The 66 Most Beautiful Towns in Spain

Andalusia is filled with emblematic white villages dotted around its countryside and Frigiliana is one of the best-kept of them all. Settled on the side of a mountain, east of Málaga, the medieval town is a postcard image of Arab architecture. The old town is preserved intact and displays a typical Moorish center, with a labyrinth of steep, winding alleys climbing the hill and white buildings adorned with colorful flower pots. The 9th-century Moorish Lízar Castle perched on top of the mountain is another vestige of the region’s past.

One of the most photographed spots in rural Catalonia, the town of Castellfollit de la Roca is set on a narrow basalt cliff at the foot of the Pyrenees mountain range. The unique shape of the cliff is due to the erosion of the two surrounding rivers, Fluvià and Toronell, on the remains of the cooled volcanic lava thousands of years ago. The medieval town is tiny, with less than 1sqkm (247 acres) making up its walkable area. The volcanic-rock houses blend with the Renaissance-style buildings on the narrow pathways of this eye-catching town.

Although far from Andalusia, Cadaqués is another picturesque white village in Spain, located on the Mediterranean rocky coast. Part of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the town is accessible only through a narrow road, which is probably why its old charm is still intact. Well known as a place Salvador Dalívisited often and which was important to his artistic development, today there is a sculpture of the painter in the town center in front of the sea. The back cobblestone alleys, the stairs going up and down and the Cuban-inspired houses make the unique charm of this small Mediterranean port town. Walking into the sea, along the rocky shoreline, you’ll get a spectacular view of the white town and the colorful boats rocking on the beachfront.

Naturally isolated between natural parks and mountain ranges, the medieval town of Mogarraz preserves the traditional architectural style and keeps old traditions alive. The town is located in the western part of Castile and Leon towards Portugal and has around 300 inhabitants. Mogarraz has a distinctive urban layout, with influences from the Arab and Jewish worlds, as well as houses with timbered bars and symbols carved in stone. The town’s artisanal tradition is widely known throughout Spain and abroad, especially for their jewellery work, traditional costumes and rustic embroidery. Strolling through Mogarraz, you might spot a few of the 14 water fountains scattered throughout the village, dating from 1600.

Dramatically set above a deep canyon, the town of Ronda, near Málaga, Andalusia, is made up of two parts; the old Moorish settlement and the 15th-century town. In the 18th century, they were connected by a stone bridge, Puente Nuevo, to form today’s Ronda. The town is filled with history, from the Moorish and Spanish architecture to the massive Moorish city walls and hammams. Ronda’s baths were built at the end of the 13th century and are the best preserved in Spain. A walk down into the gorge along the Camino de los Molinos will offer a stunning view of this grand town and its monumental bridge.

A typical fishing village, Llastres is nestled along the rocky Atlantic coast in Spain’s Asturias region. About a 30-minute drive east of Gijon, the largest city of Asturias, Llastres has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants and a long-standing fishing tradition. From the San Roque lookout point, you’ll get some stunning panoramic views of the town built on the hanging cliffs, with the Sueve Mountains as a backdrop. The old town is filled with historic buildings from Palacio de los Vallados to the famous Clock Tower built on a 15th-century lookout spot. Unmissable is the auction at the fish market, down by the seaside. Asturias is a rather rainy region, so the best months to see Llastres are from June to September.

Located on the Cantabrian coast, this old fishermen’s town offers breathtaking views of both the sea and the mountains. San Vicente de la Barquera was built on the estuary of the river Gandarilla, with houses on both sides, connected by a 15th-century stone bridge. Dating back from Roman times, it was fortified in the 8th century, when the castle was built as well as a fortress. Part of the Oyambre Natural Park, the town is steeped in lush nature and surrounded by water on all sides. The Picos de Europa mountain range in the back looks like a massive guard for the fishing town. San Vicente also enjoys several kilometers of beaches, among which is the blue flag Merón beach.

The medieval town of Alcalá del Júcar was a Moorish settlement built into the side of a mountain. Its houses are carved into the rocks and several built-in caves have the peculiar feature of being able to preserve a constant temperature year-round, a necessity on hot summer days. The ruins of an Arab fortress, dating back to the 12th century, sit on top of the canyon, with well-preserved houses leading up towards it. The ruins are another reminder of the region’s Moorish past, just like the town’s name, Alcalá, which means ‘fortress’ in Arabic. The bullfighting arena has an irregular shape, unique in Spain, and is one of the oldest in the country. Some of the best views of this charming town are from across the neighboring river.

Typical for many Asturian coastal towns, Cudillero sits on the side of the mountain facing the sea. Legend says it was founded by Vikings, but the earliest mention of it was in the 15th century as a fishing village. The main attraction is the town’s colorful houses, stretching out in a semi-circle around the bay, with a backdrop of deep green hills. Be immersed in the local culture and watch the fishing boats come back home in the evening with the day’s catch. The taverns in the old town serve the fresh fish and seafood captured by the locals. A short stroll from the town centre, a lighthouse sits on the cliff’s edge from where you can see the town of Cudillero and the impressive Atlantic coast.

The whitewashed houses of Zahara de la Sierra, one of Andalusia’s famed pueblos blancos or ‘white towns’, are perched on a mountain overlooking the valley below. The town began life as a Moorish outpost, favoured for its ideal, high location overlooking the valley. You can still visit the remains of the Moorish castle that was built as a fortress. Recommended by Jessica Jones.

Despite its appearance as a mid-size town (almost 230,000 inhabitants) near Alicante, Elche has more history than many big cities. Elche (Elx in Valencian) attracted the Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Moorish, and every culture left their imprints. El Palmeral, planted by the Carthaginians, is a huge orchard of over 200,000 palm trees. El Castillo de Altamira, built in the 15th century, hosts La Dama de Elche, a stone sculpture from the 4th century. However, it is just a replica; the original sculpture is exhibited in Madrid. In August, the whole region celebrates Los Moros y Cristianos, a typical festival commemorating the battles between the Moors and the Christians. In Elche, they recreate the Christian Reconquest with parades, dances and music. Recommended by Lucia Gonzalez.

Always under the shadow of Barcelona, Tarragona is not one of the best known Spanish cities. However, it is a potential tourist destination thanks to its proximity to the coastline, as well as its Roman ruins. For instance, the amphitheater is well-preserved and near the beach, featuring a wonderful landscape. With regards to religious art, La Catedral is outstanding and features an unexpected cloister. If you want to have a look at some splendid views, then you can’t miss El balcó del Mediterrani. There, you can see the port, the amphitheater and la Platja del Miracle, one of the best-known beaches in the province. According to local custom, touching its railings gives good luck. The most important celebration in Tarragona is Santa Tecla. It takes place on the 23rd of September, when parades, fireworks, castells and local music fill the city with joy. Castells, also known as ‘human castles’ in English, are human towers built all over Catalonia during special occasions or festivals. Castellers can be of all ages, but the higher they go, the younger they are. Recommended by Lucia Gonzalez.

La Universidad de Salamanca has gained an enviable reputation, attracting students from around the world. The façade of the university hides a surprise: a frog. People usually spend a lot of time trying to find it due to its small size. However, it is worth the effort as finding the animal is supposed to bring luck. Moreover, La Celestina, a renowned play written in 1499, is said to have taken place there. La Plaza Mayor, of Baroque style, is the icon of the city, and it is always crowded with students and tourists. La Casa de las Conchas is another important and original building, decorated with more than 300 shells, symbols of the order of Santiago. La Nochevieja Universitaria takes place in December every year, when students have to eat 12 sweets in order to celebrate the new year with their classmates before going back home. Recommended by Lucia Gonzalez.

Also known as ‘The Imperial City,’ Toledo used to be home to Muslims, Jews and Christians, who co-existed peacefully for almost two centuries. El Greco, a well-known painter that spent part of his life in Toledo, is the icon of the city. If you ever go to Toledo, you can’t miss his most famous painting El Entierro del Conde Orgaz (The Burial of the Count of Orgaz). Its city center is also outstanding, featuring beautiful structures like the Gothic Cathedral or the synagogue, la Sinagoga del tránsito. Recommended by Lucia Gonzalez.

Estepona has somehow managed to avoid the tourism-driven changes that have altered so much of Spain’s south coast. Located half an hour’s drive from Marbella, this beautiful little town is one of the Costa del Sol’s undiscovered treasures: its flower-filled streets are some of the most romantic you’ll see anywhere in Andalusia, and it has a lovely (and rarely crowded) beach, too. The place to be for tapas and drinks is the Plaza de las Flores, and the key attraction is the Botanical Garden. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

This former fishing village lies on Granada’s Costa Tropical, and while it’s less than 20 miles (32 km) from the hugely popular resort of Nerja, it is never overrun with tourists. Some wonderful bathing can be enjoyed off its two beaches, both of which back onto a row of funky chiringuitos. Its beguiling old town is split up into sections called manzanas – apples – and extends up the hill to the San Miguel castle. The English poet and Hispanophile Laurie Lee loved Almuñécar and was living here when the Spanish Civil War broke out in summer 1936. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

The frequently overlooked town of Cazorla spreads itself out at the foot of the Peña de los Halcones and the castle of Yedra, on one side of a steep and rocky valley. This romantic little town’s obscurity is surprising when you consider that it lies within the boundaries of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas National Park – the largest protected natural area in Spain. There is some excellent trekking to be enjoyed in the park, which abounds with streams, waterfalls and crystal-clear springs. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

No wonder this town has been listed as a National Monument since 1961. As viewed on the approach from Teruel in Aragón, the light pink buildings of Albarracín make for a breathtaking sight: they seem to rise organically from a sun-scorched mountain that towers above the Guadalaviar river. Wandering the town’s cobbled streets, you feel utterly disconnected from the modern world; indeed, looking out from the Torre del Andador, all you can see for miles in every direction are bare, stony mountains. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

Located on Málaga’s stunning coastline, Mijas‘ altitude almost 430 metres above sea level enables you to survey the blue expanse of the Mediterranean as well as the mountainous landscape that rolls away in every other direction. Mijas’ spectacular location means you’ll find plenty of tourists here, but it hasn’t lost its typical pueblo blanco charm, as you’ll find out if you have to use a taxi. Upon reaching the rank, a row of donkeys rather than cars will await your fare. Mijas is divided into two residential and tourist areas: Mijas pueblo sits on the hilltop, whilst Mijas costa is where you’ll find the beaches. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

The attractive town of Altea is one of the Costa Blanca’s unspoilt gems – which is remarkable when you bear in mind that the major restort of Benidorm lies just six miles to the south. The old town was built on the hilltop in the 16th century and walled-in to protect it from attackers: today, two of the original entrances to Altea remain – the Vell Portal and Portal Nou. Take the “Mestre de la Música” steps up to the centre (you’ll need a bottle of water for the climb) and admire the distinctive blue-and-white tiled domes of the “Lady of Solace” church, which is surrounded by some excellent restaurants with Mediterranean views. Recommended by Mark Nayler.

This ancient town was once a major trading point in Catalonia and the capital of its own province. Besalú’s cobbled streets and old stone houses seem unchanged since the Middle Ages and are these days home to artisan workshops selling leather, ceramic and other hand-made crafts. Be sure to admire the view from the 12th century Romanesque bridge and look out for the remnants of the historic Jewish quarter with its miqveh ritual baths. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

While Cuenca might not be a small town, this doesn’t stop it oozing rustic charm and feeling like a well-kept secret as far as international travellers are concerned. The old town of Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its great historic value with monuments such as the Cuenca Cathedral, the St Paul bridge and the Church of our Saviour stealing the show. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

The seaside town of Peñíscola looks like something straight out of a fairytale and it’s no surprise to learn that the town has been shot in numerous films. Locally referred to as ‘the City on the Sea’, Peñíscola is built on a rocky headland which juts out against the shoreline and is linked with the mainland by a narrow strip of land. At the top of the town stands the castle, built by the Knights Templar in the late 13th century along with the fortifications which still guard the town today. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

If the seaside doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for a winter break, the breath-taking beauty of the Galician coastline at this time of the year will make you change your mind. This old fishing village is famous for the great number of old hórreos which can be seen here – the typical granaries made of stone and elevated from the ground. Enjoy a romantic stroll along the waterfront before warming up with hearty Galician feast in a local seafood restaurant. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

Explore the charm and authenticity of this wonderful Basque country town in the midst of winter and you’ll find that Hondarribia has plenty to offer those who are willing to brave the cool weather. Located on the border with France in the bay of Hendaye, Hondarribia boasts a delightful Old Town with colourful wood-framed houses and even the remnants of a Medieval fortress. After a stroll along the harbour, replenish with some traditional Basque pintxos in the Marina neighbourhood. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

Located a mere 40 kilometres away from Madrid, Chinchón is famous for two things: the stunning main square and its fiery local liqueur, the Anis de Chinchón. The winter is a particularly charming time to visit as the square is decked out in bells and holly to bring seasonal cheer to this village, which was voted as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Chinchón is also known for its cuisine, rich in wine, garlic and oil making it all rather hearty and warming, while a glass or two of the Anis de Chinchón will provide a nice digestive aid. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

Perched on a sandstone ridge overlooking the Guadalete Valley, Arcos de la Frontera is bordered by the Guadalete river on three sides. The town got its name as a result of the 13th century battle between Christian Spaniards and Arab Rulers who fought for the town and surrounding land. Unsurprisingly there are a number of noteworthy landmarks such as the 11th century Castillo de Arcos, a Muslim fortress, and the Basílica Menor de Santa María de la Asunción which has elements of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

Located some 40km from the town of Pamplona, famous for its San Fermin bull-running festival, Olite is a charming old town renowned for its wine-making tradition. The Castle-Palace of Olite is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region and was once the seat of the royal kingdom of Navarra. Its cobbled streets, Roman walls and Medieval houses make Olite a picture-perfect destination for history lovers. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

This coastal Spanish town sits right on the border with Portugal, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Miño river. A Guarda is famous for its seafood and in particular, its locally caught lobster which is still brought in by small boats in the harbour. Brightly coloured houses line the waterfront and give A Guarda its unquestionable charm. Recommended by Tara Jessop.

One of the main towns within Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region, Haro is both home to and located within a short distance of many of the area’s top wineries. Some of the best bodegas to visit within Haro itself include the historic Bodegas Muga, Bodegas López de Heredia and the Bodegas Bilbainas. Haro is also the home of the famous Batalla del Vino wine fight which takes place on June 29th each year. La Rioja is known for its deep reds with fruity flavours, which are predominantly made from the native Tempranillo grape. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The small town of Jerez de la Frontera is located in Andalusia, approximately a 1 hour 15 minute drive south of Seville. Part of the Sherry Triangle, along with Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María, it lies at the heart of Spain’s sherry producing area. The town is full of small sherry bodegas, where you can buy a glass straight from the barrel. Read our feature on ‘The Best Sherry Bars in Spain’s Sherry Triangle‘ to find out where to go. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The Penedès wine region is the largest wine-producing area in Catalonia. Located around 55km (34 miles) west of Barcelona, the small town of Vilafranca del Penedès is the most important wine town in the area. The Penedès region produces a wide variety of wines, from dry whites and reds to sweet dessert wines, sparkling wines and rosés. They are primarily made from the Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada grape varieties. Make a side trip to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, where you’ll find Caves Codorniu, the birthplace of Spanish Cava. Recommended by Esme Fox.

The small town of Aranda de Duero lies within the heart of Castilla y León’s principal wine region: the Ribera del Duero. The vineyards here are found along the banks of the Duero River and on the high rocky plateaus of la maseta. Originally wines were made here from vines imported from Bordeaux, France, but now the area has become one of Spain’s premier red-wine producing regions. Two of the best wineries to visit in Aranda de Duero are Bodegas Historica Don Carlos and Bodega y Viñedos Martín Berdugo. Recommended by Esme Fox.