Besalú is among Catalonia’s best-kept secrets. This quaint medieval town is steeped in rich Jewish history. While the renowned Besalu Bridge serves as an inseparable cultural symbol of the town, one can find a bevy of attractions and landmarks here. Its unique name, which means a fort on a mountain between two rivers, captures the essence of this inviting haven. Trace the Jewish past of the town with a visit to the Miqvé ancient purification baths or marvel at the grandeur of the Besalú County Castle; plenty of unique experiences await you in Besalú.
The vibrant and picturesque fishing village of Cudillero is a haven for those looking to bring in an offbeat vacation in an alluring seaside spot. Luring a steady stream of discerning tourists, this majestic hamlet makes for a sight to behold. This coastal oasis is brimming with balmy beaches, tranquil promenades and quaint eateries. The kaleidoscopic sight of multihued abodes inching upwards the cliff will be your foremost meet and greet with the town. As you venture in, unmissable attractions such as, Plaza de La Marina and Mirador de la Garita catch your fancy. Followed by your enriching tours of the locales, you must make headway for the local eateries where a traditional seafood fare awaits your arrival.
Sprawled atop a towering basalt cliff, Castellfollit de la Roca is as unique a town with a mesmerizing location. Tucked away within the La Garrocha Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the small town is a fascinating mountaintop oasis. Adding to the enchanting environs of the town are its bevy of old-school attractions and landmarks. The stonewalled façade of the San Salvador Church welcomes tourists to step in and partake in the thriving culture of the town, while the Museu de l'Embotit chronicles the town’s meat curing industry. Overlooking a deep abyss, Castellfollit de la Roca is enveloped with stunning vistas aplenty.
Home to the fairy tale—like Olite Royal Palace, the quaint town of Olite is a paradisiacal destination in Navarre, Spain. A haven for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, the town is teeming with medieval attractions aplenty. The labyrinth of cobbled streets lures travelers to indulge in a leisurely stroll and take in views of the splendid structures. Discerning tourists will attest to the enchanting ecclesiastical buildings and the rich wine culture of the town. Head to the famed Santa Mara la Real, Iglesia de San Pedro de Olite, Unsi Wines, and Museo del Vino de Navarra to witness and experience the two firsthand. The town also hosts memorable annual festivals, which offer a glimpse into the thriving culture of this sublime land.
The ancient village of Cadaqués is the preferred offbeat destination among discerning tourists visiting Spain. Owing to its close proximity to the sea, the town attracted a seafaring community, soon turning it into a thriving fishing village. Today, outdoor lovers flock to the welcoming lands of this hamlet. Head to the balmy beaches such as Es Pianc and Platja Gran, or explore the imposing presence of Salvador Dal with dedicated attractions such as the Salvador Dal House Museum and Expo Dal Cadaqués. The slew of local eateries and bars serve as ideal spots to partake in the lively culture of this heavenly seaside village of Cadaqués.
The term living under a rock quite literally applies to the people of the small pueblo (town) of Setenil de las Bodegas. This white-washed town in the province of Cadiz exists under the shadow of a huge gorge that has been eroded over the years by the mighty Rio Trejo. While houses are built directly into the rock structures, the inhabitants of this sparsely populated town deem it a blessing, one that shelters them from the polarizing temperatures that sweep the region. Not one to be deterred by overhanging rocks, the town of Setenil de las Bodegas continues to flourish with its lovely bars and restaurants, known to be one of the more superior ones in the entire region. This Andalusian beauty is also known for its excellent produce, such as olive oil, honey, jam, and chorizo.
A stunning exemplar of Andaluca’s whitewashed villages, Frigiliana is a picturesque hamlet. Repeatedly voted the prettiest village in the region, this spectacular pearl-white oasis is a thriving tourist destination. The winding streets of the village, closely walled by the imposing abodes, make for picture-perfect sights at every corner. As for attractions and landmarks, the town is blessed with the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana and the eponymous Frigiliana Castle. The Museo Arqueológico de Frigiliana makes for an intriguing portal into the culture and heritage of the town too. Additionally, one can also attend the vibrant annual festivals held in the town.
While the sublime land of Spain is blessed with a bounty of pretty towns and villages, the quaint Albarracn stands out with its rich medieval air, winding streets, and picturesque pink-hued abodes. Home to a bevy of ancient, well-preserved structures, the town is a haven for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Your short sojourn in the delightful town will lead you to splendid landmarks such as Castillo de Albarracn, Museo Diocesano de Albarracn, Catedral de Albarracn, and Plaza Mayor Albarracn.
Anchored at the coast of Mallorca is the quaint coastal getaway of Deià. Enveloped by rising mountainscapes on one end and the sapphire Mediterranean on the other, the town makes for a sight to behold. The impressive locales of the town have lured many a creative mind, including the famed writer Robert Graves, whose life and times are preserved in the home-turned museum, La Casa de Robert Graves. A particularly delightful spot for history buffs, the town is teeming with fascinating museums such as Deià Archaeological Museum and Son Marroig. Soak in the splendid locales and warm hospitality of the serene Deià.
The ancient village of Ansa is a gem in Aragon, Spain. Perched atop a hill, the village is an enticing stomping ground, luring discerning tourists in the summer months. Enveloped in a stunning panorama of the mountains, the village is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the sublime environs, the village is blessed with a bounty of attractions and landmarks. While the famed Castillo de Ainsa ranks high on the list of must-visit destinations, the Plaza Mayor of Ainsa, the Iglesia de Santa Mara, and the Museum of Traditional Crafts and Arts are also unmissable.
The charming village of Morella has won the hearts of thousands of discerning tourists with its sublime environs and warm hospitality. This picture-perfect hilltop hamlet is nestled in the province of Castellón. Spectacular whitewashed abodes line the winding cobblestoned streets of the village. The vibrantly hued terracotta roofs add to the endearing views of the vicinity. This walled hamlet is home to a bunch of stunning attractions such as Castillo de Morella, Church of Santa Maria and Morella Aqueduct. Stroll along the labyrinth of streets that make traversing along the medieval village a sheer delight, and dine at the slew of quaint eateries for a truly authentic experience.
The quaint village of Casares is nestled in the Spain’s famously beguiling southern province. Looming under imposing crags, the village comprises a pile of carefully stacked white abodes. However, it would be criminal to limit Casares’ tourism value to that of mere beauty. Castillo de Casares, or the Castle of Casares, stands tall overlooking the expanse of the village and reflecting the eventful history of the village. Today, this white village is also renowned as the birthplace of Blas Infante, the father of Andalusian nationalism. One will also find his towering statue adorning the town square. Ermita de San Sebastian is located close to the square, and is an unmissable religious site for tourists.