Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget: Spain

What to See in Antequera: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Ava Sterling

12 December, 2025

Antequera is located in the center of Andalusia and is known for its rich history, from ancient megalithic tombs to Moorish fortresses. The Antequera Dolmens Site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016, includes three large tombs—Menga, Viera, and El Romeral—built between 5,500 and 4,000 years ago. The area also features two natural landmarks: Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers' Rock) and the unique El Torcal karst landscape. The Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress on a hill, played a key role in defending Granada during the Christian reconquest. Nearby, the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, completed in 1550, stands as the first example of Andalusian Renaissance architecture. Antequera is often called the "City of Churches" because it has 33 religious buildings, and its old town is filled with narrow streets, palaces, convents, and baroque facades. El Torcal Natural Park, 14 km to the south, is famous for its unusual limestone formations shaped over millions of years. The city is also known for molletes de Antequera, soft round bread rolls with Protected Geographical Indication, baked since the 16th century. Whether you are visiting ancient dolmens, climbing the Alcazaba for views, hiking in El Torcal, or enjoying molletes at sunrise, Antequera offers a blend of history and natural beauty.

What to See in Vitoria-Gasteiz: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Sofia Ricci

12 December, 2025

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Álava and the Basque Country, combines its medieval roots with a strong focus on sustainability. The old town still has its original almond-shaped layout, created when King Sancho VI "The Wise" founded the city more than 800 years ago. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa María, currently being restored through the "Open for Works" program that won the Europa Nostra 2000 award and inspired Ken Follett's novels, stands at the top of the old quarter. The cobbled streets are named after medieval trades like Herrería (ironworkers), Zapatería (shoemakers), and Cuchillería (knifemakers). Plaza de la Virgen Blanca is the heart of the city, featuring the Battle of Vitoria monument and San Miguel Church, which holds the shrine of the city's patron Virgin. Vitoria-Gasteiz was named European Green Capital in 2012 and Global Green City in 2019, and offers 46 square meters of green space per person, including a 30 km Green Ring of parks. The city’s pintxos bars are famous, with places like El Toloño serving the best Gilda and Sagartoki winning Best Pintxos Bar of Spain twice. Whether you’re climbing the cathedral scaffolding to see restoration work, cycling through the Green Ring, sampling pintxos in the old town, or visiting Renaissance palaces, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a great place to experience Basque culture, environmental progress, and excellent food.

What to See in Sanlúcar de Barrameda: Itinerary, Highlights & Tour Alexandra Dubakova

12 December, 2025

Sanlúcar de Barrameda sits on the Cádiz coast, where the Guadalquivir River meets the Atlantic Ocean and faces the protected shores of Doñana National Park. This historic port town is the only place where manzanilla sherry is made—a delicate, slightly salty white wine aged in seaside wineries. Sanlúcar played a key role in history as the departure point for Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, which completed the first trip around the world in 1519. The town’s upper and lower neighborhoods are full of history, from the Renaissance Palacio de los Duques de Medina Sidonia to whitewashed streets that lead to the lively Plaza del Cabildo. Every August, Sanlúcar hosts famous beach horse races, a tradition of 175 years, with purebred horses running along the Atlantic shore at low tide. Whether you’re enjoying fresh langostinos from the river, sipping chilled manzanilla, taking a boat to explore Doñana, or watching the horse races, Sanlúcar gives you a real taste of Andalusian coastal life, away from the usual tourist spots.

What to See in Oviedo: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Ava Sterling

11 December, 2025

Oviedo is Asturias' capital, a welcoming city where pre-Romanesque architecture meets vibrant modern life. The Cathedral of San Salvador preserves the Cámara Santa (Holy Chamber), a 9th-century pre-Romanesque treasure housing the Cross of Angels and Victory Cross—symbols of the Asturian monarchy. On Mount Naranco's slopes 3 km from the center, two UNESCO World Heritage pre-Romanesque churches—Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo—showcase unique 9th-century Asturian architecture. The historic center unfolds around Plaza del Fontán's picturesque market square, connecting medieval streets, Campo San Francisco park with its beloved Mafalda sculpture, and elegant boulevards lined with Belle Époque buildings. Whether you're exploring the Cathedral's Gothic cloisters, climbing the 80-meter Renaissance bell tower for panoramic views, wandering Old Oviedo's narrow lanes on a mysterious night tour, or visiting royal palaces turned churches on Mount Naranco, Oviedo offers authentic Asturian culture, architectural masterpieces, and warm hospitality—without tourist crowds.

What to See in Ourense: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Sofia Ricci

10 December, 2025

Ourense, sometimes called Orense, is known as the thermal capital of Galicia. Ancient hot springs run through the historic center, and you can enjoy free thermal pools just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago. The well-known As Burgas springs reach over 60°C as they come out of granite rock, giving you a special thermal experience in Spain. In addition to the hot springs, Ourense Cathedral features the impressive Pórtico del Paraíso, a 13th-century masterpiece that stands alongside Santiago de Compostela’s famous portico. The historic center is organized around Plaza Mayor, which connects the Cathedral, medieval streets, and the well-known Ponte Vella (Old Bridge) over the Miño River. Whether you visit the Cathedral, relax in riverside pools, stroll through Old Town squares, or explore the Sil Canyon’s wine terraces, Ourense offers authentic Galician culture, relaxing waters, and beautiful architecture without the crowds.

What to See in Valladolid: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours

10 December, 2025

Valladolid was once Spain’s capital, chosen by Philip III in 1601 when he moved the royal court from Madrid. This brought nobility, famous writers like Cervantes, and impressive architecture to the city. The National Sculpture Museum, set in the stunning Colegio de San Gregorio, holds Europe’s best collection of polychrome wood sculptures. Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s earliest rectangular plazas, is the heart of Valladolid’s lively tapas scene, earning it the title of Spain’s tapas capital. From Juan de Herrera’s unfinished Cathedral to the Royal Palace and the streets where Columbus died, Valladolid offers grand history, artistic treasures, and real Castilian life—without the crowds of Madrid.

What to See in Jaén: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours

09 December, 2025

Jaén is one of Andalusia's hidden gems, known for its impressive Renaissance cathedral and a hilltop castle with views over 66 million olive trees. The city is home to Spain's largest and best-preserved Arab baths from the 11th century, found beneath a Renaissance palace. In the La Magdalena neighborhood, narrow medieval streets are filled with stories of the legendary Lagarto that once frightened locals. You can explore the Cathedral’s long history, walk through the old Islamic baths, or enjoy the sweeping olive grove views from Santa Catalina Castle. Jaén combines Renaissance beauty, Moorish history, and real Andalusian culture, all without the usual crowds. As the world’s olive oil capital and a city with deep historical roots as the "Holy Kingdom," Jaén appeals to history fans, architecture lovers, and anyone looking for a less-traveled part of Spain.

What to See in Gijón: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Liam O'Connell

09 December, 2025

Gijón is the biggest coastal city in Asturias, with a 1.5km stretch of golden sand and Roman history dating back to the 1st century AD. The Cimavilla neighborhood sits on a clifftop and still feels like a fishing village, with narrow streets that were once home to sailors, cigarette sellers, and fishmongers. At the top of the headland, you’ll find Eduardo Chillida’s Elogio del Horizonte sculpture, looking out over the Cantabrian Sea. Beneath the modern city, you can visit underground Roman baths and the birthplace of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. Whether you’re surfing at Playa de San Lorenzo, exploring the Campo Valdés archaeological site, or tasting Asturian cider in a sidrería, Gijón offers a mix of beach life, ancient ruins, and maritime traditions—without the crowds. The city blends its industrial past with deep historical roots, attracting surfers, history lovers, and families who want to explore the waterfront on foot.

What to See in Cáceres: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Alexandra Dubakova

08 December, 2025

Cáceres has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town. Inside its ancient walls, the Ciudad Monumental features a unique mix of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture, shaped by centuries of different cultures. Around 30 Moorish towers still rise above the city, and cobblestone streets lead past noble palaces, fortified homes, and grand churches that remain untouched by modern changes. This authentic setting even caught the attention of Game of Thrones producers, who used Cáceres as King's Landing in Season 7. The city is also famous for its food, including Torta del Casar cheese, migas extremeñas, and traditional shepherd dishes that reflect its rural history. Every November, the Medieval Market of the Three Cultures celebrates the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences that define Cáceres. Whether you’re exploring Renaissance palaces near Plaza de Santa María, visiting the Arab cisterns under the Cáceres Museum, or enjoying local cheese in a cozy tavern, Cáceres offers a genuine Spanish experience without large tourist crowds.

What to See in Pontevedra: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours Sofia Ricci

08 December, 2025

Pontevedra, a captivating historic city in Galicia, northwestern Spain, is celebrated for its beautifully preserved old town and its status as one of Europe’s most pedestrian-friendly urban centers. The maze of stone streets, lively plazas, and elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings create an intimate and culturally rich atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy outstanding seafood, explore local markets, and experience the region’s traditions through festivals and museums. Thanks to its mild climate and location near the scenic Atlantic coastline, Pontevedra is an ideal base for exploring the beaches, vineyards, and natural landscapes of the Rías Baixas. This makes it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking a blend of heritage, gastronomy, and relaxed coastal charm.

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