Spain is an endlessly surprising destination.

---

While Barcelona, Madrid and the restaurants of the Basque Country may be among the most visited spots in Europe, here we unearth natural wonders and lesser-known architectural feats worth travelling for. With its rich history, vast landscapes, stunning coastlines and pretty towns, the country offers countless opportunities for outdoor exploring. From the crystalline pools of Los Pilones to the cobbled, medieval streets of Cuenca, here are the most beautiful places in Spain to visit.

SIURANA, CATALONIA

One of the loveliest villages in the country, Siurana is perched high in the Prades mountains overlooking its namesake reservoir. The town is made up of ancient cobbled streets, beautifully preserved medieval stone houses and the Romanesque-style church of Santa Maria. It is particularly well-known for its striking cliffs and hiking trails that climbers travel to from all over the world.

EL HIERRO, CANARY ISLANDS

This is the smallest, westernmost and least-known of the Canary Islands whose lack of tourism makes it also the best preserved. Its landscapes are made up of peaks, plateaus and volcano cones (it has the densest volcanic concentration of the Canaries), as well as plunging gorges, deserts and humid woodlands. What’s more, the isle's pristine waters are part of a marine reserve – turtles, stingrays, dolphins and even the elusive whale shark can be seen here – making it one of the world’s best diving sites.

CUDILLERO, ASTURIAS

In-the-know Spaniards come to this tranquil fishing village on a little-known stretch of Asturias coast to unwind. It’s hardly surprising given the scene: bright-blue water lapping a cove, with cliffs stippled in colourful houses, their window frames appearing to be sketched shades of crayon, and a blissfully slow pace of life that harmonises with the tide. Take in this time warp of a town from the Cimedevilla viewpoint before descending into its warren of tiny tapas bars for fresh seafood and local cider.

CIES ARCHIPELAGO, GALICIA

The Romans called the Cíes Islands in Galicia the islands of the Gods because of their turquoise waters and white beaches, a surprising combination in this part of north-west Spain. The sweeping Praia das Rodas links the two main isles and attracts the biggest crowds, but walk a little further and find the protected, less busy coves of Praia de Nossa Señora or Praia das Figueiras. With no cars or hotels, this is the perfect day-trip destination.

LOS PILONES, CÁCERES

Consisting of more than a dozen crystalline, blue-green pools, Los Pilones was created by the water rushing down from the nearby Sierra de Tormantos mountains, resulting in smooth, rounded stones. White cherry blossom blankets the surrounding banks in spring, a particularly lovely time to visit.

LAS SALINAS, IBIZA

On a long expanse of sand surrounded by a nature reserve, the beaches here are backed by dunes and the sea is so salty it’s gloriously easy to stay afloat. Beyond the shore are pine forests and spectacular salt flats. Watch the sun set on a walk to the old pirate tower along the sun-bleached rock formations.

MONTAÑAS DEL FUEGO, LANZAROTE

You're never far from a volcano on this eastern-most, lunar-like Canary Isle but the most impressive cluster is the Montañas del Fuego in Timanfaya National Park. Their magnificent black slopes are streaked with elemental rusty orange and dusty purple. Make sure to try dishes cooked with heat from the volcano at El Diablo restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling views of the park.

Source: https://www.cntraveller.com/bc/gallery/beautiful-places-spain