If you are thinking of visiting Spain this summer, but you have already visited the main monuments such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Prado Museum in Madrid, La Alhambra in Granada, or Plaza de España in Seville, your next trip could be the perfect opportunity to discover these five suggestions of unusual places to visit in Spain that remain hidden for most foreign tourists.

1. Giant Sequoia Forest in Cantabria

Sequoia forests can be found not only in California. Although it is very unusual, in the region of Cantabria in northern Spain, you can also admire these majestic trees with robust trunks and unparalleled height.

The origin of this dense forest of giant sequoias dates back to the 1940s, when the mountain of Las Navas, very close to the town of Cabezón de la Sal (Cantabria), was repopulated with fast-growing foreign species. Nowadays, the park is easily accessible and boasts an exceptional ecosystem. The imposing size of its more than 80 specimens will blow you away! Its average height is 118 feet and its diameter is more than 60 inches.

2. Underground River of  St Josep Caves

The Grotto of St Josep, located in Vall d’Uixó (Castellón) is one of those places that will impress you forever. It is simply spectacular! This large cave has two factors that make it unique: first, the magnificence of its limestone formations, and second, the river that emerges from the rocks to form a riverbed of nearly 2 miles, making it the longest navigable underground river in Europe.

Visiting this 250-million-year-old formation, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, involves an unforgettable boat ride through its calm waters, while enjoying the vibrant illumination of the different galleries and chambers. Be sure to check the schedule of visits, as they occasionally hold breathtaking concerts inside the grotto.

3. Three Unique Spanish Beaches

Spain has exceptional beaches along its more than 5,000 miles of coastline. Here are 3 of the most beautiful and rare beaches you can find, although the list is much longer!

Rodas Beach, Pontevedra: In the heart of the unknown Cíes Islands on the coast of Pontevedra, Rodas Beach is considered the Galician Caribbean. The Guardian declared it the best beach in the world in 2007 and the national press has named the best beach in Spain for several years in a row. This idyllic location can be reached only by boat from Vigo and it’s certainly worth the journey.

Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura: Sotavento Beach in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, also known as “the beach that appears and disappears”, can hardly be overcrowded as it is 5.5 miles long. Throughout the day, the rising tide creates natural lagoons that leave strips of sand in sight, so every day the beach has a different shape! It is the perfect place to learn windsurfing safely.

Beach of the Cathedrals, Lugo: Las Catedrales Beach, in the town of Ribadeo, is one of the most emblematic points of the Cantabrian coast. Nicknamed for the similarity of its rocks with the flying buttresses of the Gothic cathedrals, the sandy area shows spectacular arches up to 100 feet high as a result of maritime erosion.

4. The Route of the White Villages of Cadiz

The Route of the White Villages of Cadiz, in Andalusia, crosses 19 picturesque municipalities, whose peculiarity are their white houses. The flower pots adorning the facades provide a colorful touch, creating a spectacle for the senses.

These charming villages were built on top of the hills and fortified to protect their inhabitants from possible enemy attacks back in Roman and Arab ancient times. The narrow streets climb up steep hillsides, so walking through them offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby beaches of Costa de la Luz. Many of the surrounding areas, along with some of the white villages, have been declared Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. All this makes it an incredibly beautiful landscape with a unique cultural heritage!

It would be ideal to spend a day in each village, however, if your vacation is shorter than that, we recommend to visit at least Arcos de la Frontera and Setenil de las Bodegas, the first and the last towns of the route, which are considered some of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

5. Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria

When you look at the Maspalomas Dunes, you immediately think of the Sahara Desert. These “mobile dunes” – as they change their shape every day – are without a doubt one of the most beautiful attractions on the island of Gran Canaria. The golden sand is composed of pulverized chalk and shells complemented with volcanic sand.

Seen from Paseo Costa Canario it may seem you are nearer to the coast, but when you enter this protected space of more than 3 square miles, the tour feels like an eternity until the refreshing ocean appears on the horizon. Nevertheless the views are totally worth it and we definitely recommend a visit here!

From the breathtaking natural sceneries to fascinating traditional villages, Spain is a perfect destination for this summer season, where you can experience not only the most famous sites in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville, but also discover the most exciting hidden places that will make your trip much more fun and unique. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, we recommed this top list of activities you can enjoy in other must-see destinations in Spain.