Why Spain’s Whispened Wonders Are the Key to Authentic Travel

Spain’s pueblos (villages) are often overlooked by first-time visitors in favour of headline acts like Madrid, Barcelona and Andalucía. But for those who want to get under the skin of Spanish culture, a detour to one of these sleepy towns or villages is well worth the effort. Here we round up eight of the most picturesque, from rustic mountain hideaways to medieval strongholds.

Albarracín, Aragón

Sitting on a rocky outcrop above the Río Guadalaviar, Albarracín is one of Spain’s most photogenic villages. It’s a medieval showcase of narrow streets, steep staircases and old stone towers, all set against a backdrop of pine forests and cliffs. The town is named after the Moorish Banu Razin family, which ruled here in the 11th century. The castle ruins and the Andador Tower are reminders of this era, while the Santa María Church and the Episcopal Palace are fine examples of the Christian influence that followed. A short walk from the town, the Río Guadalaviar Gorge offers stunning views and opportunities to spot vultures, eagles and other wildlife.

Alcalá del Júcar, Castilla-La Mancha

Perched on a hillside above the Río Júcar, Alcalá del Júcar is a fairytale village dominated by its medieval castle. The town’s whitewashed houses cling to the hillside, connected by a maze of steep, narrow streets and staircases. The most spectacular view is from the Puente Romano, a stone bridge that dates back to the 16th century. The castle, originally built by the Moors in the 12th century, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the cuevas (caves) that have been carved into the rock, some of which have been turned into restaurants and bars. In August, the town comes alive with the Fiesta de San Lorenzo, featuring bull runs and traditional music.

Cudillero, Asturias

The fishing village of Cudillero is a picturesque amphitheatre of colourful houses stacked precariously on a hillside overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. The town’s narrow streets wind their way down to the harbour, where fishing boats bob in the water and seagulls wheel overhead. Cudillero is famous for its seafood, particularly the pixín (monkfish), which is served in many of the town’s restaurants. The village is especially lively during the Fiesta de San Pedro in June, when the streets are decorated with flowers and the locals dress up in traditional Asturian costumes. A short drive from Cudillero is the Playa del Silencio, a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs.

Sos del Rey Católico, Aragón

Sos del Rey Católico is a medieval gem perched on a hilltop in the Pre-Pyrenees. The town’s narrow streets are lined with stone houses, many of which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The Plaza de la Villa is the heart of the town, home to the town hall, the Sada Palace (now a museum), and the San Esteban Church, which houses a remarkable Romanesque crypt. Sos is named after King Ferdinand II of Aragón, who was born here in 1452. The town is surrounded by a defensive wall, and visitors can climb the Torre del Homenaje for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In winter, the town is a popular base for skiers heading to the nearby Astún and Candanchú Ski Resorts.

Morella, Valencia

The hilltop town of Morella is a fortified jewel in the northwest of Valencia. Its medieval walls, which stretch for 2.5km and feature 14 towers and six gates, enclose a labyrinth of narrow streets, archways and steep staircases. The town’s most impressive building is the Santa María Church, with its intricately carved Renaissance doorway and Baroque interior. Morella is also famous for its culinary delights, including the local truffle, which is celebrated with a festival in January. The town’s castle, perched on a rocky crag above the town, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Morella is also a great base for exploring the nearby Els Ports Natural Park, home to vultures, ibex and wild boar.

Pedraza, Castilla y León

Pedraza is a medieval village in the province of Segovia, famous for its well-preserved architecture and its annual candlelit nights. The village is surrounded by a defensive wall, and visitors enter through the Puerta de la Villa, a 16th-century gate. The Plaza Mayor, with its arcaded houses and the San Juan Church, is one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Pedraza is also famous for its roast lamb, which is served in the village’s traditional taverns. In July, the village hosts the Concierto de las Velas, when the streets are lit by thousands of candles and the village becomes a magical setting for classical music concerts. A short drive from Pedraza is the Hoces del Duratón Natural Park, where visitors can see griffon vultures and explore the stunning canyon landscapes.

Vejer de la Frontera, Andalucía

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Barbate River, Vejer de la Frontera is one of the most beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages) in Andalucía. The town’s narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses, many of which feature decorative ironwork and flower-filled balconies. The Plaza de España, with its palm trees and fountain, is the heart of the town, while the San Salvador Church and the castle are reminders of Vejer’s Moorish past. In April, the town hosts the Romería de San Isidro, a colourful pilgrimage that sees locals dress in traditional flamenco costumes and parade through the streets on horseback. A short drive from Vejer is the Playa de El Palmar, a beautiful beach that’s popular with surfers and sunbathers.

Ronda, Andalucía

Ronda is one of Spain’s most dramatic towns, perched on a cliff overlooking the El Tajo Gorge. The town is split in two by the gorge, with the Puente Nuevo bridge connecting the old town with the new. The old town, known as La Ciudad, is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses, while the new town, known as El Mercadillo, is home to the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Ronda is also famous for its bandits, who once terrorised the surrounding countryside. Today, visitors can learn about this fascinating history at the Bandolero Museum. The town is also a great base for exploring the nearby Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, home to eagles, vultures and a unique microclimate.