5 alternative Spanish cities for a peaceful holiday
People who are looking for calm and isolated places shouldn't travel to Barcelona or Ibiza, some of the busiest cities in Spain. That is why we have decided to present you alternatives to popular Spanish cities.
Fortunately, Spain is especially blessed with hidden gems to visit across the country, and these five places will reveal to you exactly that Spanish culture that we all know and love, with an extra bit of serenity.
Formentera instead of Ibiza
Formentera may not be as popular as its neighboring city, but it is just as beautiful as Ibiza. There are no popular nightclubs, DJ stars, and extremely expensive beers here.
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Formentera is an island where everything is relaxed, wild, and intimate. It is also a place full of beautiful nudist beaches, considering that there was a hippie atmosphere here until the 60s of the last century, in favor of complete tranquility. Yes, Formentera is a hippie cousin of modern Ibiza.
Toledo instead of Madrid
Madrid is a grandiose, real cosmopolitan city that is full of people and can be an enigma to manage. This does not mean that it should be avoided - after all, it is one of the most magnificent European cities and an important cultural destination. We still think that Toledo, its cool neighbor, is a pretty valuable replacement if you are looking for authentic Spain.
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In Toledo, the entire city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is full of cultural landmarks such as the Alcazar Fortress. First built in Roman times, it is the first example of a square fortress, and today it houses an intriguing military museum. Of course, there is also the Cathedral of Santa Iglesia Primada de Toledo, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture that is sure to attract your attention.
Seville instead of Barcelona
Seville may not have a coast like Barcelona, but it is definitely a great alternative for city holiday lovers. From the famous flamenco dance to the colorful orange trees that line its streets, Seville is an underrated cultural center, offering almost everything for lovers of history, music, and food.
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Plaza de Espana is undoubtedly the trademark of Seville, but perhaps the most beautiful is Spanish square. There is the river Guadalquivir which represents the heart of the city and offers the opportunity to explore the city from the river. The recommendation is a night cruise, and then going to some tapas bar for good food and sangria, for example in the popular district of Triana.
Tarragona instead of Valencia
Although many visit Valencia as a more peaceful alternative to Barcelona, let us suggest an even more peaceful place: Tarragona. Approximately 110 km from Barcelona, this unusual Roman city offers all the charms of a small place, and its charm is probably more tempting than Valencia.
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Here you will discover a lovely coastal town that looks like a rural place in Italy: cobbled squares, labyrinth-like streets, the remains of an amphitheater, and secluded beaches, which can only be reached on foot.
La Gomera instead of Tenerife
Although located in the immediate vicinity of Tenerife, only 1 percent of all visitors to the Canary Islands reach La Gomera. This natural paradise - the second of at least seven islands in the archipelago - offers more than 600 km of marked hiking trails, epic driving routes, and black, sandy beaches with crystal clear sea.
Due to its sparse vegetation, including one of Europe’s largest laurel forests, the entire island has been declared a biosphere reserve, and its subtropical rainforest Garajonay National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Above all, the climate here (annual average of 22 degrees Celsius) is one of the best in the world. No wonder Christopher Columbus ended up staying here for a month before he finally set sail for his discovery of America.
By: Helen B.
