10 of the most charming small towns in Spain

Here’s a look at some of the most picturesque small towns around Spain that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you were into our lists of the most beautiful small towns in France and Italy, then you’ll enjoy our selection of ten of the most charming small towns in Spain.  Some are on the sea while others are hidden inland while still others remain off the usual tourist trodden track. They’re diverse, but what they do have in common is that they’re all guaranteed to enchant you.

1. Segura de la Sierra, Jaén

Segura de la Sierra is a small peaceful village with less than 2,000 inhabitants. This Andalusian municipality is located in the Sierra de Cazorla natural park and in 1972, was declared a Historic-Art site. Indeed, you can discover the legacy left by the different civilizations over the centuries, such as the Arab baths and the Romanesque church of Nuestra Señora del Collado. The best part? The views from the top of the medieval castle tower.

2. Combarro, Pontevedra

The Galician province of Pontevedra conceals a town so adorable that you won’t be able to put your camera down. The old fishermen’s village of Combarro is characterized by granaries and traditional boats and feels so much like an open-air museum that Spain’s Heritage Register has declared it of Cultural Interest.  Take a walk along the estuary at low tide, and make sure to sip some of the Rías Baixas wines.

3. Puebla de Sanabria, Zamora

Also a Historic-Art site, Zamora is a well-preserved fortified town in Puebla de Sanabria that houses the fifteenth-century Castle of the Counts of Benavente. Located in a strategic enclave between the Tera and Castro rivers, Zamora’s surroundings include the Lake Sanabria natural park. Stroll the steep streets of the historic center to see magnificent examples of traditional manor houses.

4. Morella, Castellón

An impressive fourteenth-century wall with a one-mile perimeter greets you upon arrival in Morella. Perched on a massive rock more than 3,200-feet high, a thirteenth-century castle presides over this beautiful town in the region of Els Ports. A walk through the historic center provides a glimpse of the town’s interesting medieval heritage.  Don’t leave without trying Morella soup and sweet flaons!

5. Santillana del Mar, Cantabria

As the saying goes, Santillana del Mar is “the village of the three lies”, since it is neither holy, flat nor beside the sea. What this Cantabrian municipality does have, however, is an incalculable historical value: the famous Altamira Caves, the imposing Monastery of Santa Juliana (don’t miss the beautiful cloister!) and the towers of Merino and Don Borja. Take a walk along the cobbled streets to see why it is one of Cantabria’s most visited places.

6. Frías, Burgos

Frías is already a privileged little town thanks to its location on a rocky outcrop.  Add the hanging houses, a medieval bridge with a defensive tower and a castle once inhabited by the Dukes of Velasco, and it’s impossible to not surrender to the charm of Frías. A visit to this medieval gem will undoubtedly convince you that it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

7. Cadaqués, Girona

Most Catalans will not hesitate to suggest that you visit Cadaqués, and we won’t argue with them: Cadaqués is a must-see when visiting Costa Brava. Known as Dalí’s place of inspiration, this fishing village has been distilling the special summer glamour of the Mediterranean for decades. Enjoy the slow life while visiting their whitewashed houses and take the opportunity to savor a tasty bowl of suquet depeix (fish stew).

8. Calaceite, Teruel

Calaceite is an Aragonese town synonymous with tradition and authenticity. Located in Matarraña, this wonder features some architectural wonders: ancient homes made from stone and decorated with distinct forge balconies. Don’t miss the Plaza Mayor, the main square or the fountain of the Vila.

9. Tejeda, Gran Canaria

The islands have villages just as alluring as those on the mainland, such as Tejeda which is considered the most beautiful town in the Canary Islands. Located in the middle of a volcanic caldera on Gran Canaria, Tejeda boasts a spectacular natural heritage, presided over by the symbol of the island: the Roque Nublo. Tejeda is the perfect place for a rural getaway and also a good base from which to hike.

10. Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz

Vejer is a hilltop village in Cádiz with a rich historical and cultural heritage and known for its white buildings. The walled complex topped with a castle, although the Jewish quarter, the Convent of the Conceptionists, the Abastos market and the Plaza de España also stand out. As if this wasn’t enough, El Palmar, the beach where you can watch spectacular sunsets, is five-and-a-half miles from Vejer.

Cover Photo Credit: guillenperez on VisualHunt / CC BY-ND