Spain's Hidden Gems: Tranquil Escapes from La Rioja to Galicia
Spain, renowned for its bustling cities and sun-drenched coasts, holds a wealth of lesser-known treasures that offer serene escapes from the tourist trail. Readers have shared their favourite hidden gems, from picturesque vineyards to dramatic gorges, providing a unique glimpse into the country's tranquil and natural side.
Chilling Out in La Rioja
Recently, a journey from Madrid to San Sebastián included a delightful three-day stop in the picturesque village of Briñas, located in the heart of La Rioja. Visitors stayed at the beautiful Finca Torre de Briñas, with doubles starting from €189 including breakfast. A scenic 40-minute walk along the Ebro River leads to the neighbouring town of Haro, home to several of the region's largest wine producers, such as CVNE and Muga, where tastings are highly recommended. After sampling the local wines, the town centre offers numerous tapas spots, perfect for refuelling before the walk back to the hotel, creating a blissful experience.
Forests and Badlands in Murcia
Less than an hour's drive from the bustling Murcia coast lies the brooding Sierra Espuña mountain range, a green respite from the summer heat. This area is the site of a rewilding project started over a century ago. A morning hike through shady Aleppo pine forests is followed by a drive up a switchback mountain road to the 16th-century Pozos de la Nieve, where visitors can descend steps into a silent, cavernous interior. Historically, stored ice was hauled from here by horse and cart to wealthy city folk during summer. The return route passes the Barrancos de Gebas, a lunar "badlands" landscape formed from an ancient seabed over 10 million years ago, offering a secluded and secretive feel with few other visitors.
Terraced Vineyards in Galicia's Gorges
Forest fires in the Picos mountains led to a detour via the Ribeira Sacra, a wine region in inland Galicia characterised by deep canyons of the Sil and Miño rivers. The steep-sided banks are lined with terraced vineyards, where grapes benefit from the delicate ecosystem created by the gorges. Activities included swimming in waterfalls, enjoying local wines, and walking among the narrow terraces. A highlight was the walk at the top of the Miradoiro de Souto Chao, known as the Grape Pickers' Viewpoint, which offers stunning views that are tranquil, natural, and barely touched by tourism.
A Fairytale Town in Navarre
Gallipienzo, a medieval settlement rising above the sparse landscape of Navarre province, feels like something out of a fairytale. Before ascending the winding road to the old town, a refreshing dip in the Aragón River is a welcome relief after sightseeing in scorching Pamplona. Upon arrival at Hotel Heredad Beragu, with doubles from €109 including breakfast, guests are warmly welcomed by hosts Patxi and Ramón, who have transformed an old farmstead into a chic getaway. A sunset walk offers views of the surrounding countryside framed by ramshackle doorways, followed by a locally sourced dinner, making visitors feel smug to have discovered this gateway to the past.
Bridge to the Basque Country
While Bilbao is deservedly popular, a 25-minute train ride along the Nervión River to the coast brings you to Portugalete. Head straight to Crepería Miramar for excellent coffee and a perfect tortilla, situated on the estuary in the shadow of the Vizcaya Bridge. Built in 1893, this is the world's oldest transporter bridge, a Unesco world heritage site that combines beauty and function. For just €1, take a trip on the transporter over to Getxo and walk around the bay to the lovely fishing village of Algorta, creating a perfect day out.
Exploring the Alpujarras, Near Granada
Last month, almond blossom was in full bloom while walking the Ruta Medieval in the Alpujarran municipality of La Taha. After recent storms, hikes have included hazards like landslides and fallen trees, making apps such as Wikiloc essential for finding detours. Without a car, a bus stops at Pitres, the start of a waymarked trail along ancient cobbled paths through whitewashed, flat-roofed Moorish villages clinging to the side of the gorge created by the River Trevélez. Options after Ferreirola include a strenuous climb through Atalbéitar to Pórtugos or a gentler one to Busquístar, both with bus connections back to Pitres or onwards to Órgiva or Granada.
Medieval Gems in Léon
Arriving in Ponferrada on foot as part of the Camino de Santiago walk, the town looms ahead with an attractive centre featuring old buildings, restaurants, and bars serving the famous Bierzo wine. The most famous attraction is its huge Disney-like castle, thought to have been built by the Knights Templar, which hosts mock-medieval pageants and contains a stunning collection of manuscripts and maps. After a journey from the mountain village of El Acebo, visitors found energy to hike uphill to the tiny romanesque church of Santo Tomás de las Ollas, considered worth a dozen castles for its charm.
A Spectacular Slow Rail Trip from Santander
After disembarking from a ferry at Santander, a train on the narrow-gauge railway heading west offers a slow and spectacular journey along the northern Spanish coast towards Oviedo and Ferrol. Stops at coastal villages like Llanes and San Vicente revealed great value accommodations, good local wine, and excellent restaurants. Viveiro was another excellent stop where restaurants served cloudy white wine in ceramic jugs alongside wonderful seafood. Lonely and dramatic beaches complete the idyllic experience, allowing ample time to absorb the coast's beauty before heading towards Vigo and Porto by train.
A Stunning Find Near Girona
The stunning medieval town of Peratallada provided a peaceful base for exploring the Empordà region in September. With cloudless, azure skies, its caramel-coloured walls and arches dripped with red campsis and bougainvillea. It makes an excellent day trip from Girona, 20 miles away, but deserves more time. Climb the Torre de las Horas bell tower for great views, with visitor numbers restricted for a serene experience. Explore welcoming shops, cafes, and restaurants, with particular favourites being Restaurant La Roca and DO Candelaria.
Winning Tip: Hanging in Cuenca
In the Castilla-La Mancha mountains east of Madrid, the Unesco world heritage city of Cuenca sits proudly upon a plateau ensnared by the Júcar and Huécar rivers, offering spectacular vistas. A 4-mile circular hike through pine forest takes advantage of the views and otherworldly karst rock giants, finishing with a sunset over the medieval city. Add a free abstract art museum vertiginously perched within the Casas Colgadas and beautifully-lit labyrinthine streets after dusk, and Cuenca emerges as a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination.
These reader recommendations highlight Spain's diverse and tranquil hidden gems, from vineyards and gorges to medieval towns and coastal railways, all offering unique experiences away from the crowds.
