Spain is known worldwide for its delicious cuisine, its endless beaches and paradisiacal islands that have nothing to envy the Caribbean and its cosmopolitan metropolises such as Barcelona or Madrid. But, apart from that, it is also full of magical corners that are hidden throughout its geography, spread over more than 20,000 towns with different architecture, traditions and culture. In this article we show you the 40 most beautiful towns in Spain… How many do you already know? Do not miss them!
The most beautiful towns in Spain in the South
1. Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Arcos de la Frontera is a picturesque town full of reminiscences of its Arab heritage, considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Situated on a rocky limestone ridge, its whitewashed houses and stone walls stop abruptly on a cliff rushing down into the Guadalete River valley, offering a breathtaking view . The old town, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, is a tangled maze of cobbled streets that lead to the Castillo de los Arcos, which began as a Moorish castle in the 11th century and then partly rebuilt by the Christians in the 13th century.
2. Frigiliana (Malaga)
Andalusia is full of picturesque white villages and Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful. Situated on the side of a mountain, this medieval town is a postcard image of Arab architecture . The old town is preserved intact and shows a typical Moorish center, with a maze of steep, winding alleys leading up the hill and white buildings adorned with colorful flowerpots filled with flowers.
3. Almonaster La Real (Huelva)
This small town in the province of Huelva is home to one of the few remaining rural mosques in the country . It was built during the Caliphate of Córdoba between the 9th and 10th centuries on what were the remains of a Visigoth basilica from the 6th century. The mosque was declared a national monument in 1931 and provides an interesting insight into the multicultural history of Spain.
4. Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)
The 3,000 inhabitants of Setenil de las Bodegas literally live under a rock. This is because their houses were built on rock overhangs over the Trejo river , creating a unique and special place that makes this one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its distribution along the narrow gorge of the river that will not leave you indifferent. People chose to settle here because the natural caves turned out to be ideal dwellings. Instead of building entire houses to avoid the cold in the winter and minimize the heat in the summer, all they had to do was build a facade.
5. Pampaneira (Granada)
Pampaneira is one of the small whitewashed mountain villages in the Sierra Nevada. It is part of the Poqueira Gorge, famous for its white chimneys and charming cobbled streets , as well as its fantastic regional cuisine. The small town encompasses the steep slopes of a lush river gorge, where donkeys walk through deserted streets and colorful flowers cascade down the windows and balconies of the houses . It has a beautiful square crowned by a 16th century Mudejar church, the Church of Santa Cruz, with a wooden coffered ceiling and a pair of gilded altarpieces dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Osel Ling with impressive views to Sierra Nevada and to the coast
6. Casares (Malaga)
Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Casares offers a breathtaking view from the road and is a magical place to visit . There you can visit the castle and the ruined church, as well as go hiking along one of the routes on the outskirts of the town. Its central square is one of those picturesque places worth visiting and it is also home to the Ethnographic Museum, where you can see objects dating from Roman times.
7. Mojácar (Almería)
Mojácar is probably the best known town in the province of Almería, as it is close to popular tourist centers and the beautiful area of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This white town is built on a hill and covers it completely, and then descends towards wonderful beaches . Narrow, winding potted walkways give way to wide open spaces with breathtaking ocean views.
8. Lanjarón (Granada)
Lanjarón is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, famous for its spa where you can enjoy treatments for your body and mind both by taking baths and walking through the mountainous nature while you contemplate the impressive views.
9. Baeza (Jaén)
Dominated by a characteristic landscape of olive trees and full of Renaissance buildings , Baeza -one of the most beautiful towns in Spain- was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has numerous points of cultural interest: its beautiful cathedral, the old University, several squares and palaces and the Casa Antonio Machado
10. Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Vejer de la Frontera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Spain that is worth visiting. In it you can fully appreciate the legacy of other cultures in the streets , such as in the Jewish quarter or the castle, whose architecture is a mixture of Arabic and Christian. It has incredible views and its proximity to the beach is another of its great attractions.
11. Úbeda (Jaén)
Úbeda is, without a doubt, one of the jewels of the Andalusian Renaissance . Its streets and squares are full of incredible palaces, convents considered a World Heritage Site. In addition, this town has a rich history and is famous for having been mentioned in numerous poems by Antonio Machado.
12. Priego (Córdoba)
This town located in the heart of Andalusia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Surrounded by wide olive groves and lots of water, it is a place that must be visited in its entirety to appreciate its true beauty.
13. Ronda (Malaga)
Due to its size and number of inhabitants, it cannot be considered a town, but because of its beauty, Ronda deserves a place on this list. Surrounded by lush river valleys and perched on a deep ravine , Ronda is a place that takes your breath away when you visit it for the first time. It has vestiges of prehistoric settlements dating from the Neolithic (including the cave paintings in Cueva de la Pileta) and some Arab baths from the 13th century that are considered the best preserved in the entire country.
It also stands out for its famous Maestranza bullring, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain, where the popular 19th century bullfights known as “Las Goyescas” were held. Other attractions of this incredible place are the Tajo de Ronda, the Puente Nuevo or the Balcón del Coño , which owes its vulgar name to the most repeated expression when visitors look at it and see its height.
14. Almodóvar del Río (Córdoba)
The landscape that surrounds this wonderful town in the Guadalquivir valley is simply spectacular. At the top of the hill is the great castle , which has withstood the passing of centuries and countless wars, and which together with the white houses make this town a true place to remember.
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15. Cudillero (Asturias)
This colorful fishing village on the Costa Verde coastline in northwestern Spain is relatively unspoiled and retains a true local flavor . Its houses painted in a myriad of different colors rise uphill over the sea, stretching in a semicircle around the bay. As you climb to the top of the village, you can enjoy some views. Being on the Costa Verde, the area also has beautiful sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs.
16. Mondoñedo (Lugo)
This town, located in a beautiful valley, is located on the famous pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago and houses one of the most important collections of religious art in Spain within its famous cathedral.
17. Betanzos (A Coruña)
Betanzos has a well-preserved medieval old town and is famous for its cozy taverns and excellent cuisine . Located in a fertile valley near the Atlantic, its attractions include the Igrexa de San Francisco, a church erected in 1387 by order of Count Fernán Pérez de Andrade and the Igrexa de Santiago, built by the tailors’ guild with a main portico decorated with a statue of Santiago on horseback. The city also has a 16th century clock tower and several palaces.
18. San Vicente de la Barquera (Cantabria)
San Vicente de la Barquera is an old fishing village known as one of the most beautiful places on the Cantabrian coast thanks to its picturesque beaches and its wonderful landscape of snow-capped mountains . It houses several interesting buildings, such as the Church of Santa María de Los Ángeles, built between the 13th and 16th centuries; and the Puente de Maza, built in the 16th century on 28 arches.
19. Albarracín (Teruel)
Albarracín is famous for its wooden houses decorated with pink plaster. Located at 3,878 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Guadalaviar River like a moat, its medieval architecture and narrow streets are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are those who claim that it is the best among all the most beautiful towns in Spain.
20. Lekeitio (Basque Country)
This fishing village that looks like something out of a tale is famous because from its longest beach (Karraspio) you can walk along a sandbar to the nearby island of San Nicolás when the tide goes out . Once there, it is essential to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Lekeitio and the rugged Basque coast while tasting any of the delicious dishes of its gastronomy.
21. Combarro (Galicia)
Combarro, a small coastal town along the Pontevedra estuary, captures all the uniqueness of the region in the modest restaurants by the sea that serve fresh fish of the day, narrow and winding streets , and above all the traditional hórreos (granaries of stone) that line the promenade.
22. Briones (La Rioja)
The town of Briones in La Rioja has been a Heritage of Cultural Interest in Spain since 1981. Located on the right bank of the river Ebro, it is a fascinating place to visit while exploring the vast wine region that surrounds it and learning the history of the berones , the original inhabitants of the area.
23. Lerma (Burgos)
Lerma owes its greatness to Francisco de Sandoval, who was the Duke of Lerma during the reign of Felipe III. The old ducal palace is now a parador where you can spend the night before walking through its beautiful streets and visiting its famous square, one of the largest in Spain.
24. Puebla de Sanabria (Zamora)
Situated on a mound right at the confluence of the Tera and Castro rivers in the province of Zamora, this town is a maze of medieval alleys built around a 15th century castle . Walking through the quiet cobblestone streets, you can feel as if you have traveled centuries back in time and you are in the middle of medieval times. Near the castle is the 12th century parish church, Nuestra Señora del Azogue, and inside there is a 13th century fountain with beautiful carved figures on the front. The town has a beautiful historic neighborhood, as well as a beautiful natural environment, located near the Sanabria Lake Natural Park, which is home to the largest glacial lake in Spain.
25. Lanuza (Huesca)
This town is located in a magnificent natural environment and has a beautiful 16th century Gothic church, a picturesque bridge and a square with a triple Romanesque arch . It is also the starting point for numerous rural excursions such as Lake Anayet and the Picos del Infierno and home to the Formigal ski resort.
26. Olite (Navarra)
This town is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in all of Europe . Take a walk through its narrow streets while you see noble stone houses with coats of arms on their facades and grand wooden balconies, medieval galleries and beautiful churches.
27. Santillana del Mar (Cantabria)
This medieval gem is a perfectly preserved historical city and one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its cobbled streets and buildings with centuries of history will make you believe that you are visiting a period movie set . The area around Santillana del Mar has been populated for thousands of years and there are traces of some of the first inhabitants in the Altamira caves on the outskirts of the city. Its highlight is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a beautiful medieval church with a walled cloister that can be found in the heart of the city.
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28. Sóller (Mallorca)
On the northeast coast of the island of Mallorca is this wonderful town connected to the capital, Palma, through a historic train from 1912, which passes through orange, lemon and olive groves on its one-hour journey. The town square, with its imposing church, trees, outdoor cafes and the majestic mountain as a backdrop, is one of the most beautiful on the island and its marina has nothing to envy to other enclaves further south.
29. Cadaqués (Gerona)
Located in the Cap de Creus National Park, this beautiful, whitewashed coastal town has incalculable artistic value . It is located in a bay in the middle of the Cap de Creus peninsula, with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Peni mountain on the other, and is famous for being the main residence of the late surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. But also many other important artists unable to resist its charm, such as Pablo Picasso, Federico García Lorca, Luis Buñuel, Marcel Duchamp, Josep Pla and Magritte.
30. Aguilas (Murcia)
Águilas is another coastal town with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, many of them unspoiled . In the center of Águilas it is worth visiting the beautiful gardens of the Plaza de España, the Town Hall (19th century) and the parish church of San José, where the image of the patron saint is located. In the upper part of the old town is the castle-fortress of San Juan de Águilas, built in 1579. Below it is the port and its characteristic black and white striped lighthouse.
31. Besalú (Gerona)
Besalu is located in the province of Girona and is another of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its main attractions are a 12th century Romanesque bridge that sits over the River Fluvia , the church of Sant Pere (consecrated in 1003), the Jewish quarter (and its synagogue) and the arcaded streets and squares.
32. Morella (Castellón)
Surrounded by ramparts and with a castle in the center, this fascinating, peaceful and astonishingly well-preserved place begs to be explored. Within its walls you will discover a maze of streets, surrounded by charming houses with their characteristic hanging balconies and beautiful buildings in a multitude of styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic.
33. Castelfollit de la Roca (Gerona)
The panoramic view of the famous church of this medieval town with narrow streets that stands on the edge of a spectacular precipice (shaping an impressive natural viewpoint with views of the surrounding valleys) is one of the most painted and photographed images in geography. Spanish.
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34. Alcalá del Júcar (Albacete)
Alcalá del Júcar was a Moorish settlement built on the mountain. Its cave houses carved into the rocks and the ruins of an Arab fortress dating back to the 12th century are the main attractions. It also has the only irregularly shaped bullring in Spain, and lovely views from the nearby river.
35. Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz)
For a few kilometers Jerez de los Caballeros is not part of Portugal, which would be a shame because we would miss one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Although it takes its name from the Knights Templar, it is a mountainous country setting surrounded by a Moorish wall that is still perfectly intact . Jerez de los Caballeros was also the birthplace of the explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, known for reaching the Pacific Ocean by crossing the Isthmus of Panama.
36. Mogarraz (Salamanca)
Naturally isolated between natural parks and mountain ranges, the medieval city of Mogarraz preserves the traditional architectural style and keeps old traditions alive. The city is located in the western part of Castilla y León, also close to Portugal, and has just over 300 inhabitants. Mogarraz has a distinctive urban design, with Arab and Jewish influences , and houses with wooden bars and symbols carved in stone as well as 14 water fountains dating back to 1600.
37. Sigüenza (Guadalajara)
Sigüenza is home to a classical fortress and a large Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful in Spain . Founded by the Visigoths and occupied by the Moors, the fort of Sigüenza was reconquered by Christian forces in the early 12th century. At first glance, its crenellated cathedral also resembles a fortress. Inside it has a famous sculpture, the tomb of ‘El Doncel’, commissioned by Queen Isabel la Católica to pay homage to a young servant murdered in Granada in 1486.
38. Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca)
The walls of this town contain a rich architectural heritage. The castle, the cathedral and the imposing medieval wall , (with a perimeter of more than 3 km, seven gates and built in the 12th century) are its main attractions.
39. Trujillo (Cáceres)
Trujillo is full of churches, castles and manor houses built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Going up to the old town you will find the spectacular and well-preserved Trujillo Castle from which you can enjoy the impressive views of the province of Cáceres. Trujillo is also known as the land of conquerors, and several of the explorers in charge of annexing New World territories to the Spanish crown, among them Francisco Pizarro (Peru), Diego García de Paredes (Trujillo, Venezuela), Francisco de Orellana ( Guayaquil, Ecuador) and many more.
40. Zafra (Badajoz)
Known as “Little Seville” due to its white houses and cheerful porticoes, Zafra is a small town located about 60 km. south of Merida. Its cobbled streets, patios full of flowers and buildings adorned with carnations have earned it a reputation as an essential stop for a mandatory visit in Extremadura. The city’s main attraction is the Parador de Zafra, a 15th-century Moorish castle converted into a luxury hotel.
