Unusual Spain: 4 surprising places to discover without a car

Published today

Unusual Spain: 4 surprising places to discover without a car

You think you know Spain - its beaches, buzzing cities, and tapas shared on sunny terraces? What if you discovered another side of the country? From salt mountains to Roman hot springs, lunar landscapes to hidden coves, Spain is full of extraordinary places where nature still reigns supreme. And the best part? They’re all accessible without a car. Just a train ticket, a bus ride, and a touch of curiosity - and you’ll find yourself in a completely different Spain. Here’s our pick of 4 unusual places to explore in Spain, car-free.

1. The Salt Mountain of Cardona (Catalonia)

Yes, you read that right — a mountain made entirely of salt.
Just an hour from Barcelona, the Montaña de Sal de Cardona is a geological wonder unique in Europe. This massive salt dome rises from the heart of an ancient mining basin, formed millions of years ago when the sea still covered the region.

Today, visitors can descend into the old mining galleries, admire rose-tinted salt crystals, and learn about the miners who once worked in this surreal landscape.
The setting feels straight out of science fiction — somewhere between a crystal cave and a glittering white mountain.

How to get there: From Barcelona, take the train to Manresa (≈ 1h20 with Renfe), then a bus (Autocars Castellà) to Cardona. The Salt Mountain site is about 2 km from the town center.

2. El Torcal de Antequera (Andalusia)

Welcome to another planet. The Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of limestone formations sculpted by erosion. Here, nature has carved out a dreamlike landscape of stone towers, arches, and mushroom-shaped rocks — like something from a fantasy film.

Several marked trails allow you to explore this geological marvel, home to ibex and birds of prey. And the best part? It’s only 40 minutes from Málaga by train!

How to get there: From Málaga, take an AVE or Media Distancia train to Antequera (≈ 40 min). From there, local buses or taxis can take you into the town center, then up to the Torcal parking area (15 km away).

3. The Hot Springs of Ourense (Galicia)

In Ourense, hot water flows naturally from the earth. This Galician city is famous for its open-air thermal baths, dating back to Roman times.

You’ll find several public hot springs along the Miño River, where you can soak for free in water ranging from 36°C to 40°C, surrounded by nature.

The most famous are As Burgas, right in the historic center, and the more natural Outariz and Chavasqueira springs — both easily reached on foot or by tram. A moment of pure relaxation, between steam, nature, and the gentle rhythm of Galician life.

How to get there: Ourense is served by high-speed trains (AVE and Alvia) from Madrid (≈ 2h15) and Santiago de Compostela (≈ 30 min).
The thermal baths are close to the city center and accessible by foot, urban bus, or tram.

4. The Calblanque Regional Park (Murcia)

Between Murcia and Cartagena, the Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila Regional Park is a Mediterranean paradise still untouched by mass tourism.

Here, there are no resorts or crowded beaches — only golden coves, arid hills, salt flats, and turquoise sea as far as the eye can see.

This protected area shelters an exceptional biodiversity, from migratory birds to dunes and volcanic formations. A true haven for lovers of wild nature and coastal hiking.

How to get there: From Murcia or Cartagena, regional buses run to the park (Calblanque or Cobaticas stops, depending on the season).
In summer, private car access is limited - eco-shuttles operate to the beaches to help preserve the site.

In a nutshell, from salt mountains to natural hot springs, lunar landscapes to Mediterranean coves, Spain is full of surprises — and the train (or bus) is your best ticket to discovering them.

These four sites prove that adventure doesn’t require a car — just curiosity, time, and the desire to explore differently.

This article was written in partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office.
To learn more, visit www.spain.info - a treasure trove of practical information to plan your trip!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.