As the UK transitions into autumn, it can be tempting to head abroad in your caravan or motorhome looking for warmer temperatures. Spain, especially the south, is a good bet for some late sunshine, as well as plenty of fascinating attractions to discover.
Many of Spain’s cities have campsites within close proximity, meaning you can pitch up then head into the likes of Seville or Barcelona to explore. Even after the busy summer months, many of the headline sights can feel overcrowded, so it’s worth making your way to some alternatives instead.
With this in mind, Spain-Holiday and Holidu have put together a list of attractions to swap in for some of the more famous ones. So, forget the Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra and check these out on your next touring trip to Spain.
Swap Paseo del Prado for El Escorial
Madrid’s Paseo del Prado is an iconic promenade lined with historic buildings and museums. It’s been an important thoroughfare in the Spanish capital since the 16th century and as such has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Instead of facing the crowds on the Paseo, head to El Escorial just outside of Madrid. This monastery and accompanying gardens are just as impressive as the city centre attraction. Explore the chapel and library, as well as the green space that once grew vegetables for the monks, but now is an expansive botanical garden.
Skip the Sagrada Familia in favour of Palau de la Musica Catalana
Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, has become synonymous with a trip to Barcelona and received nearly four million visitors last year. Its enduring allure may in part be due to the fact that on each visit tourists can see the progress that’s been made towards its expected completion in 2026.
Just as spectacular in terms of architecture but often overlooked is the Palau de la Musica Catalana. Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s art nouveau masterpiece features world-class stained glass and is open for both guided tours and musical performances.
Pass up the Alhambra for Medina Azahara
The high demand for tickets to the Alhambra and the need to book in advance are testament to the popularity of Granada’s hilltop Moorish palace. Its decorative arches and elaborate tilework have become iconic, while meandering around the formal gardens is an intrinsic part of the Alhambra experience.
Why settle for a Moorish palace when you could explore an entire city? Pack up the caravan or motorhome and head for Medina Azahara, just outside of Cordoba. Dating back to the 10th century and with a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Morena mountain range, the ruined city is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Replace Cathedral de Santa Maria de la Sede with Archivo de Indios
Seville makes up the third corner of Andalucia’s Golden Triangle, along with Granada and Cordoba, so a road trip between the trio is popular. Also appealing is the city’s gothic cathedral with its towering Giralda bell tower, which when scaled, offers unparalleled views of Seville and beyond.
Skip the queue at the Giralda and spend a day at the Archivo de Indios instead. Here you’ll find renaissance architecture, as well as historic tapestries, artefacts and documents telling the story of Spain’s exploits across the world.
Photo credit: Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie via Flickr
