Córdoba’s Roman bridge and Mezquita-Catedral glowing at sunset

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!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

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 tiled bridges and canal of Plaza de España in Seville

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 fortress on its hill above Granada with snowy mountains behind

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
Córdoba’s Roman bridge and Mezquita-Catedral at sunset

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
A medieval stone bridge over the Tagus River below the walls of Toledo

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
Salamanca’s cathedral and old town above a stone bridge over the river

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.

Palma Cathedral in Mallorca rising above palm-lined gardensBalearics

Mallorca

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.

Sailboats anchored in the turquoise water of Cala Macarella, MenorcaBalearics

Menorca

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.

Ibiza Town’s harbor with the walled old town of Dalt Vila aboveBalearics

Ibiza

Beyond the beach clubs lies Dalt Vila, a UNESCO-listed fortified old town, plus calm coves and boutique farmhouse hotels.

The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia reflected in still waterMediterranean

Valencia

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.

A sandy cove and whitewashed village on the Costa BravaCatalonia

The 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.

7 days

Andalusia classics

Seville, a day in Córdoba, Ronda and the white villages, then Granada’s Alhambra.

10 days

Madrid and the south

Madrid with a day in Toledo, then high-speed train to Seville and on to Granada.

10 days

Barcelona and the islands

Barcelona and the Costa Brava, then a short flight to Mallorca or Menorca for villa time.

12 days

Spain’s greatest hits

Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada, with day trips to Toledo and Córdoba.

7 days

Castile’s old cities

Madrid, Segovia, Salamanca and Toledo, with paradores and wine country along the way.

5 days

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.

The Alhambra palace in Granada at sunset with the Sierra Nevada behind

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!

Barcelona’s rooftops stretching to the sea, framed by the spires of the Sagrada Família

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!

Sailboats anchored in the turquoise water of Cala Macarella, Menorca

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 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

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