7 Hidden Gems in Spain You Must Visit This November

1. Ronda, Andalusia: The Cliffside Wonder

Address: Ronda, Málaga, Andalusia

Hours: Best explored during daylight; most attractions open 9 AM–6 PM

Ronda is one of those places that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. Perched dramatically on a cliff, this small town in Andalusia is split in half by the El Tajo gorge, with the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the chasm like a stone ribbon. November is the perfect time to visit—cool enough for comfortable hiking, yet still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor cafés.

Start your day at Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, the museum inside offers a fascinating glimpse into this controversial tradition. Then, wander through the Alcazaba, the old Moorish fortress, where the gardens are a riot of autumn colors. For lunch, head to Tragata, a cozy tapas bar tucked away in the old town. Their berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey) is a must-try.

As the sun begins to set, take a stroll along the Paseo de los Ingleses for a panoramic view of the gorge bathed in golden light. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike down to the bottom of the gorge for a closer look at the river below. End your day with a glass of local wine at Bodega San Francisco, a charming wine cellar with a rustic vibe.

2. Albarracín, Aragon: A Medieval Fairytale

Address: Albarracín, Teruel, Aragon

Hours: Most attractions open 10 AM–5 PM; best explored on foot

Albarracín is like stepping into a medieval storybook. This tiny village in Aragon is one of Spain’s most beautiful, with its winding cobblestone streets, pink-hued walls, and ancient stone houses. November’s crisp air makes it ideal for exploring without the summer crowds.

Begin your visit at the Albarracín Castle, a fortress that dates back to the 10th century. The views from the top are staggering—rolling hills blanketed in autumn foliage. Next, visit the Cathedral of El Salvador, a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles that feels both grand and intimate. For lunch, Restaurante El Rincón del Chorro serves up hearty Aragonese dishes like ternasco (roast lamb) in a setting that feels like a medieval tavern.

Don’t miss the Museum of Albarracín, which offers a deep dive into the town’s history and culture. As evening falls, take a leisurely walk along the Muralla de Albarracín, the ancient city walls, and watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.

3. Cudillero, Asturias: A Fishing Village Paradise

Address: Cudillero, Asturias

Hours: Best visited during daylight; seafood restaurants open for lunch and dinner

If you’ve ever dreamed of a picturesque fishing village, Cudillero is it. Nestled along the rugged Asturias coast, this colorful town is built into the side of a hill, with houses stacked like building blocks overlooking the sea. November is the perfect time to visit—fewer tourists, fresh seafood, and dramatic coastal scenery.

Start your day at the Playa de Silencio, a secluded beach just a short drive from Cudillero. The name says it all—this is a place of quiet beauty, where the waves crash against the rocks and the wind whispers through the grass. Back in town, explore the Puerto de Cudillero, the bustling harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch. For lunch, El Pescador is a no-frills seafood restaurant where you can feast on merluza a la sidra (hake in cider sauce) or pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).

After lunch, hike up to the Faro de Cudillero, the town’s lighthouse, for sweeping views of the coastline. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins playing in the waves below. End your day with a glass of Asturian cider at Sidrería El Pescador, where the cider is poured from a great height—a local tradition that adds a bit of theater to your drink.

4. Besalú, Catalonia: A Medieval Time Capsule

Address: Besalú, Girona, Catalonia

Hours: Best explored during daylight; most attractions open 10 AM–6 PM

Besalú is a place where time seems to stand still. This medieval village in Catalonia is famous for its 12th-century Romanesque bridge, which arches gracefully over the Fluvià River. November’s misty mornings and golden afternoons make it feel even more magical.

Start your visit at the Pont de Besalú, the iconic bridge that has become the symbol of the town. From there, wander through the Jewish Quarter, where narrow streets and ancient stone houses tell the story of Besalú’s rich history. Don’t miss the Mikveh, a 12th-century Jewish ritual bath that’s one of the best-preserved in Europe.

For lunch, Restaurante Pont Vell offers a mix of Catalan and Mediterranean dishes, with a terrace that overlooks the bridge. Afterward, visit the Church of Sant Pere, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. As the sun sets, take a walk along the riverbank and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this enchanting town.

5. Consuegra, Castilla-La Mancha: Windmills and Saffron

Address: Consuegra, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha

Hours: Best visited during daylight; windmills open 10 AM–6 PM

Consuegra is a place straight out of a Cervantes novel. This small town in Castilla-La Mancha is famous for its iconic windmills, which sit atop a hill overlooking the plains. November is the perfect time to visit, as the saffron harvest is in full swing, filling the air with the scent of this precious spice.

Start your day at the Cerro Calderico, the hill where the windmills stand. These 12th-century giants were once used to grind grain, and today they offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Next, visit the Castillo de la Muela, a medieval fortress that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the windmills.

For lunch, Restaurante Alcázar serves up traditional Castilian dishes like carcamusas (a hearty pork and tomato stew) and migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo). Afterward, take a stroll through the saffron fields, where the delicate purple flowers are harvested by hand. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the saffron threads being separated from the flowers—a labor-intensive process that makes saffron one of the world’s most expensive spices.

6. Aínsa, Aragon: A Pyrenean Gem

Address: Aínsa, Huesca, Aragon

Hours: Best explored during daylight; most attractions open 10 AM–6 PM

Aínsa is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees, a medieval village with a charming square and stunning mountain views. November is a fantastic time to visit, as the autumn colors transform the surrounding forests into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold.

Begin your visit in the Plaza Mayor, a picturesque square lined with stone houses and arched walkways. From there, explore the Church of Santa María, a Romanesque church with a beautiful cloister. For lunch, Restaurante L’Antiga offers a mix of Aragonese and Pyrenean dishes, like chireta (a traditional lamb sausage) and trucha a la navarra (trout cooked in ham and wine).

After lunch, take a hike in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, just a short drive from Aínsa. The trails here are breathtaking, with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and forests ablaze with autumn colors. If you’re up for a challenge, hike to the Cascada de Cinculo, a stunning waterfall that’s especially beautiful in the fall.

7. Vejer de la Frontera, Andalusia: A Whitewashed Dream

Address: Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, Andalusia

Hours: Best explored during daylight; most attractions open 10 AM–6 PM

Vejer de la Frontera is one of Spain’s most beautiful whitewashed villages, perched on a hilltop with views that stretch all the way to the Atlantic. November’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to explore this charming town.

Start your day at the Castillo de Vejer, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the countryside. From there, wander through the Jewish Quarter, where narrow streets and whitewashed houses create a labyrinth of beauty. Don’t miss the Plaza de España, the heart of the town, where you can sip coffee at an outdoor café and watch the world go by.

For lunch, Restaurante El Jardín del Califa is a must-visit. This Moroccan-inspired restaurant serves up dishes like couscous con cordero (lamb couscous) and pastela (a sweet and savory pigeon pie). Afterward, take a drive to Playa de El Palmar, a nearby beach where you can watch the sunset over the Atlantic.

Final Thoughts

Spain in November is a traveler’s dream. The crowds are gone, the weather is perfect for exploring, and the landscapes are alive with autumn colors. Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Albarracín, feasting on seafood in Cudillero, or hiking through the Pyrenees in Aínsa, these hidden gems in Spain offer a side of Spain that few tourists get to see.

So pack your bags, grab a scarf, and set off on an adventure. Spain’s secret spots for November travel are waiting for you.