Spain is a country full of charm, with lovely villages and towns to explore. Every kind of tourist may find their ideal destination in Spain, from the gentle hills of Andalusia to the wild coast of the Costa Brava.
Rupit, a beautiful town in Catalonia; Ronda, with its stunning views of the Serrana de Ronda mountains; Guadalest, on the Costa Blanca; and Masca, on Tenerife, with its stunning views, lush vegetation, and deep ravines, are some of our favorite charming villages to explore in Spain.
In every corner of Spain, you will find stunning landscapes and a fascinating mix of cultural practices. Get your camera ready, because you’re about to see some of the most picturesque towns in all of Spain.
19 Most beautiful small towns & villages in Spain
- Guadalupe, Extremadura
- Cudillero – Asturias
- Frigiliana – Andalucia
- Ronda – Andalusia
- Rupit – Catalonia
- Albarracín – Aragon
- Sóller – Mallorca
- Capileira – Andalusia
- Cadaqués – Catalonia
- Tejeda – Canary Islands
- Deia – Mallorca
- Olite – Navarra
- Cuenca – Castile-La Mancha
- Peñíscola – Castellón
- Masca – Tenerife
- Combarro – Galicia
- Lastres – Asturias
- Setenil de las Bodegas – Cadiz
- Mijas – Andalusia
1. Guadalupe, Extremadura
Guadalupe, Extremadura, is a historic town in the province of Caceres and one of Spain’s most beautiful towns to visit. The majestic Monastery of Guadalupe, also known as the Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, is the major draw for visitors. St. Luke was supposed to have sculpted the figure of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to 1325.
The entire community, not just the monastery, is beautiful, with its Gothic architecture and winding lanes. It’s also interesting to check out the town hall and the busy Plaza Mayor. Guadalupe is one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about Spanish culture and history.
2. Cudillero – Asturias
The Spanish town of Cudillero, Asturias, is a sight to behold. It is one of the best villages to visit in Spain because of its beautiful coastline, mansions on hills, and excellent dining options.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that Vikings were responsible for founding Cudillero. The current population of 5,000 is less than half of what it was in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Traveling to Cudillero will be a wonderful experience. Beautiful beaches, fascinating landmarks, and delectable cuisine are all within easy reach. There is a wealth of attractions to see, so it’s important to make the most of your time there. Traveling to Cudillero is something you won’t regret doing.
3. Frigiliana – Andalucia
Frigiliana is an essential stop on any trip to Spain as it is one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. It’s easy to see why Frigiliana has become a popular tourist destination; the area is home to breathtaking mountain scenery, a fascinating culture, and fantastic photo ops.
Frigiliana is a small Andalusian town located around 6 kilometers north of Nerja, not far from the coast of the Costa del Sol. Getting to Frigiliana from Málaga takes around one hour, while it only takes 40 minutes from Motril.
Frigiliana, which was founded some three thousand years before the birth of Christ, was given the name Frexiniusana by the invading Romans in 206 BC. The Romans fortified the town and erected a hilltop fortress, Castillo de Lizar, the remnants of which you may still see today.
Frigiliana is now a part of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, making it an ideal place to go trekking or taking a stroll. Take advantage of the wonderful cuisine and quaint boutiques while in Frigiliana, as well as the stunning mountain scenery.
4. Ronda – Andalusia
Located in southern Spain’s fascinating Andalusia area is the city of Ronda. Invaders trying to break into the castle were the first people to come to this old town, and more recently, famous people like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles have done the same.
Simply taking a stroll around Ronda’s streets will reveal why the city continues to draw visitors from all over the world and why it is considered to be one of Spain’s most beautiful towns.
El Tajo Gorge, a 100-meter-high abyss surrounded by limestone cliffs and spanned by a bridge, is the town’s crown treasure. Despite its name, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) was constructed over 200 years ago. From the bridge, visitors may look down into the gorge, while the more adventurous can trek down to the bottom and look back up.
The Arab Baths are another highlight of a trip to Ronda. These baths date back to the 13th century; however, they have been abandoned for quite some time. Natural light shines through the star-shaped openings in the high ceiling.
Although there are many picturesque Spanish towns and villages, Ronda stands out as especially fascinating.
5. Rupit – Catalonia
Located in the heart of Catalonia, the picturesque medieval village of Rupit has been chosen as the most beautiful town in Spain on several occasions.
Collsacabra is a great place to visit if you want to see the real Spain, with its narrow lanes, rustic stone buildings, and picture-perfect bridges set against a backdrop of high cliffs and verdant forests.
Visiting the historic district of Rupit is a wonderful chance to learn about the culture and customs of the area.
Hiking, riding, and canoeing are just a few of the many fun activities accessible in the region. Rupit is a wonderful destination for any kind of holiday, whether it’s a honeymoon or a trip with the whole family.
6. Albarracín – Aragon
Located around 4 hour’s drive from Madrid, the little village of Albarracn is on the edge of the Parque Natural de la Serrana de Cuenca. Rock climbers come to this area because of the sandstone cliffs and boulders that surround them.
Many of the structures of Albarracin, a Moorish-meets-medieval village, are constructed from the blush-colored stone quarried from the adjacent UNESCO-listed Pinares de Rodeno. Throughout the historic district, you’ll find a variety of attractions, such as the Plaza Mayor, the remnants of the Moorish castle, and the Salvador Cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century.
Check out the town museum, which features coinage from the Middle Ages and other historical documents for a change of pace. Albarracin is a great starting point for excursions to the surrounding countryside and its many picturesque towns.
7. Sóller – Mallorca
Sóller is located in the “Valley of Oranges” on the northeast coast of Mallorca, so visitors should definitely enjoy some freshly squeezed orange juice while they’re there. This magnificent place is one of Spain’s most beautiful towns and villages.
Traveling to Sóller by car from Palma is an option, but the historic railway route that passes through citrus groves, some of which date back to the 13th century, is a far more pleasant experience. The town square is well worth seeing, with its 14th-century structures that look like something out of a fairy tale.
The approximately 300-year-old Sant Bartomeu church, with its ornate Gothic and baroque architectural elements, is the crown gem of the town center. To unwind from a day of sightseeing, spend some time on the white sands of the beach at Sóller.
8. Capileira – Andalusia
Almost 1,500 meters above sea level, this little community in the Sierra Nevada National Park provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Barranco de Poqueira and the peaks of Cerro Mulhacén and Pichacho Veleta. The amazing scenery makes Capileira one of Spain’s most beautiful towns and villages.
The town is well-known for its historic architecture, including the church of Nuestra Seora de la Cabeza and the Pedro Antonio de Alarcón museum house and its characteristic whitewashed Andalusian homes.
9. Cadaqués – Catalonia
Cadaques is a lovely coastal town in Catalonia, in northeastern Spain. Cadaques is a unique destination because of its beautiful beaches, pristine Mediterranean Sea, breathtaking vistas of the Cap de Creus Peninsula, and significant artistic impact.
There are many things to do in this area, from learning about the history and culture to taking a stroll along the beach. Because of Cadeque’s prominence as a culinary destination, the city is filled with excellent eateries, hotels, and bars where visitors may sample regional specialties.
Come see for yourself why so many people keep coming back to Cadaques year after year.
10. Tejeda – Canary Islands
There are several towns on the Canary Islands, but this one is located within one of the greatest volcanic craters. Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most recognizable landmarks, is only one example of the breathtaking landscapes that can be seen there. This massive rock formation is the result of the island’s volcanic history.
Roque Bentayga, a bigger natural monument and a former holy site for the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands, is only a short distance away.
Tejeda is one of the Canary Island towns where the historical aesthetics of its white houses and traditional roofs have been preserved, thanks to the town’s natural beauty and careful restoration efforts.
11. Deia – Mallorca
Deia, a little town in Mallorca, is one of the island’s most endearing spots and one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain. Stunning views of the stunning Mediterranean can be seen from this town, which is situated on the northwest coast of the island at the base of the Teix mountain.
The community is located on the outskirts of the World Heritage Site Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which are renowned for their aesthetic value, historical significance, and natural splendor.
After you’ve finished seeing the town, head to Cala Deia, a peaceful beach just down the road. To top it all off, Deià is home to several museums and galleries where you can take a break from your busy schedule and visit some works of art that will inspire you.
12. Olite – Navarra
Olite is a town in the northern Spanish region of Navarra and is another one of the most beautiful small towns and villages in Spain. There are several cultural attractions in the city, including a magnificent royal palace.
Cultural and historical highlights of Olite include the Plaza Carlos III, the Renaissance and Baroque mansions, and the Church of San Pedro on Rua Mayor.
Visit the beautiful town hall and unwind with a glass of wine and a tapa at one of the delightful bars on the plaza.
13. Cuenca – Castile-La Mancha
Once again, the historic district of a stunning Spanish town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has developed a unique character due to its location above two steep river gorges. The end result? Those multi-story residences are known as “hanging houses” that cling precariously to the side of the cliffs thanks to balconies that seem to reach into thin air.
Buildings of this caliber are sadly becoming less frequent, but one of them currently houses the Museum of Abstract Art, which is widely regarded as one of the best museums in the world.
14. Peñíscola – Castellón
This town dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is situated on a rocky peninsula, making it a fortress in the sea guarded by a majestic Templar castle known as the Papa Luna. This small yet eye-catching town is one of Spain’s most beautiful towns and villages.
The narrow lanes of the ancient town hide interesting sights like the “bufadores” (erosions in the stone that make the water from the Mediterranean seem to spit) and important buildings like the parish church and the Portal Fosc. The coastal area of Peiscola is home to beautiful beaches, a working port, and the Sea Museum.
15. Masca – Tenerife
The settlement of Masca on the island of Tenerife is extraordinary. Its setting in the Teno Mountains is unlike any other, providing stunning vistas as well as rich foliage and deep ravines.
Furthermore, the village’s beauty and charm have been virtually unspoiled until recent years due to the difficulties of accessing there along a route of sharp hairpin curves. Masca’s reputation as the island’s and even Spain’s most picturesque town is well-deserved.
Masca’s homes seem to be clinging to the edge of a cliff, and the village’s hub features a bar, a modest church, and many eateries and boutiques that have opened in response to the area’s growing popularity. It’s interesting that the church is so small that it can only fit eight people!
16. Combarro – Galicia
Galicia, in the northwest part of Spain, is home to a stunning seaside village called Combarro, which is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Because of its beautiful architecture and abundance of hórreos (traditional elevated granaries), it is a famous tourist attraction in the autonomous community.
Combarro has about 30 hórreos, many of which are situated along the coast and is, therefore, an essential stop for every traveler. Typical hórreos, cruceiros, and fishermen’s houses exemplify Galician popular architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, contributing to the area’s historic-artistic appeal that led to its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the region’s rich history or you just want to get a taste of authentic Galician culture, Combarro has something for you.
17. Lastres – Asturias
Located in the heart of Spain’s Asturias province, Lastres is a picturesque seaside resort town. The scenic harbor, complete with stepped-hull fishing vessels, is a major draw for tourists.
You can practically smell the area’s rich history as you wander the small cobblestone lanes that weave their way up the steep hillside and take in the stunning views from the residents’ lovely balconies. The town’s white buildings, saltpeter, and odd symmetry make you feel like you’re wandering in a maze.
Lastres is one of the most stunning Spanish towns, thanks to its picturesque Mediterranean vibe and breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Biscay.
18. Setenil de las Bodegas – Cadiz
Setenil de las Bodegas, in the far southern Spanish province of Cádiz, is truly unique. Along the banks of the Ro Guadalporcn River, this picturesque village of less than 3,000 inhabitants is most famous for the ‘cave homes’ that have been carved out of the hard rock.
Setenil was formerly a Moorish fortified settlement. Along with olives and almonds, Christian settlers in the 15th century also planted vineyards in the region. The town was renamed “Bodega” because of the sudden increase of vineyards in the area. (Unfortunately, the vines disappeared in the 1860s.)
Setenil has a rich culinary history and continues to be noted for its chorizo sausage and pasteles, among other regional specialties.
Visit the Church of La Encarnacion, Nezari Castle, and other historic sites on foot after feasting on regional specialties at one of the many taverns and restaurants nestled beneath the city’s dramatic cliffs. Visit the Mirador on San Sebastian for breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding rocks.
19. Mijas – Andalusia
Mijas, with its historic whitewashed homes and lovely cobblestone walkways, is one of the most gorgeous towns on the whole of Costa del Sol.
The village’s proximity to the bustling seaside resorts of Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and Marbella has made it a popular destination for vacationers.
It’s home to some fantastic sights, including the Carromato Miniature Museum and the open-air Ermita Virgen de la Pena Theater, as well as the 16th-century Church of La Concepcion.
Mijas is the ideal vacation spot and one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, thanks to its proximity to the coast of the Mediterranean and its wealth of interesting historical landmarks.
Conclusion
Spain is a very popular tourist destination due to its extensive coastline, several islands that can hold their own against the Caribbean, and exciting cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian. Nearly 20,000 communities dot the land, each with its own unique layout, customs, and culture. You should definitely visit some of these stunning Spanish towns and villages that we mentioned in this article.
