From the coastal town of Valencia to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, Spain is a country of remarkable contrasts. Venture beyond its biggest cities and you’ll discover places where ancient traditions, regional flavours and local ways of life take centre stage.
Overview:
- Valencia
- Granada
- Seville
- Bilbao
- San Sebastian
- La Rioja
Valencia
Located on the east coast of Spain, Valencia may be the third-largest city, but many tourists often don’t give it a chance. This sunshine city is known for its love of life, offering a more slowed down yet welcoming experience of Spain. Think long sandy beaches, avant-garde architecture, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. In fact, Valencia is widely recognised as the birthplace of paella making it the perfect stop for anyone wanting to experience Spain’s most famous dishes.
Beyond its food scene, Valencia’s streets reveal centuries of history. Founded in 138 BC by the Romans, the city has been shaped by Roman, Visigoth, Muslim and medieval influences over the centuries. These layers of history can be seen throughout the city, from the magnificent Lonja de la Seda (Valencia’s 15th century Silk Exchange and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the impressive Serranos Towers, the historic Puerta de la Trinidad and the stunning Royal Gardens.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
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Photo credit: Frank Bunnik
Granada
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Levada mountains lies Granada – a vibrant city, rich in Moorish history and plenty of natural beauty. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Spanish getaway, its bohemian atmosphere and rich Moorish heritage make it one of the most captivating cities in southern Spain.
The city’s crown jewel is the Alhambra, an extraordinary palace and fortress complex that showcases the beauty and influence of Islamic architecture in Spain. Intricate details, peaceful courtyards and ornate gardens make exploring the Alhambra an unforgettable experience. Nearby, the Generalife Gardens offer another glimpse into Granada’s Moorish past, with landscaped gardens, fountains and views across the city.
But Granada’s appeal extends beyond its famous palace. Its winding streets, lively squares and blend of Spanish and Moorish influences make simply wandering through the city an experience in itself.
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Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Seville
Few places capture the spirit of Andalucía quite like Seville. With its picturesque old town, grand plazas and streets lined with fragrant orange trees, the city feels like a postcard brought to life and the perfect hidden gem for travellers looking to experience a more traditional side of Spain.
Seville is also famous in Spain’s food scene, with the city widely associated with the origins of tapas - who doesn’t love enjoying small plates while exploring the local bars? But between bites, there’s plenty to discover. The enchanting Plaza de España is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, while the Royal Alcázar showcases centuries of architectural influences. Meanwhile, The Cathedral of Santa Maria dominates the city skyline and the passionate rhythms of flamenco bring the city’s rich Andalusian culture to life.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
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Photo credit: Kathryn Jackson
Bilbao
Tucked away in the north, Bilbao offers a very different side to Spain. As the largest city in the Basque Country, it blends a strong regional identity with a contemporary spirit, making it a fascinating stop for travellers looking to venture beyond Spain’s more well-known destinations.
The city is perhaps best known for the Guggenheim Museum, whose striking architecture has become an icon of Bilbao. But beyond its famous museum, Bilbao remains deeply connected to its Basque roots, with a unique culture, cuisine and character of its own.
Wander through the historic streets of the Old Town, visit Santiago’s Cathedral or soak up the lively atmosphere of Plaza Nueva. For a different perspective, head to the top of Mount Artxanda for breathtaking views of the city.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
San Sebastian
Just along Spain’s northern coast, San Sebastián is a seaside gem where beautiful beaches meet one of the country’s most celebrated food cultures. With its relaxed atmosphere, charming Old Town and stunning coastline, it’s the perfect place to relax and embrace a slower side of Spain.
Food is more than something to enjoy here – it’s a way of life. From pintxos shared in lively bars to modern dishes from renowned local chefs, the city is best explored one bite at a time. Beyond the food, wander the Old Town before heading to the coast, where La Concha and Ondarreta beaches curve around the bay, while Zurriola offers a livelier atmosphere. For panoramic views, head up Mount Igueldo and admire the city nestled between green hills and the sparkling Bay of Biscay.
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Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
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Photo credit: Ricardo Gomes
La Rioja
Away from Spain’s bustling cities, the landscapes of La Rioja offer a chance to slow down and experience one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions. Characterised by rolling landscapes and rows upon rows of vineyards stretching across the countryside, here, wine is closely connected to the land, history and local way of life.
Spend time exploring the vineyards, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions and, of course, sampling some of its celebrated wines. But La Rioja is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s an opportunity to experience rural Spain, to take a breath, appreciate the scenery and enjoy the slower pace of life beyond the major tourist centres.
Visit Spain with Bunnik Tours
While Spain’s iconic destinations deserve their place on the travel list, some of the country’s most memorable experiences can be found by venturing a little further.
The beauty of travelling through Spain is discovering that there isn’t just one Spain – there are many. Join Bunnik Tours on a small group journey and experience the unique character of each region. Whether you’re exploring Andalucía on our Best of Andalucia, discovering northern Spain on Northern Spain & Portugal, or travelling deeper with Spain in Depth, there’s a journey waiting to be discovered.
Ready to experience Spain beyond the usual tourist trail? Book your Bunnik Tours small group tour online or get in touch with one of our friendly Travel Specialists to start planning your Spanish adventure today!
