Unconventional Sites:
Truly Discover Spain Less Traveled
Updated September, 2025.
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.
Looking to discover some of Spain’s more quirky attractions? Then you can’t miss these places to help discover Spain off the beaten path. A lot of these types of places are out of the way or hard to get to, but here at Spain Less Traveled helping our clients weave quirky and Spain off the beaten path destinations into their itineraries is our specialty! It’s even our namesake!
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Pink Lake of Torrevieja (Alicante)
A striking rose-colored salt lagoon where flamingos wade among shimmering crystals. The hue shifts with the light—soft blush at dawn, vivid magenta by late afternoon—making it a photographer’s dream. The surrounding salt flats create natural white “sand” patches that sparkle under the sun, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Alicante is in eastern Spain, in the Valencian community.
The pink lake in Torrevieja
Why is it unconventional?
Unlike Spain’s crowded beaches, this salt lake owes its vivid color to microscopic algae and is still used for salt harvesting rather than tourism.
How to get there:
From Madrid: Direct ALSA buses run to Torrevieja (approx. 5–6 hrs).
From Barcelona: Take an AVE high-speed train to Alicante (~4.5 hrs), then a Costa Azul/Avanza bus to Torrevieja (~1 hr).
Once in Torrevieja, local buses or a short taxi ride reach the Salinas entrance.
Best time to travel:
Late spring through early fall (May–September) when warm temperatures and strong sunlight intensify the pink color. Early morning or late evening visits avoid midday heat and enhance photos.
Unique experiences:
Photograph the mirror-pink water at sunset, walk crunchy salt trails, and spot migrating flamingos in spring.
Spain Less Traveled tip to avoid tourist traps:
Skip the crowded beach promenade restaurants and instead picnic near the quieter western shore or head into Torrevieja’s old town for authentic seafood tapas at local bars frequented by residents.
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Escalators on the Streets of Santander (Cantabria)
Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region in northern Spain, is home to some very steep hills. To lessen some of the hassle of getting around on foot, the city installed public escalators on the sidewalks going up these hills.
Outdoor public escalators and funiculars climb Santander’s steep hills, linking everyday neighborhoods and providing effortless city views. These moving stairways weave through residential streets, letting you glide past balconies draped with flowers and catch unexpected glimpses of the Bay of Biscay. The system feels like a secret shortcut locals use daily, blending public transport with a unique sightseeing experience.
The escalators on the sidewalks of Santander take you to the top of the hills of Cantabria’s regional capital city
Why is it unconventional?
It transforms an ordinary urban walk into a quirky ride with free panoramic views, yet remains largely unknown outside Spain.
How to get there:
From Madrid: RENFE Alvia trains to Santander take about 4 hrs. ALSA buses also connect Madrid Estación Sur to Santander in roughly 5 hrs.
From Barcelona: Direct ALSA overnight buses run (about 9–10 hrs). A faster option is a flight (around 1 hr 20 min) to Santander Airport, then a 15-minute city bus (Line S4) to the center.
From Seville: Best option is a flight (about 1 hr 30 min) to Santander; from the airport take Line S4 to the bus/train station area.
Once in the city, simply follow signs for “Escaleras Mecánicas” near Calle Vargas, Paseo de Pereda, and the Río de la Pila funicular.
Best time to travel:
Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers mild temperatures and clear skies for sweeping coastal views. Early evening provides dramatic light over the bay.
Unique experiences:
Ride the escalators between old-town terraces, pause at street-level lookouts for photos, and pair the journey with fresh seafood tapas in nearby neighborhood bars.
Spain Less Traveled tip to avoid tourist traps:
Skip the heavily touristed waterfront restaurants; instead, explore the streets around Plaza Cañadío or Calle del Arrabal for authentic pintxos at local prices.
The Town of Bulnes (Asturias)
A tiny stone hamlet tucked deep in the Picos de Europa mountains, Bulnes, in the Asturias region, seems frozen in time. Surrounded by sheer limestone peaks and the sound of rushing mountain streams, the village feels like a secluded alpine refuge. Traditional slate-roofed houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and smoke from wood-burning stoves give it an enchanting, old-world atmosphere.
Bulnes was added to the list of most beautiful villages in Spain / pueblos más bonitos de España (website in Spanish) in 2021. Even more reason not to miss it!
Charming street in Bulnes, Spain, which can only be reached by funicular
Why is it unconventional?
Until 2001, the only way in was a steep mountain trail; even today there are no roads—access is solely by foot or underground funicular, keeping it blissfully isolated.
How to get there:
From Madrid: RENFE Alvia train or ALSA bus to Oviedo (approx. 4–5 hrs). From Oviedo, ALSA bus to Arenas de Cabrales (~2 hrs), then a local taxi to Poncebos, the funicular base.
From Barcelona: Direct flight to Oviedo Airport (~1 hr 40 min), then bus or train to Oviedo city, continuing as above.
From Seville: Fly to Oviedo (~1 hr 30 min) or to Santander (~1 hr 20 min), then onward by bus/train to Oviedo and follow the same route.
From Poncebos, either hike the rugged 2-hour mountain trail or ride the Funicular de Bulnes (7 min).
Best time to travel:
Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers mild weather and clear mountain views; autumn adds spectacular foliage. Avoid winter unless equipped for snow and icy trails.
Unique experiences:
Savor hearty Asturian cider in near-silence, photograph jagged peaks glowing at sunset, and stay overnight to stargaze free of light pollution.
Spain Less Traveled tip to avoid tourist traps:
Many day-trippers crowd the funicular midday—arrive early or stay overnight to enjoy quiet evenings after the last return trips.
Teruel Aircraft Graveyard (Aragón)
No, there’s not an international airport here. It’s Europe’s largest aircraft storage and maintenance facility, where retired jumbo jets sit in neat rows across a high-desert landscape. The site looks almost post-apocalyptic, with gleaming fuselages reflecting the sun and tail fins casting long shadows on the barren ground. Occasionally, engineers can be seen working on planes being decommissioned or maintained, adding an industrial human scale to the surreal scene.
Maybe one day you will see an A380 like this one belonging to Lufthansa on its final approach to Teruel’s airport
Why is it unconventional?
Unlike conventional aviation museums or air shows, this is a real working storage facility in a sparsely populated area, creating a strange, cinematic landscape rarely experienced by tourists.
How to get there:
From Madrid: Drive (~3.5 hrs) via A-2 and N-234; no direct public transport, but ALSA buses run to Teruel city, then a local taxi (~20 min) to the site.
From Barcelona: Drive (~5 hrs) via AP-2/N-232 or fly to Zaragoza (~1 hr) and drive (~2.5 hrs); ALSA buses to Teruel city + taxi.
From Seville: Fly to Valencia (~1 hr 15 min) or Zaragoza (~1 hr 50 min), then drive (~3–3.5 hrs) or take a combination of train/bus to Teruel city + taxi.
Best time to travel:
Spring and fall (April–June, September–October) for mild temperatures and minimal heat reflection from aircraft surfaces. Summer midday can be extremely hot in the arid surroundings. Make sure to check if there is an open day while you’re visting, the airport is normally closed to the general public!
Unique experiences:
You might have to photograph rows of massive aircraft from the fence, with dramatic shadows, watch maintenance crews at work, and explore the surreal juxtaposition of aviation and desert landscape. It’s tricky to get a visit here!
Las Médulas (León, Castilla y León)
Is this Arizona or is this Spain? A surreal landscape of rust-red hills, tunnels, and jagged peaks sculpted by Roman gold-mining techniques. Today, chestnut forests and vineyards weave through the ochre terrain, creating a striking contrast of colors. Hiking trails reveal hidden viewpoints and ancient mining galleries, giving visitors a sense of scale and history. The panoramic vistas feel otherworldly, especially during sunrise or sunset, when shadows accentuate the carved hills.
Las Médulas is also one the 48 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Spain.
Las Medulas in León, Spain
Why is it unconventional?
Unlike Spain’s more famous natural sites, this is a historical-industrial landscape transformed into a natural wonder, largely unknown to international travelers.
How to get there:
From Madrid: RENFE AVE or Alvia trains to Ponferrada (~3.5–4 hrs), then a local bus or taxi to the Las Médulas trails (~20 min).
From Barcelona: AVE train to León (~6 hrs), then bus or rental car to Ponferrada (~2 hrs) and onward to the site.
From Seville: Fly to León (~1 hr 50 min) or Madrid (~1 hr 20 min flight), then follow the Madrid route.
Best time to travel:
Late spring through early fall (May–September) for mild weather and vibrant colors; early morning or late afternoon is ideal for photography. Fall (October) offers golden chestnut leaves for extra visual appeal.
Unique experiences:
Hike the Orellán or Senda Perimetral trails, explore Roman mining tunnels, and sample local Bierzo wines. Like roman ruins? Check out our post: Hispania, the best Roman monuments in Spain.
Spain Less Traveled tip to avoid tourist traps:
Avoid the main viewpoints around midday when tour buses arrive; instead, start your hike from the less-accessible Carucedo or Campo de la Peña entrances for a quieter, more immersive experience.
Setenil de las Bodegas (Cadíz)
Andalucía gets incredibly hot during the summer months. So why not build your town underneath a cave? Setenil de las Bodegas is a whitewashed village built into and beneath massive rock overhangs, creating streets where cliffs form natural roofs. Sunlight filters through narrow passageways, casting dramatic shadows on stone and whitewashed walls. Small squares and hidden courtyards reveal centuries-old architecture, while smoke rising from chimneys adds a rustic charm. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a natural fortress seamlessly blended with human habitation.
Visit Setenil de las Bodegas in Cádiz province and discover Spain off the beaten path while having a cold beer in a terrace cafe.
Have a caña under the shade of a cave in Setenil de las Bodegas
Why is it unconventional?
Unlike typical Andalusian villages perched on hills, Setenil literally integrates the cliff into its buildings, making the architecture a fusion of nature and human ingenuity.
How to get there:
From Madrid: ALSA buses run from Estación Sur to Ronda (~6–7 hrs), then a local bus or taxi to Setenil (~30 min).
From Barcelona: AVE train to Málaga (~5–6 hrs), then bus to Ronda (~2 hrs) and taxi to Setenil.
From Seville: Direct ALSA buses to Ronda (~2.5–3 hrs), then taxi or local bus (~30 min).
Best time to travel:
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds; summer can be hot and busy.
Unique experiences:
Wander under rock overhangs, enjoy tapas in cave-like bars, and photograph streets with natural rock roofs.
Spain Less Traveled tip to avoid tourist traps:
Skip restaurants along Calle Cuevas del Sol, which are often crowded and pricey; instead, eat in smaller local bars tucked into quieter alleys or near the river for authentic cuisine.
Why follow the usual route? Let us create an itinerary that takes you deep into Spain Less Traveled, where every moment feels truly yours.
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