It’s that time of year again.
As we enter summer, residents in touristy cities across Spain are once again locking up arms and flocking to the streets to protest against tourists.
It’s mostly demonstrations—with the usual ‘Go Home!’ picket signs—but they can be disconcerting to some, especially if they’re sensitive about feeling unwelcome.
On the other hand, in cities like Barcelona, even attacks have been recorded:
There have been instances of tourists being shouted at, or even chased down by locals with water pistols in the Catalonian metropolis, and innocuous as water may be, you’d have every right to find that a threatening behavior.
Thankfully, not all locals in every city in Spain are out to get you, with 5 offbeat destinations continuing to welcome visitors with open arms, and no recent protests:
A Coruña
A historic port city straddling the North Atlantic, in the much-overlooked northwestern region of Galicia, A Coruña combines ancient charm and coastal relaxation:
It is home to the Tower of Hercules, the best-preserved Roman lighthouse still standing, a maze-like, medieval Old Town centered around an arcaded Plaza de María Pita, and a golden-sand Riazor Beach, backed by elegant condos and tapas bars.
Despite its obvious cultural appeal and beautiful coastline, A Coruña continues to be ignored by your usual Sitges or Benidorm-bound tourist, and as a result, locals aren’t particularly dismissive, much less angry towards guests:
Whether you’re just grabbing a beer alfresco at Gloria Bendita or exploring the historic center, fear not: an unpleasant encounter with a Galician is highly unlikely.
Burgos
Now, if you’re an architecture buff and you’re craving some of that Old World charm, but you don’t feel like braving the crowds in Girona, the lesser-known Burgos is a great alternative:
Nestled in the verdant hinterlands of Castille and León, in central Spain, it is a largely intact medieval city dominated by a UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. Mary. With a soaring portal, flying buttresses, and flanked by richly ornamented bell towers, it is one of Europe’s grandest Gothic monuments.
The medieval Old Town is equally fascinating, with its cobble-paved alleys and Renaissance-era city gates, like the Arco de Santa María, decorated with statues of Castilian kings. On a hill overlooking the town, Burgos Castle is yet another must-see:
Originating in the 9th century, it was built to protect Burgos from the advances of Moorish conquerors. Though it is partly ruined, its historic allure remains unbeatable—and if we may add, the panoramic views atop the defensive walls are priceless.
Oh, you guessed it: Compared to larger cities in Spain, particularly those along the Mediterranean Coast, Burgos is as peaceful as they come.
Valladolid
Not to be confused with Mexico‘s Valladolid, Spain’s is a far less famous, yet just-as-stunning cultural hotspot characterized by its wealth of religious sites, regal palaces, and Columbus association:
The Gothic-style San Pablo Church, dating back to the 1400s, has the most intricately carved facade you’ll see anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula. The neighboring Royal Palace is typically Renaissance in character, with clean lines and a more austere look.
They are two of the main attractions in Valladolid’s Casco Histórico, which is noticeably more authentic and ‘lived-in’: picture charming plazas bordered by cafes where locals far outnumber tourists, narrow passageways where there’s actual room to breathe, and less-commercialized tapas eateries.
If you happen to be wondering what Valladolid’s connection to Columbus is, the Italian explorer passed away here in 1506, and you can visit his deathbed at Calle Colón 1.#
Cuenca
A historic settlement that’s seemingly famous among Spaniards, and Spaniards alone, Cuenca is a medieval pueblo perched atop a rocky ridge, with a string of cliff-side dwellings that sets it apart from the rest.
Its 14th-century Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses, are unique in Spain as they practically hang off the cliffs overlooking a gorge. These have undoubtedly drawn the attention of UNESCO’s culture aficionados, who have classed Cuenca as a World Heritage Site.
They are not the only noteworthy landmark around here, though:
Cuenca Cathedral, or as it is known locally, the Catedral de Santa María y San Julián is one of the first-ever Gothic cathedrals erected in Spanish soil, as far back as the 12th century, and for those of you who aren’t afraid of heights, make sure you check out the Puente de San Pablo:
An iconic iron footbridge spanning the gorge that sunders the town, it offers incredible views of the cliff-backed Cuenca, the surrounding nature, and of course, the omnipresent Hanging Houses—by the way, this is where those crowd-free, postcard-ready pictures are taken.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
Sign Up To Receive Our Twice Weekly Newsletter With Free Travel Hacks: The Upgrade!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.