6 Hidden Gems Of Spain to Add to Your Bucket List

6 Hidden Gems Of Spain to Add to Your Bucket List Suzy S. Spain is known for its stunning cities, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns. However, if you are researching a trip in the country, the same names will probably crop up time and again â€" all places filled to the brim with tourists. Even experienced travelers end up visiting the most famous landmarks and attending the most popular events. But Spain is a diverse country, scattered with hidden gems that most people never even hear about, let alone see for themselves. The following are what we consider the best cities to visit in Spain. The Best Cities to Visit in Spain 1.  Logroño Photo by Portal de la cultura popular de La Rioja Located in northern Spain on the  Ebro  River,  Logroño  dates back to Roman times when it was a commercial port. Structures still remain that show the city’s different eras of history, including the Bridge of  Mantible, the  Catedral  de Santa  María  de la  Redonda, and a fountain â€"  Fuente  de la Gran  Vía  â€" which depicts royal figures who have a connection to the area. The city is best known for its  Rioja  wine and tapas, with more than 50 tapas restaurants spread over four blocks near downtown. For more info, check out this excellent travel post by blogger Cat Gaa from her Sunshine + Siestas blog. 2.  Almería Photo by Juan Mercader This city in Andalusia has a little piece of everything, from the Mediterranean coast and distant mountains to a rich cultural appeal.  Just Landed  recommends checking out the  16th-century  cathedral, the gold mines of  Rodalquilar, and the  Alcazaba  castle. If you arrive in the second week of August, you can also attend a traditional festival with entertainment, food, drinks, music, and fireworks. Travel blogger Molly at Piccavey has a fantastic  guide to the city on her blog. See Also: Simple Spanish Phrases for Travelers 3.    Girona Photo by Gustave Deghilage Known as the City of a Thousand Sieges,  Girona  has withstood numerous attacks throughout its centuries of existence, explains  Escape Here. If you are interested in history, this place is a must-see. You can visit walls dating from the Roman period, Moorish baths, Gothic-style churches, and the  Girona  Cathedral, which features an 11th-century tapestry depicting theological scenes. Nomadic Matt offers some additional recommendations in this blog post. 4. Santillana del Mar Photo by caccamo Although not a coastal town as its name would suggest, Santillana del Mar is just a short drive from the sea in the north and provides a idyllic spot for travelers looking to stay away from the crowds. The town is surrounded by hills and fields, its cobbled streets decorated with centuries-old houses and churches. Dont leave without visiting the Museum of Altamira, which contains replicas of the nearby cave paintings. Blogger Christine (Christine in Spain) has some gorgeous photos of the town on her blog! 5. Gijón Photo by Víctor Gómez The largest city in Asturias, Gijón is perfect for those who like to explore the outdoors with its hidden coves,beaches and fishing village, says  Skyscanner. Gijón is also a great source of culture, home to 13 libraries, several museums (including the Railway Museum of Asturias and the Museum of Asturian People), and the annual Gijón International Film Festival. 6. Murcia Photo by César Viteri Ramirez The main city in the region of Murcia in southeast Spain, all the main sights are within walking distance of one another, including charming narrow streets, the baroque Catedral de Murcia, several churches, and the River Segura. Murcia is also the perfect place to enjoy Spanish culture and excellent food, such as local sweet meat pies and tapas. Travel and food blogger Lauren Aloise at Spanish Sabores has a great post here about what to explore in Murcia. Staying off the beaten track by going to one of the above best cities to visit in Spain gives you a great opportunity to practice your Spanish with locals. Whereas in the big tourist cities there are plenty of English speakers, in these places you may need to rely on your Spanish skills to survive!  Knowing some common phrases can help, but having a better grasp on conversational Spanish can do wonders for your confidence as youre traveling around the country. Need some extra help before your trip? Find a Spanish tutor in your area and brush up on your skills! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher