‘Stunning’ Spanish town lies just an hour from Marbella but is ‘much quieter’

A French holidaymaker has shared her “hidden-gem” destination for those wanting to enjoy Spain without the crowds – and it’s only a short drive away from popular tourist city Marbella

With just a month of summer remaining, many are scrambling to secure last-minute getaways or beginning to plan next year’s adventures, with Spain continuing to be a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers. Whilst renowned tourist hotspots such as Benidorm, Barcelona and Marbella have witnessed locals demonstrating against the influx of annual visitors, several hidden treasures remain refreshingly uncrowded – and they’re closer than you might think.

However, for those seeking fresh experiences, choosing your ideal holiday destination can feel quite daunting. To help, a French holidaymaker named Marina has revealed her “hidden-gem” spot for those craving authentic Spanish culture without the large crowds.

Among the lesser-known settlements is Iznájar. Nestled in Córdoba province within Andalusia in southern Spain, this town houses 4,960 residents whilst maintaining a lively community atmosphere.

“One of the most beautiful villages of Spain,” Marina wrote on her TikTok video whilst showcasing highlights from her trip.

Strolling through the cobbled lanes wearing a vibrant yellow frock, Marina captured the whitewashed buildings adorned with azure flowering displays, evoking images of Santorini in Greece.

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, adding: “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 the panorama from the lookout point, showcasing endless rows of charming white buildings with olive groves stretching into the distance. Olive harvesting remains one of Iznájar’s primary economic pillars, though tourism is gaining momentum.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish countryside, Marina also highlighted the Iznajar Reservoir that surrounds the town, which stands as Andalucía’s largest and transforms into a beloved “beach destination” during the warmer summer months.

Those not wanting to spend their entire break in a small town will be pleased to discover it’s merely an hour’s drive from vibrant Marbella when you fancy some urban excitement.

Accessing this historic town is a breeze for international travellers, with Marbella airport being the nearest gateway. Comments flooded in rapidly, with numerous users expressing their desire to visit on their next getaway.

“Stunning! Love all the colour,” one person remarked, whilst another added: “Love! My favourite was Frigiliana.”

“We couldn’t love Spain more, and there are so many gorgeous Pueblos to discover,” a third user said.