How to explore the hidden gems of Spain
Mallorca, Tenerife, Barcelona… most of us know the names of Spain’s tourism hotspots, regardless of
whether we’ve visited or not. But did you know that this warm, Mediterranean country is packed
with hidden gems that you can’t afford to miss?
And if you’re travelling with some friends or family, you might even find that renting a villa in Spain
is the perfect way to feel right at home.
– CudilleroLa Cerdanya / Baix Cerdanya
Up in the Pyrenees Mountains, Cerdanya is a region that sits on the Spanish border with France. As
you can probably imagine, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to see spectacular alpine scenery.
For those who love to be active, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities here.
Come at the right time of year and you can also take your pick from a variety of wonderful ski
resorts.
You can also take Cerdanya at a leisurely pace and admire the many Old Romanesque churches,
medieval villages and the main town of Puigcerdà.
Carmona
Carmona is a city in the province of Andalucia in southwestern Spain. Its rich history is evident
throughout the architecture and landmarks. There’s Cordoba Gate and the Roman Necropolis,
harking back to the time when it was occupied by the Romans.
The city also used to be the capital of the eleventh-century Moorish kingdom of Taifa, so you can
also come and admire the buildings they left behind. There’s even the Hotel Parador de Carmona, a
former Arab fortress and palace for King Pedro. There are also various Moorish arches to be found
around Carmona.
Cudillero
Cudillero is a hilly, fishing town on the north coast built around a small harbour. The seafood is fresh
and authentic, and the coastal views are quite something too. Stand up by the 19th-century
lighthouse for a stunning view of the Bay of Biscay.
The small Gothic Humiladero Chapel dates to the 13th century and is thought to be the oldest
building in the town. In the days before the lighthouse was built, fishermen prayed for a safe return
from sea there. It was lost for years but rediscovered in the early 2000s during building works.
Porto Colom
Porto Colom is a little fishing village on the island of Mallorca. The pastel-coloured houses, calming
waters and the sight of fishing boats bobbing in the harbour make it a very relaxing getaway.
The main beach is Cala Marcal and with its shallow waters and gorgeously soft sand, it’s a very
family-friendly place to soak in the sun.
It has a few historical sites to its name as well, such as the Santuari de Sant Salvador, once a place of
pilgrimage for monks. It can be reached by a windy road that takes you right up the highest
mountain in the region, the Puig Sant Salvador. Once you’ve reached the spot, you can take some
impressive shots of the vistas.
There’s a lot more to Spain than the places it’s best known for. Explore the country like a local and
see just how much it has to offer.
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
