🇪🇸 Spain Travel Guide: 5 Must-Visit Hidden Gems & Famous Cities! (Part 2) 🌍✨
If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you’ve probably heard about Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville—but Spain has so much more to offer! From coastal paradises to medieval cities steeped in history, there are incredible destinations beyond the usual tourist hotspots waiting to be explored.
In this Part 2 Travel Guide, we’ll take you through five breathtaking Spanish destinations that combine stunning landscapes, rich culture, and hidden treasures—perfect for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures and iconic Spanish cities!
Here are Spain’s 5 Must-Visit Hidden Gems & Famous Cities 📍✨
1️⃣ San Sebastián – A Paradise for Food Lovers & Beachgoers 🌊🍷
San Sebastián, located in Spain’s Basque Country, is a dream destination for food lovers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts. This elegant coastal city is famous for its world-class cuisine, boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than elsewhere in Europe.
One of the highlights is La Concha Beach, often ranked among the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. Its golden sand, turquoise waters, and scenic promenade make it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Beyond the beach, explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja), where you can hop from bar to bar, enjoying pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—paired with a glass of Txakoli (local sparkling white wine). If you’re up for a short hike, climb Monte Igueldo for breathtaking panoramic bay views.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Relax at La Concha Beach, one of Europe’s best beaches. 🏖️
✅ Try authentic pintxos in the Old Town—don’t miss the seafood specialties! 🍤
✅ Hike up Monte Igueldo for stunning city and ocean views. 🌅
📍 Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for beach vibes or Spring (April–May) for fewer crowds.
🎟️ Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance if you plan to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant! 🌟
2️⃣ Bilbao – A Fusion of Modern Art & Historic Charm 🎭🏛️
Bilbao is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, San Sebastián, but this dynamic Basque city is a must-visit for art and culture lovers. Known for its seamless blend of old and new, Bilbao is home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry.
Beyond modern art, Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo) is full of colorful streets, medieval buildings, and charming pintxos bars. The Ribera Market, located along the Nervión River, is a great place to taste local Basque delicacies.
For nature lovers, take the funicular up to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city or explore the nearby coastal town of Getxo, known for its dramatic cliffs and scenic walking trails.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Visit the Guggenheim Museum and admire its unique architecture. 🎨
✅ Explore Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s historic and lively Old Town. 🏘️
✅ Ride the Artxanda Funicular for stunning views over the city.
📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) or Fall (September–October) for mild weather and cultural events.
🎟️ Tip: Don’t miss the Puppy sculpture covered in flowers outside the Guggenheim—it’s one of Bilbao’s most famous landmarks! 🌼
3️⃣ Toledo – A Medieval Masterpiece with Rich Cultural Heritage 🏰✨
Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” is one of Spain’s most historically rich cities, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences have shaped its stunning architecture and diverse traditions. Located just 30 minutes from Madrid by train, Toledo is a must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
The Alcázar of Toledo, a massive fortress overlooking the city, offers breathtaking views of the medieval skyline. Another must-see is the Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, with intricate artwork, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
For a unique experience, walk across the Puente de San Martín, a historic bridge over the Tagus River, and explore the Jewish Quarter, home to ancient synagogues and charming cobbled streets.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Visit the Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. ⛪
✅ Explore the Alcázar of Toledo for incredible panoramic views. 🏰
✅ Walk through the Jewish Quarter and discover its rich history. 🌍
📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September–November) for pleasant temperatures.
🎟️ Tip: Toledo is an easy day trip from Madrid, but staying overnight lets you experience its magical, illuminated skyline at night! 🌟
4️⃣ Málaga – The Sunny Gem of the Costa del Sol ☀️🎨
Málaga, located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is famous for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and artistic heritage. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it’s a fantastic city for art lovers, history buffs, and beachgoers alike.
Visit the Picasso Museum, which showcases the artist’s incredible works, before exploring the Alcazaba, a stunning Moorish fortress with panoramic views over the city. For a more modern experience, head to the Centre Pompidou Málaga, an extension of the famous Parisian museum.
If you want to relax, Playa de la Malagueta is a beautiful beach just minutes from the city center, perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Explore the Alcazaba, a historic Moorish fortress. 🏰
✅ Visit the Picasso Museum and admire the works of the legendary artist. 🎨
✅ Relax at Playa de la Malagueta, one of Málaga’s top beaches. 🏖️
📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) for warm, comfortable temperatures.
🎟️ Tip: Try the local specialty, espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines), at a beachfront chiringuito! 🐟
5️⃣ Santiago de Compostela – A Spiritual & Cultural Landmark 🥾⛪
Santiago de Compostela, the final stop of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, is one of Spain’s most important cultural and religious cities. Pilgrims from all over the world journey here to visit the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the remains of Saint James are believed to be buried.
Beyond its religious significance, Santiago is a charming Galician city filled with quaint streets, incredible seafood, and medieval architecture. The Praza do Obradoiro, the main square, is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
🔥 Bucket List Experiences:
✅ Visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ⛪
✅ Walk part of the Camino de Santiago, even briefly. 🥾
✅ Try authentic Galician seafood, like pulpo a la gallega (octopus). 🦑
📍 Best Time to Visit: Late Spring (May–June) and Fall (September–October) to avoid summer crowds.
🎟️ Tip: Stay for the Pilgrim’s Mass to witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner inside the cathedral!
Which Spanish hidden gems and iconic cities are on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below! 👇💬