Whilst the country may be most famous for buzzing cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, a wealth of tourist-free, off the beaten track destinations are on offer in Spain. Holiday outside of these major cities and hidden gems await…
Discover an authentic Spanish experience with a visit to the charming Oñati, revel in the stunning architecture of Antequera, walk the cobbled streets of AlbarracÃn, or drink in the views from Arcos de la Frontera.
Oñati
An ideal location for hiking, this beautiful rural town is the perfect place to begin your off the beaten track Spain holiday. Oñati is in the heart of the Basque country and is home to a stunning array of architecture, including the Bidaurreta Monastery and one of Spain’s oldest universities, the University of Sancti Spiritus.
Keen to move even further off the tourist trail? Head out of Oñati on foot and into the forests and mountains that adorn the area around the town. Just beyond the town, too, is the 500-year old Arantzazu Sanctuary, where it is believed that a local shepherd boy once encountered the Virgin Mary.
Antequera
Moving from the north to the very south of Spain, holiday itineraries are sure to be enriched by the addition of Antequera. Calm and peaceful by day, the city has an exciting nightlife for those looking to party with the locals. Delicious tapas and traditional AndalucÃan favourites are on offer too, all enjoyed surrounded by the colourful architecture and laid-back atmosphere of the city.
Featuring architectural attractions ranging from Gothic to Baroque, Antequera is also home to Roman Baths, a Moorish Castle and the El Torcal Natural Reserve, which is spectacular as the sun goes down.
AlbarracÃn
A trip to enjoy AlbarracÃn’s delightful pink buildings and charming cobbled streets offers the perfect reprieve from the modern world during your Spain holiday. A National Monument, the town is set in the heart of the mountains, with the stunning view from the Torre del Andador a truly memorable one.
Arcos de la Frontera
From one breathtaking view to another, the vantage point from Arcos de la Frontera may well be the finest in the country and the hill town’s relaxed atmosphere is ideal for a quiet exploratory stroll. Situated on a river, Arcos de la Frontera is a place of simple pleasures. Even just watching the birds circle below the city is worth making the trip for!
How to Get There
Plenty of UK airlines offer cheap flights into Spain from across the country, especially if you can book well in advance of your departure date. Flight times vary depending on your destination and departure airport, although a short journey of between 2-2.5 hours is all the more reason to choose Spain!
Holiday travel arrangements can be made even easier by pre-booking a shuttle transfer from the airport to your accommodation. This is a cost-effective and extremely convenient way to reach your final destination, taking you from door to door quickly and without any hassle.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you're heading off on a relaxing Spain holiday to catch some sun, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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