These underrated spots are ideal for those who would like to travel during the low season as they will find tranquillity, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Now, let us look at some of the best Spanish destinations to visit during the off season, their positive attributes, and more.
1. Ronda: The Majestic Mountain Town
Ronda, a charming town situated in the picturesque region of Andalusia, is famous for the gorge of El Tajo, which divides the town into two halves. In high season, it is not surprising to see the streets of Ronda filled with visitors and the famous Puente Nuevo bridge. However, seeing the city in the offseason gives you a chance to enjoy architectural beauty without the crowds. Offseason offers visitors a chance to explore and enjoy the attractions of the destinations they intend to visit:
Tranquillity: The summer time is more relaxed, especially during the offseason and this is the perfect time to tour the town with its paved roads.
Mild Climate: It has a relatively warm climate even during winter, which makes it ideal for visiting Ronda, which has many natural attractions.
Local Festivals: It is possible to experience the local culture through such events as Ronda Romántica which is a festival that brings out the 19th-century feel of the town.
2. Salamanca: The Golden City
Salamanca is a historic city with famous ‘golden sandstone’ buildings and a famous university that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although it attracts a large number of students and tourists during the academic year and summer holidays, the best time to visit is during other periods of the year. But why should one visit Salamanca in the off-season?
Academic Serenity: There are fewer students around and that means that you can walk around the historic university and the Plaza Mayor without having to dodge hundreds of students.
Cultural Immersion: Integrate themselves into the culture and embrace the different local celebrations such as the winter carnival festivity of Las Águedas.
Affordable Accommodation: This is comparatively cheap, especially during the off-season for hotels and hostels.
3. Girona: A Medieval Marvel
Girona is a city in Catalonia with many well-preserved medieval structures steeped in history. Its old town, with narrow streets and stone houses and walls, is a charming place when the hot summer tourists are gone. So, why is it important to travel during the off-season?
Peaceful Exploration: It is great to be able to walk through the Jewish area without guides, admire the architecture of the Girona Cathedral, and even walk through the city walls leisurely.
Game of Thrones Tours: Audiences of the show can engage in quieter, more guided tours to the scenes that were shot in the series.
Culinary Delights: Enjoy traditional Catalan food in restaurants and avoid the inconvenience of having to book in advance or wait for a table.
4. Cáceres: A Timeless Treasure
Cáceres is another of the UNESCO sites in the Extremadura region and a place where one can easily travel back in time. The Roman, Islamic, Gothic and renaissance styles of architecture seen here make it a history-loving place but it is best to visit during off season, and below we have listed a few more reasons why.
Historical Depth: There are significantly fewer tourists in Cáceres which means that one can explore palaces, churches and towers that Cáceres has to offer at one’s own pace.
Bird Watching: Bird watching is one of the main attractions of the region and the best time to visit Extremadura and the natural parks around is in the off-season.
Local Cuisine: Savor Mexican breakfasts of migas and Spanish cheeses of Torta del Casar in a casual atmosphere.
5. La Palma: The Green Island
La Palma is a powerful and meaningful place that reflects on the efforts of people to improve their lives and the world around them.
La Palma is one of the Canary Islands, and it is covered with green vegetation and is a place of extraordinary beauty. In comparison to such popular island destinations as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, La Palma remains relatively unknown, but it is also much more peaceful and less crowded during the low season. Why is it smart to visit during the off season?
Outdoor Activities: It is therefore possible to hike the many trails on the island, tour the craters, and visit the forests of the island during the early months of the year and late months of the year and still not be troubled by the high season rush.
Star Gazing: La Palma is a Starlight Reserve of UNESCO and the night sky at this time of the year is not obscured by clouds and other objects.
Local Life: Feel the atmosphere of relaxation and get acquainted with people on the island.
6. Cuenca: The Hanging Houses
One of the most famous places in Spain is Cuenca, located in the Castilla-La Mancha region is known for the so-called casas colgadas – houses built right on the cliffs of a deep gorge. This Spanish city is much less touristy than many other famous Spanish cities, especially during the low season. Why should one go on a vacation to Cuenca in the off season?
Architectural Wonders: Visit the hanging houses and marvel at the medieval structures found in the city without the bustle of tourist crowds.
Art and Culture: Go to the numerous museums and art galleries – to the Museum of Abstract Art, for example, when there is more personal space and time.
Natural Beauty: There are several natural parks and rivers to explore in the area and it is advisable to do so alone.
7. Menorca: The Tranquil Island
Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands, although much less famous than Ibiza or Mallorca. But still, its beautiful, unspoiled sandy coast, small captivating towns, and historical attractions make it perfect for visiting in the low season. But why must you go in the low season?
Secluded Beaches: Discover the beauty of Menorca’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on a quiet island.
Mild Weather: This is because the island experiences mild weather during the off-season which makes it ideal for various outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Local Festivals: Discover Menorca's local celebrations and fairs while avoiding the crowds of the high tourist season.
The offbeat destinations of Spain provide a different and more laid-back approach to visiting Spain’s popular tourist attractions. This means that the destinations mentioned are ideal for tourists who want to engage with the local people, appreciate stunning sceneries, and visit historical places without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Therefore, do not hesitate to grab your suitcase and start exploring the hidden gems of Spain.