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Venture beyond Spain's famous Rioja as we uncork the hidden wine treasures of Costa Blanca! What began as a two-hour content creation session turned into a delightful deep dive into the region's surprising viticulture scene.

Nestled near the medieval town of Guadalest, we discovered Masos de Guadalest, a winery reviving century-old traditions after a 100-year hiatus. For a mere €20, their tastings offer premium wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie, all served with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like their most important guest. They're even opening a boutique wine-themed hotel later this summer – perfect for oenophiles seeking immersion in Spanish wine culture.

Our most fascinating find was Mar de Vins, a micro-winery where a husband-wife team ages bottles 30 meters underwater in the Mediterranean Sea for six months! Using local Maravilla and Hero grape varieties, they create uniquely "clean" wines with distinctive character. Their submarine-aged bottles (around €80) are limited production treasures worth seeking out.

We also explored La Nucía's annual "Night of Wine" festival, a celebration featuring 150 wine and food experiences from local producers. Unlike many wine events dominated by commercial brands, this festival spotlights small, passionate winemakers sharing their stories and craft. The eco-friendly approach – reusable wine glasses and cleaning stations instead of disposable cups – perfectly complemented the authentic experience.

Whether you're planning a visit to Costa Blanca or simply looking to expand your wine knowledge beyond familiar Spanish regions, these hidden gems offer a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and Mediterranean charm. As the Spanish saying goes, "Donde no hay vino, no hay amor" – Where there is no wine, there is no love!

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Ever wondered where the locals go when tourists aren't watching? Those secret spots that never make it to the guidebooks but hold the true essence of a place? This episode peels back the curtain on Costa Blanca's best-kept secrets—places that even long-term residents might miss without the right insider knowledge.

We journey to Elche, where generations of artisanal shoemakers create masterpieces one stitch at a time. At Brian Stepwise, we discover handcrafted cowboy boots that would cost five times as much anywhere else, made with techniques passed down through generations. These aren't just shoes; they're wearable Spanish heritage at surprisingly accessible prices.

The gastronomic adventures take us to El Crank, a chiringuito perched directly on Altea's golden sands, where the fideuà (noodle paella) has locals booking weeks in advance. Nearby, we explore Calangels in mountainous Polop—a family home turned restaurant where there's no menu, just whatever exceptional ingredients the owner sourced that morning from his network of local producers and fishermen.

Perhaps most surprising is our visit to Gata de Gorgos, an unassuming one-street town that houses Zahati—hat makers whose creations have graced Netflix productions and high-end boutiques across Europe. In their workshop, older generations of craftswomen spend ten hours handmaking each distinctive piece, creating statement accessories that combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs.

We wrap up our hidden gems tour with the delightful discovery of Valencia's coffee parties—afternoon dance events that bring nightlife energy to daylight hours, creating inclusive spaces for people to connect without staying out until dawn.

These treasures represent the authentic Spain we've fallen in love with—where craftsmanship matters, relationships with producers are valued, and traditions evolve while maintaining their soul. Listen now to add these special places to your Costa Blanca adventure, and remember to subscribe for our upcoming episode on Spanish wines and a very unique wine festival we recently attended!

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Beyond the gleaming curves of Bilbao's Guggenheim lie two extraordinary destinations that showcase the true magic of Spain's Basque Country. Our adventure begins in Ghecho – the "Hamptons of Spain" – just 20 minutes from Bilbao yet worlds apart in atmosphere.

Strolling through Ghecho feels like stepping into another era. French-style châteaux line tree-shaded streets, remnants of a time when Spain's industrial elite built summer palaces along this privileged coastline. The town presents two distinct faces: one of aristocratic grandeur with boutiques and refined dining, another more authentic and connected to its seafaring past. What truly distinguishes Ghecho is the UNESCO-protected Puente de Vizcaya – a hanging bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel's student. This remarkable structure isn't just a tourist attraction but a functioning transport system locals use daily, with a suspended gondola carrying pedestrians and vehicles across the river.

But nothing prepares you for San Juan de Gatelugache – better known to millions as Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. Unlike many filming locations that quickly commercialize, this ancient hermitage remains untouched by branding, honoring its centuries-old history as a spiritual pilgrimage site. The dramatic stone pathway leading to the church, with 241 steps carved into rugged cliffs, creates an almost mystical experience as Atlantic waves crash against volcanic rock formations.

What makes this location particularly special is how it's managed. Free timed-entry tickets must be reserved in advance, creating a measured flow of visitors that preserves the site's magic. While queuing, we witnessed dozens refreshing their phones hoping for last-minute cancellations – testament to its popularity even years after Game of Thrones concluded.

Between adventures, we sampled local specialties including Calimocho (the surprisingly drinkable combination of cheap red wine and Coca-Cola) and burnt Basque cheesecake that The New York Times once crowned "flavor of the year." These culinary innovations, born from necessity and creativity, perfectly mirror the resourceful spirit of the Basque people themselves.

Whether you're planning a romantic date (we've included three budget options!) or seeking to escape Bilbao's urban energy, these day trips offer unforgettable glimpses into the region's aristocratic past and dramatic natural beauty. Subscribe to hear more as we continue exploring Spain's hidden treasures in upcoming episodes!