Spain · Beyond the Big Cities
Hidden Treasures of Spain
Moorish palaces in Andalusia, golden university towns and island coves most visitors never find. Discover the Spain beyond Madrid and Barcelona with our Spain specialists.
- Seville Granada · Córdoba
- 3 Balearic islands to explore
- UNESCO old towns everywhere
Hassle-Free Dream Travel!
Spain’s historic cities
Andalusia and the Old Cities
Beyond the capital and Catalonia lie some of Europe’s most beautiful historic cities. Tap through to meet them.

The heart of Andalusia
Seville is orange trees, horse-drawn carriages and flamenco. Its Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in the world, the Real Alcázar is a royal palace of Moorish courtyards and gardens, and the Plaza de España was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
Wander the lanes of the Santa Cruz quarter by day, then catch flamenco in Triana at night.
- The cathedral and the Giralda tower
- Private tour of the Real Alcázar
- Flamenco in Triana

The Alhambra and the Albaicín
The Alhambra is the jewel of Moorish Spain: a hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and fountains, with the Sierra Nevada as its backdrop.
Entry to the Nasrid Palaces is strictly timed and books up fast, so we reserve it early. At sunset, head to the Mirador de San Nicolás in the Albaicín for the classic view.
- Timed Nasrid Palaces entry
- Stay in the parador inside the Alhambra’s grounds
- Sunset in the Albaicín

The Mezquita and flower-filled patios
Córdoba’s Mezquita-Catedral is one of the world’s most extraordinary buildings, a forest of red-and-white arches with a Renaissance cathedral built at its heart.
In May, residents open their flower-filled courtyards for the Patios Festival. It’s an easy day trip from Seville or a stop on the train to Madrid.
- Guided Mezquita-Catedral visit
- The Roman bridge at golden hour
- Courtyard gardens in May

The City of Three Cultures
Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities shaped this hilltop city above the Tagus River. Its cathedral, synagogues and El Greco paintings make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just 33 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, Toledo is best enjoyed in the evening, after the day-trippers leave.
- El Greco’s masterpieces
- Damascene and marzipan workshops
- An overnight stay for quiet evenings

Golden stone and student life
Salamanca’s university was founded in 1218, making it the oldest in Spain. The whole old town glows in golden sandstone, especially at sunset in the Plaza Mayor.
Look for the little astronaut carved into the New Cathedral’s doorway during a restoration in the 1990s.
- The Plaza Mayor at night
- The historic university
- Easy by train from Madrid
Islands and coast
Spain’s Islands and Coastline
Spain has some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline. Filter by islands or mainland coast, then tap “Read more” for our tips.
BalearicsMallorca
Palma’s Gothic cathedral, the mountain villages of the Serra de Tramuntana and quiet coves.
Read moreShow less
Stay in Deià or Valldemossa for the mountains, or near Palma for restaurants and beach clubs. Don’t miss the Caves of Drach.
BalearicsMenorca
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of turquoise coves, fishing villages and Bronze Age monuments.
Read moreShow less
Cala Macarella and its neighbors are best reached by boat or on foot along the Camí de Cavalls coastal path.
BalearicsIbiza
Beyond the beach clubs lies Dalt Vila, a UNESCO-listed fortified old town, plus calm coves and boutique farmhouse hotels.
MediterraneanValencia
The birthplace of paella, with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a lovely old town and long sandy beaches.
Read moreShow less
Visit in March for Las Fallas, when giant sculptures fill the streets before being set alight.
CataloniaThe Costa Brava
Rugged coves, whitewashed fishing villages and the world of Salvador Dalí, north of Barcelona.
Put it together
Itinerary Ideas
Every journey we design is tailor-made, but these combinations show how beautifully Spain fits together.
Andalusia classics
Seville, a day in Córdoba, Ronda and the white villages, then Granada’s Alhambra.
Madrid and the south
Madrid with a day in Toledo, then high-speed train to Seville and on to Granada.
Barcelona and the islands
Barcelona and the Costa Brava, then a short flight to Mallorca or Menorca for villa time.
Spain’s greatest hits
Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada, with day trips to Toledo and Córdoba.
Castile’s old cities
Madrid, Segovia, Salamanca and Toledo, with paradores and wine country along the way.
Valencia and the coast
Valencia’s food and architecture, paired with beaches and a cooking class in the rice fields of the Albufera.
Tell us what you love, and we’ll design the route and pace around you.
Design My Route →Work with One of Our Travel Experts
The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.
After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!
You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!
Good to know
Hidden Treasures FAQs
How do I get around southern Spain?
High-speed trains link Madrid with Córdoba, Seville and Málaga, and Granada is well connected. For the white villages and countryside, a private driver is the most relaxing option.
How far in advance should I book the Alhambra?
As early as possible, especially for spring and fall. Nasrid Palaces entry is timed and limited, and we reserve it as soon as your dates are set.
Which Balearic island is right for me?
Mallorca suits those who want variety, Menorca is for quiet beaches and nature, and Ibiza combines a historic old town with nightlife. We’ll help you choose.
When is the best time to visit Andalusia?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). July and August are very hot inland. See our best time to visit Spain guide.
Can I stay in a parador?
Yes. Spain’s paradores are hotels in castles, convents and palaces. We often include one or two, such as Granada’s parador in the Alhambra’s grounds.
Your Spain journey
Keep exploring Spain
Your Dream Spain Getaway
Spain’s hidden treasures are best explored with someone who knows them. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Spain specialists will start designing it with you.
- A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
- Tickets, guides and transfers handled
- Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Spain Specialists


