During our six-month tour of Spain, we searched for places off the beaten trackto see the face of this country whose not to be found in guide books. Spain enchanted us with its beauty, endless spaces, mountain ranges and beautiful bodies of water. And although our itinerary didn't lack for more popular destinations like tourist-attracting Madrid or beautiful, historic Toledo, it was definitely the moments when we were completely alone and could absorb the nature around us that left a special mark in our hearts and we return to them with sentimental thoughts. We would like to share with you The 5 most exceptional points on the map of Spain that are worth writing down for yourselfif you plan to visit the country in the near or distant future. Here we go!
1. La Leze park and Cueva de la Leze cave in the Basque country in northern Spain
This is one of the first places on the map of Spain where we stayed overnight, as we crossed the border between France and Spain, driving from the north. The place captivated us with its peace and quiet, proximity to the mountains, the forest and the possibility of daily hikes. In addition, a flock of sheep passed by the stopping point every day, and friendly donkeys and horses stood by the caravan. Right next door we had access to pure mountain spring waterand a few metres away on the farm you could taste and buy traditional sheep's cheeses and regional products.
La Leze cave is located between the towns of Ilarduia and Eguino, in the provincial park of the same name, La Leze is a gorge-cave that cuts through a limestone massif from north to south located in the Sierra de Altzania, dividing Gipuzkoa and Álava. The whole area is ideal for climbing enthusiasts, every day we saw daredevils climbing up the vertical mountain wall towards the gorge.
The Leze cave is not very well known outside Basque circles, so the place is quiet and most people are locals who come for a few hours a day to climb. The cave can also be reached on foot. The approach takes 30-60 minutes from the car park At the Caserío de la Leze. After walking for about 300m, you come to a magnificent beech forest, then, going downhill, you reach the magnificent entrance to the cave.
Nearby is the small village of Araia, which is 604 metres above sea level. between the mountains, you can shop here or enjoy a coffee in the small local market overlooking the mountains.
Useful information - there is a range, very close to a petrol station, close to the route, waste containers on site and a spring with water.
2. Embalse de Entrepeñas reservoir Guadalajara province
We chose this place with a slight risk, as we did not find many reviews or photos about it on the Park4Night app. On the spot we were not disappointed, especially since we had already arrived at sunset and we have to admit that it was a the most beautiful sunset we saw in Spain. A true spectacle of light.
Entrepeñas is a reservoir located in Alcarria Baja de Guadalajara, in the riverbed of the Tagus River. It was opened in 1956. In addition to the Tagus River, it receives water from the Valdetrigo, Barranco Grande, La Solana and Ompolveda rivers, among others. Its dam is located between the municipalities of Sacedón and Auñón next to the town that gives its name to the reservoir. It covers an area of 3213 hectares and has a total capacity of 835 hm³.
Entrepeñas forms part of the so-called Seas of Castile (Spanish: Mar de Castilla), together with the Buendia, Bolarque, Zorita, Almoguera and Estremera reservoirs.
Around the reservoir there is plenty of space to park completely in the wild. There is the option to drive right down and park on the beach right on the shore, but in our opinion the view of the whole reservoir and the turquoise water was most beautiful from the top. We were there alone in November, not counting a few fishermen.
A wonderful place and a quintessentially wild journey.
Useful information - there is a range, there are no rubbish containers, we did not look for a water source as we spent one night here.
3. Embalse de Alange Province of Extremadura
We were so enthralled by this place that We spent as much as two weeks here and found it very difficult to leave. Nature, space, acres of olive fields, wonderful sunsets and huge flocks of birds flying towards the setting sun every day. For a fortnight in November, we were virtually alone, not counting local staff, who were coming to harvest olives and two campervans that stopped here for one night. These were some of the most beautiful moments during the whole trip.
Alange Reservoir is formed by a concrete dam inaugurated in 1992 near the town of Alange in Badajoz, about 20 km from Merida. It is located on the Matachel River, near its confluence with the Guadiana River. It thus belongs to the Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation.
It is a gravity reservoir with a capacity of 825 hm³. Over the past nine years, the average volume dammed has been 470 hm³ (55.16% total). It covers an area of 5144 ha. Its construction was carried out to allocate water to irrigate crops near the Guadiana Plain.
A few kilometres away is the the small town of Alangewhere you will experience a truly Spanish atmosphere. We particularly recommend the small local shop Alimentación Diego and a café next to a small hotel Varinia Serena. The town has a spa and public water taps. In addition, there is a special place where you can do camper service.
If you will be staying here for a few days it is worth taking a trip to Castillo de la Culebra. Here, beautiful mountain views of the entire reservoir and the surrounding area await.
Useful information: there is a range, a campervan service, rubbish containers and water taps in the town.
4 Pitillas area, Navarra province
We arrive at the site by driving 3 kilometres on a gravel road through endless fields. In the distance, only the mountains are visible, until finally our eyes appear completely lunar landscapeand the silence rings in your ears. Close to the small town of Pitillas and the 40 kilometres from the famous semi-arid region of Bardenas Realeswhere the series was filmed, for example Game of Thrones.
We would have loved to stay there for a few days, but due to the weather in the morning we decided to drive on, given the clayey ground that could prove to be a trap after the rain.
Useful information - there is coverage
5. Mirador del Pancorbo viewpoint, Montellano, Province of Seville
This is the only place where we have not been able to enter with a caravan without 4×4 drive because of the steep driveway. Fortunately, a local Spaniard helped us - we hitched the trailer to an all-terrain vehicle and in this way managed to reach the one of the most beautiful places we have seen in Spain. It was well worth it. The Pancorbo viewpoint is located at 517 m above sea level and, in good weather, you can admire Seville, the Sierra de Morón and even the mountains that make up the Sierra Sur. In addition, you will find here Bronze Age archaeological excavations. The views from the top are stunning - especially when the sun sets. It's a place that will be ideal if you want to completely switch off and spend time in nature because of the very poor coverage.
In our view the central part of Spain is definitely more delightful from the coast, and we intend to explore it even more on our next trip through Spain. Small Spanish towns, nature reserves and a changing landscape with new mountain ranges emerging every now and then - this is central Spain. To this the pueblos blancos route, or white Moorish towns, which are delightful in their location and narrow streets. We were most captivated by Zahara de la Sierra in the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range. There is so much to discover in Spain. And, despite having spent so much time there, we still feel unsatisfied and would like to see more, and our list of places to see is growing. No matter how much time you have to visit Spain or any other country, always try, at least for a moment, to get off the trail and see what the place will surprise you with. This is how the adventure begins.
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