The 'Grand Canyon Of Spain' Is An Under-The-Radar Limestone Gorge With Postcard-Worthy Views

Tucked away in Spain's Castilla-La Mancha region and one of the most underrated destinations to add to your Spanish bucket list — there's a spectacular 25-mile limestone gorge that remains refreshingly undiscovered and unexplored by most travelers: the Júcar Canyon. Carving its way through the province of Albacete, about two hours away from the budget-friendly coastal city of València and Murcia, the canyon's dramatic topography creates a breathtaking landscape where ancient villages cling to the edges of steep cliffs.

Beyond being a haven for natural beauty, the canyon also has plenty of other exciting things going for it. On one hand, adventurous travelers can enjoy everything from kayaking to rafting and hiking along various trails. On the other hand, history enthusiasts can explore the area's rich past through its unusual architecture — from ancient cave homes to medieval fortresses. However, what makes this "Spanish Grand Canyon" truly special isn't just its impressive dimensions — it's how easily and harmoniously local communities have adapted to this rugged natural setting over centuries, creating a destination that feels both timeless and undiscovered.

At the heart of this impressive natural wonder sits Alcalá del Júcar — a quiet, picturesque village brimming with whitewashed houses along the cliffside. Officially declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1982, the town's winding streets lead up the mountain toward a commanding Moorish castle that boasts stunning views of the emerald-green Júcar River, as well as the surrounding valley. Better yet, unlike Spain's more touristy destinations — think the summer-packed resort towns of Southern Spain and crowd-heavy streets of Madrid and Barcelona — Alcalá del Júcar is filled with authentic local experiences that'll keep you busy, without the need to fight massive crowds.

The Júcar Canyon offers a long list of outdoor experiences that allow travelers to take in its imposing beauty from different angles. One of the most popular ways is by taking a boat ride along the river itself. Kicking off from the medieval village of Cofrentes — located roughly 30 minutes east of Alcalá del Júcar — the hour-long journey covers 9 miles along the shore. Alternatively, for visitors who prefer to get a little more active — the rivers Júcar and Cabriel (a tributary that joins the river) also provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, rafting, and stand-up paddleboarding. All of which can be particularly refreshing during the hot summer months, especially when combined with a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Up above the riverbanks, hikers will find the PR-V 219 trail especially attractive. A circular route that begins in Jalance and stretches for approximately 20.5 miles, the trip takes about 10 hours to complete. And while this specific route does require a good fitness level, there's also the option of tackling a shorter 10-mile stretch of the path that's ideal for less-experienced hikers. Along the way, you'll come across the fascinating Don Juan Cave, where ancient artifacts — some dating back to the Mesolithic Period — have been found. Beyond that, the trail also features various viewpoints including the Campichuelo viewpoint — where you can check out the limestone walls that frame the river — and the Júcar Canyon viewpoint, which boasts postcard-worthy vistas across the gorge.

Craving a break? You're in luck! The entire area is dotted with well-equipped rest areas that are perfect for picnics. Some of the most popular spots include Moragete, Fuente Bella, and Fuente del Tobarro, where you can enjoy a delicious bocadillo (aka, small sandwich) while taking in the impressive views.

Natural beauty and outdoor adventures aside, one of the most impressive features that sets the Júcar Canyon apart is its remarkable collection of cave dwellings — many of which have been carefully preserved and transformed into unique attractions. Throughout Alcalá del Júcar, for example, you'll find that plenty of houses are partially (or entirely) excavated into the mountainside, typically following the natural contours of the terrain.

For an unforgettable stay in the area, a lot of these cave houses have even been converted into holiday rentals. Specifically, some of the most popular options include Casa Túnel Nido de Águilas, which features a unique 65-foot tunnel that connects the main living area to a stunning suite overlooking the Júcar canyon (starting from $160 a night); and Casa Cueva Las Tinajas de Naya, a fully-renovated cave home that also offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape (starting from $260 a night).

Alternatively, for an even more special treat, the town's most stylish cave-stay option is Xuq (pictured above). A boutique aparthotel transformed from a once-rundown cave into 13 suites, the property features high-end perks like designer furniture, oversized spa baths sunk into the rocks, and exclusive access to their "Landscape Club" — equipped with a nature pool filled with water lilies and a private terrace overlooking the canyon.