69 - 7 Hidden Gems in Spain that You Must Add to Your Bucket List

7 Hidden Gems in Spain that You Must Add to Your Bucket List

In 2019, over 82 million people visited Spain, making it the second-highest visited country in the world. With 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to know. Not just the UNSECO Sites but this country is littered with countless beaches, rich cultures and cuisines, and thousand more castles.

While most the tourists visit the famous cities such as Barcelona, and Madrid, this beautiful country has been highly underestimated for its unseen gems. Travel Gooru brings you the top 7 hidden gems that you might not be aware of but surely need to add to your bucket list the next time you plan a trip to Spain.

1. Alcalá del Júcar

This beautiful village is located on the rocky slope of the Jucar river. When we talk about its rich fertile land, unique location, and the location of the river, this really is a gem of a place. The small town is a beautiful site with a castle/fortress perched atop a massive rock, elegant white dwellings carved out of the rock, and a Roman bridge spanning the river below.
Aside from taking a stroll through the winding alleyways, one of the more intriguing sites to visit, is the Cave El Diablo, a makeshift museum/bar. You can tour different rooms and objects to get a sense of the history and everyday life in Alcalá del Júcar. Visit the 12th-century castle to cap off the day and take in the expansive views of the town and surroundings.

2. Babia

The Babia region, which includes the towns of Cabrilanes and San Emiliano, is situated in the northwest of Castilla y León and was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2004. The Cantabrian Mountains, which divide Asturias from León and have peaks higher than 2,000 meters, including Pea Ubia at 2,417 meters, mark the reserve’s northern boundary.
This region is a paradise for ardent hikers and mountaineers thanks to its distinctive environment of snow-covered peaks, rock fields, wide valleys, and glacial lakes.

3. Carmona

Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, a Moorish stronghold, is the most impressive structure in Carmona. The Prisoners’ Hall is currently all that is left of the palace that had existed inside the Alcázar. The stronghold itself is still worthwhile to see, and the Tower of Gold offers stunning views of Carmona.
Another must-see in Carmona is the Gothic church, Iglesia de Santa Mara de la Asunción. Although it doesn’t seem very spectacular from the outside, I’m sure you’ll be astonished once you go inside.

4. Cazorla

Cazorla is one of Andalucia’s most eye-catching communities. It is located within Sierra de Cazorla, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and the largest protected natural area in Spain. The community is encircled by olive groves and has a rough mountain backdrop.
The Upper Guadalquivir Museum of Arts and Popular Customs is housed in the Castle of la Yedra, sometimes referred to as the Ivy Castle, which towers over the whitewashed homes. Other notables are Las Cadenas Palace, Plaza de Santa Maria, and the Town Hall, which is housed in the stunning former Padres Mercedarios Convent built in the Renaissance style.

5. Cudillero

Cudillero is a historic fishing community located on the untamed Asturian coast, sandwiched between jagged hills and sandy bays. A small inlet is encircled by a semicircle of pastel-colored homes that fall down the slope. On top of the hill, there are many vantage spots from which to take in the breathtaking panoramas and Cudillero’s ancient old town.
The Chapel of Humilladero, the lighthouse, the fishermen’s taverns, the Plaza de la Marina, and Quinta de Selgas, a 19th-century mansion with a strong Italian and French architectural influence, are all noteworthy locations in Cudillero. I strongly advise taking a trek up to Cudillero’s lighthouse.
With these places on your list, Travel Gooru assures you that these locations will for sure create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So the next time you book your tickets to Spain, make sure to add these 5 places for the best experience!

Happy Traveling!
70 - Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Havana

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Havana

When we talk about Havana, we get all these images of history and culture as it is quite rich with it. Cuba’s capital is filled with history, cultures, traditions, legends, scenic views, and beautiful buildings.

Havana is a city ideal for strolling, with a huge amount of cultural attractions and interesting things to do. The live rumba that you get to witness here is something that you might not fund anywhere else. Eat at establishments where Hemingway once dined, or breathe in the salty air along the renowned Malecón.
The historical area between SW 12th and SW 17th Avenues is home to the majority of Little Havana’s top attractions as well as several of its greatest eateries and nightclubs. The Calle Ocho section between SW 12th and 16th Avenues is very lively, with the sound of dominoes clattering never too far away and the aroma of rich tobacco drifting from cigar shops.
There are plenty of things to do in Little Havana, including eating ropa vieja, learning the bachata dance, and seeing Spanish-language movies. Here are the top 5 places by Travel Gooru that you must visit:

1. Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

You’ll notice the pink marble stars that make up the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame as you stroll up and down SW 8th Street (between SW 17th and SW 12th Avenues). The original purpose of this Little Havana incarnation of the Hollywood landmark was to identify famous Cubans.
Celia Cruz, the most well-known salsa singer from Cuba who passed away in 2003, was the first to be recognized in 1987, and since then, singers and soap opera stars from all around Latin America have received similar recognition.

2. The Malecón

Seven kilometers separate Habana Vieja (Old Havana) from the Vedado and Plaza neighborhood along Havana’s renowned oceanfront avenue. A vibrant group of 20th-century structures in a variety of architectural styles, from Neo-Moroccan to Art Deco, are perched above the boulevard. They produce a lovely picture in the golden light of the setting sun.
A fantastic area to socialize with locals is the Malecón. Families and young couples stroll along the seafront while enjoying the fresh air and coastal breezes. Anglers come here to cast their hooks.

3. Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain, which is located next to the iconic Tower Theater, has a rich history shaped by the Jewish and Cuban populations. The Regent Cocktail Club’s top mixologists came up with the bar menu, which has a mix of traditional drinks like margaritas and mojitos as well as Ball & Chain-specific new-wave concoctions.
Ball & Chain in Little Havana’s go-to place for live music, offering a jam-packed daily performance calendar (most of which takes place inside a cute pineapple-capped stage), free salsa and bachata lessons, and more.

4. Cafe La Trova

Authentic Cuban food, a traditional mojito, and dancing till dawn to live music are all available at La Trova, a superb Cuban triple-threat from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, her chef/restaurateur husband David Martinez, and nationally renowned cantinero Julio Cabrera.
Although Bernstein’s croquetas aren’t traditional (for that, visit La Carreta or Versailles), they’ll blow you off.

5. El Morro

El Morro was built in the late 16th century and early 17th century to guard against the constant threat of pirate attacks. It was built by Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Antonelli and retains most of its 17th-century appearance.
The lighthouse was one of the primary changes to the fort. It was repeatedly renovated before being finally replaced by a new lighthouse made of solid stone in the middle of the 19th century. The fort is still open to visitors today, and its original lamp is still shining. From its higher reaches, you may take in stunning views of the ocean and the city of Havana.

Now that you know the top 5 places you need to visit the next time you are in Havana, make sure to check out our offers and book your stay with Travel Gooru.
For those who have been to Havana once, feel free to mention more such places that are light-hearted but at the same time are a gem in Havana Tourism.

Happy Traveling!