Located on the Iberian Peninsula alongside its neighboring nation, Portugal, Spain is a dynamic country in Europe recognized for its passionate people as well as its sunny beaches and amazing historical legacy. While no vacation to Spain would be complete without a stop in one of the country’s main cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, don’t forget to take time to explore the country’s tiny villages, which are full of character. In many instances, these little towns in Spain are less expensive than their metropolitan equivalents, and they provide a more realistic peek into local culture than their urban counterparts. You should include any of these charming Spanish hamlets in your travel itinerary on your next trip.
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Besalu
There is no better place to visit than the town of Besal if you want to get a sense of what Spain would have looked like in the Middle Ages. It is located in Catalonia and is a totally walkable town with a wealth of historical things to explore. Not to be missed are the spectacular and magnificently maintained Romanesque bridge that crosses the Fluvià River and dates back to the 12th century, the old Jewish synagogues, and the 11th century Church of Sant Pere, among other attractions. Don’t forget to stroll over the bridge, which is now closed to vehicular traffic, to get a few shots of the tranquil, medieval town from this wonderful vantage point on the river.
Cudillero
Cudillero, formerly a sleepy fishing hamlet on Spain’s northern coast, is now a popular destination for visitors seeking easy access to the beach and delicious seafood without having to contend with large crowds. You’ll be able to view lovely structures like as the palace grounds of the Fundacion Selgas-Fagalde and the ancient church known as Iglesia El Pito from your balcony, which overlooks the Bay of Biscay. Cudillero’s scenery is unrivaled, and some of the town’s most scenic sites include the overlook of Cabo Vidio and the turquoise seas of the Playa del Silencio beach, which is located on the outskirts of town.
Morella
Morella is an old walled city located in the province of Castellon in the province of Castilla y Leon. Morella’s primary attractions are its architecture and history, and you won’t want to leave without taking in the Morella Castle, the Gothic Santa Maria la Mayor Basilic Church with its extraordinarily elaborate interiors, and the medieval Morella Walls. For a delectable treat, visit a bakery and get flaons, a local culinary speciality that consists of sweet pastries stuffed with cheese. Morella may also be used as a base for visiting the Maestrazgo Mountains, which are located nearby in the vicinity.
Cadaques
Cadaques is a beachside town in the province of Girona, in a coastal area known as the Costa Brava, and it is located in the province of Girona. This town is arguably best known for being the birthplace of painter Salvador Dali, and art enthusiasts may still pay a visit to Dali’s House, which has been converted into an art museum. In Cadaques, you may stroll down the tiled walkways between quaint seafood restaurants and little local shops, but it is the stunning beach and the clear blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea that are the town’s major attraction.
Albarracin
Albarracin is a picture-perfect town in the province of Teruel, which is situated in the autonomous community of Aragon. Albarracin was a flourishing town in Spain during the 12th and 14th centuries, named for a Moorish lord. Today, much of its early architecture may still be seen, notably the Albarracin Cathedral and a large portion of the city’s defenses. This town, which is located in the highlands and is relatively rural, does not seem to have seen much development in recent years. In a canyon, the city’s pink buildings are carved directly into the natural scenery, making it one of the most magnificent sites on the planet, immediately transporting you to a different era.
Deia
The picturesque hamlet of Deià can be found on the Spanish island of Mallorca, in the midst of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and is a short distance from the town of Palma. The community has long been a favorite of expats who come to enjoy the gorgeous location, which includes high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as well as a plethora of olive fields. Deià was the home of novelist Robert Graves, whose mansion is currently available to the public for visits, which will be of particular interest to literature enthusiasts. Additionally, Deià is home to a stunning coastal inlet known as Cala de Deià, which can only be reached on foot.
Olite
Ancient Olite, located in the region of Navarra in northern Spain, is a must-see destination. The Visigoths built the city of Olite in the seventh century, according to history, but it was not until the 12th century that it actually sprang to life. The beautiful Palacio Real de Olite, a Gothic palace dating back to the 13th century that served as the residence of Charles III of Navarre and is now available to the public, is a must-see in the region. Visit the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Real, partake in some wine tasting at the Museo del Vino, and learn about Spanish medieval history at the Galerias Medievales Museum while you’re in Olite, to name a few highlights.
Alquezar
The town of Alquézar is located in the autonomous community of Aragon in Northern Spain, and it is the regional center for outdoor activity. Alquézar, which is located on a limestone outcropping and dates back to the 11th century, is a small town with a population of just a few hundred people. Today, one of the most popular reasons to visit Alquézar is to appreciate the old architecture, see the collection of antiquities at the Colegiata de Santa Mara la Mayor Museum, and engage in some physical activity in the outdoors. Trekking down the Ro Vero Canyon, canyoning, birdwatching, and even quad biking are all popular sports in this area of the world.
Mojacar
For a little town in Spain that manages to mix the atmosphere of a Spanish beach resort with the history and landscape of a mountain hamlet, visit Mojácar in the province of Almeria, where you can learn about the area’s history and culture. Over 4,000 years have passed since human beings first arrived in Mojácar, yet much of the beautiful white building that still exists today goes back to the 14th century. Visit the Torre Pirulico, a 13th-century watchtower from which you can overlook the seashore, as well as the vantage point of El Mirador del Castillo, which offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the beach, also known as Mojacar Playa, for some fun in the sun in the coastal town of Mojacar.
Ainsa
A historic village named Ansa, located in the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, is worth seeing. The Ansa Castle, which can be seen at one end of the Plaza de San Salvador and is a must-see on any visit to this town, is without a doubt the highlight of any tour. Parts of the castle date back to the 11th century, however the majority of the structure was constructed in the 16th century. Two of the castle’s towers have been converted into museums: the Ecomuseo, where you can learn more about the Pyrenees, and the Espacio del Geoparque de Sobrarbe, where you can learn more about the Sobrarbe Geopark.