Getting out of the most beaten track, finding places not so often visited… This section with Spain´s hidden gems is all about this! Sometimes it is just a question of time, luck… but also of attitude. The more people travel, the more they may come to realize that, sometimes, it is a good idea to get lost during your trip. In fact, getting lost can often be better than finding your way on the first try. This selection of ideas that will help you to get lost, but always find the right place! We have included some of Spain´s most beautiful villages. some of them are near major tourist attractions and that implies they receive more visits. On the other hand, there are other villages in which you will find you are one of the few visitors that day! We trust you will enjoy our list and recommendations.
Ciutadella is (After Mahon) the second largest town in Menorca and until 1722 the island´s capital. It is today the seat of a bishop but above all a beautiful, attractive and appealing city.Its port is full of restaurants where you will enjoy fish with fantastic views.
Albarracín is a small medieval town on a hill above the river Guadalaviar in the Montes Universales, about 37 km. from Teruel. Its alleys, streets, plazas and palaces have kept their medieval character and the town is so typical of its kind that it has been listed as a national monument
Almagro is one of those towns in Spain that are pretty unknown to most visitors to the country despite it boasts an enormous amount of heritage. Almagro is home to the Corral de Comedias, one of Europe´s oldest theatres, a fantastic square, many very interesting religious buildings and it serves as a perfect stop for anyone driving south to Andalusia.
Setenil de las bodegas is a small white village located in the province of Cadiz. Its surname says a lot about Setenil. “De las bodegas” refers to the many caves in the rocks of this village. Some of its houses are literally built on the rocks and it is easy to imagine Neolithic caves that served as dwellings for hunting groups. One of Spain´s hidden gems for sure!
Pampaneira is one of the most charming villages in Las Alpujarras, and one of the highest.
With its 2 sisters, Capileria and Bubión, they shape a beautiful landscape of white villages in the Sierra. The charm comes at a price, and this merit has also brought along an increasing number of visitors. Las Alpujarras is a land of white villages south of Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
Frigiliana is located in Malaga, Spain. Frigiliana is a stunning white village near the beautiful sierra de Tejada, which is a natural park. Beautiful landscapes, narrow white streets and an amazing square are among the chamrs offered by Frigiliana, a perfect day excursion from Malaga
Begur is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Amazing secluded beaches, delicious local cuisine.. Find out what makes this little coastal town so special
Cadaqués is a picturesque village of the Mediterranean coast that has a special place in the heart of Salvador Dalí. Read on to find out why.
Mijas is the quintessential “white village” of southern Spain. Find out what makes this small village so special.
This picturesque town lies on a granite hill and is the birthplace of Fråncisco Pizarro (1475-1541), conqueror of Peru. Despite its size and importance Trujillo is a hidden gem for many visitors to Spain.
Trujillo, the Roman Turgalium, was fortified under the Arabs (town walls have survived in part) and given the name Torgiela or Truxillo. After the town was recaptured under Ferdinand III in 1232 it became the seat of the Trujillo Order of Knights.
This village of some 1,500 inhabitants lies at an altitude of 3,444 ft. and is one of Spain’s most charming spots. It has kept much of its medieval character and is now
under national protection. Outside the idyllic village, with its narrow streets and fine squares there are some fine farmsteads with canopy roofs and bay windows. Most
impressive of all, however, is the village’s main square with its arcades of wood and granite. Many of the interesting village customs have survived.
The Villa was declared of special cultural interest due to the historical importance of its monuments: the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, the Walls and the Calle Mayor, where you get the feeling that you can get to know the local way of life. Its plaza Mayor is fantastic and so is its imposing cathedral
Ainsa is the former capital of the medieval kingdom of Sobrarbe and one of the most beautiful villages in this region of Spain. Ainsa extended itself over the valleys of Bielsa, Broto, Gistain and Puértolas. The town is surrounded by defensive walls and today is a protected monument.
Arcos de la frontera is one of the jewels in the province of cadiz. It is a picturesque town on a rock on the North bank of the Rio Guadalete. From there it rises like a spectacular amphitheatre. Arcos de la Frontera was known as Medina Arkosh in Arab times, the name was changed after its seizure by Alfonso X in 1250. The Arab alcázar was succeeded by the castle of the Dukes of Arcos.
Sepulveda is a beautiful Segovian town that offers the opportunity to enjoy not just the town, but also great trekking opportunities in the natural reservoir of Hoces del Duraton (home to many vulture families). As part of the Hoces del Duraton you will also be able to enjoy La Ermita de San Frutos and its fantastic scenery
A walled village where cars are not permitted, Pedraza, located at 40 minutes drive from Segovia, is said to be the birthplace of the Emperor Traian himself! and is one of the towns in Segovia and near Madrid with a highly individual character.
Located in the province of Segovia, just 15 minutes drive from the city of Segovia (a Unesco heritage site) La Granja de San Ildefonso is one of the royal palaces in Spain near Madrid. Its gardens and fountains make it look like the Spanish version of Versailles.
This small Spanish village was founded in 908 by Sancho Abarca of Navarre to defend the frontier, when it was known as La Guarda. It was originally laid out in the shape of
a ship, with the bow facing North. and the stern South. In 1164 it achieved town status under Sancho el Sabio. In 1194 its fortifications were extended by King Sancho el Fuerte. Cars are not permitted inside the walled city!
