Discover How to Find Abandoned Places Near Me in Spain: A Practical Guide to Exploring Unique Urbex Sites Full of Mystery and Adventure

Finding abandoned places in Spain to practice urban exploration (known as urbex) can be a fascinating experience, but it requires research, discretion, and respect for the spaces and the law. Here I explain some useful methods and resources to find abandoned places near you in Spain and how to explore them safely and ethically.

1. Join Online Urbex Communities and Spanish Forums

There are several online communities and forums dedicated to urban exploration in Spain, where users share information about locations, photos, and access tips.

• Urbex Forums in Spain: On sites like ForoCoches (photography section) or specific urban exploration forums, you can find threads dedicated to abandoned places in Spain. Here, explorers share their experiences and location details.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/urbanexploration and r/abandonosespaña are useful for discovering urban exploration sites in Spain. Users often share photos and experiences about specific places in the country.
• Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Exploración Urbana España" or "Lugares Abandonados España." These communities allow members to discuss places, plan meetups, and share experiences.

2. Use Satellite Imagery Tools and Maps

Digital map tools are useful for identifying potential abandoned sites through satellite images. With Google Maps and Google Earth, you can explore nearby areas and spot unused buildings, properties covered by vegetation, or signs of abandonment.

• Google Maps and Google Earth: Use satellite view to find isolated buildings or properties showing signs of abandonment, such as neglected land, damaged roofs, or areas with no traffic. If Street View is available, it can give you a closer look at the place.
• SigPac: This online mapping tool in Spain allows you to see high-resolution aerial images and compare them with official cartography. This can help you identify abandoned sites, especially in rural areas.
• OpenStreetMap: On this collaborative mapping platform, some users mark abandoned buildings or structures. Although the information may vary by area, it is useful for identifying lesser-known spots.

3. Research Historical Sites and Heritage Databases

Many abandoned places in Spain have historical significance, such as factories, churches, old train stations, or mansions. There are historical resources that can help you locate interesting sites.

• Spain’s Historical Heritage: The Ministry of Culture’s database of Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC) includes heritage sites of historical importance. Although not all are abandoned, some may be in ruins or have limited access.
• General Inventory of Cultural Heritage of Spain: This national inventory records sites of cultural importance and can offer clues about old and abandoned places.
• Industrial Heritage: Many cities and towns in Spain have preserved old industrial sites or abandoned train stations. Some of these areas are safe and open to the public, while others require more caution.

4. Check Local News and Municipal Records

Sometimes abandoned sites appear in local news, especially if they pose a public danger or are in the process of being rehabilitated. These reports can be a good resource for finding recently abandoned places.

• Local Newspapers: Searching local newspapers for terms like "abandoned," "ruins," "closed factory," or "vacant" along with your city’s name can give you clues about sites the community has reported as abandoned.
• Municipal Records: Some autonomous communities and municipalities publish lists of properties in auction, abandonment, or ruin. These documents may be publicly accessible and provide details about empty or unused properties.

5. Use Urbex and Photography Apps

There are some apps and photography sites that share locations of abandoned sites. These tools often include information, photos, and coordinates of abandoned places, which can be useful for discovering lesser-known sites.

• Abandoned Places Apps: Apps like Abandoned Places and Urbex People have databases of abandoned places, often including locations in Spain. You can search for places near you in the app and read comments from other explorers.
• Instagram and Photography Apps: Searching hashtags like #abandonosespaña, #urbexespaña, or #lugaresabandonados will lead you to photos from explorers who have visited these places. Many photographers tag their location, which can help you find specific sites.

6. Explore Public Ruins and Abandoned Sites

If you prefer to explore legal sites open to the public, Spain has several ruins and historic sites open for visits. These places allow exploration without legal risks and offer a safe experience.

• Ruins and Historic Monuments: Places like the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña in Huesca or the Ruins of Belchite in Zaragoza are historic sites open to the public. Although some of these places are partially restored, they maintain an atmosphere of abandonment.
• Natural Parks with Ruins: Some natural parks in Spain contain ruins of old villages, castles, and medieval constructions accessible to visitors. For example, the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park in Andalusia has several villages and mills in ruins.
• Abandoned Villages: Spain has many ghost towns in rural areas. Places like La Mussara in Tarragona or Ochate in Burgos are well-known abandoned villages open to the public.

7. Connect with Other Local Explorers

One of the best ways to discover new places is to connect with other urban explorers. You can learn from more experienced explorers and get information about lesser-known sites.

• Meetups and Gatherings: Many urbex groups organize meetups and events to explore together. Connecting with other explorers can open doors to new places and teach you safety techniques.
• Photography Clubs and Historical Societies: Many photographers and history enthusiasts know local abandoned sites. Joining a photography club or a historical society allows you to connect with people who can share advice about interesting places.

By following these steps, you can find abandoned places in Spain safely and respectfully, and enjoy the urban exploration experience. Happy exploring!