If you’re considering visiting Spain, places like Barcelona or Madrid, or even the lovely beaches of the Costa del Sol, come to mind. While such locations are beautiful, there is much to be said about the country’s charming small towns.
It’s an excellent opportunity to get a more realistic glimpse at Spain while also discovering some beautiful hidden jewels by walking around the pathways and cobblestone streets. These little towns, in particular, are must-visit places.
Besalú:
Besalu is a classic ancient Spanish town that has survived the centuries. This medieval village in Girona’s province has narrow cobblestone pathways, so wear appropriate footwear. Following the street down from the bridge, you’ll reach Plaça Major, the historic hub of Besal from a few centuries ago.
The medieval bridge in Besalu is the town’s most famous landmark; it appears to be plucked straight from a storybook about brave knights. At night, it’s lit up for everyone to see. Also, don’t miss the Museum of Miniatures and Microminiatures, which display scenes from the nineteenth century. Some miniatures are so confusing that they need a microscope to see.
Mojácar:
In 2003, Mojacar, a white town, was named one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is divided into two sections: Mojacar Pueblo (the town) and Mojacar Playa (the beach) (the beaches).
The beach below the historic town has a different vibe; it has 9 kilometers of sandy beaches and excellent facilities, including restaurants, traditional pubs, stores, villas, and apartments.
Mojacar, with over 320 days of sunlight per year and an average annual temperature of 20 degrees, provides a high quality of life with year-round sports such as hiking, mountain biking, cycling, horse riding, cycling, golf, tennis and paddle tennis, soccer, surfing, sailing, swimming, and so on.
Comillas:
You were mistaken, as the town of Comillas will blow your mind with the El Capricho structure there. The design is distinguished by its distinctive architecture, equivalent to a Persian minaret. Visit the magnificent Sobrellano Palace, which is located near El Capricho.
The government of Cantabria now owns the palace, which has been converted into a museum. You will have to pay 3€ to visit the museum. Oyambre Natural Park is situated in the little community of San Vicente de la Barquera, about 12 kilometers from Comillas. There are various surfing schools on the site where you may learn how to ride waves.
Olite:
This little town of just 3000 people contains a palace that can compete with some of the world’s most famous castles. The Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite is a stronghold that consists of three major parts: the Old Palace, the New Palace, and the chapel of Santa Mara la Real.
The palace’s fairytale-like architecture is what makes it so unique because the castle was not constructed all at once but rather as a consequence of modifications throughout the years. The moderate Mediterranean environment has also made Olite the wine capital of Spain, so join up for a wine-tasting trip and treat your taste buds to a fantastic experience!
Ainsa:
This town, the lowest in the Pyrenees, offers an unusual degree of charm. Ainsa is within a short distance of the French border. It is a lovely community that has grown in popularity as tourism has recently increased. Its walls from the 13th century are still standing and form part of the barrier between Spain and France, the only one of its sort in Catalonia.
This community, a stone church on the main square, boasts the tastiest food in the Pyrenees’ western region. It is a community located at the top of a high hill, which in the past made driving there challenging.
Consequently, the village’s population shrank, and many inhabitants moved elsewhere. However, the real estate market has expanded, and many inhabitants now choose to live in Ainsa, which has received a significant cultural boost.
Frigiliana:
Frigiliana is a little village in the mountains of Malaga. Most buildings are constructed in the classic Andalucian style, and even the tiny streets are whitewashed. A pleasant way to learn about the history of Frigiliana is to take a leisurely walk around the town and keep an eye out for the tiled signs scattered throughout.
The core of this little town is Ctra Circunvalacion, where you can buy food, souvenirs, and handicrafts offered weekly at the Thursday market. The overhanging balcony at Ctra Circunvalacion provides a magnificent view of the countryside towards the sea at Nerja.
Alquezar:
Alquézar is located in Aragon, Northern Spain, and serves as the region’s outdoor activity center. Alquézar, which dates back to the 11th century and is situated on a rocky cliff, has a population of just a few hundred people.
Today, one of the primary reasons to visit Alquézar is to enjoy the old architecture, visit the Colegiata de Santa Mara la Mayor Museum, and exercise outside. Walking in the Ro Vero Canyon, canyoning, birdwatching, and even quad biking are popular activities.
Morella:
Morella is a historic walled city in the province of Castellon. Morella’s primary attractions are architecture and history. You won’t want to leave without visiting the Morella Castle, the Gothic Santa Maria la Mayor Basilic Church’s extraordinarily elaborate interiors, and the historic Morella Walls.
For a tasty treat, visit a bakery and get flaons, sweet pastries stuffed with cheese. Morella may also be used as a base for exploring the nearby Maestrazgo Mountains.
Ronda:
Because the town of Ronda is likewise constructed on rocks, similar to Cuenca, we may as well refer to it as “the twin sister” of Cuenca. Ronda is located above the El Tajo canyon. The town is noted for its three bridges that cross the canyon: Puente Romano, Puente Viejo, and Puente Nuevo. You thought bulls were just famous in Pamplona?
Ronda has the oldest bullfighting arena in Spain, which can hold up to 5000 people. You can also visit the Plaza de Toros museum for 7€ (8.50€ with an audio tour).
Few individuals realize that Ronda was the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s book For Whom the Bell Tolls, in which Fascists are claimed to have been executed by being thrown from a cliff. This scene is supposed to have been based on Ronda and the nearby El Tajo canyon.
Setenil De Las Bodegas:
We are not exaggerating the situation when we state that Setenil is a town below a rock. That’s right—the whole town, which has 3,000 people, lives beneath a rock.
Many people believe that the people who live here consciously decided to construct their homes inside the stones so that they would have shade during the hot summer days and retain heat during the cold winter months.
This little town originated as a fortified Moorish village, and it earned its name from the vineyards that used to be erected within these rocks in the past (bodega means wine cellar in Spanish). Olive oil, almonds, and wine are the three primary agricultural products that Setenil’s inhabitants cultivate and process today.
Conclusion:
Small villages in Spain provide a lot of charm, so you shouldn’t skip out on seeing them even if it’s essential to see Spain’s larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona. These little villages in Spain are often less expensive than their larger city equivalents.
They also give visitors a more authentic look into the region’s culture. These are some of the best tiny towns in Spain that you should include in the plan for your future vacation.
