Spain is full of interesting places of interest, whether you're after a weekend break, a longer holiday or even somewhere to live. Some of the most interesting places worth visiting in Spain are abandoned areas that, despite the passage of time, still retain their beauty and have even become attractions for photography lovers. From abandoned villages in Spain, to deserted train stations and ghost towns, and even some abandoned castles in Spain, you'll be spoilt for choice with this selection of 22 abandoned places in Spain worth visiting.
Granadilla, Cáceres
This Spanish village was evacuated due to the construction of the Gabriel y Galán dam and reservoir, but the water never flooded the village and its streets are still in perfect condition. Thanks to conservation and protection work, it is now possible to visit this abandoned village in Spain, which even has a 15th-century castle as one of its main attractions. The village is located just half an hour's drive from Plasencia.
Canfranc International railway station, Huesca
Near the Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca, is this impressive structure built in 1928 to connect France and Spain through the Somport tunnel. During the 1970s the tunnel ceased to be used and the station was closed, but in 2022 the facilities were declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and since then it has been possible to visit them again. And now, Canfranc International railway station is being converted into a luxury hotel. The establishment, which will open its doors in December 2022, is owned by the Government of Aragon, but will operate under the luxury brand Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts by the Barceló group.
Dícido Cargadero de mineral, Cantabria
The Dícido ore loading dock in the region of Cantabria in Northern Spain was built in 1938 for the old Dícido mines, and is the only one that remains of the half dozen that once existed in Castro Urdiales. It is a favourite location for photographers but is currently on the Heritage Red List as it is in danger of collapse.
Fuerte de la Galea, Biscay
Located on the coast of Getxo, this Spanish fort was built on an old watchtower from the 16th century that was converted into a military construction in the 18th century. It can be reached along a pretty coastal path, which also leads to the Aixerrota mill.
Escó, Zaragoza
This village was also evicted in its day due to the construction of the Yesa reservoir, but nowadays it is uncovered and the structure of its buildings of this Spanish ghost town can be perfectly appreciated. The village is 50 km from Jaca.
Monasterio de San Pedro de Arlanza, Burgos
The ruins of this beautiful monastery in the village of Hortigüela are a 40-minute drive from Burgos. This abandoned Spanish monastery has eroded over time but still retains much of its structure, typical of the Middle Ages, and is one of the most beautiful abandoned places in Spain to visit.
Real Fábrica de Armas y Municiones de Orbaitzeta, Navarra
The Royal Arms and Ammunition Factory of Orbaitzeta is located in the Pyrenees area near the Irati forest and was built in 1874. The factory however closed a century later and fell into disuse. Over time, nature has taken over its walls and the site has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, as well as undergoing several restoration processes in recent years.
Belchite, Zaragoza
One of the most famous abandoned villages in Spain is Belchite, which was the scene of the battle of the same name during the Civil War and where several films have subsequently been shot. Don't miss this impressive ghost town in Spain, just 50km from Zaragoza.
Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela, Zamora
This monastery, built in the 12th century, was remodelled between the 16th and 17th centuries and is one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is located half an hour's drive from Zamora and 90km from the famous town of Puebla de Sanabria.
Chalé Giner Cortina, Valencia
This abandoned palace is in the municipality of Torrent, in Valencia. Its modernist style is courtesy of the architect José Manuel Cortina Pérez, who built it in 1918 by order of the Valencian industrialist José Giner y Viguer. The building was later acquired by the city council of Torrent, but in 2021 it was added to the Heritage Red List due to its dilapidated state.
Elevador de Aguas de Gordejuela, Tenerife
This structure was built by the British company Casa Hamilton in 1903, in the vicinity of Los Realejos. It consisted of a pumping station that carried water to the top of the cliffs and inside it was the first steam engine in Tenerife. The company went bankrupt over the years, the industrial complex was abandoned and today is a popular abandoned place to visit in the Canary Islands.
Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Hoz, Segovia
The Franciscan convent of Nuestra Señora de la Hoz is in the heart of the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park in Segovia. Located on the banks of the river, this building has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest for its unique beauty.
Torre Salvana, Barcelona
Known as the "Castle of Hell", this 10th century fortress has been the scene of several paranormal events that have given it its name. This building, which was once used for defence purposes, is located at the entrance to the Colonia Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló.
Sanatorio de Cesuras, A Coruña
In the village of Oza-Cesuras is one of the abandoned treasures of Galician heritage. This building was intended to be an anti-tuberculosis sanatorium, but its construction was stopped in 1931 and it was never finished. The structure is located in the middle of a forest of eucalyptus and pine trees, making it a site worth visiting.
Pantalán del Puerto de Sagunto, Valencia
This industrial construction is another of the elements that form part of Spain's coastal heritage and is a jetty that was inaugurated in 1976. It was operated for just over a decade by the Sierra Menera Mining Company, and after several years of closure, in 2009 it became the property of Sagunto Town Council.
Monasterio de Sant Salvador de la Vedella, Barcelona
This abandoned building is located in the municipality of Cers, on the banks of the Baells reservoir, meaning that the lower part of the monastery is flooded by the surrounding waters. The building was inaugurated in 1976 and is 60km from Manresa.
Central hidroeléctrica de Salto de Ventureira, A Coruña
In the heart of the Fragas do Eume Natural Park in Pontedeume, this power station was built between 1901 and 1903 and was in operation until 1959. It has now been abandoned for more than 60 years, but you can walk around it along a path that passes close to the central building, as well as the large pipelines and pipes of the installation.
Monasterio de Santa María de Rioseco, Burgos
In the Castilian Valle de Manzanedo lie these impressive ruins that are well worth a visit on your tour of abandoned places in Spain. Today, the Salvemos Rioseco collective works to keep the monastery in good condition and conserve its heritage. In fact, they even offer guided tours in the area. Thanks to these efforts, the building was removed from the Heritage Red List in 2018.
Palacio de los Gosálvez, Albacete
In Castilla la Mancha is Villalgordo del Júcar and within it is this palace built in 1902. In the centre of the building there is a fountain with a French influence and there is a rumour that the wife of Tsar Nicholas II gave it to the noble family as a gift.
Hornos de Vilaoudriz, Lugo
These relics known as 'Os Fornos' are in the municipality of A Pontenova and are made up of 5 11-metre high chimneys. A narrow-gauge railway that used to transport iron ore connects the area with the port of Ribadeo, 34km away. This route is part of the Vías Verdes and can still be travelled today.
Fuerte de San Cristóbal, Navarra
Also known as the fort of Alfonso XII, this 19th century building stands on the San Cristóbal mountain at an altitude of 895 metres and was once used as a jail for Republican prisoners during the Civil War. The ruins were declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2001 and are within the municipality of Berrioplano.
A Godela, Pontevedra
In the municipality of Cerdedo-Cotobade is this Spanish abandoned village, whose buildings have been covered by vegetation. One of the most interesting points is the Casa da Peste, dating from 1721. It is located 26 km from the city of Pontevedra, and is one of the best ghost towns in Spain to visit.