The Least Crowded Vacation Destinations in Spain

When you think of Spanish architecture, Gaudí’s iconic works—like the Sagrada Família—likely come to mind. But in Bilbao, a different architectural story unfolds. Since the construction of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997, the city has embraced avant-garde design, transforming its skyline with striking contemporary structures.

These modern masterpieces stand in captivating contrast to Bilbao’s historic old town, where you can wander along cobblestone streets, ducking into tiny cafes to savor pintxos—bite-sized delights that are a cornerstone of Basque cuisine, reminiscent of tapas but with their own unique flair.

Tucked away on the coast about an hour south of Barcelona, you’ll find Tarragona, one of Spain’s hidden gems. Ancient Roman ruins tumble down to a turquoise sea and white sand beaches. With over nine miles of beautiful beaches, a temperate climate, and incredible seafood restaurants, it has everything except the crowds.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tarragona brings the past to life with historical reenactments in its ancient amphitheater and Roman Circus.

Can’t decide between mountains or beaches for your Spanish vacation? In Cantabria, you don’t have to choose. Located in northern Spain, the region is home to Picos de Europa National Park, one of the best hiking destinations in the country.

When you’re ready for the relaxing portion of your trip, make your way to Santander, the capital city of the Cantabria region, where white sand beaches and warm waters invite you to relax and take a refreshing swim.

Cuenca, one of Spain’s most picturesque towns, is best known for its Casas Colgadas, or hanging houses, which seem to defy gravity as they cling to the edges of dramatic cliffs. Though only three of these remarkable structures remain today, the town offers plenty more to explore. Climb to the Mirador Barrio del Castillo for breathtaking panoramic views of the old town and the deep gorges that surround it. Wander through the charming streets to admire the neo-Gothic Catedral de Cuenca, a striking architectural gem. For a deeper dive into the town’s history, venture underground to explore the network of ancient tunnels hidden beneath the city.

Although everyone may get a taste of La Rioja in their glasses when they visit Spain (the region is renowned for its wine), most tourists don’t make it up to this destination in the north of Spain. There are over 500 wineries to explore via various activities, including horse riding, 4x4s, cycling, and more. It’s not only wine tasting that awaits you here—La Rioja is also home to the World Heritage site San Millán de la Cogolla—the historic birthplace of the first written words in the Spanish language.

There’s more to Spain than just the mainland—sunseekers flock to the Canary Islands, the southernmost region of Spain, for beautiful beaches and even better weather. Out of the seven islands that make up this archipelago, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote tend to see the most tourists, so if you’re looking for more of a peaceful getaway, head to the Canary Islands’ smallest island, El Hierro. Known as “the island with soul,” El Hierro is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine waters, and some of Spain’s best diving spots.