Spain is a country rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes, but it also boasts some truly unique and unusual destinations that offer an offbeat travel experience.
Exploring these unusual destinations will provide a different perspective on Spain’s rich culture and history, offering unforgettable experiences off the beaten path.
Here’s a guide to the weirdest places to visit in Spain, complete with what makes them so intriguing.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
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Tips for Visiting Spain’s Weirdest Places
Plan Ahead: Some locations may require advance booking or have limited visiting hours.
Check Accessibility: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking or hiking in areas like El Caminito del Rey.
Respect Local Customs: Always follow guidelines, especially in historical sites and natural parks.
Bring a Camera: These unique spots offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing some Spanish can enhance your experience.
Weirdest Places to Visit in Spain
1. The Smurf Village (Júzcar)
What It Is:
A village where all the buildings are painted blue, transforming it into a real-life Smurf village.
Why It’s Weird:
Originally painted blue for the 2011 premiere of “The Smurfs” movie, the residents decided to keep the color due to the surge in tourism.
Where:
Júzcar, Málaga Province, Andalusia.
Must-See:
Smurf-themed murals, statues, and annual Smurf festivals.
2. The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas)
What It Is:
Medieval houses that appear to hang off the edge of a cliff over the Huécar River.
Why It’s Weird:
Their balconies extend dramatically over the precipice, creating a stunning and somewhat dizzying sight.
Where:
Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Must-See:
The Museum of Abstract Art housed within one of the hanging houses.
3. The Enchanted City (Ciudad Encantada)
What It Is:
A geological site featuring bizarre rock formations shaped by erosion over millions of years.
Why It’s Weird:
The rocks resemble animals, objects, and human figures, sparking imagination and wonder.
Where:
Near Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha.
Must-See:
Formations like “The Stone Sea,” “The Dog,” and “The Roman Bridge.”
4. Setenil de las Bodegas
What It Is:
A town built into and under massive rock overhangs.
Why It’s Weird:
Streets and houses are sheltered by huge rock formations, making it seem as though the town is swallowed by the cliffs.
Where:
Cádiz Province, Andalusia.
Must-See:
Calle Cuevas del Sol, a street dramatically overshadowed by a giant rock.
5. The Ghost Town of Belchite
What It Is:
An abandoned town left in ruins after the Spanish Civil War.
Why It’s Weird:
The crumbling buildings and empty streets create an eerie, haunting atmosphere.
Where:
Belchite, Zaragoza Province, Aragon.
Must-See:
The remains of the old church and war-torn structures.
6. The Cathedral of Justo (Justo Gallego’s Cathedral)
What It Is:
A massive cathedral constructed almost entirely by one man over 60 years, using recycled materials.
Why It’s Weird:
Built without formal plans or permissions, it’s an unconventional architectural marvel.
Where:
Mejorada del Campo, near Madrid.
Must-See:
The towering dome and intricate stained glass made from discarded materials.
7. The House of Cats (Casa de los Gatos)
What It Is:
A small, ornate house built specifically for stray cats.
Why It’s Weird:
It’s a miniature building with detailed architecture serving as a feline sanctuary.
Where:
Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava, Catalonia.
Must-See:
The decorative façade and the friendly resident cats.
8. Las Médulas
What It Is:
A landscape of red hills and strange formations left by ancient Roman gold mining.
Why It’s Weird:
The unusual terrain looks almost Martian and is a result of hydraulic mining techniques used by the Romans.
Where:
León Province, Castile and León.
Must-See:
The panoramic views from Mirador de Orellán.
9. The Desert of Tabernas
What It Is:
Europe’s only true desert, often used as a filming location for Western movies.
Why It’s Weird:
Its arid landscape resembles the American Wild West, complete with cacti and abandoned film sets.
Where:
Almería Province, Andalusia.
Must-See:
Mini Hollywood theme park and the desert’s unique flora and fauna.
10. El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway)
What It Is:
A narrow walkway pinned along steep walls of a gorge, offering breathtaking views.
Why It’s Weird:
Once known as the world’s most dangerous path, it’s been restored but still offers an adrenaline rush.
Where:
Near Ardales, Málaga Province, Andalusia.
Must-See:
The glass-floor section and the hanging bridge over the Gaitanes Gorge.
11. The Dalí Theatre-Museum
What It Is:
A museum designed by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, housing a vast collection of his works.
Why It’s Weird:
The building itself is a surreal masterpiece, featuring giant eggs and strange sculptures.
Where:
Figueres, Catalonia.
Must-See:
The Mae West Room and the Rainy Cadillac installation.
12. The Village of Ochate
What It Is:
An abandoned village shrouded in legends of paranormal activity.
Why It’s Weird:
Known as one of Spain’s most haunted places, with stories of mysterious disappearances and ghost sightings.
Where:
Near Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country.
Must-See:
The ruins of the tower and the deserted church.
13. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
What It Is:
Architectural masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí featuring organic shapes and unconventional designs.
Why It’s Weird:
The absence of straight lines and the whimsical façades make these buildings stand out.
Where:
Barcelona, Catalonia.
Must-See:
The rooftop chimneys and the colorful mosaic tiles of Casa Batlló.
14. The Bardenas Reales
What It Is:
A semi-desert natural park with unique rock formations and barren landscapes.
Why It’s Weird:
The erosion has created shapes resembling castles, plateaus, and otherworldly figures.
Where:
Navarre Region.
Must-See:
The iconic Castildetierra rock formation.
15. The Temple of Debod
What It Is:
An ancient Egyptian temple donated to Spain and reconstructed in Madrid.
Why It’s Weird:
An authentic Egyptian temple set in a Spanish city park, offering a unique blend of cultures.
Where:
Parque del Oeste, Madrid.
Must-See:
The temple at sunset, beautifully reflected in the surrounding pools.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.