Undiscovered Spain

Everyone knows Spain as the land of Matadors, Flamenco, and Sangria, forgetting that this is a vast and varied country, the third largest in Europe, bordering France, Portugal and Andorra, and with the island of Tenerife, Northern Morocco. With a rich and diverse cultural heritage, four official languages and scenery ranging from Valencia’s orange groves to the Canaries’ volcanic islands, there is so much more to discover than high rise hotels and Tapas bars. With more and more tour operators offering specialised packages that cater to particular interests; from culinary tours to painting holidays, it’s easier than ever to go on a unique break, and with online booking sources, you can create a tailor made holiday with a range of hotels  in the heart of Spain’s major cities and beyond (remember to get covered before you travel – try go Travel Insurance for cheap travel insurance). If you really want to veer off the tourist trail, here are a few places that promise a taste of unspoilt Spain.

Astorga, Castilla y Leon
The two rival medieval kingdoms of Castille and Leon are now combined in a blanket region covering the Northern part of Central Spain, home to beautiful hilly countryside, fields of sunflowers and many historic towns. The University of Salamanca and the aqueduct of Segovia are two of the region’s most visited sights, as well as the famous cathedrals in Burgos and Leon, but there are plenty more secluded towns worthy of a detour. The remote Roman town of Astorga boasts a 15th and 18th century cathedral, and the Palacio Episcopal, a bizarre gift from the modern architect Gaudi. Astorga is also the principal town of the Maragatos, a unique ethnic group who married amongst themselves to preserve their customs and community. Although their traditional trade of mule-driving has died out, during fiestas they dress up in traditional costume.

Galicia
This remote north western corner of Spain is covered in lush green hills, edged by several seaports, and home to a traditional, rural way of life. The Galicians are Celtic in origin, and have their own language; “Gallego”, similar to Portuguese and own unique culture, evident in the use of bagpipes as a traditional instrument! There is an old-world quality to many of the old granite villages and field ploughed by horse and oxen, but the fishing port of Vigo is one of the most important in Spain. Visit the coast for magnificent fjord-like scenery and coves perfect for bathing, as well as hundreds of places serving up excellent seafood. Santiago de Compostela is the main city, an important pilgrim site during the Middle Ages, filled with Baroque churches and majestic squares.

La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, The Canary Islands
These small islands off the coast of Tenerife offer breathtaking natural scenery minus the large resorts and over-developed tourism of their neighbour. All three have small hotels, and offer lush green retreats, walking and wildlife. La Palma is the world’s steepest island, with a mountainous interior; dare to drive up the dizzying mountain roads. What El Hierro lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for in an unusual landscape of turquoise waters, twisted juniper trees and hills of wild flowers. La Gomera is only 40 minutes by ferry from Tenerife, with dramatic ravines, gorges and rock formations.