Spain’s Hidden Gems: 7 Authentic Spots Locals Love
There’s a Spain beyond the postcard-perfect beaches of Costa del Sol, the crowded alleys of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, and the tourist-laden plazas of Madrid. It’s a Spain where time moves slower, where the scent of wood-fired bread mingles with the salty breeze, and where locals still gather in centuries-old taverns to share stories over glasses of rough, unfiltered wine. This is the Spain I fell in love with—not as a tourist, but as someone who stumbled into its quiet corners and was welcomed like family.
Over the years, I’ve wandered through villages where the only sounds were church bells and the clatter of a shepherd’s staff, eaten in restaurants where the menu was whatever the owner’s wife cooked that morning, and danced in plazas where the only audience was the twinkling stars. These are the places locals cherish—the ones they whisper about to friends but rarely share with outsiders. Until now.
Here are seven of Spain’s most authentic hidden gems, the kind of spots where you won’t just see Spain, but feel it.
1. Albarracín, Aragon: A Medieval Dream Carved in Stone
Address: Albarracín, Teruel, Aragon (no exact address—just wander!)
Hours: Always open, but best explored in the golden hours of dawn or dusk.
Albarracín isn’t just a village; it’s a living postcard from the Middle Ages. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the rugged Sierra de Albarracín, this town is so perfectly preserved it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The houses, painted in warm ochre and terracotta hues, cling to the hillside like they’ve grown from the stone itself. The walls, built by the Moors in the 10th century, still encircle the town, and the winding streets are so narrow you can stretch out your arms and touch both sides.
I first arrived here on a misty autumn morning, the kind where the air smells of damp earth and woodsmoke. The town was nearly empty, save for a few elderly women sweeping their doorsteps and a stray cat sunning itself on a windowsill. I followed the scent of freshly baked bread to Panadería La Trastienda (Calle Azul, 12), a tiny bakery where the owner, a woman with flour-dusted hands and a warm smile, pressed a still-warm hogaza (rustic bread loaf) into my hands. “For the road,” she said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
What to Do:
- Walk the Medieval Walls: The views over the Guadalaviar River and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
- Visit the Albarracín Cathedral: A humble but stunning 16th-century church with a beautifully carved altarpiece.
- Eat at Mesón El Rodeno (Calle Portal de Molina, 5): Try the ternasco (roast lamb), a local specialty slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Why Locals Love It:
Albarracín is a place where history isn’t just preserved—it’s alive. The town hosts medieval festivals where locals dress in period costumes, and the nearby Pinturas Rupestres de Albarracín (prehistoric cave paintings) remind you that this land has been sacred for millennia.
2. Cudillero, Asturias: A Fishing Village Straight from a Storybook
Address: Cudillero, Asturias (the town is small—just follow the sea!)
Hours: Best visited in the late afternoon when the fishing boats return.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a village where colorful houses tumble down a hillside to meet the sea, Cudillero is it. Located in the lush, green region of Asturias, this fishing village is a maze of steep, cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, their balconies overflowing with geraniums. The harbor is the heart of the town, where fishermen mend their nets and the air smells of salt, seaweed, and the day’s catch.
I remember sitting at Restaurante Casa Poli (Calle La Marina, 1), a family-run spot where the menu changes daily based on what’s pulled from the sea that morning. The owner, Poli, brought me a plate of merluza a la sidra (hake cooked in cider), a dish so tender and flavorful it made me want to weep. “This is how we eat here,” she said with a shrug, as if serving perfection were no big deal.
What to Do:
- Stroll the Harbor: Watch the fishermen unload their catch—squid, hake, and the prized bonito (tuna).
- Hike to Cabo Vidio: A short but stunning coastal walk with panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea.
- Try Asturian Cider: Visit Sidrería El Pescador (Calle La Marina, 3) for a glass of the region’s famous natural cider, poured from a great height to aerate it.
Why Locals Love It:
Cudillero is unpretentious and real. It’s not a place for luxury resorts or tourist traps—just honest, hardworking people who love their sea, their food, and their traditions.
3. Besalú, Catalonia: A Medieval Jewel with a Bridge to the Past
Address: Besalú, Girona, Catalonia
Hours: The town is always open, but the Jewish Baths (Mikveh) are open 10 AM–6 PM.
Besalú is the kind of town that makes you gasp when you first see it. The centerpiece is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge, a graceful stone arch spanning the Fluvià River, leading you into a labyrinth of medieval streets. The town was once a major center of Jewish life in Catalonia, and its history is etched into every stone.
I stumbled upon Besalú by accident, driving through the Catalan countryside on a whim. The bridge, bathed in golden afternoon light, looked like something out of a dream. I spent hours wandering the cobbled streets, peeking into the Mikveh (one of the best-preserved Jewish ritual baths in Europe) and sipping coffee at Cafè del Pont (Plaça del Pont, 1), where the owner told me stories of the town’s past over a slice of coca de recapte (a Catalan flatbread topped with local veggies).
What to Do:
- Cross the Besalú Bridge: It’s not just a bridge—it’s a symbol of the town’s resilience through centuries of wars and floods.
- Visit the Jewish Quarter: The narrow streets and hidden courtyards whisper stories of the town’s Sephardic past.
- Eat at Restaurant Pont Vell (Plaça del Pont, 2): Their fideuà (a paella-like dish made with noodles) is legendary.
Why Locals Love It:
Besalú is a town that wears its history proudly. It’s not just a tourist stop—it’s a place where locals still gather in the plaza to chat, where the baker knows Intripper, and where the past feels tangible.
4. Ronda, Andalusia: The Dramatic Cliffside Town That Stole My Heart
Address: Ronda, Málaga, Andalusia
Hours: Best explored early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
Ronda is the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks. Perched atop a sheer cliff, the town is split in two by the El Tajo Gorge, with the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) dramatically spanning the chasm. The views are so staggering they’ve inspired artists and writers for centuries, including Hemingway, who called Ronda the most romantic town in Spain.
I first visited Ronda on a sweltering summer afternoon, and the sight of the bridge against the deep blue sky took my breath away. I spent the day wandering the old town, ducking into the Baños Árabes (13th-century Arab baths) to escape the heat, and sipping tinto de verano (a lighter, refreshing alternative to sangria) at Bar Lechuguita (Calle Nueva, 4), a tiny, unassuming spot where the jamón ibérico is sliced paper-thin and served with warm bread.
What to Do:
- Walk the Puente Nuevo: The views from the bridge are incredible, but for the best perspective, head to the Mirador de Ronda viewpoint.
- Visit the Plaza de Toros: One of the oldest bullrings in Spain, where Hemingway once watched fights.
- Hike the Caminito del Rey: A nearby thrilling cliffside walk (book in advance—it’s popular!).
Why Locals Love It:
Ronda is where Andalusia’s wild, dramatic soul is on full display. It’s a town of poets, bullfighters, and dreamers—a place where the landscape itself feels alive.
5. Aínsa, Aragon: A Pyramid-Shaped Village Frozen in Time
Address: Aínsa, Huesca, Aragon
Hours: The town is always open, but the Plaza Mayor comes alive in the evenings.
Aínsa is one of those places that feels like it’s been plucked from a storybook. Located in the Pyrenees foothills, the town is built in a perfect pyramid shape, with its Plaza Mayor at the apex. The square is lined with 16th- and 17th-century houses, their wooden balconies overflowing with flowers, and the Church of Santa María standing guard over it all.
I arrived in Aínsa during the Moros y Cristianos festival, a raucous celebration where locals dress as Moors and Christians to reenact medieval battles. The plaza was packed with people dancing, drinking, and feasting on chireta (a local lamb sausage). I was pulled into the fray by a group of women who insisted I try their homemade wine. “It’s strong,” one warned with a wink. She wasn’t kidding.
What to Do:
- Explore the Plaza Mayor: Grab a coffee at Café del Coso (Plaza Mayor, 1) and watch the world go by.
- Visit the Church of Santa María: Its cloister is a hidden gem, with intricate carvings and a peaceful courtyard.
- Hike in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park: Just a short drive away, this UNESCO-listed park is a paradise for hikers.
Why Locals Love It:
Aínsa is where tradition is alive and well. It’s a town that celebrates its history with passion, whether through festivals, food, or the simple joy of gathering in the plaza.
6. Comillas, Cantabria: A Coastal Gem with a Fairy-Tale Palace
Address: Comillas, Cantabria
Hours: Best visited in the late afternoon when the light hits the El Capricho just right.
Comillas is a town that feels like it’s been touched by magic. Located on the rugged Cantabrian coast, it’s home to El Capricho, a whimsical Modernist palace designed by Antoni Gaudí. The town itself is a mix of grand 19th-century mansions (built by wealthy Spaniards returning from the Americas) and humble fishing cottages, all set against a backdrop of golden beaches and emerald-green hills.
I spent a week in Comillas one autumn, staying in a tiny pensión run by a woman named Rosa. Every morning, she’d serve me churros con chocolate in her sunlit kitchen, then send me off with a list of things to see. My favorite spot was Playa de Comillas, a crescent of golden sand where I’d sit and watch the waves crash against the rocks. For dinner, I’d head to Restaurante El Comillano (Calle del Marqués de Comillas, 1), where the rabas (fried squid) were crispy perfection.
What to Do:
- Tour El Capricho: Gaudí’s playful, colorful palace is a must-see.
- Visit the Sobrellano Palace: Another stunning Modernist building, this one designed by Joan Martorell.
- Relax on Playa de Comillas: One of the most beautiful beaches in northern Spain.
Why Locals Love It:
Comillas is where the sea meets history in the most enchanting way. It’s a town of contrasts—grand and humble, wild and refined—and it captures the heart of Cantabria perfectly.
7. Almagro, Castilla-La Mancha: A Baroque Treasure in the Heart of Spain
Address: Almagro, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha
Hours: The Plaza Mayor is the hub of activity, especially in the evenings.
Almagro is the kind of town that makes you fall in love with Spain all over again. Located in the vast, sunbaked plains of Castilla-La Mancha, it’s a Baroque masterpiece, with its Plaza Mayor often called the most beautiful in Spain. The square is lined with elegant colonnades, and the Corral de Comedias, a 17th-century theater, still hosts plays just as it did in Shakespeare’s time.
I visited Almagro during the Festival de Teatro Clásico, when the town becomes a stage for Golden Age Spanish theater. The streets were filled with actors in period costumes, and the air hummed with the sound of lute music. I ate at Restaurante Adolfo (Calle San Agustín, 1), where the chef served me berenjenas de Almagro (pickled eggplants), a local specialty that’s been made the same way for centuries.
What to Do:
- Visit the Corral de Comedias: One of the few surviving 17th-century theaters in Europe.
- Explore the Plaza Mayor: Sit at a café and soak in the Baroque grandeur.
- Try Manchego Cheese: Visit Quesería La Mancha (Calle San Juan, 5) for the best in the region.
Why Locals Love It:
Almagro is where Spain’s golden past feels present. It’s a town that celebrates its history not as a relic, but as a living, breathing part of everyday life.
Final Thoughts: Why These Places Matter
These seven spots aren’t just destinations—they’re experiences. They’re the kind of places where you’ll leave feeling like you’ve touched the soul of Spain, where the memories you make will stay with you long after you’ve gone. In a world where travel often feels like checking boxes, these hidden gems remind us that the best journeys are the ones that surprise us, that welcome us, and that leave us a little changed.
So go. Wander the medieval streets of Albarracín. Sip cider in Cudillero’s harbor. Stand on Ronda’s bridge and let the wind take your breath away. These are the places locals love—and now, you will too.