The 5 best lesser-known Spanish destinations tourists often miss
Last year, Barcelona locals resorted to using water guns to deter rowdy tourists, while in Madrid locals protested over rising rent prices, which many attributed to overtourism.
Serious' tourism rules have been introduced to reduce the strain on residents, including restrictions on public drinking, partying, and the use of short-term rental services like Airbnb.
Most recently, Mallorca residents have written an open letter to tourists, urging them not to come to the island, as they 'face the worst summer in the history of Mallorca'.
But despite the deluge of visitors in popular areas, some regions of Spain remain relatively untouched.
If you want to avoid the crowds and glares from locals this summer, Metro has rounded up some lesser-known destinations to visit instead.
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Often overlooked in favour of Seville, Cadiz is a 3,000-year-old coastal gem and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.
Its quaint streets are steeped in history, lined with sun-drenched plazas, centuries-old churches and whitewashed buildings from its maritime past.
Beyond its history, Cadiz boasts golden beaches, a coastal promenade and some of Spain's best seafood. Visitors can soak up the sun at La Caleta Beach, take in panoramic views from Tavira Tower, or explore the old town's winding alleyways.
Despite everything it has to offer, it remains far less crowded than Spain's more famous cities.
Metro's Sama Ansari Pour visited last year and described Cadiz as 'a walk through time', with every corner offering a glimpse into its past.
'If you're not a fan of big crowds, this lesser-known gem could be perfect for you,' she writes.
Cadiz makes for a tempting twin-city break with nearby Jerez de la Frontera, in the heart of Andalusia.
Often described as Malaga with fewer crowds, Jerez is the epicentre of flamenco and the birthplace of sherry, the 'remarkable' sweet Spanish wine that's suddenly back in fashion.
Jet2 has just launched new flight routes to Jerez from major UK airports including London Stansted, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.
Nestled in the charming region of Extremadura, Merida might not boast beaches or a coastline, but it more than makes up for it with its rich history.
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it's one of Spain's most important archaeological sites.
As the capital of Roman Spain, the city is home to some of the most impressive ruins in Europe, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana.
Visitors can also discover the Roman Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges built by the Romans and stretches over the Guadiana River.
Located in one of the least visited and underpopulated regions of Spain, it's perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Plus, Extremadura offers up to £12.6k per year to digital nomads who want to make it their base.
Located in the heart of Spain's La Rioja region, Logrono is frequently hailed as one of Spain's hidden gems.
While it might not attract the same crowds as some more famous cities, it's considered a must-visit for food and wine lovers.
Known for its tapas scene, visitors can hop from bar to bar sampling pintox and local delicacies. It's also the gateway to Spain's iconic wine region, La Rioja, where visitors can tour vineyards and taste world-class wines.
The city also boasts medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, which features twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork.
Located in central Spain, just two hours away from Madrid, Cuenca is known for its hanging houses that hang over a gorge.
The medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often overshadowed by larger cities in the region, with most visitors being day-trippers from Madrid.
One of the town's most iconic features, the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas), are built into the rockface and perch dramatically above the Huécar River gorge.
Dating back to the 15th century, some of these houses have since been converted into museums that visitors can explore. Travellers can admire the view of the houses and the unique architecture from the San Pablo Bridge.
Beyond the houses, visitors can explore Cuenca's winding medieval streets, walk the hiking trails along the gorge, or visit the nearby Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park.
This charming coastal town, tucked away on the edge of Costa del Sol remains a hidden gem despite its location in one of Spain's most visited regions.
Metro's Sophie-May Williams visited the 'humble town' last year. She noted that while 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona.
Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, where whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful flowers, like the vibrant bougainvillea that blankets the town. More Trending
The heart of Estepona is the Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by cafes where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says 'it doesn't matter which one you go to'.
For beach lovers, Estepona's coastline offers miles of sandy shores, including the popular Playa de la Rada. Here, you can relax by the crystal clear waters or enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars.
If you're seeking something more adventurous, Estepona also has excellent hiking trails, including the scenic path to the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains.
Metro's Alice Murphy is a big fan of Ronda, a historic cliffside city near Malaga (another underrated spot, according to Alice).
Towering 1,063 metres above sea level, Ronda is a writers' paradise: Ernest Hemingway spent many summers there, and it's where the ashes of the great filmmaker Orson Welles were scattered.
Framed by mountains and cavernous gorges, this is no 'fly and flop' spot. There are no beaches, but what it lacks in coast it makes up for in architecture (a fascinating blend of Arabic and Moorish), culture and cuisine.
While it's getting busier, you still have time to see it at its best if you time your trip carefully.
This article was originally published on 21 March 2025 and has been updated.
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