Knowing where to start when planning a journey to Spain can be difficult. Is it going to be the museums of Madrid, the beaches of Ibiza, the cuisine of Barcelona, or the dancing of Seville?
Un pueblo, or a smaller Spanish town, has unique charms just as deserving of exploration as the country’s more famous metropolises. The pueblos, or communities of this Mediterranean nation, are some of the most picturesque in the world. It was challenging to limit this selection because there are so many beautiful Spanish towns.
However, below are ten of the most beautiful Spanish towns, each perfect for a peaceful getaway. Some are inland, some are near the coast, and some are easily accessible from major cities such as Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona. You can get to many of these places using buses and railroads. Still, you might find hiring a vehicle and driving around more convenient.
1. Altea
Visit the nearby picturesque fishing town of Altea for a change of pace from the all-inclusive beach and drink merriment of Benidorm or the overcrowded beaches of Alicante.
This painted mountain hamlet starkly contrasts the nearby high-rise coastal communities. Explore the rugged shoreline and climb the winding streets of the old town for breathtaking vistas. Visit the Church of the Madonna Consuelo and marvel at the blue cupola that stands out so vividly against the pale walls, evoking images of the Grecian islands.
2. Castile and Leon; Alcalá del Jácar
Alcalá del Jcar sits high above the Jcar River and Canyon. It is home to a fortification and palace from ancient times.
In addition to taking in the rustic charm of a real Spanish pueblo, visitors can also go underground to experience the Cuevas del Diablo. The temperature rarely rises above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the middle of July. Don’t forget to walk across the Puente Romano. This bridge wasn’t constructed by the Romans but is a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
3. Tejeda, Gran Canaria
When you need a break from Gran Canaria’s sandy shores, travel north to one of the island’s quaint little towns.
Wind your way through the island’s verdant interior on narrow mountain roads to reach Tejeda, where houses with white walls and red roofs stand against the lush backdrop of the island’s interior. After seeing the Abraham Cardenas Art Museum and the Medicinal Plants Centre, two of the village’s top attractions, walk around the nearby Roque Bentayga rock formation.
4. Potes, Cantabria
The mossy stone town of Potes is well-known for its bridges and the Deva River, which flows right through the heart of town and is encircled by lush farmland and mountains.
When you’ve had your fill of the charming old town, head outside to check out the nearby natural attractions, such as the limestone summit and climbing site at Naranjo de Bulnes. You should eat in the hamlet, where you can try traditional dishes like chickpea pastries, soups, and even Cantabrian games.
5. Combarro, Galicia
Combarro, a fishing hamlet in Galicia’s Rias Baixas region, is about as conventional as it gets.
Hórreos, or houses on platforms, are a signature element of Galician design. More than sixty of them can be found all over the hamlet, and many of them serve as granaries or other types of food storage.
As you circle the hamlet and its environs, watch for the cruzeiros, stone crosses with distinctive designs. Consume your fill of seafood while you’re here; local specialties like pulpo gallego (octopus cooked in the manner of Galicia and seasoned with pepper) are highly regarded.
6. Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia
There are many picturesque towns in Andalucia to choose from. Arcos de la Frontera and Mijas are two that come to mind.
Setenil, on the other hand, is one of the most remarkable due to its extraordinary physical features. The area’s highlight is an ancient Arab fortress-turned-castle perched atop a slope. The white homes in this hamlet have been carved out of the mountain face rock, giving them a unique cavelike appearance.
Get a drink at one of the restaurants with alfresco seating in the caverns’ natural arches.
7. Hondarribia, Basque Country
Hondarribia, which straddles the boundary between Spain and France, is one of the country’s most vibrant and picturesque towns.
Visit the golden beaches of Hondarribia Beach, located just to the north of the town, which can be accessed through the stone Santa Mara entrance.
Txakoli is one of the most underappreciated wines in Spain, so oenophiles should definitely check out the local farms. You can add a visit to the neighboring Hiruzta Vineyard and a tasting of their very dry, slightly sparkling white wine with a low alcohol level to your itinerary.
8. Guadalupe, Extremadura region
The convent dedicated to the Madonna Mara de Guadalupe stands as the focal point of the small town of Guadalupe. Art by Goya, El Greco, and Zurbarán can be found in the abbey’s museum. The convent itself is decorated with frescoes by other renowned Spanish artists.
The façade of the memorial is equally remarkable, incorporating elements of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudejar architecture. Enjoy a refreshing beverage in the main square while gazing at the Tres Chorros waterfall.
9. Olite, Navarra
The hundreds of castles found throughout Spain make even the sight of a palace in a tiny town something of an everyday occurrence. The Castle of Olite, however, is unique among them.
Adults and children alike will enjoy discovering this remarkable regal monument, which features numerous castles and buildings that will transport them back to the Medieval Ages. The menagerie had lions, giraffes, and camels; the palace even had suspended gardens in its prime (the 15th century). You can also enjoy a wine sampling at the palace because it views out over a farm.
10. Lozoya Buitrago, Madrid Province
