Most travelers stick to Spain’s greatest hit destinations Barcelona, Madrid, Seville. However, the locations that are never discussed are where the true spirit of the nation resides. Places hidden away in the countryside that are stunning and decorated with natural colors, serve as the setting for a story about a peaceful past, have a strong street food scene, and, of course, are devoid of visitors. These covert nationalists are shamelessly occupied with their own charm. Avoid the typical plan if you like slower travel, more in-depth experiences, and being genuinely surprised. There will be no crowds, no rush, and no hype just Spain as the locals know it. These are some of Spain’s lesser-known cities that are deserving of much more of your attention.
Let’s dive in.
Underrated Cities in Spain Worth Visiting: The Real Hidden Gems
1. Logroño-Wine, Tapas, and real charm
If living the red life has just been a walk through vibrant streets filled with local energy, Logroño has nailed it. It is the capital of La Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region, yet still somehow remains an undiscovered gem.
The Old Town is made for walking, with streets where every other doorway is a tapas bar. You could easily spend a night bouncing from bar to bar, sipping wine, grabbing small bites, and chatting with strangers. It’s walkable, lively, and refreshingly affordable.
2. Salamanca-The Golden Stone, Serious Soul
Salamanca doesn’t shout; it glows. The entire city is built with sandstone that catches the light at that golden hour and wires everything to look as if everything were a setup for a shoot.
With one of the oldest universities of Europe present in the city, there is always a youthful spirit lingering about. Students crowd the bars and plazas but underneath lies a serene academic atmosphere. Take a trip to the heights of the cathedral for expansive views, lose track in narrow alleys, or just lounge around Plaza Mayor with a cup of coffee in your hands, and watch the world go by. It feels calm, lively, and yet so underrated.
3. Córdoba – History and Patios in Bloom
Most people treat Córdoba as a fly-through-city-stop—enter in, admire the Mezquita, take a few photos, and get out. Mistake. Stay a night or two and you’ll see the city come alive in a quieter, more intimate manner.
Wander into the maze of alleys of the Jewish quarter. Step into courtyards rife with flowers, especially in the spring when the patio festival of the city begins. Sit and enjoy a bowl of salmorejo-every bit Córdoba’s thicker and richer version of gazpacho- and just take your time. It is not a city in a hurry. It comes around in small steps.
4. Zaragoza – Architecture, food, and no crowds
Zaragoza is that perfect middle ground: big enough to have everything you need, but much more shy and genuine, too. It sits between Madrid and Barcelona, yet nobody really talks about it. The Basilica del Pilar towers over the Ebro River and is lit up magnificently at night. The city is layered with Roman ruins, Islamic palaces, and Gothic cathedrals, but it never feels like some kind of museum. Neighborhoods full of local parties yes. And the tapas scene in El Tubo is chaotic in the sweetest possible way. Come hungry. Leave confused.
5. Burgos – Medieval beauty with a silent pulse
Burgos draws in slow travelers. Those who enjoy just sitting by a river, glass of wine in hand, and gazing upon something that was erected 700 years ago. One of Spain’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals stands here. It is rich in ornaments, drama, and history. Beyond that, Burgos is all about the little details. The stone bridges. The silent squares. The cool and clean air of northern Castile. It’s a great stop if you’re doing a road trip or are walking a stretch of the Camino. The city is not built for grandiose shows. It is built for presence.
6. Girona – The medieval walls and kaleidoscopic waterfront
If you want all the charm of Barcelona without the chaos, Girona is a great choice. An hour by train away, it has narrow medieval streets to walk on, Roman walls to stroll along, as well as colorful houses that dot the riverfront. And food, there is! It holds one of the best restaurants of the world, but eat outside, in casual spots, and you will find the food top-notch too: Grab an ice cream, walk the bridges, and let the city gently soak into you in silence. The vibe feels very Catalan: confident, full of character, and largely ignored.
7. Huesca – The Entrance to the Pyrenees
Small and quiet and mountainous: Huesca feels like a time capsule from another century. It’s an excellent base for traversing the Spanish Pyrenees, but the town itself has plenty to offer: nice plazas, standing locals, and a laid-back atmosphere in which you can unwind. Come and relax. Wander the nearby trails. Order anything you like from the menú del día. Sit under the sun, bask in the rhythm of the town that doesn’t bother to entertain you. That itself is its charm.
Bonus: Consuegra: Windmills and Literary Echoes
Consuegra, not quite a city, cannot be left out for want of iconic status. Consuegra is all about the view; white windmills line a ridge that faces into the La Mancha wind, as though the windmills have been there an eternity, waiting for Don Quixote to come galloping. There’s also a medieval castle, which further adds to the time-travel feeling. Spend a relaxing day there and let your imagination do the rest.
Why These Places Are Important
The famous cities are famous for a reason. But there is something very satisfying about discovering a place that has not been filtered or hashtagged into oblivion. These lesser-known cities will give you space to really connect to Spain; its food, its history, its rhythm of life.
You never have to fight for your table. You never have to time your boardwalk, or your cappuccino, around where the crowds are. You just go. You explore. You see things you might have otherwise missed.
These places don’t have to shout at you for your precious time. You just have to listen.
How to Plan a Trip Around Them
- When to Go: Ideally in spring or early fall: flowers in Córdoba, wine harvest in La Rioja, and fewer crowds elsewhere.
- How to get there: Spain’s train and bus system is good. Most of these cities are situated a few hours away from Madrid or Barcelona.
- Where to stay: Choose family-run guesthouses or small hotels situated in the city centers. They tend to be cheaper, cozier, and much more personal than any big chain.
- How to eat: Tapas bars are where the culture and atmosphere live. Never think about it; just use your feel, walk in, and order a drink. The food will come forth.
Final Thought
Underrated cities in Spain never feel like tourist traps simply because they are not. They are living places. Not curated-rather, real. If you want your trip to feel like discovery and not like ticking off a checklist, then give a try to some of these places. You return home with the best stories and photographs and a deeper connection to a country with much more to offer beyond the usual suspects.
