Alternative Spain: Where to Go Beyond Barcelona and Ibiza
Spain has its A-list: Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza. Love them or loathe them, they’re always going to be packed. But here’s the thing — Spain is full of smaller cities, seaside towns, and mountain hideaways that are just as cool (if not cooler) and don’t come with the same elbow-to-rib-cage crowds.
Here are my favourite cool-and-underrated places in Spain — the ones you’ll want to wander, sip wine in, and then smugly tell your friends about later.
1. Seville (Andalusia)
Seville isn’t exactly a secret, but compared to Barcelona or Madrid, it still feels delightfully authentic. Think flamenco that actually makes your heart race, orange trees lining the streets, and tapas bars where your wine costs less than a bottle of water at the airport.
Don’t miss:
Real Alcázar – A Moorish palace that’ll make you gasp more than once.
Setas de Sevilla – A massive wooden structure with panoramic city views.
Riverside walks at sunset with a glass of tinto de verano.
2. Granada (Andalusia)
Yes, the Alhambra is jaw-dropping. But Granada’s magic goes way beyond the palace walls. This is a city where you can get free tapas with every drink, wander up to the Albaicín for sunset views over the city, and explore the flamenco caves in Sacromonte.
Pro tip: Book your Alhambra tickets well in advance. Then spend the rest of your time eating your way through the old town.
3. Altea (Costa Blanca)
Altea looks like it was made for Instagram — whitewashed houses, bright blue church domes, and winding cobblestone streets that open onto sea views. It’s got a bohemian vibe without trying too hard.
Don’t miss: The viewpoint next to the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, especially at golden hour.
4. Blanes / Lloret de Mar / Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava)
Barcelona hogs the spotlight, but just up the coast are these smaller seaside towns that are ridiculously pretty and way more chill.
Blanes: Botanical gardens and quiet coves.
Lloret de Mar: Known for nightlife, but also has gorgeous coastal walks.
Tossa de Mar: A medieval walled old town right by the beach — dreamy and romantic.
Perfect for: A Barcelona add-on that feels like a holiday from your holiday.
5. Gijón (Asturias)
A city with a beach right in the middle of it, cider poured from shoulder height, and a creative energy that makes it feel effortlessly cool. This is northern Spain’s answer to a surf-meets-city escape.
Don’t miss:
Trying sidra natural the proper way (you’ll see locals pouring it from up high).
Playa de San Lorenzo for a sunrise walk.
6. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)
Even if you haven’t walked the Camino, Santiago will win you over with its medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and a cathedral that feels genuinely powerful. There’s a quiet magic here, especially on a rainy day when the granite streets shine.
Perfect for: Slow travellers, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates a side of spiritual with their sightseeing.
7. Asturias Region & Picos de Europa
Imagine jagged limestone peaks, lush valleys, and tiny villages where time slows down. The Picos de Europa is a paradise for hikers, road trippers, and anyone who likes their Spain green and dramatic.
Don’t miss:
The mountain lakes of Covadonga.
A long lunch of fabada asturiana after a hike.
8. San Sebastián (Basque Country)
It’s not exactly “undiscovered” but still feels special — possibly because you can eat your bodyweight in pintxos and it’s still socially acceptable. Add in La Concha beach, Belle Époque architecture, and the surrounding green hills, and you’ve got one of the most elegant cities in Spain.
Pro tip: Skip dinner reservations. Just hop between pintxo bars all night.
9. Small Villages of La Rioja
La Rioja is more than just wine (though, let’s be honest, the wine is a major draw). It’s dotted with tiny villages full of cobbled streets, medieval churches, and views over endless vineyards. Places like Briones, Laguardia, and San Vicente de la Sonsierra are ridiculously picturesque — and the wine tastings are next level.
Perfect for: A road trip with frequent “pull over, I need a photo” moments.
10. Moraira (Costa Blanca)
Think small-town charm meets Mediterranean bliss. Moraira has golden beaches, hidden calas (coves) for snorkelling, and rocky headlands that beg for sunset picnics. Just offshore, you’ve got caves to explore by kayak or paddleboard.
Don’t miss: Playa del Portet for calm waters and a morning coffee with a view.
