Move Over Barcelona! These 4 Underrated Spanish Cities Are Surging In Popularity

Residence to world-renowned landmarks like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell, to not point out its privileged seaside location proper on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the primary vacation spot in Spain.

Regardless of its plain appeal, it is no secret Barcelona is combating a not-so-silent battle proper now: tourism ranges are uncontrolled, a lot in order that locals have taken issues into their very own arms.

Let’s simply put it this fashion: in the event you’re fortunate sufficient, you would possibly solely get sprayed with water as you dine alfresco within the Gothic Quarter, or stroll previous an unfriendly, anti-tourist graffiti or two.

Maybe unsurprisingly, these 4 lesser-known Spanish cities at the moment are taking middle stage now that Barcelona is shunning guests.

In response to the latest eDreams report, Europe’s main journey company, curiosity in them has surged this summer season, whereas the Catalan capital took a backseat:

A Coruña

With an 11% enhance in guests this summer season, A Coruña is presently the fourth fastest-growing vacation spot in Spain. Although it’s positioned within the far northwest of Spain, a great distance from Barcelona, vacationers are being drawn to its picture-perfect Outdated City, historical heritage, and postcard seashores lining the Atlantic.

Town’s most distinctive landmark is the Tower of Hercules, a 1st-century Roman-built lighthouse, perched on the tip of a rocky peninsula hugged by azure sea—at its ft, Lapas is without doubt one of the many white-sand seashores to be present in and round city.

Within the middle, slim, cobbled alleys flanked by colourful buildings await discovery, converging round Plaza de María Pita, a chic foremost sq. dominated by a Beaux-Arts-inspired Metropolis Corridor. Maintain heading towards the waterfront, and you may attain Riazor:

An elongated strip of sand backed by laid-back tapas spots, upscale motels, and seaside bars, it’s the place to go to socialize and gorge on native meals. Oh, and in case you are questioning, it is nonetheless principally sunny, and a nice 73°F out in A Coruña within the fall.

Santander

You may begin noticing a pattern any more. With the Mediterranean Coast getting extra crowded by the minute, it is time for Northern Spain to steal the limelight, and if there was ever a flagship metropolis for the area, that is definitely Santander.

Referred to as ‘Pearl of the North‘, as a consequence of its scenic bayside location, plethora of seashores, and wealthy maritime tradition, it’s dwelling to Palacio de la Magdalena, a picturesque palace occupying a peninsula, commanding epic city views, a historic cliffside lighthouse (El Faro de Cabo Mayor), and a hovering cathedral:

Santander Cathedral is without doubt one of the most emblematic monuments within the North, as a consequence of its medieval origins and fortress-like design (in all honesty, it appears extra like a fort than a church, correct), and higher even, it is free to go to! Did we point out no lengthy wait traces like in Barcelona’s Sagrada Família?

Nevertheless, lovely buildings should not the one purpose why Santander has posted a 13% development lately: from the smooth, golden-sand Playa del Sardinero, to the extra secluded Playa de Mataleñas and Playa de los Molinucos, it leaves nothing to be desired as a seaside getaway within the excessive season.

Bilbao

Guess what: one more Northern Spanish gem made the reduce, besides you would possibly need to bookmark this one. As of this 12 months, People have been in a position to fly nonstop to Bilbao, the cultural coronary heart and largest metropolis within the Basque Nation, straight from Newark (EWR).

There are lots of a purpose why Bilbao can be racing forward of different Spanish locations to assert the runner-up title, with an 18% development, however the one factor that pops to thoughts once we consider El Botxo—that is how Basques name it—is its mixture of vibrant metropolis life and Outdated World attract.

It’s one among Spain’s most trendy and industrial cities, and it is no marvel it lays declare to the Guggenheim Museum, a titanium-clad modern artwork set up overlooking the fast-flowing Nervión River, however then again, its Casco Viejo tells equally fascinating tales of the Spain of Olde.

We’re speaking maze-like streets, centuries-old skinny buildings, pintxo bars serving $3 beer, and medieval plazas—on that observe, you would possibly need to take a look at the 14th-century Iglesia de San Antón, the oldest church in Bilbao, and the principle function on the town’s coat of arms.

Oviedo

Boasting a 25% development, Oviedo, the cultural coronary heart of a criminally underrated Asturias, a mountainous area in Spain’s North, formally snatches the crown because the Iberian nation’s fastest-growing vacation spot in the intervening time.

Opposite to A Coruña or Santander, which can double as seaside getaways, its foremost enchantment is the traditional Historical past: a UNESCO-listed metropolis, it is best recognized for its Pre-Romanesque monuments, most notably Santa María del Naranco, an ornate palace-turned-church courting again to the ninth century.

Within the coronary heart of the Outdated City, a monumental cathedral stands, its Holy Chamber (or Cámara Santa) housing a few of essentially the most important Christian relics. Additionally notable is Plaza del Fontán, a bustling public sq. lined with market stalls and cafés.

Oviedo can be famend for its inexperienced areas, walkable streets, and tranquil ambiance: strolling by means of the town appears like a refreshing escape in comparison with the crowds of Madrid and Barcelona.

Lastly, the cider scene is unmatched, with Calle Gascona being lined with sidrerías (cider homes) at each flip.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Journey Off Path, has over 60+ nations below his belt (and presently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that can have you ever packing your baggage.