Spain is one of those countries that’s totally different depending on which region you visit. I mean, it’s pretty vast (by European standards, at least), with places like the Basque Country, Catalonia and the Mediterranean Coast being some of the most stunning spots to explore. That being said, with so many, it’s quite easy to forget about some of the incredibly beautiful towns in Spain that seem to be dotted all across the country.
To be frank, there are literally hundreds of towns in Spain and possibly more villages than you can shake a stick at.
Now, I’m pretty sure, we’ve all got some firm favourite places we want to see or explore again in Spain (I’m naming you; Barcelona, Madrid and the Rioja Region) but don’t let that put you off seeing some of the other towns in Spain, that don’t always get the biggest fanfare or international recognition.
Best of all, most are pretty easy to get to and lots can even be visited for a day trip from places like; Malaga, Ronda or Bilbao. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the most beautiful towns in Spain you really should consider visiting.
Take a look at some of the beautiful villages and towns in Spain.
1.) Besalu
The charming medieval town of Besalu sits just an hours drive north of Girona, in the region of Catalonia. Honestly, Besalu is just so quaint and filled to the brim with cobbled streets, quaint stone houses and a picture-perfect, Romanesque, bridge that straddles the Fluvià River.
Once here, make sure to walk across the Bridge of Besalu to visit the castle, relax at Lake Banyoles and explore the beautiful Monasterio de San Pedro. Also, while you’re in town, head to Amb els 5 Sentits, a quaint café come restaurant that sells some of the best local wine by the bottle. It’s so good!
2.) Frigiliana
Frigiliana is a small and quiet town in the region of Malaga in southern Spain (About 8 km from the coast). Famed for its steep streets, white-painted houses and titled steps, Frigiliana is one of the most gorgeous towns in Spain to visit.
There’s just something about the town that gives off a totally Greek vibe, too. I think it’s the whitewashed walls and winding alleys that remind me of Santorini.
Anyway, whilst you’re here, make sure to check out the Old Fountain in the town, chill out at the stunning Capistrano Beach (about 3 km away) and gorge at El Boquetillo (they’ve got some of the tastiest food around).
3.) Combarro
The teeny tiny fishing village of Combarro is possibly one of the most laid-back towns in Spain. Trust me, you’ll see why when you visit!
Located on the north-west coast, just a 20-minute drive from Pontevedra and pretty easy to find. Head down to the fisherman harbour to check out the fleet of boats and the historic huts that hang over the water’s edge.
Whilst you’re here, make sure to pop into O Bocoi for some of the freshest shellfish in the region.
4.) Cadaques
Located on the bay of Punta de Sa Costa, Cadaques is one of the nicest little towns in Spain to visit.
Home to the Cap de Creus National Park, the Dali Museum-House and the Esglesia de Santa Maria (a fabulous cathedral in the centre of town). Oh, also, make sure to visit Compartir for some of the tastiest Mediterranean food.
5.) Albarracín
Albarracín is one of the hidden gems of Spain. I swear, it’s so gorgeous and one of my favourite places that sits amongst rolling hills in eastern Spain.
It really is a beautiful little village blanketed in history and some gorgeous things to see. If you’re looking for a hike, head to the pine forests of Rodeno that has a few key trails to see the red cliffs and stunning protected area.
If you’re planning on staying within the town’s limits, don’t forget to pop into Albarracín’s Cathedral, too.
Plus, if you’re travelling here in September, you might even catch the Santa Maria Festival that has the whole town buzzing.
6.) La Vilella Baixa
Perched in the province of Tarragona, La Vilella Baixa is one of the more historic villages you should visit whilst you’re in Catalonia. The village itself is around a 2-hour drive from Barcelona, making it a great little spot to see if you want to just chill out.
Now, as I said, La Vilella Baixa is a village and you’ll be able to walk the whole perimeter in less than 25 minutes. Don’t expect loads of things to do, or masses of bars and restaurants but, what it lacks in ‘amenities’, it makes up with plenty of charm.
7.) Ronda
I’ve got to be honest, Ronda is technically classified as a city but, in my defence, it really does feel like one of the big towns in Spain.
Sitting on top of a deep gorge and cliffs, it’s said that God pulled the village apart when the locals wouldn’t stop fighting.
Thankfully, the village must have been made up as they’ve now built one of the most impressive (and historic) bridges in all of Spain.
Spend a night or so exploring Ronda, or take a day trip when staying in Malaga. For a great hotel, check into the Villa Padierna Palace.
Yes, it’s around 20 km from Ronda but well worth it.
Read more: What to see in Ronda
8.) Llastres
The picturesque seaside town of Llastres is perched right on the north coast and around a 2-hour drive from the city of Bilbao. Situated within the autonomous region of Asturias, Llastres is filled with things to see.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit Faro de Lastres (that’s a few kilometres away), explore Torre del Reloj and get some incredible views of the town from Mirador de San Roque.
For some tasty seafood from the Bay of Biscay, pop into Eutimio. The whole area is famous for food good seafood and this is one of the best spots.
9.) Alcala del Jucar
Alcala is one of the smaller towns in Spain that’s overlooking the River Jucar, but don’t let its size put you off.
Home to the beautiful Castillo de Alcala del Jucar, the historic Plaza de Toros and cave houses carved into the rocks, it’s a truly one of the unique towns in Spain to visit.
Best of all, if you fancy a tipple, there’s even a bar set inside a cave! And if that doesn’t take your fancy, pop into Elia Bar for some tasty grub and a chilled out atmosphere.
10.) Calaceite
Calaceite sits just south-west of Barcelona and is a charming town, home to a grand parish church which features a baroque façade, a museum dedicated to local archaeologist Don Joan Cabre and a handful of quaint restaurants and bars.
This sleepy town provides a stunning little town if you’re already in the region. After all, it’s only about 2.5 hours from Barcelona or 70 minutes from the thrills of PortAventura.
11.) Campillo de Dueñas
Famous for its the incredible Castle of Zafra, Campillo de Dueñas is a great place to visit when you’re driving between Valencia and Zaragoza.
Now, the castle itself is a little outside the town and about 10-km from the A23 road. You might even remember the castle from season 6 of Game of Thrones?
12.) Lekeitio
Just over an hour west of Bilbao sits the charming Basque town of Lekeitio that I love. Honestly, this little seaside fishing hub is as quaint as quaint can be, home to two great beaches, a boat-bobbing harbour and a tapas bar (that’s a locals favourite); Meson Arropain.
Now, once you’re here, make sure you try a kalimotxo in one of the bars. It’s red wine mixed with Coca-Cola that I promise is a real thing in the Basque Country.
Read more on the easiest phrases to learn in Basque
13.) Cudillero
Located on the Asturian coast, Cudillero is a colourful little town famous for its fishing and harbour. Now, all this means one very important thing to remember, you’re almost guaranteed to get the best seafood here.
Once you’re here, make sure to see the dramatic coastline around Cabo Vidio, chillout at Silence Beach (Playa del Silencio) and stroll the promenade around Puerto Pesquero.
14.) Setenil de las Bodegas
Perched around a 30-minute drive from Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unique towns in Spain for sure! I mean, it has a massive overhanging rock that the street then goes under. It has to be seen to be believed!
Once you’re in the area, make sure to take some time to visit Dona Felisa Winery (About 5 km away). They have some of the tastiest wines that I’m sure you’ll love.
15.) Vejer de la Frontera
The hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera is quite easy to visit if you’re already in Cadiz (or even Seville or Gibralter if you don’t mind a longer drive).
Once you arrive in the town, make sure to spot the beautiful Iglesia Divino Salvador, explore Castle Vejer and see the picture-perfect spot at Arco de la Puerta Cerrada.
16.) Frías (Province of Burgos)
Frías is yet another one of the gorgeous towns in Spain you mustn’t miss, especially if you’re already within the region or Bilboa.
Once you arrive, make sure to take some time to wander across the Puente de Frias, see the Castle of the Dukes of Frias and enjoy the most amazing views over Casas Colgadas. It really is a special spot.
17.) Soller
Soller is one of the more traditional towns in Spain that’s located on the north-west coast of Mallorca. Surrounded by mountains and forest on one side and the lapping Sea on the other, it’s a great place to stay or to use as a base to explore the island.
Now, once you’re here, make sure to visit Sala Picasso y Sala Miro (to see Picasso’s ceramics in a train station), see SA Capelleta that’s hidden within the trees and gorge on all the food at the Kingfisher Restaurant by the pier.
For a stunning boutique hotel, check into the L’Avenida Hotel that’s right in the heart of Soller.
18.) Montefrio
Nestled within the Province of Granada, Montefrio is definitely one of the towns in Spain to visit if you’re a lovely of castles.
Perched right at the highest point in the town is the ruins of a Moorish castle (who once used to control this land).
Whilst exploring, make sure to stop off at; the Iglesia de la Encarnacion (with its huge dome) and for the best views, head to the ‘Mirador National Geographic’. it really is the best aspect for a view of the town and castle.
If you’re lost, ask anyone within the town and they’ll point you in the right direction for sure (it’s a well-known spot to locals).
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