Underrated Spanish Cities That Work as Travel Bases
A city has to be good enough to keep you entertained while keeping you free for daytime adventures, whether that be the coastal area, mountainous region, or wherever else you are headed that day. This is what many travelers want from their base cities in Spain.
If you are unsure where to base yourself in Spain, choose something small and peaceful. Almeria, Girona, and Oviedo would be great destinations. You can also check out our list of underrated cities in Spain to choose more destinations for yourself.
Right after you arrive, it is worth taking a guided walking tour from FREETOUR.com, as it will be far better than wasting hours wandering around on your third day.
Quick Answer: Which Gateway City Fits Your Route?
Just because a small Spanish town is charming doesn’t automatically make it an ideal base. Indeed, it should have several fundamental characteristics: plenty to do at night, a clear regional identity, good highways to get you where you need to be, and, ideally, be safe for traveling alone in Spain.
By the way, the quality of roads matters far more than most realize. Easy highway access systems, combined with convenient motorway connections, will ensure you are not forced to spend hours traveling on a dirt road to reach your destination. Also, having numerous nearby parking options means you can simply park and walk around. And if you rent a vehicle, being located near a rental car hub allows you to travel on your own schedule (though it is always smart to take an organized day trip first).
Start in Almería with a local walking tour where a guide will explain why your visit here feels so unique compared to others. This town is so much more than a simple pretty stop. Almería has a rich Moorish heritage and is a solid choice for those looking to experience Andalusia outside of Granada or Seville.
Take a walk through the streets, and you will notice the Alcazaba of Almería, which is a large fortress. You will also see the Almería Cathedral, which resembles a fort. However, the city of Almería itself is only part of the adventure. Venture off towards the Mediterranean Sea, and you will find several of the peaceful beaches located along the Costa de Almería. Venture further away, and you will enter the Tabernas Desert. It is truly a wild and untouched landscape that was once used as a backdrop for film tourism. Almería is actually one of the Spanish cities used in movies that film fans still come looking for. Additionally, you will find the Cable Inglés, which is an old pier that has become somewhat of a nostalgic relic from a bygone era. Also, take a trip to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, which is well worth the drive.
All this makes Almería one of the best Spanish cities for day trips with its close proximity to both the sea and desert. However, keep in mind that summer months in the desert are extremely hot.
In many ways, Girona represents everything that comes to mind when thinking of Catalonia. At the heart of Girona lies the Onyar River, which has many colorful homes lining both sides of it.
Walk up into the Força Vella district, and you are standing right on ancient stone walls that have been around since Roman times. Walking down, you will reach the historic Jewish Quarter, as well as Girona Cathedral, and the Arab Baths hidden within the medieval quarter. Take a moment to get oriented in Girona with a local walking tour so you can understand what you are seeing. Once you have completed your stroll across the city, cross the famous Pont de Pedra bridge and enjoy the views.
One of the main benefits of this city is its location. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava are approximately an hour's drive from Girona. Additionally, the beautiful Pyrenees are relatively close. Very few other major cities offer travelers such a quick transition from sea to mountain. Girona really deserves a spot near the top of the underrated Spanish cities for regional travel.
This region has also developed itself into a significant culinary destination due to its local Catalan gastronomy. Honestly, sometimes it is one of the foodie cities people build whole trips around.
Lastly, art lovers may be interested in visiting the Dalí Triangle — a collection related to Salvador Dali, which offers visitors ample opportunities for a single-day excursion.
Oviedo is one of those walkable cities in Spain that moves at a more relaxed pace than the South. The Old Town of Oviedo is a relatively compact area that can be easily explored on foot. Its layout is centered on the stunning Cathedral of San Salvador. That area spills over into the Plaza del Fontán, where the weekly markets take place.
The middle of Oviedo gets a little bit of natural beauty courtesy of the San Francisco Park. A short stroll from the central part of the city takes you to Calle Gascona (Boulevard of Cider). On this street, Asturian cider culture is something usual. People pour cider from great heights, and half of it ends up on the floor. Nobody seems to care.
Just outside town, Oviedo also has some pretty rare old churches. Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo are two rare examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.
Also, Oviedo is within a day trip from the beautiful Costa Verde coastline. And the Picos de Europa mountain range is similarly accessible. As the former capital of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo is a great destination to return to after a day spent traveling through the region.
Actually, it is better to discover Oviedo before exploring the rest of Asturias, as it makes a lot more sense once you have seen the city up close first. In addition, Oviedo, like Northern Spain, generally remains cooler during the summer months.
A day trip stop is simply somewhere you drive by — take a picture, pick up some food to go, spend an hour or two looking around, and then go back.
A base city is an actual location where you will be spending several days, eating at restaurants, walking around, hanging out at night, etc, and using it as easy access to the surrounding coast, mountains, or countryside.
Of the many gateway cities in Spain, the best ones are those which don’t become boring after you have visited the major tourist attractions. Choosing a city that provides entertainment on both a relaxing evening and during inclement weather can prevent a traveler from experiencing problems later in their trip.
There are many reasons why you should consider taking a walking tour as your first activity. Once you have an idea of how all the neighborhoods are connected, as well as the layout of the old downtown area compared to the surrounding areas, this will make it much easier for you to plan the trip. That is the whole local walking tour concept behind FREETOUR.com.
Regardless of which city you choose, make sure to research possible day trip distances from your selected city, leave room for a flexible itinerary in your schedule to adjust to changing weather conditions, and plan transportation before arrival at your destination.
What is a gateway city in Spain?
Gateway cities aren’t your final destination. They are often more of a "base" where you will have enough to do at night before heading out into the nearby coastal/mountain/countryside areas that are the real reason you traveled to Spain.
Which underrated Spanish cities make good bases for day trips?
You should consider Almería, Girona, or Oviedo as your “home” when planning day trips. Each offers easy access to something new, but avoids the crowds and higher cost of some of Spain’s larger cities.
Is Almería a good base for exploring Cabo de Gata?
Absolutely. Cabo de Gata is approximately 30-40 minutes from Almería. If you have rented a car, then traveling to some of the less crowded beaches and scenic overlooks along the coastline will be significantly easier.
Is Girona a good base for Costa Brava and the Pyrenees?
Definitely. It is positioned perfectly between Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. Therefore, you could easily go on a beach excursion one day and take a mountain trip the next day without having to switch your hotel.
Is Oviedo a good base for exploring Asturias?
It sure is. You are right in the middle of all things, and you are close to Costa Verde and Picos de Europa. Plus, you will find that Oviedo is so small you won't need a car to get around once you arrive.
Should I rent a car when using these cities as bases?
Rent a car for Almeria and some areas of Asturias because it is much easier to travel through the natural parks. Girona is a little more adaptable.
How is this different from a regular city-break guide?
A regular city-break guide treats the city as the whole point of the trip. This one is different — the city's just your starting point, the comfy home base you come back to while you explore everything around it.
If you are unsure where to base yourself in Spain, choose something small and peaceful. Almeria, Girona, and Oviedo would be great destinations. You can also check out our list of underrated cities in Spain to choose more destinations for yourself.
Right after you arrive, it is worth taking a guided walking tour from FREETOUR.com, as it will be far better than wasting hours wandering around on your third day.
Quick Answer: Which Gateway City Fits Your Route?
- If you want desert, beach, and film location experiences → Almería
- If you want Costa Brava, Pyrenees, and Catalan towns → Girona
- If you want a mountainous region, coastal experience, and cider culture → Oviedo
What Makes a City a Good Travel Base?
Just because a small Spanish town is charming doesn’t automatically make it an ideal base. Indeed, it should have several fundamental characteristics: plenty to do at night, a clear regional identity, good highways to get you where you need to be, and, ideally, be safe for traveling alone in Spain.
By the way, the quality of roads matters far more than most realize. Easy highway access systems, combined with convenient motorway connections, will ensure you are not forced to spend hours traveling on a dirt road to reach your destination. Also, having numerous nearby parking options means you can simply park and walk around. And if you rent a vehicle, being located near a rental car hub allows you to travel on your own schedule (though it is always smart to take an organized day trip first).
Almería — A Base for Desert, Coast, and Film Landscapes
Start in Almería with a local walking tour where a guide will explain why your visit here feels so unique compared to others. This town is so much more than a simple pretty stop. Almería has a rich Moorish heritage and is a solid choice for those looking to experience Andalusia outside of Granada or Seville.
Take a walk through the streets, and you will notice the Alcazaba of Almería, which is a large fortress. You will also see the Almería Cathedral, which resembles a fort. However, the city of Almería itself is only part of the adventure. Venture off towards the Mediterranean Sea, and you will find several of the peaceful beaches located along the Costa de Almería. Venture further away, and you will enter the Tabernas Desert. It is truly a wild and untouched landscape that was once used as a backdrop for film tourism. Almería is actually one of the Spanish cities used in movies that film fans still come looking for. Additionally, you will find the Cable Inglés, which is an old pier that has become somewhat of a nostalgic relic from a bygone era. Also, take a trip to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, which is well worth the drive.
All this makes Almería one of the best Spanish cities for day trips with its close proximity to both the sea and desert. However, keep in mind that summer months in the desert are extremely hot.
Girona — A Base for Costa Brava, Pyrenees, and Catalan Heritage
In many ways, Girona represents everything that comes to mind when thinking of Catalonia. At the heart of Girona lies the Onyar River, which has many colorful homes lining both sides of it.
Walk up into the Força Vella district, and you are standing right on ancient stone walls that have been around since Roman times. Walking down, you will reach the historic Jewish Quarter, as well as Girona Cathedral, and the Arab Baths hidden within the medieval quarter. Take a moment to get oriented in Girona with a local walking tour so you can understand what you are seeing. Once you have completed your stroll across the city, cross the famous Pont de Pedra bridge and enjoy the views.
One of the main benefits of this city is its location. The beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava are approximately an hour's drive from Girona. Additionally, the beautiful Pyrenees are relatively close. Very few other major cities offer travelers such a quick transition from sea to mountain. Girona really deserves a spot near the top of the underrated Spanish cities for regional travel.
This region has also developed itself into a significant culinary destination due to its local Catalan gastronomy. Honestly, sometimes it is one of the foodie cities people build whole trips around.
Lastly, art lovers may be interested in visiting the Dalí Triangle — a collection related to Salvador Dali, which offers visitors ample opportunities for a single-day excursion.
Oviedo — A Base for Asturias, Coast, Mountains, and Cider Culture
Oviedo is one of those walkable cities in Spain that moves at a more relaxed pace than the South. The Old Town of Oviedo is a relatively compact area that can be easily explored on foot. Its layout is centered on the stunning Cathedral of San Salvador. That area spills over into the Plaza del Fontán, where the weekly markets take place.
The middle of Oviedo gets a little bit of natural beauty courtesy of the San Francisco Park. A short stroll from the central part of the city takes you to Calle Gascona (Boulevard of Cider). On this street, Asturian cider culture is something usual. People pour cider from great heights, and half of it ends up on the floor. Nobody seems to care.
Just outside town, Oviedo also has some pretty rare old churches. Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo are two rare examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.
Also, Oviedo is within a day trip from the beautiful Costa Verde coastline. And the Picos de Europa mountain range is similarly accessible. As the former capital of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo is a great destination to return to after a day spent traveling through the region.
Actually, it is better to discover Oviedo before exploring the rest of Asturias, as it makes a lot more sense once you have seen the city up close first. In addition, Oviedo, like Northern Spain, generally remains cooler during the summer months.
Which Gateway City Matches Your Travel Plan?
Travel Plan | City | Why It Fits |
Beaches, desert and film locations | Almería | Base for Cabo de Gata, Tabernas, Mediterranean coastal regions and Moorish cultural heritage. |
Mountains, coasts and Catalan town culture | Girona | Base for Costa Brava, Pyrenees Mountains, Medieval towns and traditional Catalan cuisine. |
Nature and culture of Northern Spain | Oviedo | Base for Asturias region, Costa Verde, Asturian pre-Romanesque heritage, Cider Culture. |
How to Choose the Right Base City
- If you enjoy having a little of everything, Almería is your choice — it is easily one of the most underrated coastal cities in Spain, where the coast and desert meet right alongside historic Moorish ruins.
- Girona would be your base for a less crowded version of Catalonia — the old town, mountainous and coastal areas are just a short drive away.
- Oviedo will be your base for Northern Spain — it has a compact downtown area that can be easily walked around and offers both mountains and coastal access.
Base City vs Day Trip Stop: What's the Difference?
A day trip stop is simply somewhere you drive by — take a picture, pick up some food to go, spend an hour or two looking around, and then go back.
A base city is an actual location where you will be spending several days, eating at restaurants, walking around, hanging out at night, etc, and using it as easy access to the surrounding coast, mountains, or countryside.
Of the many gateway cities in Spain, the best ones are those which don’t become boring after you have visited the major tourist attractions. Choosing a city that provides entertainment on both a relaxing evening and during inclement weather can prevent a traveler from experiencing problems later in their trip.
How Local Context Helps Before You Explore the Region
There are many reasons why you should consider taking a walking tour as your first activity. Once you have an idea of how all the neighborhoods are connected, as well as the layout of the old downtown area compared to the surrounding areas, this will make it much easier for you to plan the trip. That is the whole local walking tour concept behind FREETOUR.com.
Practical Notes Before Choosing a Gateway City
- Almería. Ideal for its landscapes. But to explore the Cabo de Gata area in its best light (and get the most from it), you will need a rental car.
- Girona. Ideal for combining city and beach experience. The distance between them is quite short and easy to navigate.
- Oviedo. Offers an excellent option for experiencing lush greenery. But the climate can be quite unpredictable compared to other areas of southern Spain.
Regardless of which city you choose, make sure to research possible day trip distances from your selected city, leave room for a flexible itinerary in your schedule to adjust to changing weather conditions, and plan transportation before arrival at your destination.
Final Take
- Almería — good for desert, beaches & old Moorish history + movie scenery all in one place.
- Girona — good for Catalonia without a lot of tourists, close to both coast and mountains (Costa Brava/Pyrenees).
- Oviedo — good for Asturias, cider, green scenery, easy access to mountains and coasts.
FAQ
What is a gateway city in Spain?
Gateway cities aren’t your final destination. They are often more of a "base" where you will have enough to do at night before heading out into the nearby coastal/mountain/countryside areas that are the real reason you traveled to Spain.
Which underrated Spanish cities make good bases for day trips?
You should consider Almería, Girona, or Oviedo as your “home” when planning day trips. Each offers easy access to something new, but avoids the crowds and higher cost of some of Spain’s larger cities.
Is Almería a good base for exploring Cabo de Gata?
Absolutely. Cabo de Gata is approximately 30-40 minutes from Almería. If you have rented a car, then traveling to some of the less crowded beaches and scenic overlooks along the coastline will be significantly easier.
Is Girona a good base for Costa Brava and the Pyrenees?
Definitely. It is positioned perfectly between Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. Therefore, you could easily go on a beach excursion one day and take a mountain trip the next day without having to switch your hotel.
Is Oviedo a good base for exploring Asturias?
It sure is. You are right in the middle of all things, and you are close to Costa Verde and Picos de Europa. Plus, you will find that Oviedo is so small you won't need a car to get around once you arrive.
Should I rent a car when using these cities as bases?
Rent a car for Almeria and some areas of Asturias because it is much easier to travel through the natural parks. Girona is a little more adaptable.
How is this different from a regular city-break guide?
A regular city-break guide treats the city as the whole point of the trip. This one is different — the city's just your starting point, the comfy home base you come back to while you explore everything around it.
