The truth is, with rare exceptions, I know the answer to my own question. Inevitably most respond California (Los Angeles + San Francisco), Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, or New York and Florida.

These are the big dogs when it comes to tourist attractions in the USA, and perhaps for good reason, though my heart always sinks a little thinking about all they’ve overlooked. What about the smaller cities? Or Yellowstone? Or highway 101 between Washington and California? I could go on and on.

Overlooked destinations in Spain

However, the same is true in Spain. The big tourism spots get most of the attention leaving many overlooked regions ignored by vacationers. While Barcelona, Madrid and Seville definitely warrant a visit and live up to the hype, savvy travelers will allow time to wander the road less traveled. Here are eight destinations in Spain that deserve more love.

Tenerife

The largest of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is situated just off the western coast of Africa. The island is best known for the spectacular volcano that rises up from the middle, the formidable Mount Teide. The volcano, and some of the area surrounding it, make up a World Heritage Site and are part of the larger Teide National Park. It’s easy to get to the top of Teide by catching a ride on the tram and then trekking a short distance to the crater.

Though Teide is by far the most impressive destination on Tenerife, the island offers much more than mountains. It’s also popular with beach bums and anyone who seeks year-round warm weather. Canarian food is different (and delicious) from mainland eats and sipping some locally produced wine is a good way to spend an afternoon.

While the Canary Islands are popular with Northern European tourists, they are largely overlooked by visitors coming from outside Europe. There are direct flights from Madrid or Barcelona, and then flights and ferries between the seven islands.

Related: Cheapo guide to the Canary Islands and search hotels in Tenerife

Granada

Seville tends to get more attention than Granada, but it’s fairly easy to visit both when you make a trek to Andalusia. The main draw in Granada is the Moorish palace La Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most important architectural wonders in Spain (find out how to get Alhambra tickets, even at the last minute). The city will appeal to those on a budget because tapas are served free (yes, free!) in bars whenever you buy a drink. This custom is true in other parts of Spain, but not in big cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.

Another good reason to visit? There are several affordable hotel options, with many in the €50-100 range.

The Costa Brava

This region of Catalonia teems with adorable villages and snug, sandy coves unrivaled for swimming. Found about an hour north of Barcelona, Costa Brava is easily reached by car and worth the extra effort needed to rent wheels and navigate Barcelona traffic.

There are many sweet spots along the Costa Brava, and it would not be a bad idea to start at the French border and slowly make your way down the coastline, stopping wherever you feel compelled to for lunch and exploring. However, if you’re short on time make sure to have a paella along the shoreline in Cadaqués, wander ancient alleyways in Peratallada, and go for a hike to discover hidden beaches in Cap de Creus Natural Park.

Related: 5 Beautiful getaways along the Costa Brava

Asturias

One of the most ignored areas of Spain, Asturias offers up some of the best food in the country, including hard cider and excellent cheeses. You’ll find the Picos de Europa located here, a jagged mountain range providing some of the country’s top hiking. Along Asturias’ lush coastline, uncrowded beaches beckon vacationers in the summer months.

There is one caveat: book your hotel in Asturias and come in the summertime when the weather is good, otherwise, this area is known for being rainy and overcast.

Get away from it all with a beachy trip to Formentera. Photo: Nacho Pintos

Formentera

Transparent water and sugary beaches surround the smallest of the Balearic Islands. Known for its hippy and alternative culture, Formentera will please those who dance to a different drummer and anyone looking for a quiet slice of paradise. This is not the place to come to for wild parties (stay in Ibiza for that), but for a peaceful vacation away from the crowds and an opportunity to connect with nature.

To get to Formentera, take a plane or ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza and then a ferry to the island. Its remoteness is part of the reason it is so special. Search for hotels in Formentera.

Related: The best affordable seaside escapes in Spain

Queralbs is a mountain village in the Pyrenees with unique slate buildings. Photo: Jorge F.

The Pyrenees

From May to October head to the Pyrenees, which separate Spain and France, for hiking, poking around mountainside villages and dipping your toes into alpine lakes. There are numerous villages worth seeking out, but some of the best are found in Catalonia. For a unique base camp book a few nights in Queralbs, a town built of slate cobblestones and a good place to pick up the six-kilometer trail to the Núria Valley, a moderate day hike.

If you’re not up for trekking, see the region by car. Stop off in Llívia, a little hamlet which belongs to Spain in the middle of the French Pyrenees. Ribes de Freser, a larger town with a tumbling river cutting through its middle, also makes for an idyllic lunch spot. From Ribes de Freser you can also catch a funicular up to the Núria Valley.

Galicia

For the best of Galicia, walk the last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago and to get a taste of pilgrim life while experiencing the remote hamlets through which the trail winds. Even if you’re not interested in walking Spain’s most famous trail, plan a trip to the Camino’s endpoint, Santiago de Compostela, a university town rich in history and architecture.

Galicia is well known in Spain for its seafood and white wine, so make sure to eat well (and cheaply) in La Coruña or Vigo. Plus, Vigo is the perfect port from which to catch a ferry to some of Spain’s prettiest islands, Las Islas Cies, and spend a day at the beach.

Sunset over the innovative City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Photo: O Palsson

Valencia

Surrounded by long, beautiful beaches, Valencia is one of the biggest cities on Spain’s Mediterranean shoreline and an excellent cheapo destination. The city has an interesting downtown, fabulous food (this is where paella was invented) and the enormous City of Arts and Sciences (La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias ) complex designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Valencia is much smaller than Barcelona, and therefore, it’s much more manageable and less overwhelming. Check out our guide for visiting Valencia on a budget.

Search over 400 hotels in Valencia

A few more places

There are many other cities and regions that deserve a place on this list. After all, I haven’t even mentioned the wine of La Rioja, the white villages of Andalusia or the beaches of the Basque Country, which are rugged and popular with surfers. Save time during your visit to Spain for overlooked cities and small villages, because it may just be that in these ignored places you have the most memorable experience.

The post Spain: 8 Overlooked destinations worth adding to your itinerary appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Spain’s third largest metropolis, Valencia is home to the sleekly modern Ciutat de les Artes I les Ciències, two great beaches, and a charming old town.

Like elsewhere in Spain, it’s fairly inexpensive to eat and drink here, and the city center is very walkable.

A budget travel guide to Valencia, Spain

Here are our favorite tips on making the most of your time and budget when visiting Valencia.

Getting there

From cities across Europe, you can fly budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair directly into the Valencia Airport starting at around €100 for round-trip flights. Book ahead and go carry-on only for the best prices.  If you’re already in Spain, there are high-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona. For an even cheaper trip from Spanish cities, check out the riding service BlaBlaCar or regional buses.

Free and cheap attractions

Exploring Old Town and markets

In the mornings, you can window shop and explore in Valencia’s Old Town, stopping off at its three main squares, Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Browse the artisan eats on offer and people-watch at the city’s Art Nouveau food market, Mercat Central. Or wander around at the City of Arts and Sciences — entry is kind of expensive (from €8 up to €32 for a combined ticket), but you can snap shots of the amazing architecture without a ticket.

Free and cheap museums

Art lovers can tour the Museo de Bellas Artes free of charge, and spend some time wandering the Turia Gardens afterward. Learn about the local-bull fighting culture at Museo Taurino or about Valencia’s ancient history up to Roman times at the Museo de Prehistoria (both museums cost €2).

Palacio del Marques de dos Aguas. Photo: Fred

Weekends mean free entry at the rococo Palacio del Marques de dos Aguas (Saturdays after 4 pm, and Sunday mornings), and UNESCO world heritage site La Lonja de la Seda (all weekend), a 15th-century silk exchange.

Strolling on beaches 

At sunset, take a lovely walk along the coast at one of Valencia’s two beaches — Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas.

Cheap eats in Valencia

Paella may not be the cheapest thing you can order for dinner, but Valencia is definitely the place to spend some extra euros on it. As the dish’s birthplace, Valencia has plenty of it on offer. Skip the seafood paella popular elsewhere in Spain in favor of the traditional Valencian version that includes rabbit, chicken, beans, and saffron cooked over a wood fire at Casa Carmela (c/Isabel de Villena, 155).

Not up for rice? Try Boatella (Plaza del Mercado, 34) just across from Mercat Central for inexpensive tapas.

Save money on beers and cocktails out in Benimaclet, a neighborhood popular with students. Splurge on “Agua de Valencia”, a cocktail of fresh orange juice, champagne gin, and vodka, in the beautiful Victorian surroundings at Café de las Horas (c/Condé de Almodovar, 1).

Hospederia del Pilar has free Wi-Fi and rooms starting at $39. Photo: Booking.com

Affordable accommodations

Valencia has great budget accommodations starting at €30 a night. For basic, inexpensive rooms, try hostels, guesthouses, and pensiones. Try to book lodging near the main attractions in Valencia’s Old Town or the beach, where you’ll want to spend most of your time to save time and money on transit.

We like the centrally located rooms at Hospedería del Pilar and Pensión Universal, and there are hundreds of other affordable options across town.

Apartments are also widely available here, and at starting at €50 a night, they’re worth the extra cash in money saved on meals out, if you’re willing to cook. Just double-check before you commit, some places are advertised as flats, and are actually just rooms with no kitchen access.

Book as far in advance as possible and expect to spend more on transportation to Valencia and accommodations if you decide to visit Valencia for Las Fallas, held every year around St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th).

The post Valencia: Tips for visiting on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That latter stretch (shown as a solid green line on our map) skirts the south coast of Mallorca, affording good views of Cabrera along the way. Cabrera is nowadays a nature reserve, but during the Napoleonic Wars it had a terrible reputation as a prison island. Those who were sent there were condemned to live like savages on the barren terrain of Cabrera.

Map © hidden europe

Later in the journey, the ship runs up the great inlet that signals arrival in Maó. This really is the way to arrive in Menorca. It is splendid.

Exploring the Balearic Islands

We rate that Sunday journey from Palma to Maó as one of the finest short ferry routes in the Mediterranean. It is just a pity that it runs but once a week. The operator is Acciona Trasmediterranea, the leading shipping company on routes from the Spanish mainland to the Balearics and Canary Islands.

From Maó, it is possible to continue with another Acciona Trasmediterranea ship back to the mainland at Barcelona. On the Valencia to Palma and the Maó to Barcelona sections (both shown as green dashed lines on the map), sailings are several times each week. It is merely Palma to Maó that runs only weekly.

Back to the mainland

The journey we commend here (effectively from Valencia to Barcelona via the islands) is one of many creative itineraries available to travelers around the Balearic islands. Maó is a great place to stop over for a couple of nights. So we suggest taking that Saturday evening sailing from Valencia on the Albayzin which will have you in Maó by early afternoon Sunday. Then take the mid-morning boat Tuesday from Maó on to Barcelona to arrive back on the mainland that evening.

It makes a perfect 72-hour island tour, and a fine chance to relax in the middle of a longer European trip. The one-way fare for the full circuit from Valencia to Barcelona via the islands is €138.50.

Other options

Other ferry routes around and between the islands are shown on our map as dotted lines. There is another useful shipping operator apart from Acciona Trasmediterranea. That is Balearia, who use the port of Denia on the Costa Blanca as the mainland hub for their operations.

The post Valencia to Barcelona by Ferry (via Mallorca and Menorca) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Change trains in Cologne and, even with just a dozen minutes between trains, you have a strong sense of having experienced something of Cologne. The German city’s landmark cathedral towers over the station platforms. And the chances are that, whether upon arriving or leaving Cologne, you’ll cross the River Rhine which flows just east of the station. The trains edge slowly over the Hohenzollern Bridge, a place where a thousand couples have sealed their love by fastening padlocks to the railings. Below is the Rhine, and there are views of Cologne’s handsome Old Town on the west bank.

Changing trains in Cologne thus makes for a perfect interlude in a long journey. And that cathedral is so close to the station that, even with just 20 minutes between trains, you’ll still have time to pack in a quick visit and gaze up into the Gothic recesses of this magnificent building.

Related:

• 11 best cheap hotels in Cologne, Germany

Rational, not Renaissance, dominates Florence’s SMN station. Photo © EuroCheapo

Venetian variety

While changing trains in Cologne can be a happy occasion, the opposite is true for Venezia Mestre station. It is a natural point to change trains on many European itineraries. Believe us, it can be a dispiriting experience and you’ll not have any sense of having been anywhere near Venice.

Far better, if time allows, to change instead at Venezia Santa Lucia station. That way you’ll cross the Ponte della Libertà (not just once, but twice) and while at Santa Lucia you can pop out to the front of the station and see Venice’s famous Grand Canal.

Architectural surprises

Other cities have perfectly fine stations, but they somehow fail to capture the spirit of the city they serve. We happen to be great fans of Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station in Florence. It is a first-class piece of Italian Rationalist architecture, but if you arrive in Florence with your mind full of heady images from the Florentine Renaissance, then SMN comes as a mighty shock.

Heidelberg packs a similar surprise. New arrivals are on the lookout for castles and all the insignia of Romanticism. But what do they get? Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof is an assertive piece of 1950s architecture — very graceful, and very fit-for-purpose. It is a lovely space, and boasts some very fine details — like the modern sgraffito in the Haupthalle. But it’s not what new arrivals expect of Heidelberg. And it’s inconvenient for the city centre, so anyone changing trains there will hardly catch the spirit of Heidelberg.

The good, the bad and the ugly

There are however other railway stations in the Cologne league. Antwerp Centraal, Madrid Atocha, Limoges and Valencía Nord all boast wonderful architecture (with nothing whatsoever in common), and the location of each is such that you can get a sense of the surrounding city.

As to the worst places in Europe to change trains, well there the choice is endless. Calais-Fréthun and Warsaw Wschodnia compete for a prime place on “the bad list.” And we have not even mentioned Birmingham New Street. It is just plain ugly.

Your favorite stations?

Have a beloved (or not not-so-loved) train station to add to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

The post Train Connections: Europe’s Best and Europe’s Worst appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not so with AVE which will get you from Madrid to Barcelona in about three hours. I can see you doing the math and wanting to say, “But a flight between the two cities would still be faster!” I don’t think so when you factor in all the hassle involved with security and general “hurry-up-and-wait” time at the airport.

As for the costs, once you add in baggage fees, booking fees, boarding fees and transportation fees into the city, those “budget flights” can become much more expensive. (Read more about this in our post on choosing whether to fly or take the train.)

AVE train tickets and times

That AVE train ticket between Madrid and Barcelona will cost you around €115 one way and around €200 if you want to travel business class. Depending upon which flights are available this could be a bargain or not. Last-minute deals can sometimes be found for AVE, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the site for discounts.

To give you a comparison and demonstrate just how fast and fabulous AVE is, a slower train, Estrella, takes almost nine hours to get from Madrid to Barcelona. This trip, however, costs just €44 one way and would be great for travelers who welcome a slower travel experience.

Other routes on the AVE

You could also travel from Madrid to Seville on AVE in just 2 hours and 30 minutes at a slightly lower price of €80 one way.

Madrid to Valencia to see Las Fallas? You can do it in under 2 hours for €80.

Or how about Madrid to Malaga? Just 2 hours 30 minutes for about €90 one way.

AVE also connects Madrid with Albacete, Valladoloid and Huesca.

The ride from Barcelona to Madrid

I took AVE from Barcelona to Madrid recently and it was very comfortable. There was a bar where some riders spent most of their time plus roomy seats and tables for laptops or books.

Unfortunately I was traveling alone with tons of stuff and did not want to haul all my bags with me to the bar and was worried about having something taken. This is a consideration when you do your packing for an AVE trip. I’d recommend keeping valuables in one bag and putting the other bags on the luggage rack.

Overall it was a much more comfortable trip than on a cramped airline and I recommend it. The best part is definitely that you end up in the city center, not miles away, as is the case with airports.

Buying tickets

There are many departures daily on AVE between Madrid and Barcelona. While you could try to buy tickets online on the RENFE site, it’s probably easier to just go to your nearest station a day or two before and buy your tickets there.

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to either cities, be sure to stop by our hotel guides for Madrid and Barcelona. Our editors have visited and inspected affordable hotels in both cities’ centers and have written reviews (with photos) of their favorites.

Your experience on AVE?

Have you taken the AVE or Estrella train between Barcelona and Madrid? Have you flown between the cities? Tell us about your experience in our comments section.

The post The AVE Train from Barcelona to Madrid: Better than flying? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Cheapo activities in Valencia-

Head to the Mercado Central: The main fruit and vegetable market in Valencia is a feast for the eyes and a great place to buy all the makings for a picnic—saving the cost of lunch in a café. The building itself is airy and light with colorful tiles and stained glass windows. Don’t forget to check out the amazing fish section at the far end of the market. It’s a true treat and a fantastic way to see real deal Spanish seafood.

Linger at La Lonja: The 15th-century silk exchange is a Unesco World Heritage site and has been recently restored. The entry is free. Follow along the colonnaded hall with its twisting stone columns and cathedral-like atmosphere. Next, walk through the shady courtyard decked in orange trees. Finally, go up the steps to the upper room with its beautiful coffered ceiling. The whole experience will make a lasting, and cheap, impression.

Go to Plaza de la Virgen: This plaza is a pleasant place to sit with a drink, admire the fountain, or eat a picnic. If you want to visit the Cathedral, it will normally cost you €4 including an audio-guide. But, if you attend one of the many masses, you can enter for free. Try the Sunday 9:30 a.m. mass held in the Chapel of the Holy Grail where you can hear the Gregorian chant as a bonus.

Walk through Turia Gardens: The Turia River flowed through Valencia until it was diverted in the 1950s due to flooding. Today’s picturesque riverbed is a series of public parks. Do as the locals do and take an afternoon stroll or have a picnic there. The area around the Palau de la Musica is especially pleasant.

Don’t leave without…

Getting your architecture fix. You can’t leave Valencia without stopping to admire the amazing architecture of the town’s museums, cinemas, and concert halls. Sure, the venues are expensive, but it costs nothing to wander around and look. Take in the buildings, cool blue pools, and metal sculptures in the gardens. And, be sure to pop into the shady botanical greenhouse, L’Umbracle.

Finding a free museum. There are many great museums in Valencia where average prices are about €2-3 for entrance. However, the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Bullfighting Museum, Museo Historico Municipal, and Museo de Prehistoria (also known as La Beneficienca), are free. The Palacio del Marques de dos Aguas, which contains the Ceramics Museum, is free on Saturday afternoon and Sunday too—and is well worth a visit.

Basking at the beach. If the sun is shining, take a bus or tram to the port of Valencia, which hosted the America’s Cup last year. Then move on to the beach and wander along the boardwalk, relax on the sand, or go for a swim. If you want to sample some authentic Paella, a traditional Valencia dish, you can try it in one of the many restaurants along this strip.

Dining tips-

Have a gourmet lunch on a budget. For a delicious 3-course lunch at only €9, head to the ground floor restaurant in the free Museo de Prehistoria, known as La Beneficienca. Service starts at 2 p.m., but arrive a little earlier for a drink in the shaded courtyard, also popular with the locals.

For nightlife-

Check out Barrio Carmen: If it’s nightlife you’re after, head for Barrio Carmen. and the party goes on until dawn! Make sure you check out the incredible graffiti-art on surrounding walls.

The post A Cheapo tour of Valencia, Spain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.