Quiet Spanish villages locals love (that most travelers miss)
Spain has no shortage of beautiful villages. The challenge is finding the ones that still feel like places people actually live, not places that spend all summer posing for photographs.
Away from the busiest cities and coastal resorts, there are villages where fishing boats still return each morning, weekly markets remain part of everyday life, and lunch can easily stretch into the afternoon. Places where you'll hear more Spanish than English, find family-run restaurants instead of chains, and discover that the best part of the day is often simply sitting in a square watching local life unfold.
This guide focuses on five of the quietest and most rewarding villages in Spain. From the colourful fishing harbour of Cudillero on the Asturian coast to the mountain views around Aínsa in Aragón, these are places that offer something increasingly difficult to find in Europe: space, character, and a pace that doesn't revolve around tourism.
Some sit beside the sea. Others are surrounded by olive groves, castles, or the Pyrenees. What they have in common is that they are worth staying for, not just photographing on the way through.
If you're looking for quiet Spanish towns with local food, walkable historic centres, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace of travel, these villages are some of the best places to start.
Ifn case you’re still figuring out where to go, you might like this guide to Spain’s hidden villages and quieter spring destinations. It has a similar feel, just more places to explore at that slower pace.
And keep in mind, not every quiet corner of Spain requires a road trip. These scenic Renfe train routes make it surprisingly easy to explore Spain beyond the major cities, including several regions known for small towns, mountain scenery, and slower-paced travel.
Cudillero, Asturias: a quiet fishing village on Spain’s northern coast
If you’ve ever wished you could visit a fishing village before it got turned into a tourist attraction, Cudillero is probably what you’re imagining. It’s small, steep, and wildly scenic, but still very much a working town. No curated “village vibes” here - just narrow streets, colorful houses stacked along the cliffs, and locals actually living their lives.
From the top of the hill, the town looks like it’s tumbling into the sea. Red-tiled rooftops and weatherworn facades in soft blues and whites all seem to lean toward the harbor, as if they’ve been watching the waves for generations. And honestly, they probably have! This place is old, layered, and refreshingly unpolished.
Days start slowly. Locals sip cider at 11 a.m. (yes, really), poured with flair from high above the glass - it’s not for show, it’s tradition. At Casa Julio, the chalkboard menu depends on what came in with the boats that morning. You’ll probably see fabada Asturiana, grilled hake, or fresh anchovies still shimmering with sea salt.
There’s not a lot you have to do here, which is part of the charm. You can climb up to Mirador de la Garita-Atalaya for a ridiculously good view of the whole town, then meander down through cobbled backstreets toward the water. You’ll pass tiny homes with flowers spilling from window boxes, cafés you’d walk right past if not for the scent of garlic and olive oil, and maybe even an older man offering unsolicited directions to his cousin’s cider mill. (Follow them. They’re usually worth it.)
Don’t expect a beach club or fancy promenade. What you’ll find instead is real Atlantic air, sea spray, and a quiet harbor where you can sit for hours without being moved along. If the weather’s warm, people dip their toes in the rock pools or lay out on the old pier stones like they’ve been doing it for decades.
If you're staying overnight (which you absolutely should) look for one of the smaller guesthouses in the upper part of town. La Casona de Pío is a solid pick: it’s quiet, family-run, and serves the kind of breakfast you want after a morning walk by the sea. Or check out Hotel Casa Prendes if you want to stay closer to the port and wake up to the sound of fishing boats.
Getting here is easiest with a car. Fly into Oviedo or Santander, pick up a rental, and drive west along the N-632. The route itself is beautiful and gives you the freedom to stop off at other sleepy coastal towns like Luarca or Lastres. There’s a train station nearby in Villademar, but unless you’re traveling super light and flexible, a car gives you the space to explore properly.
Locals will tell you the best time to visit is late September - the light is soft, the weather still holds, and most visitors have gone home. That’s when the village feels like itself again. And if you’re a cheese person, don’t leave without trying Cabrales - a pungent blue cheese aged in mountain caves, usually served with honey or walnuts. It’s intense but unforgettable.
If you’re someone who craves real scenery, real food, and a bit of breathing space… you’re gonna love this place.
If you like this part of the coast, Santillana del Mar in northern Spain has that same easy, lived-in feel. Stone streets, small cafés, and calm.
And if you want somewhere even quieter, this tiny beach town in Galicia is one of those places that still feels under the radar in the best way.
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Molina de Aragón: one of Spain’s quietest medieval towns (with a castle)
Molina de Aragón is one of the least-visited historic towns in central Spain, sitting between Madrid and Zaragoza on the edge of Alto Tajo Natural Park. If you're looking for big landscapes, quiet streets, and a place that feels genuinely removed from Spain's busiest tourist routes, this is exactly the kind of town that delivers.
Most international visitors have never heard of it. Even after arriving, you might wonder if you've taken a wrong turn somewhere. The streets are quiet, the pace is unhurried, and there is little of the tourism infrastructure that defines many of Spain's better-known destinations. What you will find instead is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town dominated by one of the largest castles in Spain.
The Castillo de Molina de Aragón stretches across the hillside above town and is impossible to miss. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, its walls and towers overlook the valley much as they have for hundreds of years. Unlike some of Spain's more heavily visited monuments, the castle still feels surprisingly untouched. You can walk the old ramparts, climb uneven stone steps, and take in sweeping views across the surrounding countryside with little more than birdsong and the wind for company.
That sense of space continues throughout the town itself. Narrow streets wind between stone houses and small squares before opening up towards the Romanesque bridge and the river below. Much of daily life still centres around the Plaza Mayor, where locals gather for coffee and conversation throughout the day.
If you're staying overnight, it's worth taking your time between the castle, the old Jewish quarter, and the historic centre rather than trying to follow a strict sightseeing plan. Molina de Aragón is one of those places where the atmosphere comes from the town itself rather than a long list of attractions.
One of the biggest reasons to visit is its proximity to Alto Tajo Natural Park. Often overlooked by international travellers, it is one of Spain's largest protected natural areas, known for its deep gorges, pine forests, limestone cliffs, and remarkably clear rivers. Popular spots include the dramatic Barranco de la Hoz gorge and viewpoints overlooking the Río Tajo, where walking trails follow the river through landscapes that feel far removed from Spain's busier national parks.
The park is less than 30 minutes away by car, making Molina de Aragón an excellent base if you enjoy walking, photography, wildlife, or simply spending time outdoors without crowds. It's entirely possible to spend a full day exploring the area and encounter only a handful of other visitors.
Getting here is part of the experience. From Madrid, the drive takes around two and a half hours through Castilla-La Mancha's wide-open countryside. Once you're beyond the capital, the roads become quieter and the landscape gradually shifts to rolling hills, forests, and small rural communities. A car is highly recommended, not only for reaching the town itself but also for exploring Alto Tajo and the surrounding villages.
Accommodation remains refreshingly low-key. Small guesthouses and family-run hotels occupy historic buildings throughout the old town, offering a much more personal experience than larger chain properties. Places such as Hotel Palacio de los Molina provide a comfortable base within walking distance of the castle and main square, while several traditional casas rurales can be found in and around the town.
Spring and early autumn are the most rewarding times to visit. April and May bring wildflowers, green landscapes, and comfortable temperatures for exploring both the town and Alto Tajo. September and October are equally appealing, with cooler days and fewer visitors. Winter can be surprisingly beautiful too, particularly when frost or snow settles across the castle walls and surrounding countryside.
If this kind of inland quiet is what you’re after, Soria Province has a very similar atmosphere. Open landscapes, small villages, and barely any noise.
Ask a local where to get the best migas (a traditional bread-crumb dish often served with chorizo or grapes). Everyone has a different opinion - and they’ll happily share it with you.
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Peratallada is the reason to leave the Costa Brava for a day
Most visitors heading to the Costa Brava never make it this far inland.
They drive between Girona, Begur and the coast without realizing that some of the most interesting places in the region sit among farmland, cypress trees and medieval villages a few kilometres from the sea.
Peratallada is one of them.
The village sits in the heart of the Empordanet, a small area of Baix Empordà that Catalan writer Josep Pla spent much of his life writing about. Even today, the landscape feels remarkably unchanged. Stone farmhouses sit among fields of wheat, olive groves and sunflower fields, while narrow roads connect villages such as Monells, Palau-Sator, Cruïlles and Ullastret.
Arriving in Peratallada feels slightly unexpected. You leave the car outside the walls and enter through medieval gateways into a maze of narrow streets cut between sandstone buildings. The village takes its name from the enormous moat carved directly into the rock surrounding parts of the old centre, something many visitors walk past without noticing at first.
Unlike nearby Pals, which often attracts large numbers of day-trippers during summer, Peratallada feels smaller and easier to settle into. Most people arrive around lunchtime, which means the quietest time to explore is often before ten in the morning. At that hour, restaurant terraces are still being prepared for the day, shop owners are opening wooden shutters and you'll often have entire streets to yourself.
The village isn't packed with attractions, which is part of the appeal. The pleasure comes from noticing details: old stone staircases disappearing between buildings, climbing vines spilling over medieval walls, cats sleeping in sunny corners and tiny courtyards hidden behind archways.
If you're interested in local food, this part of Catalonia has plenty to offer. The rice grown around nearby Pals appears on menus throughout the region, often served with seafood from the Costa Brava. Anchovies from L'Escala, Empordà olive oil and local wines are also common. For lunch, restaurants such as Can Bonay and El Borinot make good places to slow down for a few hours rather than rushing back to the coast.
Peratallada also works well as a base for exploring the wider area. The medieval streets of Monells are less than fifteen minutes away, while the Iberian settlement at Ullastret offers a completely different glimpse into Catalonia's history. La Bisbal d'Empordà, known for its ceramics workshops and pottery traditions, is also nearby and worth visiting if you're interested in local crafts.
What makes Peratallada memorable isn't that there's so much to do. It's that the village still feels connected to the surrounding region rather than existing solely for visitors. Spend a night here instead of stopping for an hour and you'll notice how quickly the atmosphere changes once the afternoon visitors leave. By evening, most of the people walking the streets are locals heading to dinner or residents returning home, and the village begins to feel less like a destination and more like part of everyday life in the Empordà countryside.
If you’re building your trip around food and markets, Cadaqués’ weekend market scene is a nice addition, especially if you’re already in this part of Catalonia.
Best time to visit? Late spring or early autumn. July and August are busier, especially with day-trippers, but mid-May and late September give you warm days, fewer people, and that golden Mediterranean light without the heatwave energy.
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Frigiliana, Andalusia: Whitewashed streets, mountain views, and one of the prettiest villages near Málaga
If you’re craving somewhere calm with a bit of sun on your face, Frigiliana is the kind of town that quietly delivers. Tucked into the hills above Nerja on Spain’s southern coast, this Andalusian village is a mix of whitewashed houses, steep stairways, and tiny tile mosaics that tell stories if you slow down enough to notice them.
At first glance, Frigiliana looks like other “pueblos blancos” - but the vibe is different. It’s got just enough going on to keep you curious, but not so much that you feel like you're checking things off a list. This is where you come to walk, eat, and breathe in the quiet mountain air with olive trees all around you.
The old Moorish quarter, Barribarto, is the heart of it. You’ll spend half your time here walking up narrow stone alleys like like Calle Hernando el Darra and Calle Real, where flowerpots hang from whitewashed walls and cats nap in patches of sunshine. The streets here twist like they were designed before maps existed - because they were. The other half you’ll probably spend sitting with a drink, wondering why you didn’t come here sooner. Stop for a local vino dulce or fresh orange juice at La Tienda (a favorite terrace with views), then just let the afternoon unravel.
At first glance, Frigiliana looks like other pueblos blancos in Andalusia, but it feels different once you start walking. One of the things that makes Frigiliana more interesting than many similar villages is how much history is woven into the streets themselves. Along the walls you'll find a series of ceramic mosaic plaques that tell the story of the Morisco rebellion of 1569 and the village's Moorish past. They're easy to miss if you're rushing through, but worth taking the time to read.
Eventually you'll reach Plaza de las Tres Culturas, one of the village's most important gathering places. From here, continue uphill towards El Torreón, the remains of the old fortress. The views stretch across the rooftops, the surrounding mountains, and all the way towards the Mediterranean on a clear day.
Back down in the lower part of town sits El Ingenio, a 16th-century sugar cane palace that still produces miel de caña, the sweet sugar cane syrup that has become one of the region's most famous products. If you order berenjenas con miel later that evening, there's a good chance the syrup on your plate was produced right here in Frigiliana.
One of the low-key best things about Frigiliana is the food. Restaurants such as El Mirador, La Taberna del Sacristán, and Restaurante Trevélez all offer terraces where you can sit for a few hours and watch village life around you. Rather than looking for international dishes, focus on local specialities from the Axarquía region. Berenjenas con miel is the obvious choice, but don't overlook chivo malagueño, local goat cheeses, olives, almonds, and dishes made with produce grown in the surrounding hills.
The countryside around Frigiliana is covered with avocado plantations, olive groves, almond trees, and small farms. Many ingredients travel only a short distance before reaching local kitchens, which is part of the reason the food feels so connected to the landscape.
If you're visiting on a Thursday, the weekly market on Avenida Carlos Cano offers another glimpse into everyday life here. Local produce, honey, spices, clothing, and household goods fill the stalls, attracting both residents and visitors.
Frigiliana also has a creative side you might not expect. Along Calle Real and some of the smaller streets branching off it, you'll come across independent galleries, pottery workshops, and artisan shops that feel genuinely connected to the village rather than created for tourism. Places such as Almagra on Calle Real showcase ceramics, artwork, antiques, and locally made pieces inside one of the most beautiful historic buildings in town. Galería Krystal regularly exhibits work by regional artists, while smaller workshops throughout the old quarter sell hand-painted pottery inspired by Andalusian and Moorish designs.
Many visitors end up leaving with something more practical than a souvenir. A bottle of locally produced miel de caña from El Ingenio, a hand-painted ceramic bowl, or a woven textile from a small workshop often feels like a more meaningful reminder of Frigiliana than anything mass-produced. Most of the businesses are independently owned, and many of the people behind the counter are the same people making the products you'll find on the shelves.
Getting here is straightforward. From Málaga, the drive takes around an hour and passes through the hills east of the city before climbing towards the village. If you don't have a car, you can take a bus to Nerja and then continue by local bus or taxi. That said, having your own transport opens up some excellent day trips.
Nearby Cómpeta offers another beautiful mountain village experience, while Torrox Pueblo remains one of the quieter white villages in the area. Nature lovers can also head into the nearby Sierra de Almijara Natural Park, where walking trails lead through rugged mountain scenery that feels a world away from the beaches below.
When it comes to accommodation, staying inside the old town makes a big difference. Properties such as Hospedería El Caravansar and Casa Rural Miller's place you within walking distance of the village's best streets and viewpoints. Alternatively, there are several fincas just outside town where you can wake up to mountain views, olive trees, and complete quiet.
Spring and autumn are easily the best times to visit. April, May, late September, and October offer warm temperatures without the intense summer heat. August brings the Festival de las Tres Culturas, one of the village's biggest annual events, celebrating Frigiliana's Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage through food, music, and cultural events. It's a wonderful time to visit, although you'll be sharing the streets with far more people than usual.
If you’re here in summer, this guide to Spain’s quieter local markets is worth saving. It helps you find places that still feel local, even in peak season.
You can buy cold-pressed local olive oil from family-run shops in the village - often in reusable glass bottles. It’s a simple souvenir, but one you’ll use long after the trip ends.
Aínsa might be the most underrated town in the Spanish Pyrenees
A lot of visitors pass through Aínsa on their way to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park without realizing the town itself is worth slowing down for. Sitting between the Cinca and Ara rivers in Aragón's Sobrarbe region, Aínsa combines one of Spain's best-preserved medieval centres with easy access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees.
What makes it memorable isn't simply the architecture. It's the way the town still feels connected to the surrounding valleys rather than existing solely for visitors. The mountains are never far away, local producers still sell their goods in town, and many people use Aínsa as a working regional hub as much as a tourist destination.
The heart of the village is Plaza Mayor, one of the largest medieval squares in Aragón. Surrounded by stone arcades and historic buildings, it's the sort of place where it's easy to spend an hour over coffee without feeling guilty about doing absolutely nothing. At one end stands the Romanesque Church of Santa María, while the old castle rises just beyond the square.
The castle is worth visiting, not only for the views across the surrounding valleys but also for the Eco Museo de la Fauna Pirenaica, which focuses on wildlife found throughout the Pyrenees. From the castle walls, you can see the landscape that makes this part of Aragón so special: river valleys, forested hillsides, and mountain peaks stretching towards the horizon.
Spend an evening in Plaza Mayor and you'll notice that many of the people sitting beneath the arcades know each other. The atmosphere feels more like a regional mountain town than a destination built around tourism. Even in summer, it's easy to find an empty table, order a glass of Somontano wine, and sit for an hour watching the light shift across the stone buildings.
One of the biggest reasons people stay here, though, is what lies beyond the town itself.
Aínsa is one of the main gateways to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, often considered Spain's most spectacular mountain landscape. Many visitors head towards Torla, the traditional entrance to the park, where walking trails lead into the Ordesa Valley beneath towering limestone cliffs. Others explore the dramatic Añisclo Canyon, where the road twists through deep gorges and forests that feel surprisingly wild even in the middle of summer.
If you're not looking for a full-day hike, there are plenty of easier options. A riverside walk around nearby Boltaña makes for a relaxed afternoon, while Tella sits high above the valley with sweeping mountain views, centuries-old stone buildings, and local legends connected to witches and folklore that still form part of the village identity today.
If you have extra time, continue beyond the better-known villages. The tiny mountain village of Ascaso sits above the valley with remarkable views across the Pyrenees, while Jánovas offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the region's abandoned villages. Neither attracts many visitors, which is part of the appeal!
Food is another reason to spend a little longer in Aínsa than you originally planned. Around Plaza Mayor you'll find a handful of restaurants tucked beneath the stone arcades, making it easy to settle in for a long lunch after exploring the old town.
For something memorable, book a table at Restaurante Callizo. It has become one of Aragón's most respected restaurants by taking ingredients from the surrounding valleys and turning them into dishes that still feel connected to the region. If you're after something more traditional, Casa Alfonso is known for local lamb, Pyrenean beef, trout, and mountain-inspired cooking that reflects the landscape around Aínsa. Bodegón de Mallacán is another favourite, particularly if you can get a table overlooking Plaza Mayor.
The Sobrarbe region is known for mountain honey, sheep's cheese, longaniza de Graus sausage, wild mushrooms, lamb, and wines from nearby Somontano. If you're visiting on market day, look out for producers selling cheeses, preserves, honey, and cured meats from villages scattered throughout the valleys.
For coffee, La Koffeecleta is a favourite stop among cyclists and hikers exploring the Pyrenees. If you have time for a slow breakfast, it's a good place to plan a day's walking route while watching people come and go from the square.
Beyond food and hiking, the town has a few independent shops worth browsing. La Cremeria sells regional cheeses and local products from across Aragón, while small artisan stores around the old centre stock mountain honey, ceramics, preserves, and handmade goods from producers throughout Sobrarbe. These are the kinds of places where you'll find something genuinely local rather than the same souvenirs sold across Spain.
Getting here from Zaragoza takes around two and a half hours by car. The final stretch is particularly beautiful as the landscape begins to rise towards the mountains. While buses do connect Aínsa with larger towns, having a car makes a huge difference, especially if you're planning to explore Ordesa, Boltaña, Tella, Torla, or the surrounding valleys.
For accommodation, Hotel Los Siete Reyes remains one of the best places to stay inside the medieval centre. Staying within the old town means you can walk the streets early in the morning before day-trippers arrive and again after dinner when the square becomes noticeably quieter. If you'd rather wake up surrounded by fields and mountain views, several restored casas rurales sit in the countryside around Aínsa and make excellent bases for exploring the region at a slower pace.
Aínsa works particularly well for travellers who enjoy having options. You can spend the morning wandering medieval streets, the afternoon exploring mountain valleys, and the evening sitting in Plaza Mayor with a glass of Somontano wine while the stone buildings catch the last light of the day.
When to visit: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are ideal. The weather is perfect for walking, the forests are green, and the village feels quiet but not deserted. Winter is beautiful too, especially if you like the idea of crisp air and empty trails - just bring layers.
If you’re mixing mountains with a bit of coast, these underrated coastal towns in Spain fit in really well without changing the pace of your trip.
Where to find quiet villages in Spain
The good news is that you don't have to travel to the most remote corner of Spain to find quieter places. Villages like Peratallada, Aínsa, Frigiliana, Cudillero, and Anento are all relatively easy to reach, but they offer a completely different experience from the country's busiest destinations.
What makes them stand out isn't that they're untouched or unknown. In fact, some are quite popular with Spanish visitors. The difference is that they still feel connected to everyday life. Local markets continue to operate, family-run restaurants fill up at lunchtime, and many of the people you meet aren't there on a day trip.
Each village offers something slightly different. Aínsa works well if you want mountain scenery and access to the Pyrenees. Peratallada is ideal for combining medieval streets with the food and wine culture of Empordà. Frigiliana pairs beautifully with a longer stay along the Costa del Sol, while Cudillero and Anento offer completely different sides of northern and inland Spain.
If you're planning a trip and looking for places with character, good food, walkable historic centres, and a slower pace than Spain's major tourist hotspots, these villages are some of the strongest options in the country.
If you want to keep going with this kind of travel, this guide to lesser-known villages across Spain is a good one to have open while you’re planning.
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FAQ: Quiet villages in Spain
Which Spanish villages still feel local?
Many Spanish villages still maintain a strong connection to everyday life, particularly outside the country's major tourist areas. Places such as Aínsa, Peratallada, Anento, Frigiliana, and Cudillero attract visitors, but they are also home to local markets, family-run restaurants, and year-round residents. That balance is often what makes them feel different from destinations built primarily around tourism.
Are there quiet villages near Barcelona?
Yes. Peratallada is one of the best examples. Located in Catalonia's Baix Empordà region, around 90 minutes from Barcelona, it combines medieval streets, excellent local restaurants, and easy access to the Costa Brava while remaining far quieter than many coastal destinations.
What are the best mountain villages in Spain?
Aínsa is often considered one of Spain's finest mountain villages thanks to its location in the Pyrenees and proximity to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. Other excellent options include Tella, Torla, and villages throughout Aragón and Asturias.
Which village in Spain is best for food lovers?
Peratallada stands out thanks to its location in the Empordà region, one of Catalonia's best food destinations. Visitors can enjoy local wines, rice from nearby Pals, olive oil, anchovies from L'Escala, and restaurants that focus on regional ingredients rather than tourist menus.
Where can I find white villages in Spain without large crowds?
Frigiliana is one of the most attractive white villages in Andalusia, particularly outside the busiest summer weeks. While it's no secret, it generally feels calmer than many of the larger villages on the standard Andalusia itinerary. Nearby villages such as Cómpeta and Torrox Pueblo are also worth considering.
Which Spanish villages are worth staying overnight?
Peratallada, Aínsa, and Frigiliana are all worth at least one night. Staying overnight allows you to experience these villages before day visitors arrive and after they leave, when the atmosphere changes significantly. In places like Peratallada and Aínsa, the evenings are often more memorable than the busiest hours of the day.
What are the best alternatives to Spain's busiest tourist destinations?
Travellers looking beyond Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, or the busiest Costa del Sol resorts often enjoy villages such as Aínsa, Peratallada, Cudillero, Anento, and Frigiliana. They offer historic centres, regional food, and access to nature without the scale of Spain's major tourism hubs.
Which quiet villages in Spain are best for walking?
Aínsa is ideal for combining village life with mountain walking, while Frigiliana offers access to trails in the Sierra de Almijara. Around Peratallada, visitors can enjoy gentle countryside walks through the Empordà landscape and nearby medieval villages such as Monells and Palau-Sator.
Can you visit quiet villages in Spain without speaking Spanish?
Yes. In destinations such as Frigiliana, Peratallada, and Aínsa, many restaurant owners, accommodation providers, and tourism businesses speak at least some English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated, but it is rarely essential for travelling through these areas.
What is the most beautiful medieval village in Spain?
There is no single answer, but Aínsa and Peratallada are frequently mentioned among Spain's most beautiful medieval villages. Aínsa stands out for its mountain setting in Aragón, while Peratallada is known for its remarkably preserved stone streets, medieval architecture, and location in the heart of the Empordà countryside.
Which quiet village in Spain is best for a weekend trip?
Peratallada works particularly well for a weekend thanks to its proximity to Girona, the Costa Brava, and several other historic villages. Aínsa is a strong choice if you enjoy mountain scenery and hiking, while Frigiliana combines village life with easy access to the Andalusian coast.
What are the best villages in northern Spain?
Northern Spain is full of excellent small towns and villages, but Cudillero in Asturias is one of the most distinctive. Its colourful harbour setting, seafood restaurants, and dramatic coastline make it very different from inland destinations such as Aínsa or Anento. Other notable villages in northern Spain include Tazones, Lastres, and Santillana del Mar.
