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April 13, 2025 Vol 19

From Wildlife to Andalucía to an alternative Camino in Galicia: Readers’ Travel Tips in Unsung Spain | Holidays


Explore Jaén’s castles and cathedrals

The city and province of Jaén may not be noticed by tourists to the nearby grenade or córdoba. It was a shame, given that they were filled with the architecture of the Renaissance, including a wonderful Cathedral, and known as one of the homes of olive oil. Thanks to its historic position between Christian Castilla and Muslim grenades, the city is surrounded by castles. I recommend staying at the Parador de Jaén. It sits at the top of the Hill of Santa Catalina next to the castle, and the views from its rooms to the mountains of Sierra Morena are unmatched.
Felix

Walk Galicia’s ‘Lighthouse Way’

Faro Touriñán is near the end of Camiño Dos Faros in Fisterra. Photo: Arcam/Getty images

A small additional companion from Camino de Santiago is Camiño Dos Faros, a week 124 miles (200km) walking along the Galician coast. Designed by a group of friends who want to share the beauty of their region with more people, the way the lighthouse follows the coast through forests, throughout the rivers, estuaries and secluded beaches. You will enjoy the immense view from the cliffs and delicious dishes in the fishing villages. Fisterra, who believes in the Roman times to be the end of the world, feels a niche to end this beautiful walk.
Cath

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Fortified by food – and wine – in Andalucía

The fish restaurants that lined the beach in Bajo de Guía. Photo: Danita Delimont Creative/Alamoy

The Sanlúcar de Barrameda, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, is my leading tip for a foodie long weekend on a less known part of Andalucía. To sit outside one of the many bars and restaurants in the Plaza del Cabildo, who demonstrated a plate of Langostinos Washing a local Manzanilla sherry is an unmatched joy. Finish a lazy afternoon with a walk next to the beach, before stopping one of the many fish restaurants in Bajo de Guía for a plate of Pescado Frito.
Jake

Soak history and heritage in Aragon

Plaza del Torico, Teruel. Photo: Teo Moreno Moreno/Alamoy

Teruel, in the Aragon region of Eastern Spain, offers rich gastronomy, attractive architecture and dinópolis … a dinosaur park, but a minus most of the better known sites. Admired the former Plaza del Torico buildings while enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants, walking in a glamorous -Old Town or visit the local museum and cathedral. For a trip back in time, stop the town of Albarracín’s Medieval.
Elisa

It will be encouraged by its suans and seafood

The Playa de los Locos is a mile from the suances to the cantabria. Photo: Around corners photographs/Alamoy

Most people, when they come to Santander, go East to the Bilbao culture or foodie San Sebastián, but for a more peaceful stay in the west on the coast of the village of suans. This is a short trip to the bus that is far and perfect for food lovers. We had amazing -wonderful sushi in vinegar, and more traditional food in Amita. Add to that the amazing -wonderful sandy beaches on either side of the peninsula and it is not surprising that Spanish loves it.
Richard Mason

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A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Barcelona

The Montsenyy Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Sergi Boixader/Alamoy

Only 40 miles from Barcelona’s excessively visited heart lies a UNESCO biosphere reserve, its peaks more than a thousand feet higher than Ben Nevis. The Montsenyy massif (Tip of the Insider, Y is quiet) may be just an hour’s drive, but it felt a world away from the city. Here, the thick oak forest of the Mediterranean rises on all sides as you follow the single road that threads the road to a large horse-shaped valley. About half up is the village of Montseny itself. Stop for a walk on any of the well-marked lanes, followed by an ice-cream on Can Manel, a small bar with a large terrace and massive scene.
Leo

Gorge in Arts and Architecture in Cuenca

Cuenca, between Madrid and Valencia, is on the edge of Huécar Gorge. Photo: Clodio/Getty images

“Hang” out of Cuenca. The city of this global legacy is a revelation: from the tourist track to Castilla-La-Mancha, it can be reached one day by train from London or by train and ferry by Santander. It was a amazing -strikingly standing along the Huécar Gorge, these hanging houses seemed ready to take a stab at any moment. You can see what it feels like to be inside one by visiting the Abstract Art Museum today at Casa Colgadas. Originally built by the Moors, the city offered beautifully cobbled streets, a (rebuilt) medieval cathedral and a ruined castle.
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A hidden valley and hostel in Asturias

The mountains Peña Ubiña is west of the more prominent Picos de Europe. Photo: Juan Carlos Munoz/Alamoy

The Hostel of Meicín in Asturias, on the border with the ancient Kingdom of León, is surrounded by mountains, wild ponies and, if you are lucky, bear. Climb to Picos Del Fontán (2,414 meters) and you’ll probably never find any other hikers as you walk through a hidden valley and year -round snowfields. Peña Ubiña, after which the National Park was named, had a look south of the Castilian Plains, and north in the more enthusiastic Picos de Europe. The hostel offers the entire board in dorms, and you can walk or taxi from the local high-speed station (Pola de Lena).
Robert Graham

Wildlife watching the ‘Wild West’ of Spain

El Rocío Lagoon. Photo: Alice Dias Didszoleit/Alamoy

Through low white houses equipped with hitching metals and streets thickly lined with sand, El Rocío thinks less Andalucía but the wild west. In Pentecost, the small town has shown a million pilgrims; In the spring and autumn it is moving birds along the nearby Laguna of Doñana National Park. We visited the weather but still enjoyed birdwatching with local guide Manuel Bárcena, of Oxyura Birdwatching, and was also thrilled to see a European Lynx. Quirky El Rocío makes a relaxing stop and is easily combined on a road trip to Seville and Cádiz.
Helen Brazier

Winning Tip: Hiking Highs in Castellón

Desert de les Palmes Natural Park. Photo: Jose Maria Barres Manuel/Alamany

I am fortunate enough to spend a year living in the province of Castellón, which is not yet available to tourism but many will offer. The beaches of Costa del Azahar are clean, and historic towns like Peniscola and Morella are amazing. However, the highlight for me was the Desert de Les Palmes Natural Park, with views in the Mediterranean along with stunning hiking lanes – especially from the highest point of El Bartolo to 729 meters. Rich in history, it has ancient monasteries, castle destruction and lush landscapes, making it a perfect backdrop for environmental lovers and adventure.
Mike l



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