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Destinations Bookmark This: Hidden Gems Of Spain Nobody Talks About!
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Bookmark This: Hidden Gems Of Spain Nobody Talks About!

While Spain’s Ibiza has cemented its name as a traveller’s paradise on the world map, here are five other hidden gems of Spain.

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By: Presha Mahajan Published: Jul 02, 2021 08:00 AM IST

Bookmark This: Hidden Gems Of Spain Nobody Talks About!
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock

While Spain’s Ibiza has cemented its name as a traveller’s paradise on the world map, the Land of Paellas has a lot more in store for you. We reveal some of the often overlooked destinations. By Presha Mahajan

My trip to Spain was an adventurous one. Despite a couple of mishaps, stolen passports, tears galore, forced detours, it soon became a trip to remember. Here are five hidden treasures I discovered in this gorgeous country.

Gothic markets in Barcelona

Spain

Do you tend to avoid overcrowded tourist attractions and prefer exploring a city’s hidden nooks and crannies? Then step away from the good ol’ La Rambla, and into the Plaça de Santa Maria, Plaça de Jacint Reventós, and Placeta de Montcada of the Ribera district instead—a cluster of Gothic streets and markets that will leave you feeling like a protagonist from a Jane Austen novel.

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The area surrounds the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a discreet Catalan Gothic church. While strolling through the streets, prepare to encounter endless streams of shops standing snug between narrow alleyways and old walls. You’ll find clothes, shoes and jewellery shops; perfume DIY workshops; graffiti walls and fairy lights; and an analog photography heaven with rows of vintage cameras and a dark room to get your films developed. For when your stomach rumbles, head over to Mimo’s Born—a personal favourite—to munch on a delicious snack.

Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Catalonia

Spain

You’ll find all your post-retirement plans coming to life at this quaint village tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located near Calella, 36 kilometres north of Barcelona, this municipality is a natural paradise. The coastal town has breathtaking shores with blue-green waters; streets dotted with colourful pastel houses; lush gardens, trees and flowers; and clear-blue skies with puffs of majestic clouds to gaze at.

Spain

Visit quintessential fruit vendors who sell olives and barrels of homemade wine, sniff sweet fragrances at the florists’, and explore the quiet neighbourhoods. Llavaneres, as it is fondly called in Spain, houses one of the finest golf courses with expansive green fields and a picturesque sea-view. Go ahead and play a game or two, if that’s your beat!

Spain

Finally, don’t forget to visit El Piccarol—an endearing, cosy cafe brimming with locals sipping on scrumptious sangrias, sandwiches, fresh croissants, baguettes, and so much more! If you’re in luck, there might just be a few fluffy dogs for you to pet, too.

Ermita de Sant Pau, Catalonia

Spain

At Sant Pol De Mar’s northern end lies an unassuming, charming old church: Ermita de Sant Pau. Although the church itself appears to be closed for the public, this treasure accounts for a splendid view. After a climb up the church, you’ll find yourself overlooking rows of brown roofs and a lovely beach.

Sit beside a little garden atop the rustic building or gaze at sunset from this spot for an experience unlike any other. If you want to enjoy authentic Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines, the nearby Restaurant Margot awaits you.

Malasaña, Madrid

One of the trendiest hipster neighbourhoods of Madrid is Malasaña. This area is often frequented by locals, owing to its raw yet authentic atmosphere, colourful streets and refreshing urban vibe. A simple walk in this neighbourhood is enough to make your senses come alive. Picture street art teeming with colours and creativity dominating the walls and doors; thrift and vintage shops for clothes, books or art pieces; and funky cafes and restaurants with unique themes, where hipsters and students can be found chatting away.

 

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Consider attending cultural events or visiting museum exhibitions or one of its many theatres. While you’re there, stroll through the iconic market Mercado de San Ildefonso for a taste of original Spanish goodies, and end your day at a local tavern or speakeasy.

The Kissing Wall, Barcelona (Spain)

 

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Hidden in a square just a few turns down the road from the Cathedral of Barcelona, The Kissing Wall is named after its art piece, El Món Neix en Cada Besada—which translates to ‘The World Begins With Every Kiss.’ From a distance, this mosaic mural looks like a shot of two people kissing. However, it tells a more intimate story up-close.

In 2014, it was originally set up as a temporary exhibition on Catalonia Day by photographer Joan Fontcuberta. He asked readers of a local newspaper to send in photos of their personal moments of freedom. They received pictures ranging from family photos and beach days to birthday parties and political graffiti. Of these, 4,000 were printed onto tiles and arranged to look like a kiss—a symbol of love and freedom. On a wall next to it reads an inscription: “The sound of a kiss isn’t as loud as a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer.” And, it was never taken down since.

Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on COVID-19 for all the latest travel guidelines.

Related: Explore Castilla y León: The Heart Of Spain Is All About Gastronomic Proportions

Written By

Presha Mahajan

Presha Mahajan

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