (best explored 9 AM–6 PM)

Ronda is the stuff of legends—a town perched on a sheer cliff, with a bridge (Puente Nuevo) that seems to defy gravity. The views from the Mirador de Ronda are heart-stopping, with the Guadalevín River carving a deep gorge below. May is the perfect time to visit: the hills are green, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the air is filled with the scent of orange blossoms.

Start your day at the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings (and the birthplace of modern bullfighting). Then, wander through the Alcazaba, a medieval fortress with stunning views of the countryside. For lunch, Tragata serves modern Andalusian cuisine—try the rabo de toro (oxtail stew) with a glass of vino de Ronda.

In the afternoon, hike the Caminito del Rey, a breathtaking trail that winds through the gorge below Ronda. If you're a wine lover, visit Bodega Descalzos Viejos, a winery housed in a 16th-century monastery.

Why May? The Feria de Pedro Romero (late May) is one of Andalusia's most famous festivals, with flamenco, bullfights, and street parties. But even without the festival, May offers perfect weather and fewer crowds.

6. Besalú, Catalonia – A Medieval Jewel

Address: Besalú, 17850, Girona, Catalonia

Hours: Always open (best explored 9 AM–7 PM)

Besalú is a village that time forgot. The 12th-century bridge (Pont de Besalú) is one of the best-preserved Romanesque bridges in Spain, and the Jewish Quarter (Carrer del Pont Vell) is a labyrinth of stone houses and hidden courtyards. May is magical here—the streets are lined with blooming wisteria, and the air smells of fresh bread and honey.

Start your day at the Museu dels Sants, a tiny museum housing a collection of medieval religious art. Then, wander through the Jewish Quarter, stopping at La Pastisseria for a panellet (a sweet almond cake). For lunch, Restaurante Pont Vell serves Catalan classics like fideuà (a paella-like dish with noodles) in a cozy stone dining room.

In the afternoon, visit the Monestir de Sant Pere, a 10th-century monastery with a peaceful cloister. If you're a history buff, the Micvé (a 12th-century Jewish bath) is a must-see.

Why May? The Fira del Ram (late May) brings artisans, musicians, and food vendors to the village's main square. Plus, the weather is perfect for exploring without the summer heat.

7. Comillas, Cantabria – The Gothic Fairytale

Address: Comillas, 39520, Cantabria

Hours: Always open (best visited 10 AM–6 PM)

Comillas is like something out of a Gothic novel—a village of grand palaces, hidden beaches, and misty forests. The Capricho de Gaudí, a whimsical villa designed by the famous architect, is a must-see, with its colorful tiles and surrealist towers. May is the perfect time to visit: the beaches are empty, the forests are lush, and the air is filled with the scent of eucalyptus.

Start your day at the Capricho de Gaudí, then wander through the village's cobbled streets, stopping at La Casona for a coffee and sobao (a local butter cake). For lunch, Restaurante El Comillano serves Cantabrian specialties like cocido montañés (a hearty bean stew) and fresh seafood.

In the afternoon, visit Playa de Comillas, a wide sandy beach with dramatic cliffs. If you're feeling adventurous, hike the Ruta de los Acantilados (Cliff Trail) for breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Why May? The Semana de la Cultura (late May) brings music, art, and food festivals to the village. Plus, the weather is ideal for exploring without the summer crowds.

Final Thoughts: Why These Gems?

Spain in May is a dream—warm but not scorching, lively but not overcrowded. These seven hidden gems offer a side of Spain that most tourists never see: the quiet villages, the secret beaches, the medieval towns where time seems to stand still. Whether you're sipping cider in Cudillero, wandering the red walls of Albarracín, or kayaking in Cadaqués, you'll find a Spain that's authentic, unforgettable, and utterly magical.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the Spain you never knew existed. These are the best hidden gems in Spain to visit in May 2024, offering unique off-the-beaten-path destinations perfect for your May vacation.