Spain, a country rich in history and culture, has a multitude of unexplored treasures just waiting to be discovered. Getting off the beaten track allows you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic character of little-known towns and unusual accommodation. Delving into the unusual local gastronomy enriches your palette with unique flavours. The unusual activities and leisure activities on offer offer offer a new perspective on Spanish tourism. Far from the usual tourist hustle and bustle, a unique journey awaits every curious explorer.
Little-known towns in Spain
Andalusian pearls off the beaten track
Andalusia, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is home to some little-known villages that escape the tourist crowds. In these picturesque hamlets, the cobbled streets wind their way between white houses to the village square, where an ancient palace or castle sits proudly. The ancestral walls seem to tell an age-old story that only the most curious will take the time to discover.
Hidden wonders of Catalonia
Catalonia also has its share of hidden treasures. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, there are places where time seems to stand still. Majestic historic monuments dot the small Catalan villages, silent reminders of a bygone era. The central plaza adds a lively, colourful touch to the very heart of the village, where tradition and modernity meet in harmony.
Unusual accommodation in Spain
Spain, a veritable treasure trove of Europe, never ceases to amaze with its richness and originality. Here you'll find unusual accommodation where imagination and creativity have pride of place.
Perched in the trees like a cosy nest, a tree house offers an exceptional panorama of the Spanish Pyrenees. It's an unforgettable holiday for nature and adventure lovers. Even more unusual, you can spend a night in a hard-built igloo in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, offering a unique experience under the starry sky.
For those looking to reconnect with their nomadic ancestors, it's possible to sleep in a yurt or tipi. These traditional shelters have been reinvented to combine modern comfort with cultural authenticity.
The highlight of the show, however, is the accommodation in troglodyte caves. Nestling in the heart of the Andalusian or Cantabrian mountains, these caves offer coolness in summer and warmth in winter thanks to their natural insulation.
These extraordinary places are a perfect reflection of Spain's bold and creative character. They invite all travellers with a thirst for the unusual to discover the country from a resolutely original angle.
Gastronomy off the beaten track
A culinary journey through the Spanish regions
Behind the flamenco and the bullfights, Spain hides a rich and varied gastronomy. Each region has its own specialities, often overlooked by tourists used to tapas and paella served in the bustling squares of the big cities. Andalusia is home to gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Castilla-La Mancha is the birthplace of jamon serrano - the dry-cured ham so typical of the Iberian Peninsula.
Venture to the north-west of the country, to Galicia, and you'll discover exquisite seafood dishes and the famous Spanish tortilla: a thick omelette filled with potatoes and caramelised onions.
The secret paths of Spanish wine
Spain is also a paradise for wine lovers. As well as the famous Rioja and Jerez, there are secret wine routes that are well worth a visit. In the mountainous Priorat region of Catalonia, for example, some exceptional cuvées with a strong character are produced.
Along the Andalusian coast, too, there are a few hidden nuggets, such as homemade sangria with a hint of bitter orange to give it that much-loved unique flavour. Off the beaten track, these wine tours offer a new perspective on Spain, its landscapes and its culture.
Unique leisure activities
Spain, a land of contrasts and adventure, is packed with unique activities and leisure pursuits that will delight thrill-seekers and lovers of tranquillity alike.
For starters, scuba diving on the Costa Brava offers a truly immersive experience in crystal-clear waters populated by multicoloured fish and historic shipwrecks. The majestic mountains of the Pyrenees invite you to go hiking against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. For those who prefer white water to salt, kayaking in Andalusia is a must-do for observing steep gorges and picturesque villages.
Similarly, rock climbing in Montserrat promises an unforgettable experience, with its strangely shaped, glowing cliffs. Paddleboarding is also popular on the Spanish coast, offering a leisurely way to explore the coastline while exercising your balance.
You don't have to be a child to have fun at the PortAventura theme park, where breathtaking rollercoasters rub shoulders with grandiose shows. And why not try one of the world's longest zip lines in the Sierra Nevada? A vertiginous adventure guaranteed!
