Undiscovered gems of Spain

Spain is by far the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers with millions flocking to the beaches of the Costas and Balearic islands or enjoying city breaks in Barcelona, Madrid or Seville. But Spain is a large country with a rich and varied countryside and incredible historic cities which are easily accessible, many largely unvisited by foreign travellers. Here are a few suggestions of other places to visit in Spain that you may not have thought of:

Zamora: Medieval charm and culinary delights

A short train ride from Madrid is the ancient walled city of Zamora, on the banks of the river Duero. Zamora boasts a plethora of Romanesque churches and a stunning cathedral, all approaching 1000 years old, as well as many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The food here is some of the best in Spain, making Zamora an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.

Salamanca: City of knowledge and architecture

Not far from Zamora is the beautiful university city of Salamanca. The city is built from golden sandstone which is especially lovely as the sun sets. The historic university, the two cathedrals and the Plaza Mayor are the main sights, but the great joy of this city is wandering around its historic streets to find more delightful gems. The university is one of the most prestigious in Spain, and its thousands of students make for a lively atmosphere in the many good value, high-quality tapas bars and authentic Spanish restaurants throughout the city.

Logroño: Wine tourism and gastronomy in La Rioja

Wine lovers will be entranced by a stay in Logrono, the capital of the world-famous Rioja wine region. Not only is it a great base to explore the hundreds of wineries in the region but it has atmospheric squares, narrow streets and hidden corners that are a delight to explore. Logrono has many high-quality tapas bars and is a worthy addition to Spain’s increasingly high reputation as a foodie destination and wine tourism hotspot.

Vigo and Las Islas Cies: the incredible Atlantic coast

Head north to the Atlantic coast and the Galician port of Vigo, where you can eat some the best seafood in Europe, washed down with a delicious glass of the incredible local white wine, Albarino. But the main draw of this lovely part of northern Spain are the magical islands Las Islas Cies, a short ferry ride way. Visitor numbers to this incredible natural reserve are very limited and no motorised transport is allowed, so visit out of season or book in advance. Wandering around these ethereal islands as the sea mists role in is an unforgettable experience. Better still, stay the night and experience the silence and majesty of the unspoilt night skies before a bracing morning dip in the sea and a picnic on one of the islands white sand beaches.

Antequera: Andalusian cultural heritage

The south of Spain has traditionally attracted the lion’s share of UK holidaymakers, but a short train ride from Malaga is the less well-known city of Antequera. Dominated by its majestic Moorish castle the Alcazaba, this is a lovely town of tree lined squares where you can while away the time people watching or lunching in the sun. The city is also home to some awe inspiring ancient tombs, the UNESCO World Heritage Dolmens which date back 6,000 years. Thrill seekers should head to the nearby Caminito del Rey, a series of narrow pathways, tunnels, and bridges 100 meters up and along the El Chorro gorge. Not for the faint-hearted.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain this year, don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy that covers your needs. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today.