I’ve lived in Spain for 10 years. Here are 5 hidden-gem locations tourists shouldn’t overlook.

Situated in the southeast corner of Spain in the province of Almería sits one of Spain’s most unusual natural parks.

A much quieter stretch of coast than the Costa del Sol further west or the Costa Blanca to the north, the Cabo de Gata-Níjar covers a huge region encompassing several villages, hundreds of beaches, and a protected maritime area.

The interior is almost desert-like, littered with abandoned mines, the ruins of ancient towers, and huge salt lagoons.

Meanwhile the coastline is characterized by ancient volcanic structures, fossilized sand dunes, and lava tongues sticking out into the sea. Even in the height of summer, there are tons of wide-open beaches.

With its cider, bagpipes, and clogs, this small northwestern region of Spain almost feels like a different country entirely.

One of the least-visited regions in the country by international tourists, Asturias earned the name “Green Spain” for its undulating emerald hills, bottle-green forests, and verdant mountains.

The region is particularly known for its delicious cuisine, with its capital, Oviedo, being named Spain’s Gastronomic Capital in 2024. It excels in dairy produce such as creamy and blue Cabrales cheese aged in ancient caves, tangy cider, and rich bean and meaty stews like fabada.

Asturias is also renowned for its stunning pre-Romanesque architecture, from palaces to churches, as well as its countless nature reserves.

The small town of Baeza is situated within the province of Jaén and is surrounded by miles of olive groves that stretch in all directions over the hilly landscape.

Jaén, in the eastern part of Andalusia, is Spain’s biggest producer of olive oil. Home to the Olive Culture Museum, Baeza is filled with tasting shops and companies selling olive oil experiences.

This pocket-sized city is also celebrated for its elegant Renaissance architecture and is littered with impressive churches and palaces.

This elegant town lies just one hour north of Málaga, one of the most-visited cities in Spain, according to a 2022 hotel occupancy survey.

Antequera doesn’t get as many visitors despite its proximity to Málaga.

Of course, there are many more reasons to visit than just its empty streets. Known as the “City of Churches,” Antequera has the most churches per inhabitant in Spain and countless monasteries.

Antequera is also home to three megalithic dolmens dating back about 6,000 years. Believed to have been used as a grave for the ruling families of the time, these ancient sites are surrounded by magic and mystery.

Unlike many other sites of this age, visitors can walk inside the dolmens and explore them for free.

Lying right in the north of Spain and bordering the southwestern tip of France, the Basque Country is a distinctive place with its own language, cuisine, traditions, and customs.

Although two of the largest Basque cities, Bilbao and San Sebastián, are already popular destinations, the coastline of small, colorful fishing villages is typically quieter.

Just under 25 miles east of Bilbao lies Mundaka, a coastal town surrounded by wide bays and inlets known for its excellent surf conditions. Nearby is the UNESCO Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a haven for birdlife.

Further along is the quaint town of Lekeitio, with its bustling marina and small island, which can only be accessed by foot during low tide.