There are still many villages, some of which could be deemed unknown, that have not received much attention from mainstream tourism, but have much to enjoy. Here are nine examples of non-tourist villages that every good traveller should not miss.

Charming Spanish villages without mass tourism

Planes, Alicante

Located in the north of Alicante province, Planes is tucked away in a valley surrounded by mountains. From here you can wonder at the gorgeous scenery that this village offers and then enjoy the many trekking routes leading out of the village. Visit breathtaking natural spots as El Barranc de l'Encantada ('The Enchanted Ravine') and enjoy the natural swimming pools and waterfalls.

Planes is a village of colorful homes and narrow streets watched over by a castle upon the heights. While the adjoining villages were Moorish villas during the medieval period, Planes remained a Christian bastion, making the Iglesia de Santa María the oldest church in the town. Along with that, other monuments of note are the Cruces de Término, built at the end of the sixteenth century with the purpose of protecting travellers from evil spirits along the roads. Also, an aqueduct dating from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century can be seen. Indeed, Alicante is much more than the coast.

Muel, Zaragoza

This town stands out for its long pottery making tradition, dating back to the eleventh century and as a result, today the Taller Escuela Cerámica (Ceramics School Workshop) can be enjoyed by all. In this workshop, which has preserved a good portion of pottery making history in the province, masterpieces of great value have been created. Many of these works can be seen in its exhibition hall.

For the most part, Muel is village with Moorish roots, as can be seen by its labyrinthine narrow streets. It has preserved the Renaissance-style palatial homes and the Iglesia de San Cristóbal, though being of the late Baroque-style, also contains Mudejar elements. However, the artistic jewel in the crown comes from that Spanish maestro, Francisco de Goya, native of Fuendetodos, some 25 kilometers away. The young artist painted the frescoes on the cupola of the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Fuente, located in a harmoninous setting blending art and nature together.

Brañosera, Palencia

This Palentine village is believed by many to be the oldest such settlement in Spain. It was, undoubtedly, the first to have a town hall. The first such institution was born in the year 824 when Count Munio Núñez granted the Carta Puebla (Town Charter), thereby creating the Fuero de Brañosera (Brañosera City Council) and Spain’s first town hall.

Still preserved from this medieval past are the ruins from two exceptional monuments, the Iglesia de Santa Eulalia and the Ermita de San Miguel. The mountain-style architecture of its traditional homes with its stone and wooden construction reflects Brañosera’s surroundings in Palencia, in the heart of the Parque Natural Montaña Palentina.

Hita, Guadalajara

This place, like many others, sufferd the consequences of the Spanish Civil War, though its splendor has been restored with the passing of time. Located in the Alcarria region, Hita has been decreed a national Historic-Artistic Site. The old quarter of the town is accessed by the Puerta de Santa María, the only surviving section of the ancient town wall. The gate and the Torre del Homenaje, which can still be glimpsed among the ruins, date from the fifteenth century. Indeed, Hita was one of the most significant castles in the area in its time.

Hita may sound familiar to some for it was the birthplace in the early 1300s of the author of El Libro de Buen Amor (Book of Good Love). The main square is dedicated to the Archpriest who wrote the book, Juan Ruiz, while the parish church has been consecrated to San Juan Bautista. Beneath this historic quarter you will find subterrenean caves, most of which were used as wine cellars during medieval times in addition to being so-called cave dwellings. Outside the village sit the remains of the ancient Monasterio de Santa María de Sopetrán, built in the 7th century, which will surprise any visitor despite its ruinous state.

Os Peares, Ourense

In the heart of the Galician Ribeira Sacra (literally, 'Sacred Riverbank'), one of the most exquisite settings in the peninsula, sits Os Peares, an unmissable meeting point for anyone visiting this sacred terrain. The rivers Miño, Sil and Búbal meet here while the latter includes a riverside beach.

Os Peares lies in breathtaking surroundings and bears a geographic idiosyncrasy. They say it is either a place tied to nothing or tied to everything because it is located between the four municipal councils of Carballedo and Pantón, in Lugo province, and Nogueira de Ramuín and A Peroxa, in Ourense province. In other words, a crossroads. Incidentally, the eponymous peares has to do with the small stones that have been placed in rows across rivers and used for crossing.

Alájar, Huelva

Located in the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, Alájar is a designated Historic-Artistic Site. Surrounded by the Aracena mountains, there are many lush hiking trails through the forests leading to other lovely localities.

There are some religious temples of interest for the traveller in Alájar such as the Ermita de San Bartolomé from the 15th century. Walking through this quaint village in Huelva province, far from mass tourism, one will quickly discover the so-called 'llanos', elaborate mosaics at the entrances to homes, in beautiful shapes and colors and also quite useful. Near Alájar are caves that can be visited as well as the Mirador de la Peña de Arias Montano, where you can enjoy the lovely views.

Carmona, Cantabria

This small village in Cantabria is actually colossal as it has every imaginable thing a typical northern mountain village would have. The characteristic architecture of this region is present in each and every one of its buildings, including the manor homes, while hints of green pervade along the Quivierda river flowing through Carmona.

Carmona is a place to enjoy the calm and tranquility of its mountains, to let its cobbled streets carry you to another time or to take to its many trekking trails. The traditional trades are still present here in the day-to-day of its some 150 inhabitants. The most conspicuous sculpture in the village is dedicated to the Tudanca cow, a breed native to Cantabria.

Granja de Moreruela, Zamora

In the heart of Tierra de Campos lies Granja de Moreruela, a village on the Camino de Santiago. From here the traveller must decide between following the Camino Sanabrés or the Vía de la Plata, which further along in Galicia meets up with the busier Camino Francés.

This small corner of Zamora province cannot be understood without visiting the Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela. Now in ruins, this ancient 12th century convent belonged to the Cistercian Order. Although it's in ruins now, it actually was designated a Cultural Heritage site thanks to its architectural value. After an unmissable visit to the monastery, Granja de Moreruela is the perfect place to rest and kick back without haste and no maps.

San Carlos del Valle, Ciudad Real

This village is known as The Manchegan Vatican, and there are reasons enough for this to be the case. Its 50 by 20 meter main square is one of the most intriguing in the country. Surrounded by colonnades, it was the work of Juan Alejandro Núñez de la Barrera and is also a declared Cultural Heritage Site.

The outstanding Baroque temple of the Iglesia del Santísimo Cristo del Valle, which was erected in 1729 upon the ruins of an old sanctuary, beams in this square. This church was intended to exalt the power of the Spanish crown, inspired by the legend claiming that an image of Santísimo Cristo del Valle, or Holy Christ of the Valley, would bestow miracles upon whomever made the pilgrimage to see it. Its four towers and the temple dome, as well as its colossal size and history, have earned it the title of The Manchegan Vatican.

Cala Ámbolo in Alicante

The Valencian coast is widely known for its long, broad beaches. However, not far away from Jávea we can find a lovely cove hidden in the irregular land. Cala Ámbolo consists of a narrow stripe of sand ending in a steep slope, and it invites us to take an intimate swim in the calm water of the Mediterranean Sea.

Caló des Moro in Mallorca

Some of the most picturesque coves in Spain are located in the Balearic Islands. There we can find charming spots like the cave of Moro, in the island of Mallorca. This place emerges from a sea of vegetation and it has a blue dress made of water that hangs over a bank of white sand.

Cala de Roche in Cádiz

Cádiz is famous for its large beaches with great waves, perfect for surfing. However, only a couple of kilometres away from Conil de la Frontera, we can find wonderful coves like Cala de Roche. This hidden treasure lies in the coast of Cádiz and, despite its distinguishing golden sand, very few people go there. It’s a magnificent place for resting, and nudism here is allowed.

Cala Pola in Girona

In the Costa Brava there are endless unknown spots where one can bathe and freshen up in summer. Nevertheless, perhaps the most popular cove here is Cava Pola, near Tossa de Mar, the main reason being that it’s easy to access. Although more people visit it now out of curiosity, if we head there early in the morning we’ll enjoy a beautiful paradise just for us.

Cala Salada in Ibiza

Ibiza is one of the most visited islands in Spain, and not without reason. Apart from its traditional crafts and amazing nightlife, Ibiza displays beautiful coves like Cala Salada —which could be translated as “Salty Cove”. It’s a small beach resting between cliffs and pine forests. Its crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkel, by the way.

Cala Saona in Formentera

It would be easy to be overshadowed by the beauty of Menorca and Ibiza, but the island of Formentera is a rough diamond concealing several coves where one can just escape from reality. One of them is Cala Saona, a little cove surrounded by dunes. The sand makes it possible to walk in the water without being submerged, which makes it perfect for kids!

Cala del Papagayo in Lanzarote

Obviously, we must mention the Canary Islands here. Their fantastic territories and ecosystems make these islands a paradise on earth. Particularly, Lanzarote has some of the most delightful coves in the archipelago, for instance Cala del Papagayo. This small beach is guarded by two rocks of volcanic stone, and it stands out for its bright white sand.

Cala Macarelleta in Menorca

Another cove we can’t miss here is a beautiful spot in the Balearic Islands: Cala Macarelleta. This secluded place is framed by a pine forest, so it has a sense of exclusiveness to it if we go off-season. It’s a unique place, somewhat isolated, with stunning turquoise waters.

Cala de Molí in Girona

There’s a cove in Girona perfect for those who love outdoor sports: Cala de Molí, the only cove having a via ferrata in the whole of Spain. It doesn’t have an easy access, but if you’re eager to climb through the walls of stone, this will definitely be a thrilling swim.

Caletón Blanco in Lanzarote

We shouldn’t forget Caletón Blanco in Lanzarote either. The name refers to the long, white stripe of sand that conforms it. It’s located in the north of the island, fenced by two huge cliffs, and it creates a sheltered half circle whose pale waters contrast with the volcanic rocks in the seabed. The beach has a rocky ground, what makes it perfect for snorkeling and observing the island’s sea creatures.

Playa del Silencio in Asturias

The landscape changes when we approach the north of Spain and, far from finding flat land and subtle rocks embracing the coves, we’ll encounter massive cliffs hiding some of the most beautiful coves in the whole country. One of them can be found in Asturias: Playa del Silecio, or Beach of Silence, which, despite its name, we can mention in this article. It’s a rocky unspoiled beach we can only access through a steep trail with stairs. Sheltered from the wind and barely visited, this cove promises an unforgettable swim.

You can also read this article in Spanish and French.

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This distillery has come a long way. This drink was supposedly first introduced in the state of Philadelphia among others in 1885. And one year later the world saw the drink that we know now, which is suspiciously similar to the former. Its pioneer was a pharmacist from Atlanta called John Pemberton. And although it hasn’t been directly proven that the drink from Valencia inspired the actual one, relevant dates support this theory. People at Aielo de Malferit defend the obvious link between the two beverages.

When Coca-Cola became popular in the 1950’s, the company was required to buy the patent to this distillery, a fact that was officially reported. And since that moment, the Anís Celestial that brought many gold medals to the company has been prepared with a certain amount of alcohol.

Located in the south of Valencia, Aielo de Malferit houses around 5000 citizens. Life in this area dates back to the 13th century. And although it is famous for its 120 year-old distillery, one of the oldest in Spain, there is so much more to see in this location. For instance, you can enjoy plenty of hiking routes.

Direct flights to travel to Spain from the United States

Before we start with the list, it must be noted that the cities welcoming flights from the US vary throughout the year. Hence, we suggest checking the availability of the date we wish to travel to Spain on. Generally speaking, there are more flights to Spain in summer, and there are only two cities one can fly to all year round: Barcelona and Madrid. That being said, let’s get started, shall we?

Barcelona, one of the most popular destinations

As we said, Barcelona and Madrid welcome non-stop flights from the US throughout the year. There are flights from many American cities too, such as Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Washington… Thousands of tourists travel from the US to Barcelona every year, and they all fall in love with this beautiful city.

In fact, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is considered the most beautiful building in the world. This lively city is known for its rich cultural life, stunning architecture and the Catalan cuisine we can enjoy there. Must-sees in Barcelona include Park Güell, Las Ramblas, the modernist houses, the Gothic Quarter, and so on. It has also great alternative plans to enjoy, such as visiting the lovely Tibidabo Amusement Park on Mount Tibidabo and its amazing views.

Madrid, the heart of Spain in many senses

Flights to Madrid tend to be more expensive than flights to Barcelona, but it depends on the time of the year. Just as we said about the former city, there are many cities in the US with plane tickets to Madrid. In 2021, Madrid welcomed almost 5 million visitors, and the number of people choosing to travel to Madrid increases every year, as it could be expected from the beautiful capital of Spain.

There are countless wonderful places to visit in Madrid and its surroundings. This lively city stands out for having a vibrant social life, a wide range of museums and cultural activities, stunning architectural gems, beautiful parks and many tourist attractions that make Madrid a city worth visiting. Besides, the Community of Madrid hosts lovely towns, natural landscapes and fascinating stories.

Málaga, a jewel on the Andalusian coast

It is great news that there are direct flights from the US to Málaga. Resting on the coast of Andalusia, more specifically on the Costa del Sol, this city is the perfect destination if you wish to enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. 

There are many corners worth visiting in Málaga, and many bars and restaurants to enjoy the best of Andalusian cuisine. Must-sees in the city of Málaga include the Central Market of Atarazanas, the beautiful Larios Street, the Málaga Cathedral, the square of Plaza de la Constitución, the Picasso Museum and the Roman theatre. The province of Málaga keeps many hidden gems too, like its beautiful white villages.

Palma, a Balearic dream in Mallorca

If you want to go beyond the southern coast of Spain and you are eager to explore another sea beyond the Atlantic, the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea awaits you surrounded by turquoise waters. More specifically, our US flight will take us to the southern coast of Mallorca, to the bay of Palma.

The history of Palma, also known as Palma de Mallorca, takes us back to settlements from the Bronze Age, going through a rich Roman past, and the Muslim presence under the Emirate of Córdoba. As a consequence, in Palma we can find fascinating ancient remains, as well as stunning pieces of architecture and an unbelievable Mediterranean landscape, perfect for those seeking a warm, more peaceful travel experience.

Tenerife, a volcanic paradise

Another popular island that welcomes many US tourists every year, although it never seems to get too crowded. This time, we will not leave the Atlantic Ocean behind, since the Canary Islands lie right there, close to the African continent. Tenerife is the largest island of the archipelago, hosting approximately 43% of its population. If you get the chance, you should definitely check the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is one of the largest in the world.

In Tenerife we can find endless paradisiacal beaches, spectacular volcanic landscapes and many charming corners to discover. Moreover, it keeps many traces of the Guanches, the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Indeed, the Cave of the Guanches in the north of Tenerife tells us fascinating stories about its past. Apart from that, the great volcano known as Teide takes us further in time to the origin of the island, and this red giant rising over the ocean is definitely a must-see. All in all, Tenerife is the perfect destination in Spain for those who would enjoy a volcanic landscape framed by paradisiacal beaches and full of lovely towns and cities.

Particles in the air

Calima or sand haze occurs when small, dry, solid particles are suspended in the air. This is a common phenomenon, but in this case particles are such, that they dull the atmosphere. In addition,  humidity must be less than 70%, there must be dryness. A cloudy feeling that leaves an ocher, orange, crepuscular light.

The type of particles changes greatly, although the most famous sand storms are those formed because of the Sahara desert. This huge African desert is obviously full of sand. When the wind picks up this dust and moves it, the show is on. For example, if the Sirocco currents move, the Canary Islands, especially Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, will be covered by sand. In the peninsula it is also usual to see this picture, although less when you go north, of course.

Fires, due to the ash in suspension, are other generators of haze. Also pollution, famous in Madrid and Barcelona, or sea salts. The fact is that, beyond pretty pictures, this meteorological phenomenon is quite harmful. For those who have respiratory conditions, for example, it makes life impossible. If it is very severe, it can even affect air traffic or lead the authorities to recommend not leaving the house. On the other hand, combined with rains, it creates mud showers that make everything look like a real mess.

Etymology of calima

Those who know some Arabic might think that the etymology of this phenomenon comes from this language. After all, it has the term Kalima, which means 'word'. But no. 'Calima' comes from Latin, from caligo or caliginis. With it, the Romans referred to mist or dense smoke that generated a dark and dull atmosphere. As can be seen, it still represents what can be seen today. These terms derived in 'calina', which in turn mutated into 'calima'.

The church of San Juan de los Panetes, Zaragoza

Close to the popular square of El Pilar in the capital city of Zaragoza, we’ll find the church of San Juan de los Panetes. It’s not a particularly remarkable temple, but this church has had a though life: it has endured multiple devastating fires throughout history that have destroyed its interior. However, its leaning tower is incredibly peculiar. We can admire the beautiful Mudéjar architecture with the Renaissance accents of this building dating back to the 16^th century. It was almost demolished in the early 20^th century, but the people in Zaragoza fought for it and they succeeded at keeping the tower, pleading that, despite its “defect”, it had become a symbol for the city.

Torre del Reloj, Ateca

Torre del Reloj (the Clock Tower in English) stands next to the church of Santa María de Ateca, rising among the buildings that surround it. We know there used to be a tower from the Middle Ages in that same spot, but it had to be remodelled several times, and eventually they decided to demolish it. Nevertheless, in the 16^th century a new tower was built using the foundations of its predecessor. Both Christian and Muslim people took part in the construction of the new tower, and that’s why Torre del Reloj displays mixed features of the two architectural styles. A mistake on its construction provoked the characteristic tilting of the tower, probably due to the speed at which they carried out the task. Anyways, said tilting was never corrected —and there is no need to do so either!

The tower of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Bujalance

The tower of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in the town of Bujalance, Córdoba, is better known as Catedral de la Campiña. Its construction began in the early 17^th century, more precisely in 1611, but the work didn’t finish until 1788. This tower is 55 metres high; it’s made of brick, and one of the highest buildings in the region. Indeed, it can be easily seen from the distance. The tilt reaches one and a half metres, which is quite impressive too. 

The tower of the church of Santa Eugenia, Nerellá

The church this following tower belongs to is considerably old. Its existence was first recorded in 839, in a consecration act of the cathedral D’Urgell. Back then, it used to be one of the most important parish churches in this area of Lleida. Its bell tower was added centuries later, in the 11^th century. It hasn’t been altered since, so its inclination, which amounts to more than one and a half metres, must have been there from the beginning. In fact, it’s called Cerdanya’s Tower of Pisa, even though it’s actually older than its Italian sister, which was built in the 12^th century.

Torre Nueva, Zaragoza

The last instance of the leaning towers in Spain is a most curious building which, sadly, we cannot visit today. However, it used to be the tallest building in Zaragoza, since it reached the height of 80 metres. The tower was built at the beginning of the 16^th century with the aim of it working both as a clock and a bell tower. In a time span of 15 months the building was already standing proudly in the square of San Felipe. Once again, the problem here was simple: doing things in a hurry can turn out badly, which resulted in a tower dangerously leaning towards other buildings.

Over time, the clock ceased to work and the weather conditions damaged the tower’s architecture. Therefore, in the mid-19^th century, the intention to demolish it became something more than a rumour. The idea was put into effect at the end of the century, regardless of its cultural significance to the city. Nowadays, it’s still fondly remembered by the inhabitants of Zaragoza; in the end, a tower like that just cannot be forgotten.