10 of Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns and Villages

A quiet bohemian resort near Spain’s border with France, whitewashed Cadaqués is a Mediterranean postcard that comes to life. A former fishing village, it’s now an artists’ hotspot; Cadaqués was the stomping ground of Salvador Dalí and has hosted Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Man Ray…

The aptly named Costa Verde or Green Coast is one of northern Spain’s greatest secrets – a succession of attractive sandy coves and dramatic cliffs punctuated by deep estuaries and numerous fishing villages…

An inviting, laid-back harbor town sitting a stone’s throw from the border with France and about half an hour from excellent gourmet San Sebastian, Hondarribia is a popular seaside destination thanks to its charmingly well-preserved old quarter and its French-flavored appeal…

Just over half an hour’s drive from the stunning Costa Brava coast, Besalú is a spectacular medieval town. This historic gem was a significant economic and political center in the Middle Ages, and it has been beautifully preserved; some of its architectural highlights include the famous medieval Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià, Mikve de Besalú (Jewish bathing area), the Sant Pere Monastery (11th century), and the church of Sant Vicenç. Besalú also boasts spectacular restaurants, making for an excellent day trip from Barcelona or the Costa Brava.

This historic town is a joy to visit, partly because it is a delightful surprise perched on a hill, surrounded by the somewhat flat, barren lands of Extremadura. Its fabulously preserved city wall encloses a mix of architecture (the Romans and the Moors were here), the imposing castle, churches, ostentatious villas, and palaces. The grand “Plaza Mayor” is probably one of Spain’s most impressive and enjoyable parts; Trujillo’s gastronomy is brimming with endless restaurants, taverns, and tapas bars serving local, mouthwatering cuisine.

The wider Extremadura region is celebrated for jamón ibérico de bellota, Pimentón de la Vera and creamy sheep’s-milk cheeses such as Torta del Casar.

The cute little village of Pedraza, in the district of Segovia north of Madrid, was declared a historic artistic site in 1951 and is famed for one of the most beautiful main squares in Castilla y Leon. Most likely because, amazingly, it remains unaffected by modern architecture; it feels set in medieval times for what looks like forever. Highlights include the castle associated with painter Ignacio Zuloaga, whose former studio in the tower is now a museum. The medieval prison makes for a terrifying visit, reminding you to follow the rules, or you can stroll around the pretty cobblestone streets; stopping for a coffee or aperitif is a timeless pleasure.

Andalucía (Andalusia) is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most varied, enchanting, and captivating regions. It is often where first-time visitors to this special country decide to begin their travels. Ronda is a spectacularly perched town, a gateway to the white villages of the Serranía, with outstanding wines, quaint museums, and a beautiful old town.

La Orotava is a historic town in northern Tenerife. It is unlike what you see elsewhere on the island, with lovingly preserved colonial townhouses and mansions lining cobblestoned streets and pretty squares brimming with flowers and manicured shrubs. This endearing town was declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1976, maintaining its precious heritage in its architecture, parks, gardens, and traditions. La Orotava is ideally situated for exploring nearby Teide National Park and boasts many pretty coves and beaches, all with one great advantage in common. They are far from crowded and untouched by the masses.

This splendid town in the Jaén region of Andalusia is a real treat. Together with neighboring Baeza, Úbeda was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 for its outstanding Renaissance architecture. The town’s monumental heart is Plaza Vázquez de Molina, home to landmarks including the Sacra Capilla del Salvador and the Palacio Vázquez de Molina; the Palacio del Deán Ortega, now a fabulous Parador Hotel, is another highlight in this heritage-rich town.

The small coastal village of Deià really does have the “wow” factor. You will not be surprised to hear that many artists and writers have been drawn here and that the pretty village at the foot of the Teix Mountain has featured (and will undoubtedly continue to feature) in many novels. Early settlers date back to prehistoric times, when they lived in caves and coves. Deià’s ingenious drainage and irrigation system is thanks to Arab rule.

The Catholic church left its mark in the form of 3 impressive monasteries: Ca l’Abat, Son Rul·lan and Miramar. Robert Graves (English writer) first made Deià his home in the 1930s. Although he moved to England with his wife (American Poet Laura Riding) at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, he maintained a family home in this special place until his death; his house is now a fascinating museum.