Barcelona may be a star, but it’s not the whole show. If you’re craving charming towns without selfie sticks, coastlines without beach clubs and culture without queues, this is your sign to explore the secret places in Spain where beauty and authenticity go hand in hand.
From fairytale villages to wild coastlines, these hidden gems in Spain are where locals vacation and most tourists never think to go. Let’s go off the beaten path and find the Spain that still feels like a secret.
1. Cadaqués, Catalonia
Tucked between rugged cliffs and the bright blue Mediterranean, Cadaqués is a whitewashed fishing village that feels like stepping into a painting and that’s exactly why Salvador Dalí made it his home. It’s artistic, moody and dramatically beautiful without the Barcelona buzz.
🧡 Don’t miss: Visiting Dalí’s surreal house in Portlligat and hiking the coastal trails of Cap de Creus.
2. Cazorla andalusia
Nestled in olive country, Cazorla sits on the edge of a vast natural park filled with waterfalls, mountain top castles and emerald-green rivers. It’s ideal for hikers, nature lovers and anyone seeking non touristy places in Spain.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Río Borosa trail with crystal waters, hanging bridges and zero crowds.
3. Albarracín, Aragón
With rose-hued walls, winding cobbled streets and a fortress perched high above, Albarracín looks like it leapt straight out of a storybook. Often called one of the most beautiful places in Spain to visit, it remains blissfully overlooked by international tourists.
🧡 Don’t miss: Climbing the old city walls at sunset for panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops.
4. Fragas do Eume, Galicia
Tired of sun-drenched beaches? Step into a mossy, misty wonderland in Fragas do Eume, one of Europe’s best-preserved Atlantic forests. With ancient monasteries hidden in the trees and trails that feel like a fantasy novel, this is off the beaten path Spain at its most magical.
🧡 Don’t miss: The hike to Monasterio de Caaveiro, an 11th-century monastery hidden deep in the woods.
5. Ronda andalusia
Though it’s growing in popularity, Ronda still feels like a secret, especially if you stay the night. Perched on a dramatic gorge with a breathtaking bridge connecting its two halves, this mountaintop town offers epic views and rich history in equal measure.
🧡 Don’t miss: Sunset from the Puente Nuevo viewpoint, when the rocks glow golden and the crowds disappear.
6. Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias
Yes, you read that right. Gulpiyuri is a secret inland beach formed by an underground sea tunnel. Set in a lush green meadow, it looks like a sinkhole filled with crystal-clear seawater and you’ll likely share it with just a handful of curious wanderers.
🧡 Don’t miss: Timing your visit with high tide for the full magical effect.
7. Úbeda & Baeza andalusia
For those who love architecture and soul without the crowds, Úbeda and Baeza are two UNESCO-listed towns bursting with golden plazas, ancient churches and quiet charm. They’re like mini Florences hidden in Spain’s countryside.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Vázquez de Molina Palace and wandering the sleepy back streets lined with olive oil shops.
8. Islas Cíes, Galicia
Tucked off the coast of Galicia, the Cíes Islands are part of a protected national park where only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day. Picture white sand, turquoise water and no hotels or cars, just nature in its purest form.
🧡 Don’t miss: Hiking to the lighthouse for panoramic Atlantic views and spotting dolphins offshore.
9. Bagergue, Catalonia
High in the Pyrenees near the French border lies Bagergue, a tiny mountain village with flower-filled balconies and cobbled alleys. Voted one of the most beautiful villages in Spain by locals, it’s serene, scenic and untouched.
🧡 Don’t miss: Staying overnight in a stone chalet and waking up to misty mountain views.
10. Alquézar, Aragón
Carved into the cliffs above a canyon, Alquézar is a medieval stunner surrounded by orange groves, limestone gorges and fossil-rich rock. It’s perfect for hiking, canyoning, or just enjoying a slow glass of wine on a sunlit terrace.
🧡 Don’t miss: Walking the Pasarelas del Vero, a suspended walkway through the canyon walls.
Travel Tips for Exploring Spain’s Secret Side
- Rent a car: Many hidden gems are off the main train routes but easily reached by road.
- Avoid peak seasons: May – June and September – October offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.
- Book stays in small inns (casas rurales): You’ll get local tips, homemade food and a true taste of the region.
- Embrace slow travel: These places are made to be savored, not rushed.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases: English isn’t as common in these offbeat towns and that’s part of the charm.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona is beautiful but Spain has so many untold stories beyond the crowds and the Catalan capital. From forested coasts and cliffside villages to hidden beaches and ancient towns, these secret places in Spain offer everything you’re dreaming of and none of the lines.
If you’re ready to discover Spain like a local, this list is your passport to the authentic, untouched side of the country.
