When planning a trip to Spain, the first attractions likely to come to mind are the landmarks of Barcelona or Madrid, the seaside charm of Costa del Sol or Costa Brava, the culinary delights of Basque Country or perhaps the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees. While all these offer a delightful insight into the Spanish culture and lifestyle, you’d be remiss not to venture off the beaten path to experience Spain’s unusual attractions. They may be less known, but they are no less captivating, promising a unique experience.
El Hierro, Canary Islands
Faraway from the party culture and golden beaches associated with the Canary Islands is El Hierro, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on the westernmost corner of the archipelago. Renowned for its sustainable approach to tourism, El Hierro is home to the Garoe tree, a natural water collector that once provided the island’s inhabitants with fresh water. Explore its underwater volcanic landscapes with a diving expedition, gaze at an unspoiled night sky at the Astronomical Viewpoint of Frontera, or experience the age-old technique of vine cultivation at El Hierro’s vineyards.
Parque de Bombas de Mendata, Basque Country
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Basque Country is the unusual Parque de Bombas de Mendata. It’s a vintage firefighter-themed park spread over 20,000 square meters, dedicated to preserving and showcasing vintage firefighting equipment and vehicles, some dating back to the 18th century. There are hands-on activities, an interesting break from traditional museums that keep both children and adults engaged.
Valldemossa, Balearic Islands
Swap the party vibe of Ibiza or Palma for the charming Valldemossa on the Island of Mallorca. Paved with cobblestones and dotted with homes decorated with flower-filled pots, the village inspires with its rustic simplicity. It offers views of the lush Tramuntana Mountains and a peek into the life of composer Frederic Chopin and writer George Sand, who spent a winter there. Their residence, the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa, is now a museum.
Dalí Theatre-Museum, Catalonia
In Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, stands the most significant repository of the surrealist’s works, the Dalí Theatre-Museum. The eccentric exterior gives way to a wonderland of Dalí’s surrealism, complete with his final works, personal memorabilia, and installations. From the Mae West Room to the Palace of the Wind ceiling fresco, Dalí’s creative genius permeates every corner, providing an intriguing visit well worth the drive from Barcelona.
Belen, Andalusia
Down south in Andalusia, the region’s desert landscape serves as the backdrop for an entire village built for spaghetti western movies in the 1960s. Located in Almería’s Tabernas Desert, Belen brings alive scenes from classic films like “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” To complete the authentic western feel, it offers live stunt shows, consumer establishments styled after saloons, and a museum housing film memorabilia.
Cabañeros National Park, Castilla-La Mancha
In the heart of Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, Cabañeros National Park offers an expanse of Mediterranean forest that provides sanctuary to a host of Iberian wildlife, including lynx, eagles, deer, and wild boar. It is one of the few places to observe the annual deer bellowing, a spectacle that pervades the park with roars during the mating season.
Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias
Nothing shouts ‘unusual’ like a beach in the middle of a meadow. That’s Playa de Gulpiyuri for you, a landlocked beach located near the town of Llanes in northern Spain. Gulpiyuri’s sandy stretch gets completely submerged during high tide and emerges in all its serene beauty during low tide. As it’s quite hidden and small, it makes for a peaceful spot with minimal tourists.
Zuheros, Andalusia
Zuheros, nestled amongst the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park in Andalusian Province, is a striking white village. With its Moorish castle, centuries-old houses perched precariously on a cliff’s edge and stunning natural landscapes, Zuheros typifies Andalusian charm without drawing the typical tourist crowds. Venture past the village to the Cave of the Bats, home to Paleolithic art and a large colony of bats.
These are just glimpses of the remarkable and untrodden paths that await in Spain. Though elusive to the typical tourist trail, these unusual attractions serve as dazzling jewels amidst Spain’s wealth of experiences. Whether it’s the remote calm of El Hierro, the vintage allure of the Parque de Bombas de Mendata or the unusual beach at Gulpiyuri, these locations offer a fascinating alternative perspective of Spain, steeped equally in cultural richness and singular appeal.
