Hidden villages and untamed landscapes in Spain

Spain has long been associated with sunny beaches, vibrant cities and world-renowned cuisine. Although Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Ibiza are known for some reason, the true Spanish souls are often found in their remote corners. One of my favorite areas is northern Spain, where its green mountains, solid coastlines and medieval villages offer a completely different perspective. It doesn’t have as many tourists as the hot spots in the south, but I think it’s just as beautiful as well.

If you want to see the quieter side of Spain, consider taking the usual tourist trails and heading north after a flight to Madrid. Stay in Madrid for a few days (which was amazing) and then train north for a week or more to wander along the roads carved by Romans into the mountains, explore deserts that few travelers know about, and hike to villages that lasted centuries later.

Today, I want to share three destinations I like: Las Médulas, Bardenas Reales and Santillana del Mar. Everyone offers a unique blend of historical, natural beauty and cultural immersion and is accessible from Madrid.

1. Las Médulas

About two thousand years ago, Roman engineers changed the landscape in search of gold. Using a technique called Ruina Montium (“destroy mountains”), they directed water through tunnels, causing the entire hillside to collapse, revealing gold deposits in the area. The result is a jagged red cliff, surreal landscape of hollows and ditches, softened by the chestnut trees forest and scattered with walking trails. Today, Las Médulas has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and nature. Hiking in ditches and Roman galleries is easy to imagine the labor and vision required to reshape this rough terrain.

My love for Rasmedulas is quiet. Even in the high season, the only sound you will find is the rustling of your footsteps and leaves. The view of the ridge is spectacular, and the smell of chestnuts lingers in the air. This is a place to slow you down, not only for taking photos, but also for history and stillness.

Highlights and trails

• Senda de Las Valiñas (4 km cycle): This gentle path winds through the dark chestnut woods and passes through the openings of the Roman tunnel. It’s perfect for a relaxing morning walk and it can still give you an idea of ​​the scope of the site. Stop frequently and look up at the cliff; you can enjoy eye-catching photos of the red soil targeting green plants.
• Mirador de Orellán: The short, steep climb leads to a platform overlooking the scarlet ridges and valleys. Sunset is my favorite time here, with faded lights turning the cliff almost orange. There is also a small gallery where you can see how the Romans dug into the rocks.
• Galería De Orellán: If you enjoy some adventure, explore this restored mining tunnel. Standing inside, you can imagine a worker dragging out of the earth with a torch.
• Around senda (14 km cycle): For loyal hikers, this trail circles the entire archaeological area. You will pass secluded forests, small farms and occasional wild boar tracks. It’s long, but not difficult, and you usually give yourself.
• Castro de Chano: Quickly away from the hotel, this former Roman Hillfort shows that the story of Las Médulas extends further than the Romans.
• Mirador de Reirigo: The little-known lookout stands, quiet benches, chestnut forests and distant hills.

Practical details
Where to live: Ponferrada is only half an hour away and has a wide range of hotels and hotels.

The best season: Gold leaves and crisp air in autumn. Spring brings mild weather and blooming wild flowers.

hint: Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to try a longer hike. A map or GPS app will help you stick to the marked trails.

2. BardenasReales

Driving south from Pamplona, ​​the landscape changed dramatically. The rolling farmland gives way to dry plains and ends up being half groceries for Ocher and dramatic ravines. This is Bardenas Reales in Navarre’s 42,000 hectares of natural park. The place is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is also an active military use, but shepherds still grazed herding herds on the plains, while wildlife, such as Griffin vultures and foxes, flourished. The isolation of the park means you will usually have most of the trails.

On my first visit, I was surprised by the changes in the scenery. From a distance it looks barren, but once inside you notice the details: ripples in the clay, hard flowers clinging to the cracks, and occasional sheep dogs behind the herd. The sense of space is exciting. It’s a destination that invites wandering and rewards those who spend their time.

Attractions and routes

• Castildetierra: This slender rock peak is a symbol of the park. Photographers love it at dawn, when soft light highlights its delicate shape. Even if you don’t chase the perfect shot, it’s worth watching the shadows move through the apartment.
• La Blanca Baja Loop (34 km): Drive or bike along this track and you can visit the central area of ​​the park in full. Stop to admire the canyon, countertops and wide basins, and sometimes storms leave shallow pools.
• Piskerra and El Rallón Hiking: This gentle route crawled into the heart of the wasteland. Expect solid paths and thrilling views from the top ridge. Bring a lot of water with you because there is no shadow after leaving the lowlands.
• Balcón de Pilatos: Green vultures are in a vantage position on the height of the steering wheel on the warm airflow. Watching them soaring over the gully is an unforgettable experience.
• Cabezo de las Cortinillas: A short track reaches a quieter formation. The color of the rock is transferred from light cream to copper according to the sunlight.
• Río Aragón Corridor: The river is softer along the river. It is perfect for bird watching and resting from dry heat.

Practical details
Where to live: Tudela is the nearest town with comfortable accommodation and excellent local restaurant serving Navarra specialties.

The best season: Visit pleasant temperatures in spring or early fall. Wild flowers appear after the rain, adding color to the plains. Summer can be very hot.

hint: There is no service in the park, so please store water, sunscreen and snacks in advance.

3. Santillanadel Mar

Santillana del Mar is one of my favorite attractions in northern Spain. It is located in Cantabria, about 30 minutes from the coast. Its paved streets, well-preserved medieval architecture and charming squares make it one of the most scenic villages in the area. The town can also serve as a gateway to one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, the Altamira Cave, known for Paleolithic paintings. Wandering on narrow streets is like going back to the past in time. Overnight, overnight, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the wagon leaving one day once they take off.

What makes Santillana unique is how it feels. Despite the ancient walls, nothing dusty. Small bakeries sell butter mist elephants, and the owner greets you as you pass, while the horses sometimes cross the driveway. The rhythm is constant and warm.

Things to see and do

• St. Juliana’s University Church: Romanesque gemstones, tranquil cloister and complex capital. Take some time to explore arches and stone carvings.
• Altamira Cave Replica: The original cave was enclosed to preserve art, but the replicas were impressive. Standing under the ceiling of bison and horses, you can glimpse human creativity 14,000 years ago.
• Altamira Museum: The museum next to the cave expands the prehistoric culture of the area. The exhibits are fascinating and family friendly.
• Plaza Mayor: The central square consists of stone houses with wooden balconies. This is the perfect place for coffee or afternoon cider.
• Nearby trails: From the village you can stroll to the surrounding hills of the grass that encounter the oak forest. Some paths continue to the coast and enjoy the views of the Cantabria Sea.
• Cuevas de el Soplao: Not far away, this cave is filled with spectacular stalactites, stonemasons and unusual formations called helictites.
• COMILLAS: A neighboring town with modernist architecture, including Capricho in Gaudi, is only 20 minutes from the car.

Practical details
Get there: Buses running from Santander or Bilbao within about 45 minutes. Car rental allows you to explore nearby bays and valleys freely.

The best season: Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Spain’s title attractions deserve attention, but little-known landscapes and towns reveal something richer. They remind us that besides Spain’s beaches and bustling cities, there is a country where history, geography and daily life are all blended with experiences worth wandering. Whether you are tracking the Roman tunnel in Las Médulas, riding a bike on the dusty tracks of Bardenas, or drinking cider in Cantabrian Plaza, every moment adds a layer to your understanding of Spain.

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