Halloween in Spain might not have the same trick-or-treat traditions as in Ireland or the U.S., but it’s quickly becoming an interesting time to travel. Across the country, ancient legends, medieval castles, and centuries-old cemeteries create the perfect setting for a hauntingly good getaway. From ghostly cities to mysterious caves, here are some of Spain’s spookiest destinations to visit this Halloween.

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Belchite, Zaragoza – The Ghost Town That Time Forgot

Belchite is one of Spain’s most famous ghost towns, and for good reason. Destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, the old village has been left in ruins, preserved exactly as it was. Walking through its crumbling streets and broken bell towers feels like stepping into another world. Locals say that if you listen closely on a still night, you might hear faint echoes of church bells or voices from the past. Guided night tours add to the eerie atmosphere, especially under a full moon.

Toledo – Spain’s City of Shadows

Often called “The City of Three Cultures,” Toledo is known for its stunning medieval architecture and its dark side. The city’s narrow, winding streets are filled with tales of witches, spirits, and mysterious underground passages. During Halloween, ghost tours and night walks through the Jewish Quarter and ancient catacombs bring history to life in spine-tingling detail. Don’t miss the “Toledo Subterráneo” tours, which reveal crypts and tunnels hidden beneath the city for centuries.

Zugarramurdi, Navarra – The Witches’ Village

Hidden in the green hills near the Pyrenees, Zugarramurdi is known as Spain’s witch capital. In the 17th century, it was the site of one of the largest witch trials in Europe. Today, visitors can visit the eerie Witch Museum and the nearby caves, where the accused were said to have gathered for rituals. Every August, the town even holds a Witches’ Festival (Fiesta de las Brujas), celebrating folklore and Basque traditions. Visiting in late October gives you a quieter, more haunting experience, and the autumn scenery is breathtaking.

Barcelona – Cemeteries and Ghost Walks

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter transforms into a playground for the supernatural in late October. The “Ruta de Fantasmas” (Ghost Route) takes visitors through narrow alleys where crimes, hauntings, and unsolved mysteries once unfolded. For something different, visit the Poblenou Cemetery; its marble sculptures and elaborate tombs are both peaceful and eerie. The city’s Halloween parties also add a modern twist to the ancient surroundings, combining music, costume, and history in true Barcelona fashion.

Cuenca – Hanging Houses and Haunted Cliffs

Cuenca’s dramatic cliffs and hanging houses (Casas Colgadas) look like something from a Gothic novel. The city’s steep streets and stone bridges create a perfect Halloween setting. Legend has it that the cliffs below the old town are haunted by the spirits of monks who once lived in the nearby monastery. Visit at sunset, when the light fades over the gorge and the whole city glows in golden tones, it’s haunting in the best possible way.

More Spooky Locations and Ghost Stories in Spain

Spain’s long and fascinating history has left behind more than castles and cathedrals, it’s also full of ghost stories, eerie legends, and mysterious places that seem frozen in time. From haunted hotels and ancient towers to entire villages said to be cursed, here are some of the most chilling (and beautiful) destinations to visit if you love a good scare.

Parador de Jaén – The Weeping Ghost of Room 22

Perched high above the city of Jaén, the Parador de Jaén is a former Arab fortress turned luxury hotel with one of Spain’s most famous ghost stories. Guests who have stayed in Room 22 report strange sounds, flickering lights, and whispers in the dark. According to legend, the spirit of a young woman who died tragically centuries ago still wanders the room, weeping for her lost love. Even staff admit they prefer not to clean that room alone.

Castillo de Cardona – The Tower of the Minyona

Rising above the medieval town of Cardona, this imposing castle looks like something from a Gothic novel. The story goes that a noblewoman named Adalés fell in love with a Moorish prince and was locked in the tower, La Torre de la Minyona, when her family discovered their forbidden romance. Heartbroken, she died within the tower walls, and locals believe her spirit still roams the corridors. The castle, now a Parador hotel, is one of Cataluña’s most atmospheric places to spend a night, if you dare.

Santillana del Mar – The Wailing Nun

This medieval village in Cantabria hides a sad and ghostly tale. It’s said that the old convent is haunted by the spirit of a nun who fell in love with a soldier and later took her own life out of guilt. Locals claim they’ve heard her cries near the convent walls when the church bells ring at midnight. With its cobbled streets, stone houses, and candlelit taverns, Santillana del Mar is hauntingly beautiful, especially on a misty autumn night.

Sevilla – The Haunted Hospital de las Cinco Llagas

Once a grand hospital caring for plague victims in the 16th century, the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas in Sevilla is now home to the Andalusian Parliament, but some say its former patients never truly left. Security guards have reported cold spots, moving shadows, and the faint sound of footsteps in empty corridors. During its darker days, the building saw immense suffering, and the energy of the past still seems to linger.

Barranco de Badajoz, Tenerife – The Mysterious Ravine

In the Canary Islands, the Barranco de Badajoz is a place wrapped in myth. Locals tell ghost stories of glowing lights, strange creatures, and even time travellers disappearing into the cliffs. Some hikers have claimed to see figures dressed in old-fashioned clothing who vanish without a trace. The landscape itself, rugged, green, and eerily quiet, makes it easy to see why this ravine has become one of Spain’s most mysterious places.

Casa de las Siete Chimeneas, Madrid – The Lady on the Roof

In the heart of Madrid, near the Plaza del Rey, stands the Casa de las Siete Chimeneas, the House of the Seven Chimneys. According to legend, a young woman named Elena disappeared on her wedding night, and her body was never found. Since then, her ghost has been seen walking across the rooftop, dressed in white, illuminated by the moonlight between the chimneys. Even in daylight, the mansion’s atmosphere feels heavy with secrets.

A Chillingly Good Halloween Getaway

Whether you visit an abandoned village, a centuries-old castle, or a quiet mountain town, Spain has no shortage of places with a story to tell. These destinations remind us that history isn’t always locked away in books; sometimes it lingers in the buildings, the streets, and the whispers of local tales. So if you’re planning a Halloween escape this year, escape the trick-or-treaters and explore somewhere that already feels a little mysterious. You might not meet a ghost, but you’ll definitely come home with a story worth telling.

Have you heard any ghost stories or visited a haunted location in Spain?
We’d love to know what you’ve experienced, share your story, or favourite spooky spot in the comments or on our social media pages.

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