Been to Barcelona? Now try Spain's lesser-known cities
With Spain receiving record-breaking numbers of international visitors in the past two years — up to 94 million last year — it pays to hunt out its quiet corners. And there are plenty of areas where travellers have yet to claim a stake. While major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville justifiably receive millions of visitors a year, the country is packed with dozens of disarmingly beautiful and fascinating smaller centres that can get overlooked. Many of these have equally exciting gastronomy scenes, thriving arts cultures and curious historical treasures worth exploring — and you'll get to experience them with far fewer crowds.
Best for: the food sceneIf Madrid's fabled cocktail of architecture, gastronomy and nightlife appeals, Salamanca in the neighbouring Castilla y León region makes a tempting alternative. Easily reached by train from Madrid in just 1.5 hours, this long-established university city reportedly has one of the highest ratios of tapas bars to people in Spain. It's also home to one of the country's most spectacular squares, the baroque Plaza Mayor, which is lined with bar-terrace tables and buzzing in the evening. Explore Salamanca's 800-year-old university, with its elaborately carved facade, and the city's two adjoined cathedrals. The oldest, Catedral Vieja, is mostly Romanesque, while the other is a later mix of gothic and renaissance style. Then dive into the world of Castilian dishes and wines, perhaps at Tapas 3.0 or Cuzco Bodega. grupotapas.com cuzcobodega.es
Best for: a UNESCO-listed old townThe capital of Spain until 1561, Toledo is a popular day-trip destination from Madrid. Cáceres, on the other hand, requires a little more effort to reach and receives far fewer visitors — but the reward is its Ciudad Monumental, a hauntingly beautiful walled old town that's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. A three-hour train journey from Madrid into the Extremadura region immerses you in this stone-built maze whose roots date back to the Romans. Today it's best known for its noble gothic-renaissance buildings, but also retains lofty watchtowers and other relics from its time under medieval Islamic rule. This is a city with serious art credentials too: the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Helga de Alvear houses pieces by Francisco de Goya, Antoni Tàpies and Ai Weiwei. museohelgadealvear.com
Best for: Basque bar crawlsQuieter yet equally as interesting as its extrovert sibling San Sebastián, just over an hour's drive to the north, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Basque Country's often-overlooked capital. Though it's off the coastal path, the city is home to superb food and architecture and receives far fewer tourists. The steep, narrow streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz's medieval Old Town are lined with prize-winning pintxos bars that compete to create the most tantalising, innovative culinary creations. Elsewhere you'll find gothic cathedrals and belle époque villas as well as grand, leafy boulevards and a clutch of museums. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also one of Spain's most sustainable cities, with pedestrianised streets, eco-friendly hotels and restaurants and a 'green ring' of leafy spaces circling the city.
Best for: Andalucian atmosphereWhile Seville has risen to become one of Spain's most popular city breaks, its little brother Granada remains mostly known for its UNESCO-designated Alhambra palace and fortress. But there's far more to this intimate city, which echoes Seville's Moorish monuments, fiery flamenco and terrific tapas scene, yet has its own lively twist. Stay a few days to roam the sloping Albaicín district, where locals and visitors gather on broad terraces to catch views across terracotta rooftops to the Alhambra, backed by the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. Just behind the Catedral de Granada, the Mercado de San Agustín has counters overflowing with fresh produce, such as jamón from Trevélez in the Alpujarras hills. In neighbouring Realejo, the historical Jewish quarter, people spill out of busy bars and restaurants like Candela, Taberna La Tana or Cisco y Tierra. tabernalatana.com
Best for: galleries & beach cultureSunny Málaga has firmly put itself on Spain's flourishing art map in the last decade or so — and not just as the birthplace of Picasso. The pedestrianised historic centre rewards gallery-hopping itineraries taking in highlights such as the Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga, crammed with Spanish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Stroll over to the revamped Soho district to catch street art by both Malagueño and international artists, or wander through the lush Parque de Málaga to the local offshoot of the Paris-born Centre Pompidou. Nearby, Malagueta beach has great swimming off its silver-tinged sandy strand and a string of chiringuitos (beach restaurants) cooking espetos (fish skewers, traditionally made with sardines) on open-air grills. Throw in a flourishing tapas culture, a wave of stylish rooftop bars and Mercado de Atarazanas — one of southern Spain's finest markets — for a genuine rival to crowded Barcelona. carmenthyssenmalaga.org centrepompidou-malaga.eu
Best for: Moorish architectureThe entrancing Mezquita of Córdoba deservedly bags a top spot on any Andalucia itinerary, but there are other Moorish legacies worthy of travellers' attentions. Now with a growing number of direct flights from the UK, coastal Almería has its own story to tell about this key chapter of Spain's past. Often overlooked by international visitors, the city was a major Islamic-era port, as still shown by the grand, sand-hued Alcazaba (fortress) looming above its whitewashed homes. The building dates to the 11th century and has palm-filled gardens with trickling fountains and pools reminiscent of Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of your time wandering through the medieval old town and squeezing into tapas bars for local specialities such asmigas (flour or breadcrumbs fried with garlic and perhaps anchovies or chorizo) or Alpujarras cheese. Also on Almería's doorstep are the peaceful, sun-toasted beaches of the Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar.
Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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National Geographic
4 hours ago
- National Geographic
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From A Coruña to Valencia, the Spanish coastline is rife with cities that have earned worldwide acclaim for their food scenes. However, those who venture into the country's interior can find a truly rewarding destination—Astorga. A prominent settlement within the autonomous community of Castilla y León, this scenic city has mastered the art of savory and sweet dishes, providing visitors with an opportunity to sample sugary confections, pillowy baked goods, and decadent dinners—all in one place. Amongst its ornate churches and centuries-old ruins, Astorga's food scene is certain to impress even the most fastidious of foodies, with a wealth of time-honored dishes found across its many shops, bars, and restaurants. (Been to Barcelona? Now try Spain's lesser-known cities) Sampling Astorga's most iconic dish While Castilla y León offers numerous opportunities to savor regional favorites like roasted suckling pig and garlic soup, the crown jewel of Astorga is undoubtedly cocido maragato, a three-course meal served with an intriguing twist. What makes cocido maragato unique is the order in which it's eaten,' says Natividad González, co-owner and chef at local restaurants Casa Maragata I and II. 'You start with the meats, then move on to the vegetables, and finish with the soup. Dessert comes last, of course—custard served with a traditional Maragato cake called roscón.' Cocido maragato is a three-course culinary experience not to be missed when visiting Astorga. Before dessert at a restaurant, waiters usually serve a soup made with the broth from chickpeas, accompanied by noodles and various meats and vegetables. Photograph By Juan Manuel Aparicio Diez/ Shutterstock As with all Spanish cocidos, this hearty dish is prepared in a large pot, allowing the meat and vegetables to simmer together for hours to achieve the most tender mouthfeel possible. While the dish is best known for its reverse style of presentation, it's also renowned for the exceptionally diverse range of proteins that are present during the first course. Diners are served nine types of meat at once. After a hearty portion of pork sausage, pork belly, and chicken mingled with other meats, guests can look forward to a plate packed full of succulent chickpeas and cabbage, all culminating with a bowl of savory, noodle-filled broth—the final product serving as the perfect representation of one of Spain's most renowned regional meals. (This Spanish dining tradition is one of its best-kept secrets) Astorga residents head to the city's main market, Mercadillo de Astorga (Astorga Market), every Tuesday, where they can pick up a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheese. Photograph By Charles O. Cecil/Alamy Exploring Astorga's Historic Chocolate Industry Once you've sampled some of Astorga's most notable savory dishes, you'll likely be on the lookout for something sweet to snack on—and fortunately, the city comes equipped with a truly staggering range of options thanks to its thriving chocolate industry. 'Astorga's chocolate legacy began with the muleteers who transported goods like fish,' says Alfredo Cabezas Galán, owner of Chocodulce Cabezas S.L. and Chocolatería La Cepedana. 'Eventually, they also began carrying cocoa beans they encountered on the Galician coast.' Over the centuries, this affinity for cocoa developed into a thriving economic driver for the city. By the 1960s, approximately 40 artisans were operating in Astorga, each offering their own distinct array of edible and drinkable products. Today, Chocolatería La Cepedana serves as both a shop and an education center, crafting about 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) of chocolate daily while showcasing a collection of antique tools and trinkets related to the industry. West of the Astorga train station, food history buffs can keep exploring the craft with a trip to the Astorga Chocolate Museum. Operating out of an ornate 20th-century mansion, this institution is packed with exhibits that highlight the rich history of Astorga's confectionery industry, and sections dedicated to traditional consumption methods, advertisements over the years, and other related topics. (This Basque city is known for pintxos—and it's not San Sebastian) Looking for something sweet? Foodies should try churros dipped into a cup of hot chocolate when visiting Astorga, Spain. Photograph By Marc Hill/ Alamy El Museo del Chocolate, which features these antique chocolate molds, is dedicated to the history of cacao and chocolate production in Astorga, one of the first epicenters of chocolate making in Europe. Photograph By Paul Christian Gordon/ Alamy Discovering Astorga's other top attractions Cocido maragato and artisanal chocolate may be two of Astorga's greatest strengths, but they're far from the only culinary stylings worth sampling during a visit. While bakeries abound across downtown Astorga, travelers in search of an interesting treat can make their way to Confitería Flor y Nata to try a fresh merle, a unique pastry that's found nowhere else in Spain. Crafted from eggs, flour, and a top-secret blend of other ingredients, this treat is just one of many items that have been created at the bakery since its debut in 1936, with various options ranging from buñuelos to huesos de santo. Meanwhile, those who wish to explore a more modern take on Astorga's dining scene should spend an evening at Restaurante Serrano. Since 1995, this polished venue has showcased mushrooms that grow across Castilla y León. Meanwhile, this affinity for fungus has led to flavorful plates, such as truffle-infused lamb and Iberian pork sirloin bathed in brandy mushroom sauce. The restaurant is also particularly well-versed in crafting seafood dishes, providing guests with the perfect opportunity to sample salmon, codfish, and other Spanish favorites. Of course, the city also offers its fair share of non-culinary attractions to explore. Roughly 2,000 years ago, the Roman Emperor Augustus, then known as 'Asturica Augusta,' founded modern-day Astorga. Today, visitors can uncover its storied past with a trip to the Museo Romano, a downtown institution dedicated to showcasing the Astorga of yore. After studying the coins, pottery, and other artifacts found within its halls, tourists can keep an eye out for some of Astorga's other ancient relics, which include eons-old Roman walls and baths scattered across its city limits. People who venture to Astorga—far less renowned compared to some of Spain's larger cities— will be richly rewarded with a wide breadth of culinary experiences. From morning merles to an evening packed with truffles and fresh seafood, this storied city provides an opportunity to explore the true splendor of Spain from a gastronomic standpoint, accompanied by plenty of fascinating architecture to enjoy along the way. As you plan your next foray across Iberia, you should save some room on the itinerary to spend a few days in Astorga, an oft-underrated city that showcases the refined culinary culture of Castilla y León at its very best. (Our essential travel guide to Spain provides you with everything they need to know before you go.) This trip was created with the support of the Instituto de Turismo de España – Turespaña. Jared Ranahan is a Puerto Rico-based writer who covers travel and wildlife. Follow him on Instagram.
National Geographic
7 hours ago
- National Geographic
How to spend the perfect day in Switzerland's underrated financial capital
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Switzerland's largest city, straddling the Limmat River and facing the pristine shores of Lake Zurich, has long been best known for its financial clout and Swiss efficiency. But these days its cultural scene is also booming, with everything from 'blackout' dining concepts to fashion co-ops set beneath railway arches. Here's how best to take in the city in just 14 hours. 7am: Swim at sunrise at Seebad Utoquai The combination of the lake's glassy water and this swimming club has made such an impression on locals that it's kept them rising at dawn for more than 130 years. The Seebad's two-floor wooden bathhouse debuted in 1890 with curtained changing rooms, ladders directly into the lake and diving boards, and it's been eulogised ever since by bathers and those who'd rather soak up the sun on the timber terraces. Alternatively, Frauenbad at Stadthausquai is an art nouveau cabana exclusively for women's swimming (both April to October only). In the lidos along the Limmat River, bathers don swimwear produced from upcycled plastic found in the city's waterways. 8am: Breakfast at the Odeon A home for the city's gay community long before the first Swiss laws legalising same-sex relationships were passed in 1942, Cafe Odeon is a Viennese-style coffee house par excellence. Expect to see eggs served in a wide variety of styles, including, as this is Zurich, in the form of truffle omelettes with a side of Champagne. 10am: Go to a gallery Zurich is home to around 50 museums and around double the number of art galleries. Certainly the most generous with the big names is the Kunsthaus. Plenty of highlights on display come from the likes of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, while Switzerland is represented by Alberto Giacometti and the world's largest collection of Dada, the absurd counterculture art movement born nearby at cafe-gallery Cabaret Voltaire on Spiegelgasse. 12pm: Explore under the bridges The railway arches of the city's Industriequartier once housed hundreds of stonemasons and mechanics. These days, they survive as Im Viadukt, a future-focused co-op of fashion shops, restaurants, venues and a food market replete with bars and takeaway counters. This is where to go for a classic Swiss lunch, whether you're looking for Alpine picnic supplies (typically cheese, pickles and breads) or some bratwurst. 3pm: Get a chocolate fix There's an extraordinary array of chocolate ateliers in Zurich, but among the best are Läderach, Max Chocolatier and truffle-specialist Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse. These days, macarons are the speciality, while ruffled chocolate nests and bite-sized batons come topped with gold-leaf. 5pm: Time for a sky-high cocktail It's worth seeing the city and all of its church spires from the rooftops. One of the best viewpoints is at 1838, an exquisite destination bar atop the Mandarin Oriental Savoy that snuggles up to the Fraumünster and overlooks Paradeplatz, a square that's perenially popular with locals. On a clear day, the entire lake and the Alps to the south can also be seen on the horizon. An Aperol spritz or Eichhof lager will help temper any giddiness. 7pm: Eat in the dark Switzerland helped pioneer many life-changers — wristwatches, the world wide web, instant coffee. It's also the home of the first restaurant in the dark. The blackout dining concept was created in 1999 by a non-profit foundation and born to create jobs for the city's visually impaired people. The focus isn't just the surprise three- or four-course menu (it could be spätzle, lake fish, Swiss beef), but on fostering conversations. 10pm: Go bar-hopping If anywhere has an edge in Zurich, it's Langstrasse, a long street of late-night bars and clubs in the heart of the red-light district. Resistant to change, it's the city at its most unbuttoned, with Bar 63 and Ole Ole the most popular venues. For something classier, albeit with negronis on tap, try Bar Sacchi in trendy Lochergut. Getting there & around British Airways, EasyJet, Edelweiss Air and Swiss fly to Zurich from UK airports including Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester and Stansted. The fastest train route from London St Pancras International to Zurich takes 6hr55m, involving a change of stations in flight time: 1h45m. It's easy to explore Zurich's attractions on foot or by using the efficient, safe and clean public transport system. You can get a tram, train, bus or ferry at most times of day with ease. A 24-hour travelcard for use in central Zurich costs CHF9.20 (£8.30). Trams and buses run from 6am to 1am. When to go Zurich is worth visiting year-round. Winter and early spring see cold days with snow-daubed hills and ice skating — with average temperatures around 4-6C — while summer ushers in averages of 25-28C, which means open lidos and the bulk of the city's festivals. Autumn, cooler at around 15C, is for the Zurich Wine Festival, held every October with tastings, masterclasses and networking sessions. Where to stay 25hrs Hotel Langstrasse. Doubles from CHF152 (£140). La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. Doubles from CHF540 (£490). More info Planet Switzerland. £16.99 How to do it Switzerland Travel Centre offers two nights in Zurich in a three-star hotel, including a 72-hour Zurich Card for transport and discounts, from £230 per person, B&B. Excludes flights. This story was created with the support of Zurich Tourism Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
A practical guide to long-distance walking in the UK
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Long-distance rambling in Britain is part of a correspondingly long tradition. In fact, few nationalities enjoy it quite as much as the British: from the South West Coast Path at Land's End in Cornwall, to the Cape Wrath Trail in the Scottish Highlands, you'll always find a Brit in an anorak. In 1965, the Pennine Way became the first of the UK's National Trails, and now — 60 years later — there are 16 to choose from. So, before you lace up your boots and set off, here is some practical advice to help you make the most of the wonderful scenery. What's the right path for me? The good news is that Britain has long-distance paths to suit all abilities. Some of the flattest are the South Downs Way (100 miles) and the Norfolk Coast Path (84 miles) — doable for anyone of reasonable fitness. The Thames Path (185 miles) is also very easy, and has a number of mainline stations along the route, making it very possible to dip in and out of the trail. Be aware that some paths that don't reach giddy elevations can still be unexpectedly challenging — the Cotswold Way (102 miles) and the South West Coast Path (630 miles) have a great many undulations. Undoubtedly the hardest trail is the unofficial Cape Wrath Trail (230 miles), a Highland expedition involving wild camps and river crossings in the remote north of Scotland. How should I plan my trek? You will find certain paths are better set up for tourism than others: the 16 National Trails generally all have good infrastructure and are easily navigated. Be sure to book accommodation many months ahead if you're tackling popular paths like the Pennine Way or West Highland Way in the high season. On other long-distance trails that don't have the same accreditation you may need to make complicated public transport connections to reach trailheads, hunt down accommodation and navigate more extensively as, unlike National Trails or Scotland's Great Trails, not all are signposted. Of course, you don't need to walk the entire length of any long-distance walk, tackling it in chunks instead. Above all, your daily mileage will likely be determined by the accommodation and transport options en route as well as your fitness. What gear do I need? Strong walking boots and a rainproof shell are essentials year-round. It's always worth packing drinking water, emergency snacks, a torch, batteries, warm layers and a whistle to attract attention. Hiking poles can also be useful to spare your knees, particularly on descents. Even on busy trails, come prepared with a map (such as Ordnance Survey), waterproof map case, compass and the ability to use them — and always check the weather in advance. The MWIS forecast has the best reports for the UK's mountains. Always notify a friend or family member where you are headed in advance, and be sure to arrange a check-in time for your return. Do I need to carry all my own kit? On many of the more popular trails (including Hadrian's Wall, Anglesey Coastal Path and the West Highland Way) you can find operators who will shuttle your bags between hotels, B&Bs and bunkhouses; often this service is organised as part of a broader package including transport and accommodation. Are there good options for people with mobility issues? Some long-distance paths are suited to wheelchair users, in particular those that once served as railway lines. The Tarka Trail network (180 miles) is one example, travelling the North Devon coast. Derbyshire also has a number of accessible trails, such as the Tissington Trail and Monsal Trail, the latter of which swoops across the Victorian Headstone Viaduct. When is the best time to go? Long-distance walking can be done year-round in Britain, with most routes at their busiest from April to September. Be aware that winter walking in upland areas of North Wales, the Lake District and above all the Scottish Highlands may require specialist equipment such as ice axes and crampons, and the ability to use them. Swarms of midges can sometimes make Scottish walks a misery from around July to August. Find midge forecasts at Getting there and around All 16 National Trails can be accessed by rail travel at at least one point along the route. If you're hiking a point-to-point path (as opposed to a circular one), travel by public transport is preferable as you won't need to return to the start to collect your vehicle. More info To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
