The Best Small Towns in Spain
Spain's small towns offer a unique charm and cultural richness often overshadowed by its bustling cities. These towns are perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic Spanish experience. From medieval architecture to stunning natural landscapes, each small town in Spain has its own story to tell. This article explores some of the best small towns in Spain, highlighting their unique characteristics and must-see attractions.
Santillana del Mar: A Journey Through History
Located in the Cantabria region, Santillana del Mar is often referred to as the "Town of Three Lies" because it is neither holy (santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). Despite this playful misnomer, Santillana del Mar is a gem of historical significance. The town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana is a must-visit. It dates back to the 12th century and is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture. The Altamira Cave, located nearby, offers a glimpse into prehistoric art with its well-preserved cave paintings dating back over 14,000 years.
Visitors can also enjoy local Cantabrian cuisine in one of the many charming restaurants. Dishes like cocido montañés (a hearty mountain stew) and sobaos pasiegos (a type of sponge cake) are local favorites.
Ronda: The City on the Edge
Ronda, perched dramatically on a gorge in Andalusia, offers breathtaking views and rich cultural history. The town is split by the El Tajo gorge, which is spanned by the Puente Nuevo bridge—an architectural marvel completed in 1793.
The town's Moorish influence is evident in its architecture, with landmarks such as the Mondragón Palace and the Arab Baths providing a glimpse into its past. Ronda is also famous for its bullring, Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Local culinary delights include rabo de toro (oxtail stew) and Andalusian gazpacho.
Besalú: A Medieval Marvel
Nestled in Catalonia, Besalú is known for its medieval architecture and historic significance. The town's most iconic feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River. Walking through Besalú feels like stepping back in time with its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
The Jewish Quarter is particularly fascinating, featuring a restored mikveh (ritual bath) from the 12th century. Other notable sites include the Monastery of Sant Pere and the Church of Sant Vicenç.
Besalú hosts various festivals throughout the year, including a medieval fair that transforms the town into a living history museum. Catalonian dishes like botifarra (Catalan sausage) and escudella i carn d'olla (a traditional Catalan stew) are not to be missed.
Alcalá del Júcar: A Riverside Retreat
Located in Castilla-La Mancha, Alcalá del Júcar offers stunning views from its cliffside perch above the Júcar River. The town's whitewashed houses climb up the hillside, creating a striking contrast against the natural landscape.
The Castle of Alcalá del Júcar, dating back to the 12th century, provides panoramic views of the river valley below. The town's unique bullring, carved into the rock face, is another must-see attraction.
Water activities such as kayaking and fishing are popular along the Júcar River. Local gastronomy includes dishes like gazpacho manchego (a hearty game meat stew) and migas (fried breadcrumbs often served with chorizo).
Cudillero: A Fisherman's Paradise
Cudillero, located in Asturias, is a picturesque fishing village known for its colorful houses that cascade down to the harbor. The village's maritime heritage is evident in every corner, from its seafood restaurants to its nautical-themed festivals.
The viewpoints around Cudillero offer stunning vistas of both the village and the Cantabrian Sea. Notable sites include the Church of San Pedro and La Quinta de Selgas—a lavish estate with beautiful gardens open to visitors.
Seafood lovers will find Cudillero's cuisine irresistible. Dishes like fabada asturiana (a rich bean stew) and caldereta de pescado (fish stew) are local specialties that showcase fresh ingredients from both land and sea.
| Town | Region | Key Attractions | Local Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santillana del Mar | Cantabria | Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, Altamira Cave | Cocido montañés, Sobaos pasiegos |
| Ronda | Andalusia | El Tajo Gorge, Puente Nuevo Bridge, Plaza de Toros de Ronda | Rabo de toro, Andalusian gazpacho |
| Besalú | Catalonia | Romanesque Bridge, Jewish Quarter | Botifarra, Escudella i carn d'olla |
| Alcalá del Júcar | Castilla-La Mancha | Castle of Alcalá del Júcar, Rock-Face Bullring | Gazpacho manchego, Migas |
| Cudillero | Asturias | Church of San Pedro , La Quinta de Selgas | Fabada asturiana , Caldereta de pescado |
Cultural Insights and Local Tips
- Santillana del Mar: Engage with locals to hear fascinating stories about their town’s history.
- Ronda: Visit during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds at popular sites like Puente Nuevo Bridge.
- Besalú: Plan your visit around one of their medieval fairs for an immersive experience.
- Alcalá del Júcar: Enjoy a riverside picnic while taking in views of this cliffside town.
- Cudillero: Try seafood dishes at harbor-front restaurants for an authentic taste of Asturian cuisine.
If you’re planning your next trip to Spain consider these lesser-known gems, with these best small towns providing a glimpse into country’s soul far from tourist trails, revealing timeless charm awaits every corner.