While the regions of Madrid, Catalonia, Andalucia, together with the Canary Islands and the Balearics, attract some 90 percent of all the foreign tourists to Spain tempting them with their world class museums. Unesco heritage sites and of course, the beach, Spain has so much more worth seeing, if you just bother to explore a little.

Data collected by Spain’s Statistics Agency (INE) reveals the provincial capitals in Spain which have the least overnight visitors. But does that mean they have nothing to offer? On the contrary. Stopping off at these places will not only provide a glimpse of the real Spain, without having to battle through crowds of tourists, you will also find prices are cheaper and people are more friendly.

Cuenca

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Despite being just one-hour from Madrid and Valencia by high speed train, Cuenca is among the ten cities in Spain which attract the least overnight visitors. But it’s hard to understand why.

The impressive hanging houses cling to the rugged outcrop where the walled city is built overlooking the vast plains of Castilla-La Mancha. There is also a maginificent cathedral in the heart of an old city that remains little changed since Medieval times. The enormous arches of the Plaza Mayor are a sight to behold, plus Cuenca has carved out a reputation as the capital of Spanish abstract art, containing several galleries and museums dedicated to the genre.

Zamora

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Overshadowed by Santiago de Compostela, the biggest tourist draw in Spain’s northwestern region of Galicia, the city of Ourense is a jewel just waiting to be discovered.

A small old city filled with winding cobbled streets, ancient plazas with old fountains and pretty churches, the gateway to the cathedral is worth the visit alone.

Plus there is a Roman bridge, a spa dating to medieval times, with hot springs famed across the region for its health benefits.

And of course, this being Galicia, you can dine on amazing seafood washed down with the local Albariño for less than anywhere else in Spain.

Teruel

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Despite having Mudejar style architecture that won the city Unesco World Heritage status in 1986, Teruel remains one of the least visited cities in Spain.

Out of the way in the abandoned interior of Spain somewhere inland between Valencia and Barcelona, this Aragonese city is famed as the city of lovers and each February holds a romantic festival to commemorate the legendary lovers of Teruel, the Romeo and Juliet of Spain.

But it also has an impressive aquaduct, quaint old squares and is somewhat of a gourmands dream destination. Expect to dine on truffles and Teruel’s famed jamón.

Soria

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More often in the news for the latest attempt by migrants to reach Spain over the fence from Morocco, the largest of Spain’s North African enclaves sees few tourists.

A ginormous and impenetrable wall protects the old city from seaborne invaders, behind which is a collection of neighbourhoods that represent the geographical position and multicultural nature of the place.

Fortifications, synagogues , mosques and churches can all be found in Melilla as well as modern architecture, wide boulevards and seafront prominades and of course, that double razor wire fence that separates Spain from Africa.

Avilés

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The city of Avilés, capital of one of the eight comarcas that make up the Prinipality of Asturias in northern Spain fails to have the draw of nearby Oviedo and Gijon, even with the creation of the architectural wonder that is the Centro Niemeyer arts and culture complex. While it failed to have the Guggenheim effect that saw Bilbao transform thanks to the museum, Avilés is still worth a visit in its own right.

Lush parks and gardens, ornate palaces and churches are a beautiful back drop to a stroll along the banks of the river that encircles this northern city.

Jaén

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Forever in the shadow of its Andalucian neighbouring cities of Granada, Málaga, Córdoba and Sevilla, Jáen sees few visitors venture within its walls.

Rising up from the endless olive groves responsible for producing some of the best olive oil in the world. Jaén is a beautiful city with a stunning cathedral, elegant squares and well preserved Arabic baths.

Dine out on Andalusian classics for half the price than you’ll find in the more touristy cities.

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