Spaniards are increasingly showing more and more interest in travelling abroad. According to data from 2017, outbound Spanish tourism broke new records with the amount of money spent on travelling abroad up by 18% when compared to 2016.
There’s no doubt that we love packing our bags and heading off to explore unknown territory. But have you ever thought about discovering more about what Spain has to offer to before heading abroad? If you don’t have too much free time, money, or simply think that all that stuff about far away hills are greener is rubbish, then keep reading, as we’re going to suggest a few places in Spain that you may not know but that just might surprise you!
Riotinto Mines
Riotinto Mining Park in Huelva is an amazing sight. After more than 5000 years of mining, the resulting landscape is today a scene of red, yellow, violet, green, grey and ochre scenery covered with open pit mines.
The mines were closed down as they were no longer profitable, but today thousands of tourists flock to the area spellbound by its magic and its resemblance to planet Mars, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed in the world of cinema either.
Another striking feature is the vast area of abandoned locomotives. You can take a train ride around the mines and visit one of the original Victorian houses in the English neighbourhood where the managers of the mine once lived.
El Pozo Azul
If you like peace and quiet, then this is your place. The so-called ‘pozo azul’ (blue well) is located south of the Cantabrian mountain range. This beautiful spot in the locality of Covanera has cold, crystal clear water all year round and is home to large number of trout. The area is a big draw for potholers and cavers as the walls of the well fall almost vertically.
The Old Quarter in Girona
Girona’s Old Quarter has perfectly maintained its medieval atmosphere. The facades of the buildings, streets winding their way through the old Jewish quarter… all of this was the perfect backdrop to the mythical TV series Game of Thrones. Discover more than 2000 years of history: Roman walls, walled enclosures, Força Vella (Old Fortress) and the charming medieval streets.
Catoira
A quiet, dreamlike town that’s extremely popular in summer, and the only one in Galicia with all three traditional types of windmills. From August 1-3, the ‘Viking Pilgrimage’ (Declared of International Tourist Interest) takes places in the town and transforms it completely. There are several interesting activities to check out during the festival although the biggest crowd puller is always the Desembarco Vikingo (Viking Invasion).
Cares Gorge
One of Picos de Europa’s most popular trekking trails situated in the gorge of the Cares River. Accessibility is limited to trekkers so it doesn’t get overcrowded. The Cares Trail joins two villages between mountains (Puente Poncebos in Asturias and Posada de Valedeón in Leon). This is Spain’s most breathtaking walk through the most exuberant nature, cliffs and a river of turquoise water.
