Every summer, hundreds of travelers from all around the world follow the same travel itinerary in Spain: La Sagrada Família, Puerta del Sol, and the beaches of Costa del Sol. Although these sites are beautiful, they are crowded with tourists throughout the year. However, only a few miles away from these popular destinations, you’ll find a side of Spain that is not often explored: a calm, beautiful, and authentic Spain that is equally stunning and more accessible.
At Royal Holiday Vacation Club, we know that the best trips are sometimes not about visiting the most popular sites, but about finding a place where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset, share a laugh with your loved ones, or discover a restaurant where you don’t have to make a reservation weeks in advance. Getting lost in the beautiful streets of a European city without bumping into crowds of tourists and having the opportunity to connect with locals is a wonderful way to truly get to know a destination.
Here are some of the wonderful cities in Spain that you should visit this summer.
CUENCA: ART ON THE EDGE OF THE ABYSS
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca is one of the most photogenic destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. However, it is also one of the region’s lesser-visited destinations. Its famous hanging houses hover over the Huécar River Gorge, creating a unique landscape that even photographs cannot do justice.
This medieval city can be explored in a couple of hours on foot. However, we recommend a longer visit to give yourself time to explore the Spanish Museum of Abstract Art, one of the country’s greatest museums, as well as the gorges and ravines surrounding the city.
This is also the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a traditional Spanish meal at one of its many restaurants. If you’re looking for delicious food at reasonable prices, Cuenca is a great place to stop for lunch.
ÚBEDA AND BAEZA: THE RENAISSANCE IN ANDALUSIA
While everyone is focused on visiting Seville and Córdoba, these two cities hold UNESCO World Heritage status and boast outstanding Renaissance architecture that you won’t want to miss.
Úbeda stands out for its beautiful Plaza Vázquez de Molina. With incredibly well-preserved historic buildings and architecture, the city seems to have been taken straight out of a movie. Baeza, only a few miles away, adds an incredible cathedral and a lively university atmosphere that brings this charming town to life.
The best part is that during the summer, tourism in these towns is significantly lower than in Spain’s larger cities. You’ll be able to walk around without big crowds and discover the delicious olive oil of the Sierra de Cazorla—considered some of the best olive oil in the world—directly from local olive oil mills.
SIGÜENZA: THE MEDIEVAL TOWN WHERE TIME STOOD STILL
Less than two hours from Madrid by train, Sigüenza is one of Castilla-La Mancha’s best-kept secrets. Its medieval castle—now a Parador National Hotel—overlooks a historic center that has barely changed in centuries. The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is home to one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish funerary art: the tomb of the Doncel of Sigüenza, a 15th-century sculpture that leaves no one indifferent.
During the summer, there is a very clear contrast with Madrid. This city is much less crowded, and prices are generally lower, allowing you to take your time and wander through the beautiful streets without having to worry about large crowds during your trip.
If you truly want to disconnect and enjoy your time in Spain, this is one of our top recommendations.
LUGO: THE ONLY CITY IN THE WORLD WITH AN INTACT ROMAN WALL
Galicia welcomes millions of travelers from all around the world year after year, yet many visitors choose to travel to Santiago de Compostela without making a stop in Lugo. This is a big mistake.
This Galician city is home to the only intact Roman wall in the world, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wall won’t only make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time; it will also give you incredible panoramic views of the city from above.
Lugo is also a great place to enjoy tapas, which are often offered for free when you order a drink or something else to eat. Don’t forget to try the octopus tapas, a specialty of the region.
Summer in Galicia brings pleasant, warm weather and beautiful green landscapes. If you’re trying to escape the extreme heat of some of Spain’s biggest cities, Lugo is a great option. Enjoy summer in London or Paris. Here’s everything you should know.
EXPLORE THE MAP AND JUMP INTO A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
Spain has more than 8,000 municipalities, yet many travelers choose to visit the same five cities when exploring the country. However, in many cases, some of the smaller destinations can be among the most beautiful and memorable.
Discover these towns and cities with TravelXtra and take advantage of the exclusive benefits of your membership to explore the world.
At Royal Holiday Vacation Club, we believe that traveling well means traveling with intention: choosing destinations that suit your travel style, participating in activities that create meaningful memories, and having the freedom to explore cities without overwhelming crowds.
This summer, Spain invites you to discover its hidden gems. And who knows? One of them might just become your new favorite destination.