Spain is a thriving European nation renowned for its fantastic history, sunny beaches, and passionate citizens. These little towns in Spain provide a more genuine look into the local way of life and are frequently less expensive than their metropolitan counterparts. These are a few of the best small cities in Spain that you should include on your itinerary for your next vacation.
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best small cities to visit in spain
Mojacar
Mojácar, in the province of Almeria, is a small town in Spain that combines the atmosphere of a beach resort with the culture and natural beauty of a mountain community. Make sure to spend some time at Torre Pirulico, a 13th-century watchtower that offers views of El Mirador del Castillo and the coast. Then, head down to Mojacar Playa Beach to have some fun at the seaside resort.
Cadaques
Cadaques is a beach town located in the Costa Brava, a coastal district in the province of Girona. Salvador Dali was born and raised in this town, and art enthusiasts may still visit his house, which has been turned into a museum. Dali is best renowned for his paintings.
Castellfollit de la Roca
A basalt bluff formed where the Fluvià and Toronell Rivers converge. The best views are from below the town looking up, so stop and snap some pictures as you approach Castellfollit de la Roca.
When you arrive in the basalt cliff village of Castellfollit de la Roca, explore the 13th-century Sant Salvador Church and the Pont Trencat, also known as the Broken Bridge.
Albarracin
Teruel, in Aragon, is home to the idyllic village of Albarracín. Named for a Moorish lord, Albarracín flourished as a town between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Albarracín Cathedral and many of the city’s walls are examples of the early architecture that still stands today.
This town is quite rural and nestled in the mountains; development has yet to reach its location. This is one of the most beautiful places that will quickly take you back centuries, with the city’s pink buildings nestled perfectly into the natural terrain in a canyon.
Olite
The historic town of Olite is located in the northern Spanish region of Navarra. Although the Visigoths supposedly established Olite in the seventh century, its true development occurred in the twelfth century. Originally the seat of Charles III of Navarre, the magnificent Gothic-style Palacio Real de Olite is now a public building.
While in Olite, you can also explore the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Real, sample wine at the Museo del Vino, and discover the history of medieval Spain at the Galerias Medievales Museum.
Morella
The historic walled city of Morella is situated in the province of Castellon. Its main draws are its architecture and history; you won’t want to leave without viewing the medieval Morella Walls, the Gothic Santa Maria la Mayor Basilic Church, or the Morella Castle.
Visit a bakery to indulge in the delectable flavors, sweet pastries stuffed with cheese, and a regional specialty. You can use Morella as a base of operations to explore the nearby Maestrazgo Mountains.
Casares
Casares, a small town in the province of Málaga, is well-known for its whitewashed Moorish-style structures that cling to the cliffs with views of the Alboran Sea. If you are interested in architecture, visit the magnificent Casares Castle, which dates back to the thirteenth century, and the Church of La Encarnacion.
Horseback riding is every day in the region, so you could join a group that rides directly on the beach. Additionally, several golf courses nearby are ideal for teeing off and enjoying the Spanish sunshine.
Alquezar
The center of outdoor leisure for the Aragonese region is the town of Alquézar, located in northern Spain. Alquézar, founded in the eleventh century and perched on a limestone protrusion, is home to only a few hundred people.
Nowadays, exploring Alquézar is primarily about taking in the old architecture, going through the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor Museum’s collection of antiques, and going outside. Trekking the Río Vero Canyon, canyoning, birdwatching, and even quad biking are popular activities.
Setenil de las Bodegas
This little village close to Cadiz gained notoriety for its numerous buildings built under rocks. Setenil de las Bodegas is a town on the Rio Trejo River, with the limestone gorge acting as an exterior roof wall during construction.
The people who dwell here have lived in caves for thousands of years; this hamlet is only an addition. You should only have a unique experience in Setenil de las Bodegas: dining on an outdoor patio sheltered by a massive cliff.
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is the name of a tiny mountain village near Malaga. The narrow streets are also painted white, and most houses are constructed in the classic Andalusian style. Frigiliana is a great site to wander around and take in the sights, looking for the tiled signs that tell stories about the town’s past.
This small town’s center, Ctra Circunvalacion, is where you may shop for groceries, trinkets, and handicrafts sold every Thursday at the Thursday market. A great view of the Nerja countryside and the sea is available from the Ctra Circunvalacion viewing balcony.
Ainsa
Aínsa is a historic village situated beneath the Pyrenees Mountains. Located at one end of the Plaza de San Salvador, the Aínsa Castle is the highlight of a visit to this town. Although most of the structure dates from the 16th century, there are some 11th-century remnants in the castle.
Cudillero
Cudillero, formerly a little fishing village on Spain’s northern coast, is today a well-liked destination for travelers seeking easy access to the beach and delicious seafood away from the crowd. Admiring the Bay of Biscay, you may spot stunning structures such as the Fundacion Selgas-Fagalde’s royal grounds and the storied Iglesia El Pito church.
Cudillero boasts unmatched scenery; two of the town’s most gorgeous locations are the azure waves at Playa del Silencio Beach and the overlook of Cabo Vidio.
