Off Spain's Beaten Path

When people think of Spain, the think of sun, sangria, and flamenco. Since living in Pais Vasco for two years, I can confirm that there is much, much more to Spain than these stereotypes. Of course, you can find these things throughout the country, but for your next Spain holiday in 2013, why not try something a little different? Here are my suggestions:

Asturias

Asturias, located in Northern Spain, has beaches, nature, and amazing food. If hiking is your thing, you can venture into the Picos de Europa, the mountain range for mountain climbing or horseback riding. The beaches are pristine, and not as crowded as some you would see in Alicante or Benidorm. The typical dish of Asturias is fabada, a hearty bean stew that you shouldn't miss. Make sure to wash it down with some Asturian cider (sidra), but take a hint from the locals and don't drink the last sip-toss it on the ground! 

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

Even if you're not up for the long walk that is the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela is a unique, beautiful city. The cathedral in and of itself is worth the trip, as its architecture will take your breath away. Peek inside where the bones of St. James are said to rest. It will probably rain at least once when you're there, so pack your rain boots and an umbrella! Seafood is fresh and plentiful, and if you're brave you should try pulpa a la gallega, fresh octopus prepared the Galician way. Delicious! 

Tarifa-Andalucia

Tarifa has beautiful beaches, but it's not the best place for swimming. It's one of the windiest places in Spain, which makes it uncomfortable for sunbathing, but amazing for kite surfing and other water sports. The village is small and quaint, with tiny bars and restaurants to explore. Tarifa is also the closest part of Spain to Africa, so it's possible to take a ferry to Tangier for the day if you're feeling adventerous. 

Valladolid-Castilla y Leon

I might be a little biased as this was the first ever place I lived in Spain, but if you are looking for Spanish immersion on your holiday, Valladolid is the place to go. This region is thought to have the purest Spanish spoken in all of the country, so your language skills can only improve. If you're interested in history, Valladolid was the capital of Spain before Madrid, and was the home of Miguel de Cervantes. There are countless museums, churches, and monuments to see. 

Lekeitio-Basque Country

Anyone will tell you-Basque Country is different! If you want to see just how different, you need to visit Lekeitio. It is definitely off the beaten path, but if you can survive the winding roads, you'll be rewarded with amazing views and delicious food. In Lekeitio, many people speak Basque as their first language, so be prepared to not hear as much Spanish. The beaches are amazing, and there is a tidal island that you can walk out to and explore at low tide. It's a small village, but a great place to see how Basque people live. If you can, try and go for the Goose Festival in late summer. 

Originally posted 4.15.13