20 Unique Places to Stay in Spain: Caves, Castles & Hidden Gems (2026)

This article started when Jethro and I began planning our travels for the year.

Our daughter was finishing college, and with a bit of extra cash, we wanted to treat ourselves. Spain was calling, but we were looking for something different.

In some countries, finding a truly unique place to stay can be a stretch.

You might come across scenic spots in the hills or tucked beside the sea. They're beautiful, but not always memorable.

"Unpack your bags and your imagination."

Spain is different. With age comes character, and Spain is full of it.

As a child, I dreamed of being a princess living in a grand castle. Maybe you had a similar fantasy or something even better.

So why settle for a standard hotel when you could sleep in a centuries-old fortress, a lighthouse perched at the edge of the world, or a cave house carved into the mountainside?

This year, skip the ordinary.

Stay somewhere unforgettable. And maybe, finally, live out that childhood dream.

Ready to explore the cheapest places to visit in Spain? Start planning your weekend escape today.

Castles: Sleep Like Kings and Queens

Did you know Spain has over 10,000 castles? Some are crumbling ruins; some look straight out of a storybook, and, believe it or not, you can actually spend the night in quite a few of them. A lot of these ancient fortresses have been turned into hotels, mixing centuries of history with just the right amount of modern comfort.

Imagine waking up inside thick stone walls, stepping onto a terrace where knights once stood guard, and soaking in the same views they did, except now, there’s probably a great breakfast waiting for you downstairs. And no freezing hallways.

• Parador de Cardona (Catalonia)
• Castillo de Buen Amor (Salamanca)

Cave Houses: Live Like a (Comfortable) Caveman

Way before social media made them look trendy, people in Andalusia were already living in cave houses.

Carved straight into the mountainsides, these homes were built for a reason; they stay cool in summer, warm in winter, and don't need fancy air conditioning to do it. Staying in one isn't just a cool experience (literally); it's a chance to live a piece of Spanish history, no museum ticket required.

Once inhabited by the Gypsy population, many of these bijou cave dwellings have been lovingly restored and rented to adventurous holidaymakers. You'll find them mainly in Granada's Sacromonte neighbourhood (just a stone's throw from the Alhambra), Guadix, and El Marquesado in Baza.

• Cuevas del Tío Tobas (Granada) - Traditional cave experience near the city
• Guadix Cave Houses (Granada) - Over 2,000 cave homes in one town
• Casa Cueva el Mirador de Galera - Family-run with stunning mountain views
• Cuevas Helena - Modern luxury meets traditional cave living

Paradores: Historic Luxury

What if your history lesson came with room service? Spain's Paradores are luxury hotels set inside castles, monasteries, and palaces, so instead of just touring history, you get to sleep in it. It's like staying in a museum, except with way better beds and a great breakfast waiting for you in the morning.

The first Parador was built in 1926, the brainchild of King Alfonso XIII to use quality tourism as a guardian of national heritage. Today, there are around 90 Paradores across Spain, found in castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, and monasteries.

• Parador de Granada (Andalusia) - Inside the Alhambra grounds
• Parador de Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) - Historic pilgrim hostel turned luxury
• Parador de Alarcón (Cuenca) - 8th-century fortress with just 14 rooms
• Parador de Lerma (Burgos) - 17th-century ducal palace where Napoleon stayed

Lighthouses: Where Land Meets Sea

Spain’s rugged coastline is home to a collection of picturesque lighthouses, many of which have been transformed into extraordinary places to stay.

These spots aren’t just about the views (though, trust me, they’ll take your breath away). There’s something special about sleeping with the sound of the ocean in your ears and the vast sea at your doorstep. Whether it’s the romance of isolation or simply the thrill of staying where land meets the sea, lighthouses offer a stay like no other.

• Faro de Punta Cumplida (La Palma, Canary Islands)
• Faro Isla Pancha (Galicia)

Architectural Marvels: Sleep Inside Art

I’m a massive fan of the show Grand Designs, and Spain’s contemporary architecture scene definitely doesn’t disappoint.

Its bold and awe-inspiring designs make it easy to see why we’ve fallen in love with the country’s architectural wonders, mainly since our daughter studied architecture and design at university. We’re always on the lookout for those striking buildings, and let’s be honest, it’s even better when they don’t break the bank. The best part? Some of Spain’s most imaginative designs have been turned into hotels. If you love cutting-edge aesthetics, these spots aren’t just places to stay. They’re full-on works of art.

• Casa del Acantilado (Nerja) “Cliff House or Dragon House”
• Hotel Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, La Rioja) – Designed by Frank Gehry
• Hotel Puerta América (Madrid) – Each floor of this unique hotel is designed by a different world-renowned architect

Treehouses: Sleep Among the Canopy

Ever wanted to wake up surrounded by the sound of birds chirping and trees swaying in the breeze? Spain has many treehouses tucked away in natural settings where you can reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort.

• Eco-Resort Bosque de las Viñas (Castilla-La Mancha)
• La Casa del Árbol (Navarra)

Windmills: Stay in a Piece of History

Spain’s windmills are iconic, especially in regions like La Mancha, and they’ve been reimagined as unique places to stay. You’ll get to spend the night inside these historic structures, experiencing a slice of Spanish heritage in a truly memorable way.

• Molino de Alocén (Guadalajara)
• La Casa del Molino (Castilla-La Mancha)

Luxury Yurts: Glamping in Spain

Spain has several places offering luxury yurts (glamping), which combine adventure and comfort. These Mongolian-inspired tents combine the charm of camping with the comforts of high-end lodging, all set in some of Spain’s most scenic locations.

• Yurta Sierras de Cazorla (Jaén)
• Eco Yurts (Catalonia)

Under the Stars: Sleeping in Nature’s Blanket

If you’re a stargazer, Spain has plenty of accommodation options that will let you sleep under the stars. Whether it’s a rustic mountain cabin or a luxurious glamping tent, there’s no better way to soak in the vast night sky.

• Starlight Glamping (Galicia)
• Albergue de Astronomía (Castilla y León)

Cave Hotels: Stay Inside the Earth

While cave houses are well-known, cave hotels in Spain take it up a notch by adding luxury and modern touches to the traditional cave dwelling. Imagine a stay where the walls are carved from the rock itself, but the amenities are all five-star.

• Cueva del Fraile (Cuenca)
• Hotel Cuevas de la Sombra (Granada)

With so many standout places to stay, Spain shows that your accommodation can be just as memorable as the sights themselves. From ancient castles and remote lighthouses to cosy caves and sleek modern hotels, there's something for every kind of traveller.

Just be sure to book ahead. These unique stays are popular for a reason. And if you can't decide between a castle or a cave, why not try both?

There's no reason to settle for a standard hotel when you could live like royalty one night and sleep inside a mountain the next.

Common Questions About Unique Stays in Spain