Spain's lesser-known regions are delivering authentic travel experiences without the crowds. Readers of the Guardian have identified hidden gems across the country that rival its famous destinations.

La Rioja wine country tops travellers' discoveries. The village of Briñas sits at the heart of this underrated wine region, offering vineyards, quiet countryside, and genuine Spanish hospitality. The nearby town of Haro hosts major wine producers including CVNE and lies just 40 minutes away by foot along the Ebro River. Finca Torre de Briñas provides comfortable accommodation starting at €189 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis. This route between Madrid and San Sebastián rewards travellers willing to pause for three days away from major tourist corridors.

Galicia emerges as another reader favourite. The region's gorges showcase dramatic landscapes and remain largely undiscovered by international visitors. These natural formations offer hiking and photography opportunities without the infrastructure strain seen in Costa del Sol or Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.

The pattern reflects broader travel trends. Post-pandemic travellers increasingly seek destinations where small local businesses thrive rather than chains. Spain's interior regions offer this directly. Lower accommodation costs, authentic regional cuisine, and genuine interactions with residents attract visitors fatigued by overcrowded Instagram hotspots.

Budget considerations favour these alternatives. Beyond Briñas' reasonable nightly rate, entire regions operate at lower price points than coastal tourist zones. Wine tastings, local guides, and restaurant meals cost considerably less than equivalents in major cities.

The shift challenges Spain's tourism model. Rather than concentrating visitors in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, these discoveries distribute spending across rural economies. Regional governments increasingly market interior destinations to ease pressure on overtouristed coastal areas.

Travellers planning Spanish trips should consider extending stays in single locations rather than rushing through major cities. La Rioja's