What You Will Learn

• Skinimalism emphasizes the quality of skincare products over quantity, focusing on essentials that cater to your skin’s unique needs.
• The trend gained momentum during the pandemic as individuals reevaluated their skincare priorities, realizing the benefits of a simplified routine.
• Adopting skinimalism can lead to improved skin health, reduced irritations, and increased confidence in one’s natural beauty.
• Choosing multifunctional products and incorporating DIY skincare recipes can further enhance your skinimalist lifestyle.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have you already started incorporating skinimalism into your skincare routine? Share your experiences and thoughts below!

Submit

Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

• Skinimalism emphasizes quality over quantity in skincare routines.
• Focus on multifunctional products to streamline your regimen.
• Embrace natural skin textures and promote self-acceptance.
• Adopt sustainable beauty practices by reducing product waste.
• Consider DIY skincare recipes for a personalized touch.
• Consult with skincare professionals for tailored minimalist routines.

Spain has long been associated with sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, and world-famous cuisine. While Barcelona, Madrid, and Ibiza are famous for a reason, the true soul of Spain is often found in its remote corners. One of the areas I love the best is Northern Spain, with its green mountains, rugged coastline, and medieval villages, offers an entirely different perspective. It doesn’t get as many visitors as the hotspots in the south but it is just as beautiful in my opinion.

If you want to see a quieter side of Spain, consider stepping off the usual tourist trail and heading north after your flight to Madrid. Spend a few days in Madrid (which is amazing) and then train it north for a week or more to wander along paths the Romans once carved into mountains, explore deserts few travelers know, and hike to villages where traditions persist centuries after empires have fallen.

Today, I want to share three destinations that I love: Las Médulas, the Bardenas Reales, and Santillana del Mar. Each offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, and each is accessible enough from Madrid.

1. Las Médulas

Nearly two millennia ago, Roman engineers transformed this landscape in search of gold. Using a technique called ruina montium (“wrecking of mountains”), they channeled water through tunnels to collapse entire hillsides, revealing the region’s gold deposits. The result is a surreal landscape of jagged red cliffs, hollows, and gullies, softened by forests of chestnut trees and dotted with walking trails. Today, Las Médulas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of nature. Hiking through the gullies and Roman galleries, it’s easy to imagine the labor and vision required to reshape this rugged terrain.

What I love about Las Médulas is the quiet. Even in high season, you can find stretches of trail where the only sounds are your footsteps and the rustle of leaves. The views from the ridges are spectacular, and the scent of chestnuts lingers in the air. It is a place that makes you slow down, not just to take photos but to let the history and the stillness sink in.

Highlights and Trails

• Senda de las Valiñas (4km loop): This gentle trail winds through shady chestnut groves and past openings to Roman tunnels. It is perfect for an easy morning walk that still gives you a sense of the site’s scope. Stop often to look up at the cliffs; the red soil against the greenery makes for striking photos.
• Mirador de Orellán: A short but steep climb leads to a platform overlooking the scarlet ridges and valleys. Sunset is my favorite time here when the fading light turns the cliffs almost orange. There is also a small gallery where you can see how the Romans dug into the rock.
• Galería de Orellán: If you enjoy a bit of adventure, explore this restored mining tunnel. Standing inside, you can imagine workers hauling out earth by torchlight.
• Senda Perimetral (14km loop): For committed hikers, this path circles the whole archaeological area. You will pass secluded forests, small farms, and the occasional wild boar track. It is long but not difficult, and you will often have it to yourself.
• Castro de Chano: A short drive away, this pre-Roman hillfort shows that the story of Las Médulas stretches back much further than the Romans.
• Mirador de Reirigo: A lesser-known lookout with a quiet bench and sweeping views across chestnut forests and distant hills.

Practical Details
Where to Stay: Ponferrada is only half an hour away and has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses.

Best Season: Autumn for golden foliage and crisp air. Spring brings mild weather and blooming wildflowers.

Tip: Bring water and a snack, especially if you plan to attempt the longer hikes. Maps or a GPS app will help you stick to the marked trails.
 

2. Bardenas Reales

Heading south from Pamplona, the landscape changes dramatically. Rolling farmland gives way to dry plains and eventually a semi-desert of ochre mesas and dramatic ravines. This is the Bardenas Reales, a 42,000-hectare natural park in Navarre. This place is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an area of active military use, yet shepherds still graze their flocks across the plains, and wildlife such as griffon vultures and foxes thrive. The park’s isolation means you will often have most of the trails to yourself.

The first time I visited, I was surprised at how varied the scenery was. From a distance, it looks barren, but once inside, you notice details: rippling patterns in the clay, hardy flowers clinging to cracks, the occasional sheepdog trotting behind a herd. The sense of space is exhilarating. It is a destination that invites wandering and rewards those who take their time.

Sights and Routes

• Castildetierra: This slender rock pinnacle is the park’s symbol. Photographers love it at dawn when soft light highlights its delicate shape. Even if you are not chasing the perfect shot, it is worth lingering to watch shadows shift across the flats.
• La Blanca Baja Loop (34km): A drive or bike ride along this track gives you a full tour of the park’s central zone. Stop at overlooks to admire canyons, mesas, and wide basins where storms sometimes leave shallow pools.
• Piskerra and El Rallón Hike: This moderate route climbs into the heart of the badlands. Expect rugged paths and thrilling views from the top ridges. Bring plenty of water, as there is no shade once you leave the lowlands.
• Balcón de Pilatos: A high vantage point where griffon vultures wheel on warm air currents. Watching them soar over the ravines is an unforgettable experience.
• Cabezo de las Cortinillas: A quieter formation reached by a short track. The colors of the rocks shift from pale cream to copper depending on the sun.
• Río Aragón Corridor: Follow the green strip along the river for a softer side of the park. It is good for birdwatching and a break from the dry heat.

Practical Details
Where to Stay: Tudela is the nearest town, with comfortable lodgings and excellent local restaurants serving Navarra specialties.

Best Season: Visit in spring or early autumn for pleasant temperatures. Wildflowers appear after rain, adding touches of color to the plain. Summer can be extremely hot.

Tip: There are no services inside the park, so stock up on water, sunscreen, and snacks beforehand.
 

3. Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is one of my favorite spots in northern Spain. It is located in Cantabria, roughly 30 minutes inland from the coast. Its cobbled streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and charming plazas make it one of the most picturesque villages in the region. The town also serves as a gateway to one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, the Altamira Cave, famous for its Paleolithic paintings. Wandering its narrow streets is like stepping back in time, and staying overnight allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility once the day-trippers depart.

What makes Santillana special is how alive it feels. Despite its ancient walls, there is nothing dusty about it. Small bakeries sell buttery sobaos, shopkeepers greet you as you pass, and horses sometimes clop through the lanes. The rhythm is unhurried and warm.

Things to See and Do

• Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana: A Romanesque gem with serene cloisters and intricate capitals. Take your time exploring the arches and stone carvings.
• Altamira Cave Replica: The original cave is closed to preserve the art, but the replica is impressive. Standing beneath the ceiling of bison and horses gives you a glimpse of human creativity from 14,000 years ago.
• Museo de Altamira: A museum next to the cave that expands on the region’s prehistoric culture. The exhibits are engaging and family-friendly.
• Plaza Mayor: The central square is framed by stone houses with wooden balconies. It is a perfect spot for coffee or a late-afternoon glass of cider.
• Nearby Trails: From the village, you can wander into the surrounding hills where meadows meet oak woods. Some paths continue toward the coast, giving sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea.
• Cuevas de El Soplao: A short drive away, this cavern is filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and unusual formations called helictites.
• Comillas: A neighboring town with Modernist architecture, including Gaudí’s Capricho, only 20 minutes by car.

Practical Details
Getting There: Buses run from Santander or Bilbao in about 45 minutes. Renting a car gives freedom to explore nearby coves and valleys.

Best Season: Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Spain’s headline attractions deserve attention, yet its lesser-known landscapes and towns reveal something richer. They remind us that beyond Spain’s beaches and bustling cities lies a country where history, geography, and everyday life converge into experiences worth lingering over. Whether you are tracing Roman tunnels in Las Médulas, riding a bike across the dusty tracks of the Bardenas, or sipping cider in a Cantabrian plaza, each moment adds a new layer to your understanding of Spain.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Plan your trip to Europe like a pro

Get all my best Europe travel tips as well as free planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the country for less!

Quick: take a glance at the ingredients in your skincare lineup. You’ll probably see products with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and squalane oil, to name a few.

These days skincare relies on a combination of potent ingredients to combat aging, quench dryness, brighten skin, and protect against free radicals.

Ahem, plum oil can do all of that and then some.

But it’s likely that plum oil hasn’t found its way onto your beauty shelf. Let’s fix that.

Scoot those other bottles and jars out of the way to make room for an unsung, fruit-based ingredient with a cornucopia of benefits. It could be everything you need.

Before we get into the benefits of this do-it-all oil, let’s talk about plums. This often forgotten source of fiber is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.

Plum oil is extracted from the pits and kernels of the plum, but this isn’t a recent discovery. Thousands of years ago, plum extracts were used in traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine.

The non-comedogenic oil is known for helping to regulate sebum production. Plus, it’s rich in vitamin E to soothe and provide anti-inflammatory relief for reactive skin.

It beats skin hydrators like squalane, because it quenches skin while also imparting antioxidants that promote cellular renewal. Not to shade squalane, but its purely emollient benefit isn’t as multitasking. But wait, there’s more.

Plum oil is packed with omega 6 & 9 fatty acids that quickly penetrate the skin barrier to keep it soft while maintaining youthful plumpness and elasticity. It also contains vitamin C to target discoloration and dark spots for brighter, more glowing skin.

Great for all skin types ranging from sensitive to dry to acne-prone, it’s safe to say that plum oil is pretty powerful. If you’d like to try it in your anti-aging skincare regimen, we recommend giving Good Molecules 1% Retinol Night Oil a go.

Formulated with 1% potent retinol in a base of nourishing plum oil, the formula works to improve fine lines, wrinkles, unevenness, and dryness while you rest. You’ll think it’s a dream, but plum oil’s benefits are ready to make your best skin a reality.

For a pure, minimalist approach, Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil is another hero worth adding to your regimen. This luxe, multitasking oil can be used on the face, body, and even hair to lock in moisture, soothe irritation, and boost radiance—all without clogging pores.

Together, these two plum-powered products are a great place to start if you’re ready to wet your feet in the world of plum oil skincare.

Did you know that most avocados sold in the U.S. are grown in the southern part of California? That certainly explains the Golden State’s obsession with avocado-topped anything and everything. Avocados are chock full of antioxidants, good fats, and fiber that prevent cancer, maintain heart health, even lower the risk of depression—so eat up!

While these fatty fruits are a delicious source of nutrients when consumed, avocado-derived ingredients can be found in numerous topical formulas to nourish the body from head to toe. Avocado oil, extract, and butter are dry skin and hair saviors, known for deeply hydrating, softening, and strengthening with every use. Check out this avocado infused lineup of restorative products to keep in your beauty kit all year long.

R+Co BLEU Super Style Crème, $12

Avocado oil penetrates hair to deliver added moisture, smoothness, and shine. The Super Style Crème does exactly that with an avocado-rich formula and added vitamin E for silky, strong styles. Plus, the creme blankets hair in lightweight hydration that helps seal split ends and prevent frizz.

Indie Lee Botanical Boosting Oil, $48

Give your skin barrier a restorative boost with a cornucopia of antioxidant-rich botanicals, including (you guessed it) avocado! Specifically, the formula is made up of avocado extracts, which promote a healthy skin barrier while combating environmental stressors. Along with jojoba seed oil, rosehip seed oil, and squalane, this oil locks in moisture for glowing results without the greasiness.

Nudestix Hydra-Peptide Lip Butter, $18

Read our lips: avocado butter works wonders for some of the most delicate skin on your face. This formula from Nudestix harnesses avocado butter for soft, supple, and hydrated lips with added fullness.

Cirque Colors Nail & Cuticle Oil, $12.50

Nails and cuticles often get overlooked until it’s time for your next salon visit. However, it’s super easy to care for these tiny areas with an easy-to-apply nail and cuticle oil. Twist the end of the pen to dispense the avocado oil-infused formula, and use the brush applicator to target skin and nails, then massage into fingertips. The quick-absorbing treatment keeps these areas healthy and primed for your next nail look.

Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer, $12

Just like the rest of your body, your skin needs a daily dose of healthy fats. This lightweight daily moisturizer delivers with an avocado oil infused formula that leaves skin nourished and prepped for makeup. Let the avocado oil in this featherlight cream work its magic as it locks in moisture and soothes dry skin, while shea butter plumps and smooths skin texture.

MIXIK Botanical Serum, $24

What if we told you your skin could soak up the benefits of avocado in just a few spritzes? This spray-on serum (yes, touchless skincare!) delivers nature’s best, straight to your pores. Moisturizing avocado oil, restorative rosewater extract, and brightening galactomyces ferment filtrate come together to hydrate, tone, and revive your skin.

Hourglass Equilibrium Transformative Cleansing Balm, $65

Avocado is great for nourishing your skin, but what if you used it to wash the day off? This innovative cleansing balm transforms into a silky oil that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without stripping your skin. Infused with avocado oil, sunflower oil, and Amnio Youth Lipids it leaves your skin soft, balanced, and radiant.