Afrankel

What are some of the best unique towns/Cities to visit for a few days in Spain? I will be backpacking alone for a couple of months througout Europe and I want to travel to some unique places in Spain. Any ideas of what to do in these places would be much appreciated as well! Thanks!

bilboburgler

The area in and around Barcelona is worth the trip.

I also think the northern coast of Spain is worth traveling through, you will soon notice the place is basically empty as, by law, this was the only area allowed to emigrate to the Americas for over 300 years. So the place emptied out. Plus you get to see Rioja and Bilbao

BigRuss

Salamanca.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/381

Avila.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/348

nytraveler

Andalusia is the most fascinating part of Spain due to it's long Moorish heritage - not found elsewhere in europe.

As to what to see and do - we don't know your interests - so you really need to do a lot of reading of guidebooks to see what is interesting to YOU.

Afrankel

I have been to Barcelona and it is my favorite city in Europe.

The Northern Coastal towns are definitely something I will look into!

As for Salamanca and Avila - those both look extremely interesting. I will have to make my way to both of those places!

Thanks for the suggestions so far!!

IMDonehere

Cuenca, Santillana del Mar with Altamira II, San Sebastian/Donostia with Belle Epoque designs with the best food in Spain, not towns but beautiful landscapes in Galicia-Altas and Rias Baixas, Costa da Morte

And as mentioned Salamanca and Avila

chapla

Salamanca and Avila just totally taken over by tourists these days!Try to visit during off season otherwise you will just be part of a herd!

ribeirasacra

Never know what best means for someone else.
Reading your history: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
I can see you are planning a backpacking trip and only planning on visiting BCN in Spain.
How does this question fit into those plans?

cruiseluv

Picos de Europa area. Santiago de Compostela with a side trip to Finisterre, Muxia , Costa da Morte and Rias Altas.

Robert2533

The best towns or cities? As ribeirasacra says, it's all up to what you consider the 'best'. There are a number of villages and towns we love, but all for their own brand of uniqueness. But with only a few days you will not have much time to check things out.

IMDonehere

I agree with Robert and Ribi, but just give the guy some places you like that are not commonly visited.

kja

You might find some helpful information in the guidebooks by Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide.

kimhe

<unique places in Spain>

Antequera, the so called heart of Andalucía or "the crossroads of Andalucía". Almost right in the middle of the Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga rectangle. Here you'll find dolmens (some 5000 years old burial chambers), Roman baths, a Moorish Castle, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers. Antequera was the first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410. Genuine Andalucian town, population about 40 000 and well off the tourist track
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry....era-spain.html

I love the terrace in the corner of the peaceful square in front of the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, the first partly Renaissance-style church in Spain (built 1514-1550). Up here it's totally peace and quiet. Next to the recently excavated Roman baths beneath and looking up on the 13th century Moorish alcazaba/fortress. Great views over unique landscapes (the spectacular Torcal limestone mountain etc.). http://www.wild-about-travel.com/201...ing-antequera/

The close by Torcal limestone rock formations.
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm

A tapas tour of Antequera:
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/tapaspain.html

When in the area, perhaps do the Camino del Rey! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDhRvvs5Xw

mr_go

We only spent a day in Segovia, but really liked it a lot. Beautiful town, great churches, fabulous Alcazar and a huge Roman aqueduct that's still nearly 100% functional.

chapla

kimhe-why on earth would you suggest the Camino del Rey? It is first of all, illegal. So foolish and dangerous.It is officially closed but silly people think it's fun to risk your life!

ribeirasacra

Camino del Rey - is is under repair at the moment. Opening early next year it is hoped.
http://www.diariosur.es/interior/201...912010228.html

chapla

Of all the wonderful and memorable places in all of Spain you would suggest Camino del Rey!!!!!!