Traveling is above all about discovering fascinating places and stories. In Spain, you have a multitude of destinations where you can explore lesser-known, but no less spectacular, places. Take note of the very original thematic routes through Green Spain, Castile and Leon, Extremadura or Castile-La Mancha. Don't wait any longer: prepare your trip to Spain now to explore one of them!
To whet your appetite, what better way to start than with a gastronomic itinerary through northern Spain, specifically the four regions that make up Green Spain. Can you imagine a tour of the places where these regions' best cheeses are produced? Here are four examples with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Tetilla from Galicia: It is a soft and creamy cheese made from fresh cow's milk. In addition to the numerous cheese factories spread throughout the region, you can also visit another popular town, Arzúa. The Camino de Santiago goes through here. The area is famous for the Arzúa-Ulloa PDO cheese, also made from cow's milk, with hardly any curing and characteristically acidic.Afuega'l Pitu from Asturias: Visit the cheese factories in the Grado area to discover the history of this delicacy made with the milk of cows that graze along the Narcea and Sella rivers. Take the opportunity to discover places like Malleza, with its brightly painted houses reminiscent of Havana; the medieval fortresses of Salas; or take a trip to the Asturian coast and stroll through Tazones, Lastres or beautiful coastal towns like Ribadesella and Llanes.
Picón Bejes-Tresviso from Cantabria: cheese made in the heart of Picos de Europa, with goat, cow or sheep milk and a very intense flavour. There is a 13-km trekking route to Tresviso. You reach 800 metres in height and can enjoy unique views. If you head to Bejes, you can visit a couple of cheese factories. Both remote villages can be reached from La Hermida, where you can also relax in its idyllic spa located between peaks.Idiazabal from the Basque Country: this sheep's cheese with a consistent flavour and spicy touch comes from the Goierri region, in Gipuzkoa. Visit the Interpretation and Tasting Centre and discover the unique local sheep with their voluminous manes, whose milk is used to make this excellent cheese. Every Wednesday in Ordizia, you have a traditional market that has been held since the 16th century and where you can find many other artisanal foods.
Without straying too far from this northern Spain itinerary, you have another very tempting alternative. The Northern Valleys Route, a proposal from the network of Magical Towns of Spain to discover exceptional and little-travelled natural environments in provinces such as Navarre, Araba-Álava, Burgos and Soria. Beautiful mountain landscapes and crystal-clear rivers, history and culture await you in small, picturesque towns like Viana, Elciego, Santa Gadea del Cid and Duruelo de la Sierra. From the latter, you can go hiking through the wonderful Black Lagoon and Urbión Glacial Cirques Natural Park. You can even visit the neighbouring Sierra Cebollera and explore its magical forests.
Castile and Leon is the largest region in Spain, and it offers a multitude of fascinating tours. Discover these architectural options in the neighbouring provinces of Leon and Palencia. The Maragata route explores the typical architecture created in response to the extreme temperatures of winter and summer, and which has now become a hallmark of the region. Visit Astorga, the epicentre of Maragatería and the historic centres of towns in the Teleno Mountains such as Castrillo de los Polvazares. In addition to savouring a delicious Maragato stew, if you have time, you can visit the Valley of Silence and explore the cobblestone streets of Peñalba de Santiago. You'll love it!
Did you know that Palencia has one of the largest concentrations of Romanesque monuments in Europe? An essential getaway to discover this historical heritage is the Romanesque Routes. You have three main itineraries: following the Camino de Santiago; the southern area, around the city of Palencia; and the northern area, around Aguilar de Campoo and Cervera de Pisuerga, in the Palentina Mountains. As you travel through these towns, you'll discover breathtaking panoramas, delicious cuisine and interesting crafts.
The scenic wealth of the Iberian Peninsula is such that you will find places as special as the Siberia of Extremadura, in the province of Badajoz. This area, recognised as a Biosphere Reserve, is a true paradise for hiking in Spain, but especially for cycling routes. You'll have the opportunity to visit medieval towns like Herrera del Duque, nestled in an area rich in springs. Dare to try one of the wonderful horseback riding routes organised to explore nearby towns like Castilblanco or Fuenlabrada de los Montes. There are also viewpoints such as the Berrea Observatory, from where you can admire the natural phenomenon of deer and their mating rituals.
It will feel like you are visiting nearly secret places on routes as the Eternal Castile-La Mancha. On this journey through time you will be able to admire the history and culture of the provinces of Albacete, Cuenca and Guadalajara. If you leave from Valdeganga, it is highly recommended to make a small detour to visit Alcalá del Júcar and its imposing castle. If you like kayaking and downhill kayaking, this destination is for you. You can also explore historical towns like Belmonte, which is part of the Ruta del Quijote route or Brihuega, considered the garden of the Alcarria region. The last stage of the tour will take you to the walled Molina de Aragón, where its Romanesque bridge over the Gallo River or its stately palaces from the 16th and 18th centuries will take you back in time.
Travel plans for inspiring you
Book yours
Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.
