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We all know the pull of the Spanish coast. There’s something undeniable about the combination of salty air, a chilled glass of tinto de verano, and the rhythmic sound of the Mediterranean. But if you’ve ever found yourself sitting on a crowded beach in the Costa Brava, wondering what lies beyond the resort gates, this post is for you.
Spain is a country of layers. While the “Big Two”—Barcelona and Madrid—rightly claim their fame, there’s a certain magic in the smaller, quieter cities. For solo travellers, these under-the-radar spots are often the most rewarding when accessed from a comfortable base like a Eurocamp park, allowing you to avoid the overwhelming tourist crowds of the city centres.
If you’re planning a trip and want to see a different side of the country, here are five underrated cities perfect for solo exploration.
1. Girona: The Medieval Dream
Just a short hop inland from the Costa Brava, Girona feels like stepping back in time. With its colourful houses reflected in the Onyar River and its narrow, winding medieval streets, it’s a city made for “thoughtful wandering.”
- Solo highlight: Walking the Passeig de la Muralla. These are the old city walls that offer incredible views over the rooftops and out towards the Pyrenees. It’s peaceful, free, and the perfect place to get your bearings.
- The vibe: Intimate and historic. It’s famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but even without the dragons, the Jewish Quarter (El Call) is one of the best-preserved in Europe.
2. Tarragona: History by the Sea
If you love the idea of Roman ruins but find Rome itself a bit much, Tarragona is your answer. Located on the Costa Dorada, this city combines ancient history with a breezy, salty atmosphere.
- Solo highlight: The Roman Amphitheatre. There’s something profoundly moving about sitting in an ancient arena with the bright blue Mediterranean as the backdrop.
- The vibe: Sunny and unpretentious. Head to the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” at sunset—it’s a local tradition to “touch the iron” (tocar ferro) of the railings for good luck.
3. Santander: Northern Elegance
Welcome to “Green Spain.” Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a world away from the dusty plains of the south. It’s elegant, royal, and surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush hills.
- Solo highlight: A walk around the Magdalena Peninsula. You can visit the royal palace, see the penguins at the small open-air marine park, and enjoy the sea breeze without needing a car.
- The vibe: Sophisticated but outdoorsy. The food here’s exceptional—make sure to try some rabas (fried squid) at a local tavern.
4. Figueres: A Surreal Escape
Birthplace of the surrealist master Salvador Dalí, Figueres is a quirky little city that packs a punch. It’s smaller than the others on this list, making it a very manageable day trip.
- Solo highlight: The Dalí Theatre-Museum. It’s the largest surrealist object in the world and utterly bizarre in the best way possible. Exploring it alone allows you to take your time with the optical illusions.
- The vibe: Artistic and slightly eccentric. Once you’ve stepped away from the museum, the town has some lovely, quiet plazas perfect for a solo coffee and people-watching.
5. Reus: The Birthplace of Vermouth
Often bypassed by those heading to the nearby theme parks, Reus is a hidden gem for architecture and food lovers. It’s the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, and while he didn’t leave any buildings here, his contemporaries certainly did.
- Solo highlight: The “Modernist Route.” Follow the map to discover stunning 19th-century buildings. Afterwards, head to a local bar to try the city’s famous vermouth—it’s a ritual here!
- The vibe: Sophisticated and local. It feels like a “real” Spanish city where people live, work, and socialise, rather than a tourist hub.
Pro Tip: The Multi-City Strategy
For solo travellers, a multi-stay trip at well-facilitated holiday parks can be a great way to see more of Spain, allowing you to split your time between two or three different regions for a much deeper experience.
It’s particularly cost-efficient because of the self-catering angle; having a fully equipped kitchen means you aren’t forced to eat out for every single meal and can stock up on fresh, local ingredients.
Staying at a well-facilitated holiday park can be a brilliant ‘home base’ strategy. A great option for this is booking a Eurocamp holiday in Spain. Their sites offer a perfect balance of independence and security. You get the privacy of your own holiday home to relax in, but with the added peace of mind that comes from staying on a secure, managed site with on-site staff and amenities.
Top Tips for Solo Exploration
- Tapas culture: This is perfect for solo diners. Prop yourself up at the bar—it’s much more social than sitting at a table alone!
- Public transport: The Renfe train network is fantastic. It’s clean, reliable, and often much more scenic than driving.
- Mind the Siesta: Many shops and smaller museums close between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. It’s the perfect time for a long lunch or a rest before the evening buzz begins.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s true magic often lies just a few miles away from the main tourist hubs. Whether you’re wandering through the medieval shadows of Girona or sipping a local vermouth in a quiet Reus plaza, these underrated cities offer a depth of experience that’s hard to find in the more crowded hotspots.
By embracing a slower, multi-destination pace, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the vibrant culture of the city and the peaceful relaxation of the coast. So, next time you find yourself planning a Spanish getaway, why not venture a little further afield? You might just find your new favourite corner of the country.
