Spain's battle against overtourism has escalated, with residents in Barcelona using water guns on rowdy tourists and Madrid locals protesting rising rents linked to mass tourism and short-term holiday lets. Rules now restrict public drinking, partying, and platforms like Airbnb. In 2025, Mallorca residents wrote an open letter urging tourists not to visit, citing 'the worst summer in the history of Mallorca.' Yet, some regions remain relatively untouched.
Merida: Roman Ruins in Extremadura
Nestled in the lesser-visited region of Extremadura, Merida compensates for its lack of beaches with rich history. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it is one of Spain's most important archaeological sites. As the capital of Roman Spain, it houses the Roman Amphitheatre, Temple of Diana, and the Roman Bridge—one of the longest Roman-built bridges, spanning the Guadiana River. Located in one of the least visited and underpopulated regions, Merida offers an escape from crowds. Extremadura even provides up to £12,600 per year to digital nomads who make it their base.
La Gomera: Canary Islands' Quiet Gem
The Canary Islands welcomed a record 18.4 million tourists in 2025, landing on Fodor's 2026 'no travel' list due to overtourism and environmental damage. However, La Gomera, a short trip from Tenerife, sees comparatively few visitors. Of the 3.83 million British tourists who visited the Canaries in 2025, only around 70,000 went to La Gomera, according to local tourism data. The island offers sweeping coastlines, black sand beaches, and spectacular viewpoints for an authentic experience.
Logrono: Wine and Tapas in La Rioja
In the heart of La Rioja, Logrono is a hidden gem for food and wine lovers. Its tapas scene allows visitors to hop between bars sampling pintxos and local delicacies. The city is the gateway to Spain's iconic wine region, where vineyards offer world-class wine tasting. Historic landmarks include the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, with twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork.
Cuenca and Cudillero: Hanging Houses and Medieval Streets
Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site two hours from Madrid, is known for its hanging houses (Casas Colgadas) built into a rockface above the Huécar River gorge. Dating to the 15th century, some have been converted into museums. Visitors can admire the view from San Pablo Bridge, explore medieval streets, hike trails along the gorge, or visit Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park. Hundreds of miles north, the fishing port of Cudillero in Asturias features houses perched on cliffs overlooking the harbour, surrounded by rolling hills and hiking trails.
Estepona: Costa del Sol's Hidden Coastal Town
Despite being on the Costa del Sol, Estepona remains a hidden gem. Metro's Sophie-May Williams noted that while 12 million international tourists visited Andalusia in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona. The town features whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, the lively Plaza de las Flores with four main tapas bars, and miles of sandy shores like Playa de la Rada. Adventurous visitors can hike the Sierra Bermeja mountains.
Ronda: Cliffside City and Writers' Paradise
Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy recommends Ronda, a historic cliffside city 90 minutes from Malaga, towering 1,063 metres above sea level. Ernest Hemingway spent summers there, and Orson Welles' ashes were scattered there. Framed by mountains and gorges, Ronda offers Arabic and Moorish architecture, culture, and cuisine. Murphy advises visiting in shoulder season to avoid crowds and suggests staying in surrounding mountain villages like Montejaque, a 25-minute drive away.
