The Top Underrated Spanish Cities You Need to Explore
Spain has long been the preferred getaway for British vacationers.
Actually, British travelers form the biggest contingent of visitors to this country; in 2024, more than 18 million people from the UK headed to the Mediterranean destination for some sunshine.
But, as Spain continues to struggle with overtourism , vacationers are straying from well-trodden paths in favor of lesser-known gems .
In Barcelona , Tourist taxes are scheduled to increase twofold. , potentially reaching as high as £12.40 per person per night. At present, the highest charge is set at £6.20 for visitors in five-star hotels and £4.70 for those in four-star accommodations. For individuals renting flats, the fee stands at £5.20.
In the previous year, countless residents marched in demonstrations against the surge of tourists from abroad. spraying customers with water guns and chanting ‘go home’.
At the same time in the Spanish capital Madrid , protests have flooded the streets over the past few days. Just prior to Easter During the weekend, more than 150,000 locals gathered in the downtown area to protest against throngs of visitors and their contribution to the housing shortage.
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Recently, Madrid halted issuing new licenses for tourist accommodations, particularly within the historical center of the city. Additionally, the municipality has enforced more rigorous rules regarding short-term rentals.
Therefore, in keeping with the spirit of sustainable travel, we asked Readers can share their favorite 'undiscovered jewel' Spanish cities that aren't Barcelona or Madrid.
readers have their say
Matty Townsend, after recently finishing an extensive campervan trip through Spain with his companion Laura, developed a deep affection for Elche a city near Alicante.
The Spanish province is another location that becomes extremely crowded during high season, but Matty characterizes Elche as being 'light-years apart' from the chaos and crowds.
He stated, "Palm trees covered the area — approximately a quarter of a million — giving it a truly tropical feel." Matty additionally mentioned the 'pleasant atmosphere at the core,' mentioning 'numerous large gardens perfect for strolling and discovering.'
For Laura, Santiago de Compostela made the biggest impression.
'It’s where the renowned trek ends,' she mentioned. She was talking about the Camino de Santiago, an extensive system of historic religious pilgrimage paths in Spain. In terms of appearance, she noted that the northwest town resembled 'a Spanish version of York.'
Advice from our travel editor
‘s Alice Murphy is an avid admirer of Ronda, a historic cliffside town nearby Malaga (a hidden gem, as mentioned by Alice).
Perched at an impressive height of 1,063 meters above sea level, Ronda serves as a haven for writers; Ernest Hemingway often summered there, and it was also chosen as the final resting place for renowned director Orson Welles' ashes.
Surrounded by mountains and deep gorges, this destination is not your typical 'fly and flop' location. While it doesn’t have any beaches, it compensates with its architectural marvels (an intriguing mix of Arabic and Moorish styles), rich cultural offerings, and delicious food scene.
Jezebel Gaia Sioux Gnik is among numerous readers who highlighted this. Granada in Spain’s Andalusia region.
She mentioned, "Granada in southern Spain is quite underappreciated, and it’s one of the few spots where you can get complimentary tapas with your beverage."
She mentioned that the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex, is 'stunning,' and that this area is the birthplace of Flamenco.
'Samā' Ansarī Pūr has recently spent seven days in the Andalusian city of Cadiz , and was amazed at how budget-friendly it is: she paid under £300.
Elsewhere, Helena McWilliams described Nerja On the Costa del Sol, it is described as 'clean and welcoming,' with 'wonderful residents.'
Curt Howett proclaimed A Coruña, a port city located in northwestern Spain, as Europe’s undiscovered treasure.
Michael R. Brant expressed that he 'developed strong feelings' for Seville And with 'it would be wonderful to retire there someday,' Lisa Alean added, 'I've always been curious about exploring the historical Santa Cruz neighborhood in Seville; the architecture seems breathtaking!'
A Spanish town cast in the shadow of its more stylish neighbors
’s Sophie-May Williams fell for Estepona , a quaint Spanish village nestled between Marbella’s glitzy shops and the elite retreat of Sotogrande.
However, instead of adopting the sophisticated urbanization seen in nearby luxurious areas, Estepona has maintained its character as a typical 'Pueblo Blanco' — one of the 'White Villages of Andalusia'.
Covering a 21-kilometer expanse of sandy shores, this unassuming town boasts a rich heritage. Once thought to be inhabited by the Romans, it has transformed into a charming vacation destination featuring a tree-lined walkway, traditional Spanish eateries, and a mild climate that graces its roads with sunlight for approximately 325 days annually.
What activities can you enjoy in Seville?
As Seville was mentioned dozens of times, it’s clear that it’s a city on many people’s bucket lists.
Situated in Andalusia, Seville served as a filming site for Game of Thrones The historical royal palace known as the Alcázar served as the representation of Dorne’s capital, Sunspear.
Apart from Hollywood, the UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as an impressive architectural monument dating back to the 10th century. A standard entry ticket costs €15.50 (£13.26).
While visiting the city, make sure to check out the impressive Plaza de España, stroll through the quaint Santa Cruz neighborhood, watch a classic Flamenco performance, or tour Seville Cathedral, which is the biggest Gothic church globally. Remember to snap a photo with the famous orange trees as your backdrop.
What is the best way to reach Seville?
Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet travel to Seville from London Gatwick and Stansted .
Outbound tickets begin at £36, with the trip lasting approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
What activities can you enjoy in Valencia?
Valencia and San Sebastián turned out to be well-received by readers, too.
Although Danielle mentioned that she found the former "very cool," Matty enjoyed the latter because of its "large beach situated right in the heart of the town" along with the "narrow streets offering pintxos tapas in the old quarter."
Valencia lends its name to the provincial capital of Valencia. Nestled along the Mediterranean coastline, visitors can spend their days soaking up the sun at the picturesque La Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal beaches.
Historical and distinctive city of Pamplona in the Basque region
’s Steve Charnock suggests the Basque city of Pamplona , notably its well-preserved medieval Old Town. It features numerous winding cobblestone lanes, historic fortifications, and iconic monuments. He highlights the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral and the formidable citadel as must-see attractions.
During the daytime, Pamplona appears as a rather charming small town enclosed within the larger contemporary urban expanse. It’s like a city inside another city. However, once evening falls, it transforms dramatically, bustling with numerous standalone bars and pintxos establishments serving up delights. cañas of beer and txikito portions of Rioja. Everything is infused with tasty mushroom croquettes and chunks of meat. Txistorra Chorizo paired with charred Padron or sweet Piquillo peppers. This is a fantastic method for hopping from one bar to another while gradually filling up on mouthwatering tidbits.
The city gains recognition worldwide for its rowdy and culturally important yet morally questionable nine-day San Fermín bull-running event. However, Pamplona deserves to be enjoyed throughout the remaining 356 days of the year.
If you're interested in experiencing some cultural sites, visit La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). This UNESCO World Heritage location highlights Valencia’s historic silk industry and offers an affordable day out, usually charging just €2 (£1.71) for admission.
The main Plaza de la Virgen is also a popular spot, filled with cafés, eateries, and spiritual landmarks. If you're looking for a quaint historical neighborhood characterized by winding lanes and traditional taverns, head over to the old quarter of Barrio del Carmen.
What is the best way to reach Valencia?
Ryanair and easyJet also operate one-way services to Valencia from Stansted and Gatwick airports, starting at £34 for a trip duration of 2 hours 30 minutes.
What activities can you enjoy in San Sebastiàn?
Located in the renowned Basque Country, San Sebastiàn is frequently referred to as the gastronomic hub of Spain.
The city is clearly well-prepared for this: in the heart of the Old Town at Plaza de la Constitución, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice among the numerous cafes and eateries.
Pintxos—the Basque take on tapas—are renowned in this region. Notable among them is the Gilda pintxo, which comprises a tiny skewer with a pickled chili pepper, an anchovy, and a green olive. Another beloved dish is Bacalao en Aceite, featuring salted cod soaked in a flavorful mixture of garlic and chili oil.
After indulging in some delicious Basque cuisine, take a leisurely walk along the scenic La Concha Beach. If you're an adventure seeker, tackle Mount Urgull or Monte Igueldo for breathtaking overlooks of the city.
What is the best way to reach San Sebastián?
Reaching San Sebastián from the UK tends to be pricier because of strong demand and scarce supply, particularly during busy periods.
A single-flight departure from London City Airport with British Airways Or flights with Iberia start at £227. The journey takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes.
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