Spain has long been one of the Brits’ favourite holiday destinations, with millions heading there every year for sunshine, food and culture. But in recent years, many of the country’s most popular regions have faced growing frustration over overtourism, leading to protests and demands for tighter controls. Large cities and famous islands often bear the brunt of huge visitor numbers, and some locals say their communities have reached breaking point.

Yet away from the hotspots and coastal resorts, there are still places in Spain that not only welcome visitors but rely on them. Across the country, dozens of small towns and villages are desperate for tourism to return, offering a quieter, slower and more authentic experience than the busy beaches or packed city streets. And according to many, these lesser-known destinations are the best way to see a different side of Spain.

Experts at National Geographic recently highlighted several of these remote places, praising them for their heritage, culture and warm hospitality.

One of the villages featured was described as so untouched that it feels “frozen in time”, with locals eager for more tourists to discover it.

And nestled deep in the Catalonian Pyrenees, this tiny settlement has become a favourite among those looking for peaceful walks and mountain scenery.

That village is Beget, a honey-coloured medieval gem once so isolated it wasn’t accessible by car until the 1960s and didn’t have mobile phone service until 2023.

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Experts describe it as a treasure of Catalan culture, complete with cobblestone streets, stone bridges and stunning natural surroundings.

One local restaurant owner called it “a treasure with cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and an impressive natural setting,” capturing exactly why visitors fall in love with the area.

Beget is home to the 12th-century Iglesia de Sant Cristòfol, one of the region’s most important Romanesque churches.

Surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, it has also become a starting point for hikers taking the Camí de Nord, a historic trail that winds through the oak forests of Alta Garrotxa.

The route follows part of the journey taken by Spanish exiles fleeing to France during the Civil War, giving today’s walkers a chance to explore both nature and history.

According to tourism officials, Beget is considered one of the most charming villages in Catalonia and remains virtually untouched by time.

The entire settlement has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest, and it has received the “Charming Villages” distinction from the Catalan Tourism Agency, an honour awarded to just 14 places across the region.

What makes Beget even more appealing is its atmosphere. Visitors describe it as peaceful and calming, with quiet lanes and views that haven’t changed for generations.

The village has two medieval bridges and traditional stone houses, which give tourists a genuine sense of stepping back in time.