5 Adventures in Spain Off the Beaten Path

While the classic Spain vacation itinerary includes well-trodden cities such as Seville, Barcelona and Madrid, venturing into the country’s far reaches offers a window into its soul. Think tiny mountain villages, stretches of unspoiled countryside and beaches untouched by mass tourism, as well as locals whose warmth and hospitality add to the charm. Exploring Spain off the beaten path isn’t always intuitive, though, as you need a certain degree of insider savvy about where to go and what to do. That’s where our CB Travel Advisor team comes in — we work with vetted travel partners whose deep connections allow us to craft immersive itineraries filled with experiences you can’t otherwise access.

We spoke with one of our partners to put together five ideas for an out-of-the-ordinary Spain vacation. Inspired? Reach out to us to talk about these and other possibilities in more detail!

Spain Off the Beaten Path: 5 Ideas for Where to Go

Cycle in Basque Country

When asked to plan a custom bike trip through northern Spain for a group of adult cycling enthusiasts, CB Travel Advisor Sydney Memmott reached out to our partner for help with booking vetted guides. The local cycling experts they engaged — including an Olympic medalist — earned raves for their knowledge of the perfect rides for the group’s skill level, the most spectacular scenery, the best places to stop for lunch and countless other details that elevated the experience all around. Our partner also arranged for a talented massage therapist to knead away aches and pains after long days of pounding the pedals.

Such prowess is typical of the contacts with whom our partner has carefully cultivated relationships over the years, and the team prides itself on its network of local resources throughout Spain who can meet virtually any challenge with which they are tasked. “After so many years of just saying yes [to client requests],” he says, “we have an amazing address book of collaborators.”

Taste Your Way Through Secret Vineyards

Spain is famed for its La Rioja wine region, but our partner specializes in introducing travelers to lesser-known pockets of wine country as well. “We had an American lady who said, ‘We want to do a really cool wine tour through Spain, but not the typical regions — we don’t want to see any other Americans,'” our partner says. They created an itinerary that took the clients from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, dotted with smaller vineyards and led by a guide with access to obscure but wonderful wineries that aren’t usually open to the public. “They made special exceptions for us,” our partner says. 

Of course, a Spanish wine experience wouldn’t be complete without food. Our partner can arrange for all sorts of culinary highlights: a private wine and tapas pairing session with a certified sommelier; a cooking class in a local home; or a visit and tasting in the kitchen of a Michelin-star chef, for instance.

Delve into Northern Spain’s Unique Culture

Some of Spain’s best hidden gems await in northern regions like Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia. These areas combine rugged landscapes with distinctive cultural traditions and a taste of countryside life, far from the major cities. “The focus is more on the coastal and rural areas,” our partner explains. “You’re meeting fishermen, the lady who fixes nets in the port, a shepherd in the mountains. It’s not all glamorous, but it’s super interesting for everyone.” 

Northern Spain has its own gastronomic traditions as well, and our partner works with guides who can lead visits to cider farms in Asturias and a tiny, acclaimed anchovy producer in the same region, or introduce you to the local Gamonéu cheese that’s smoked and then aged in hillside caves. Thanks to the Picos de Europa mountain range, there’s excellent hiking nearby, from gentle slopes to steep inclines. This is also an ideal area to pair with the Camino de Santiago, if you’d like to walk a bit of this legendary pilgrimage route that ends in Santiago de Compostela.

Soak Up the Sun on Menorca

The island of Mallorca is a beloved Spanish beach destination, but its neighbor, tiny Menorca, flies under the radar. “It’s an island where families from Barcelona and Madrid tend to go, and also some British families,” our partner says. “It’s a very pleasant atmosphere. Super safe — you’ll never see a policeman — super clean, and just a really cool Mediterranean vibe.” Because it’s a UNESCO-protected biosphere, he adds, there are strict rules around building along the coast, which means you won’t see the chain hotels or mega-resorts that have overtaken some of Spain’s other shores.

Menorca’s gorgeous sands and pristine waters are perfect for those who crave idle days sunning and swimming, but there’s plenty to appeal to more active travelers. Snorkel or embark on a sail to spot the abundant marine life, or explore the island on horseback or bike. Our partner’s co-owner grew up on the island and has the contacts to facilitate some really special activities here — talk about local expertise!

Trek Around Tenerife

The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is fantastic for families. The list of possibilities our partner offers here is long and varied: Take an excursion to the volcanic Mount Teide accompanied by a volcanologist; hike to the lush Masca Valley and its namesake village; stroll around a fish market with a local fisherman; board a boat to spot whales and dolphins. “This is [a place] where a family can be busy,” our partner says.

He recommends two particular times of year for visiting Tenerife: spring break, as water temperatures are warm enough for swimming; and July through August, when locals tend to outnumber foreign visitors and temperatures never climb too high. And while they typically suggest hotels over villas in other Spanish destinations, Tenerife is one place where they do coordinate villa stays, complete with housekeepers and chefs — ideal for those who crave space to spread out.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and activities in Spain on Ciao Bambino

52 essential tips for a family vacation in Spain

How to choose the right Spain beach vacation with kids

Basque charm and foodie Bliss in San Sebastián with kids

Essential tips for exploring Spain’s Costa Brava with kids

Tips for walking the Camino de Santiago with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.