The Best Cities in Spain

Every week we bring you cities that are mostly off the beaten track, beautiful, largely non-touristic and absolutely worth a visit.

Hopefully, COVID will die down enough for all of you to plan a trip.

Santiago de Compostela

Magnetic and geothermal energy, and the way they are directed, often give certain places on our planet out-of-the-ordinary, peaceful energies. Santiago de Compostela is one such place. Even though it has it’s religious affiliations, this capital of Galicia in the northwest of Spain is known the world over for the completion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It is also claimed that it is the burial site of Saint James. The remains of this saint likely lie in the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela.

The old town of Santiago is recognised as one of the most exquisite venues with it’s Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Romanesque architecture which was prevalent from the 10th to the 11th century was influenced by Roman, Carolingian and Ottonian styles and these buildings are some of the engineering marvels of that time. This period was followed by Gothic architecture which was extremely popular in Europe from the mid of the 12th century straight through to the 16th century and is especially known for the pointed arches, generous spaces and stained glass windows. The Baroque period started approximately in 1600 in Rome and gained popularity through to the 17th and 18th centuries all over Europe. This architecture is particularly known for elaborate and intricate work. 

Santiago de Compostela is a classic example and a splendid city where you not only see some of the best monuments in the world but also all of the architectural styles and experience instant peace that may be more related to one of the enigmas related to the universe.

Donostia-San Sebastián

Not as popular with the average tourist, and perhaps not known to many, this very original town in the Bay of Biscay has some of the best beaches in the world.

After your days at the beaches the promenade on the bay front and the old town is where you should spend your evenings having pleasant walks exploring the town and its restaurants that offer the best of cuisine the Basque Country is known for. Quite justifiably, this region which was quite poor at one time, and today has the most Michelin starred restaurants on a per capita basis, thanks mainly to the Basque cuisine. There are also a host of affordable restaurants.

While there, make sure to visit some of the many pintxo bars where the wine pairing is done with bite sized snacks that are popular in the Basque country. By the time you’re done with the cost-effective and pleasurable bar hopping, the several pintxo or pincho or pinchu as they are called will leave you with no need for a formal meal while you enjoy being happily tipsy.

Cadaqués

Away from the throngs of tourists, just a little over two hours takes you from Barcelona to Cadaques. This place, a little hidden between the sea and the mountains, which is still a small fishing town, has everything to offer. You will have the best of scenery, history, architecture and the first-rate Spanish seafood. In addition, if rocky coasts, fabulous beaches, landscapes beyond belief and calm coves attract you, this is the locale to be in. Do visit the Cap de Creus Natural Park while there.

Not exactly secret places but places where heaven is both under your feet and above you.

Picture: Shutterstock / ID: 1426899563

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