A French holidaymaker has shared a “hidden gem” Spanish town that is just an hour away from the popular tourist destination of Marbella – and it’s perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds
With just a month of summer remaining, many might be scrambling to secure a last-minute getaway or beginning to fantasise about next year’s destinations, with Spain continuing to be amongst the top choices for British holidaymakers.
Whilst renowned tourist hotspots such as Benidorm, Barcelona and Marbella have witnessed locals demonstrating against the massive influx of annual visitors, several lesser-known towns remain relatively uncrowded – and they’re practically on our doorstep. However, if you’re keen to explore somewhere fresh, choosing your ideal destination can feel daunting. To help, a French traveller called Marina has revealed her “hidden-gem” location for those seeking to enjoy the Spanish culture without the crowds.
Amongst the numerous lesser-known towns is Iznájar. Situated in Córdoba province within Andalucia in southern Spain, this town houses 4,960 residents yet maintains a lively community atmosphere.
“One of the most beautiful villages of Spain,” Marina wrote her TikTok video whilst showcasing highlights from her trip. Strolling through the cobbled lanes wearing a vibrant yellow dress, Marina showed the whitewashed buildings adorned with blue flowering plants, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Greece’s Santorini.
Marina wrote in the caption of her video: “Save this for one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. Which one is your favourite?”
She went on to share the exact details of the destination where she filmed the video: “Iznájar – a must see of the Pueblos Blancos This exact spot is called Patio de las Comedias.”
Patio de las Comedias is a tapas establishment situated at the town’s heart, near the historic castle. Not only does it serve traditional Spanish tapas, it also boasts amazing views that overlook the rest of the town.
She then revealed a breathtaking view from a vantage point, showcasing endless rows of charming white buildings with olive groves stretching into the distance. Olive harvesting is a key economic activity in Iznájar, but tourism is on the rise.
For those keen to immerse themselves in Spanish nature, Marina also highlighted the Iznajar Reservoir that encircles the town. It’s the largest in Andalucía and transforms into a bustling “beach” during the summer season.
If you’re itching for more than just a quaint town experience, you’ll be pleased to know that Iznájar is merely an hour’s drive from vibrant Marbella, perfect for a city escape.
Accessing this historic town is a breeze for international travellers, with Marbella airport being the nearest gateway.
The comments section was quickly flooded with enthusiasm, as many expressed their desire to visit on their next holiday.
“Stunning! Love all the colour,” remarked one user, while another shared: “Love! My favourite was Frigiliana.”
“We couldn’t love Spain more, and there are so many gorgeous Pueblos to discover,” commented another admirer.