As everyone knows, the COVID-19 pandemic has now been going for a year now. After being locked-down at home, or simply unable to travel, the good news is that travel to Spain is opening up again, albeit to UK and EU residents. Rural holidays are relaxing and perfect at the best of times. However, right now, it really makes sense to tour the beautiful rural areas of this lovely country. Here are Culture Trip’s top five rural destinations in Spain including beach areas, mountainous regions and gorgeous locations in the countryside.
1. Catalan Pyrenees
Now that Europe is introducing a Digital Health Pass, one of the best locations to head to is Catalonia and the beautiful Catalan Pyrenees.
Many of Spain’s national parks are located in the north-eastern Spanish region of Catalonia, including the Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. This lovely park has stunning mountainous landscapes, backed by the soaring and beautiful peaks of the Pyrenees. However, this lovely area also features almost 200 lakes and is an ideal area for trekking in the summer months. The best part of the summer season is that the 10 refuges in the park open up for trekkers to sleep in and relax before the next day’s adventures.
2. Green Galicia
Located in the northwest of Spain, Galicia is a gorgeous, lush, green area with beautiful hilly landscapes. The region is known for its strong Celtic history, but is also famed as being the end point on the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. This lovely region with its beautiful countryside and rugged coastline is wonderful to explore. Off the region’s west coast, visitors can enjoy the Illas Cies chain of islands which offer some of the best, quiet beaches in the region.
3. The lovely Basque Country
This beautiful region is famed for Bilbao and San Sebastian, with their art and gastronomy. However, heading into the Basque Country (Pais Vasco) countryside, visitors can enjoy beautiful green landscapes with dramatic valleys and many quaint, traditional Basque stone or half-timbered houses. Many rural bed and breakfasts offer the best stay, while the region’s coastline offers rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches and more charming villages.
4. Quiet Formentera in the Balearic Islands
Everyone knows the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, however the lesser-known Formentera is an equally beautiful, but quieter destination. Located only 6 km (4 mi) off the southern coast of Ibiza, the island is 19 km (12 mi) long. While small, Formentera has gorgeous white-sand beaches, one of which has been deemed the best in Europe. The island is also famous for being a hippy hangout. Even better, renowned singer Joni Mitchell wrote her 1971 album blue while staying here.
5. Andalucia and its Pueblos Blancos
One of the most charming area of Spain is located in Andalucia. The charming Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of the region celebrate their Moorish past with beautiful clean white homes, decked with geraniums and bougainvillea. One of the best locations is in the Sierra de Grazalema Natinal Park in Cadiz province. This is a beautiful area for hiking, horse riding and climbing and is also a biosphere reserve since 1977. The quaint towns of Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz and Grazalema are well worth a visit.
Experience beautiful rural Spain in summer 2021 – you will find yourself returning every year for the gorgeous landscapes, quaint towns and lovely beaches.
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