During a recent journey from Madrid to San Sebastián, we enjoyed a three-day stay in the charming village of Briñas located in La Rioja. Our accommodation was at the lovely Finca Torre de Briñas, with rates starting at €189 for a double room including breakfast. A pleasant 40-minute stroll along the Ebro River led us to the nearby town of Haro, home to some of the region’s largest wineries, such as CVNE and Muga, which come highly recommended for tastings. After sampling the local wines, we explored the town center, where several tapas bars provided the perfect fuel for our return walk to the hotel. It was a truly delightful experience. Tom Dickson
Less than an hour’s drive from the lively Murcia coast, the Sierra Espuña mountain range offers a serene escape from the summer heat, along with a rewilding project that began over a century ago. After a morning hike through the cool pine forests, we navigated a winding mountain road to visit the 16th-century Pozos de la Nieve, descending into its vast, silent chambers. In the past, ice stored here was transported by horse and cart to affluent city dwellers during the summer. On our return journey, we passed through the Barrancos de Gebas, a striking “badlands” landscape that originated from an ancient seabed over 10 million years ago. With few other visitors around, it felt like our own private retreat. Cathy Robinson
Forest fires in the Picos mountains redirected our travels through the Ribeira Sacra wine region in inland Galicia. This area features deep canyons carved by the Sil and Miño rivers, where terraced vineyards flourish within the unique ecosystem of the gorges. We took a refreshing swim in waterfalls, savored local wines, and wandered along the narrow terraces. A highlight of our visit was a hike to the Miradoiro de Souto Chao (the Grape Pickers’ Viewpoint), where we were treated to breathtaking views in a tranquil setting, far from the crowds. Ruth Chapman
The medieval village of Gallipienzo rises dramatically above the sparse landscape of Navarre province, reminiscent of a scene from a fairy tale. Before ascending the winding road to the old town, we took a refreshing dip in the Aragón River, a welcome relief after exploring the hot streets of Pamplona. Upon arriving at Hotel Heredad Beragu, starting at €109 for a double room with breakfast, we were greeted warmly by Patxi and Ramón, who have transformed a historic farmhouse into a stylish retreat. After enjoying a sunset walk with stunning countryside views framed by rustic doorways, we returned to the hotel for a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, feeling quite pleased with our discovery of this enchanting destination. Anna
Bilbao is a city that certainly lives up to its reputation, but a short 25-minute train ride along the Nervión River will take you to the coastal town of Portugalete. There, we headed straight to Crepería Miramar for exceptional coffee and a delightful tortilla. This café, located on the estuary beneath the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, which dates back to 1893 and is recognized as the world’s oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a perfect blend of beauty and utility. For just €1, we crossed the transporter to Getxo and strolled around the bay to the charming fishing village of Algorta. It was a perfect day. Michael Quinn
Last month, I was pleasantly surprised to witness the almond blossoms while walking the Ruta Medieval in La Taha, located in the Alpujarran region. This year has posed challenges for hikers due to landslides and fallen trees resulting from severe storms in the south, making an app like Wikiloc invaluable for navigating detours. If you lack a car, a bus service runs to Pitres, the starting point of the marked trail that meanders along ancient cobbled paths through picturesque, whitewashed Moorish villages perched on the gorge formed by the River Trevélez. Various routes are available after Ferreirola, with a steep climb through Atalbétar to Pórtugos or a gentler ascent to Busquístar, both of which have bus services back to Pitres or onward to Órgiva, known for Chris Stewart’s book, “Driving Over Lemons,” or even to Granada. Laura
In Ponferrada, we arrived on foot while walking the Camino de Santiago, allowing us to spot the town in the distance well before reaching it. The town features a charming center with historic buildings, restaurants, and bars serving the renowned Bierzo wine. Ponferrada is particularly famous for its impressive castle, reminiscent of a Disney fairy tale and believed to have been constructed by the Knights Templar. The castle not only hosts medieval reenactments but also showcases a remarkable collection of manuscripts and maps. After our trek from the lovely mountain village of El Acebo, we still managed to trek an extra couple of miles uphill in the sun to visit the quaint romanesque church of Santo Tomás de las Ollas, which I found to be more rewarding than a dozen castles. Barbara Forbes
After disembarking from the ferry in Santander, we boarded a train on the scenic narrow-gauge railway heading west. The slow and picturesque former Feve line (now under Renfe) runs along Spain’s northern coast toward Oviedo and Ferrol. We made stops at coastal villages like Llanes and San Vicente, where we discovered affordable accommodations, delightful local wines, and excellent dining options. Viveiro was another fantastic stop, where we enjoyed cloudy white wine served in ceramic jugs alongside delectable seafood. The stunning, remote beaches added to the idyllic experience. With plenty of time on our hands, we thoroughly explored all that this beautiful coastline had to offer before continuing our journey south toward Vigo and Porto by train. Alan White
The enchanting medieval town of Peratallada served as a tranquil base for exploring the Empordà region in September. Under a bright blue sky, its warm-hued walls and arches were adorned with red campsis and bougainvillea. It makes for an excellent day trip from Girona, located just 20 miles away, and from various towns along the Costa Brava; however, it deserves more of your time. Climbing the Torre de las Horas bell tower (free, with limited visitor access) offers fantastic views, and one can wander through the inviting shops and cafes that populate the area.
