The 11 towns in Spain that you should visit NOW

Spain is a country that has incredible places and cities that are recognized worldwide, either for their history, their architecture, or everything they have to offer in cultural terms such as Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid. But, something important to bear in mind is that the offer of this territory is not limited to what its large cities, and characteristics, have, but also has other regions that have their own attraction and that, without a place undoubtedly, they are worth knowing.

Among these regions are towns, whose territory is smaller than that of large cities and even the attractions they offer are different, but have a charm that allows you to see more facets of Spain. In fact, the towns of Spain are so beautiful that they have had their own organization since 2010, called, of course, The Most Beautiful Towns of Spain and which is part of the Federation of Towns most beautiful on Earth.

The towns of Spain are those corners that are found throughout the whole country in which each one of them contributes a different aspect, like a piece of a great puzzle where, although they may have similar things, each one of they are key. That is why, here we will tell you which are some of the most beautiful towns in Spain so that you can visit on your next visit to this region of the Iberian Peninsula.

11 of the most beautiful towns in Spain

Here we will tell you which are some of the most beautiful towns in Spain, taking into account their characteristics and what makes them special. In addition, we will also leave you its location, of course, so that you can create a map of Spain by provinces and towns so that you can visit their different Autonomous Communities as soon as possible.

1. Cadaqués, in Gerona, Catalonia

Cadaqués is a town that is located in the province of Gerona, and belongs to the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, and is the easternmost town in all of Spain. Its name does not have a clear origin, on the one hand it is believed to be an evolution of the name Cabo de Quers; another version maintains that it comes from “cadaquers”, which means juniper forests, trees that were found in the region; and the third option holds that it comes from the Greek words kata-kairus meaning occasional people.

This is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, to the point that it is also believed to be the most treasured site in the entire Costa Brava region. In addition, it was the place chosen by the artist Salvador Dalí to take refuge. It is characterized by the white houses found in the historic center and the crystal clear water of the bay.

Among the places that cannot be missed in Cadaqués are the historic center; the church of Sta. María de Cadaqués, from where you can have a unique view of the town and the bay; the Portlligat House-Museum, previously known as the Salvador Dalí House Museum, where the painter lived until 1982; and the e space Cap de Creus, or Cabo de Creus, located inside the lighthouse which is the second oldest in the entire Community of Catalonia.

2. Játiva, in Valencia, Valencia

This town is located in the province of Valencia, within the Valencian Community. It is in the southern region of the province and its name in Valencian is Xàtiva. It is one of the towns in Spain that deserves the time to get to know because it used to be one of the most important places in what used to be the Kingdom of Valencia. In fact, in 1822 it was the capital of the province of Játiva, which disappeared 11 years later.

Since 1982 s the old town is part of the assets that have been declared historical-artistic monuments, one of the categories between which the Spanish Historical Heritage is divided, regulated by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. There are the Collegiate Church, the Reial hospital, the hermitages of Sant Feliu, Sant Josep and Santa Anna, the churches of Sant Pere and Sant Francesc, Plaça de la Trinitat, the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI, various palaces that belonged to the nobility throughout history and more. Also the castle is one of the main attractions of the place.

It is located about 48 minutes from the city of Valencia, by car, or about 49 minutes, approximately, by train.

3. Beget, in Girona, Catalonia

Beget is located in the province of Girona, within the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, it is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is part of the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia, and has become a mainly tourist or second residence town. In fact, its permanent population is around 20 inhabitants.

In 2021 it was included in the list of the association The Most Beautiful Towns of Spain, and it is the second in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia to be part of the official list. Among the most outstanding places in Beget are the I Church of Sant Cristòfol, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, it also has two medieval bridges that cross the Llierca river and It is a great starting point for various routes for hikers and cyclists.

It is a mainly medieval town, characterized by its stone and wood buildings, with cobbled streets. It is located more than 500 meters above sea level and it is one of the places that you cannot miss on your map of Spain by provinces and towns.

4. Trujillo, in Cáceres, Extremadura

Trujillo is one of the towns in Spain that is located in the province of Cáceres, within the Autonomous Community of Extremadura. It is a place that has several natural spaces that are worth the worth exploring, in addition to its historical heritage.

Among Trujillo’s must-see sites are churches, convents, hermitages, museums, palaces, a castle and its squares, of course. In fact, the Plaza Mayor of this place is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire country, and the entire town is structured around it.

The historic center of Trujillo has been declared Asset of Cultural Interest, and the town is the protagonist of the National Cheese Fair, one of the most important gastronomic fairs in the area.

5. Getaria, in Guipúzcoa, Euskadi

Known as Guetaria or Getaria, as it is a name in Basque, this town is located in the province of Guipúzcoa, in Euskadi, also known as the Basque Country. It is a coastal town and its popularity is due both to its beauty and to the great personalities that made their home there.

Getaria has been the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to go around the world, and home to Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of the world’s best-known haute couture designers.

What stands out about this town in addition to its historic center, or old town, which is characterized by the unevenness that are traveled with stairs and different slopes, is the beach area. In the same calm waters predominate, where different nautical sports can be developed. Regarding the old town, we can find the Church of San Salvador, several hermitages and chapels, the Balenciaga Museum, several statues dedicated to Juan Sebastián Elcano, and stone houses.

It is located about 25 kilometers west of San Sebastián.

6. Combarro, in Pontevedra, Galicia

Combarro is one of the towns in Spain that is located in the province of Pontevedra, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. It is a fishing village that is about 7 kilometers from the capital of the province.

This small Galician town has around 2000 inhabitants and s u old town was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. On this site you can find the three characteristic elements of this autonomous community : the granaries, the fishing houses and the cruise ships. In the latter case they are the monuments, which are crosses that are on pillars in public spaces and not on boats.

The cruises of this town usually stop a particular detail, and that is that the figure of the Virgin is usually looking at the sea while that of the Christ looks towards the land. For their part, the granaries are located in the coastal area of ​​the town, and these are the places where food was stored and date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

An important date for this town that, without a doubt, you should include on your map of Spain by provinces and towns is August 15, since the Mussel festival is celebrated.

7. Albarracín, in Teruel, Aragon

Albarracín is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, and is located in the province of Teruel, in the Autonomous Community of Aragon. It stands at a height of 1182 meters and among its great distinctions is a Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts.

It is characterized by its medieval houses and cobbled streets, and has guided tours that begin at the Town Hall of the town so that people who decide to visit it can know each aspect of your story.

This site stands out for being the first place in the Autonomous Community of Aragon to have been declared Monumental Complex, in 1961, and not only that, but it was also named Asset of Cultural Interest. Among the options offered by the town are the cathedral, in an old 12th century temple, a castle that can be visited and the walls. In addition, Albarracín is surrounded by natural spaces that allow you to enjoy some time outdoors, either to rest or go hiking or some other sport.

8. Pedraza, in Segovia, Castilla y León

This town in Spain is located in the province of Segovia, which is part of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León. Its population does not exceed 500 inhabitants and it is one of the few towns in the country that are completely walled. In fact, there is a single point of access and egress.

This town originated in the 11th century and was built in the 16th century, and in 1951 it was declared or Historic Site. Among its most popular celebrations is The night of the candles, when the whole town is filled with thousands of candles between the first and second Saturday of July; and the Fiestas in honor of the Virgen del Carrascal, from September 7 to 12.

Among the most outstanding monuments are the castle, built in the 13th century, the Church of San Juan, the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the town gate and the jail. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century, renovated in the 16th and was restored again in 1926, while the prison was restored in the 20th century and is currently kept as a museum.

9. Comillas, in Cantabria

The town of Comillas is located in the Uniprovincial Autonomous Community of Cantabria, in the northern region of the country. It is very known for its medieval buildings, but it is also one of the few places outside of Catalonia where you can see the incredible work done by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

It is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and one of the most chosen in Cantabria to be visited by tourists. Not only is it striking for its architecture, but it also has a golden sandy beach and several cliffs. And in its surroundings you can find historical caves, such as La Meaza, which has abstract paintings, and Portillo, where shells dating from the Neolithic have been found.

On the other hand, among the sites and monuments that people who visit this town cannot miss are the palace of Sobrellano, where the Marquis of Comillas used to reside in summer; the pantheon chapel; and the “El Capricho” palace, designed by Antoni Gaudí himself.

Undoubtedly, one of the towns in Spain to incorporate into your map by provinces and towns of this country.

10. Frigiliana, in Malaga, Andalusia

Frigiliana is one of the towns in Spain that is located in the province of Malaga, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. It is characterized by its small streets and white houses that are usually decorated with flowers.

In this case it is a town located very close to the Natural Park of the Sierras de Almijara, Tejeda and Alhama, and it is precisely on the reliefs of the Sierra de Almijara and the Mediterranean, which offers unparalleled views. Although it does not have its own beach, it is very close to the beaches of Nerja, well known for their caves.

Regarding the outstanding sites of one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, we can find the Lízar castle, which dates back to the 9th century; the palace of the Counts of Frigilian a, now converted into a cane honey factory; the church of San Antonio, from the 17th century; the old fountain, from the same period; and, the palace of Arpero.

Frigiliana is also known for its celebrations and popular festivals, which take place throughout the year. They begin in January, with the celebration of San Sebastián, followed by carnivals in February, Easter, a meeting of bands and the Frigiliana 3 Cultures Festival, among others.

11. Chinchón, in Madrid

This is another of the towns that is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is located in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, in the homonymous province and about 45 kilometers from the city of Madrid. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, and the town is built around its Plaza Mayor.

The Plaza Mayor is historical, of medieval origin in fact, and has 234 wooden balconies painted green. Also, and perhaps because of that, it has gained popularity in modern times, being the protagonist of celebrations and filming. In fact, artists such as Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles and John Wayne have passed through there.

Since 1974 it has been part of the Artistic Historical Complex, which made it better known for national and international tourism. Among the most outstanding places in this town in Spain is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which has a canvas painted by Francisco de Goya himself, the Clock Tower, the hermitages, the monasteries, and the Castle of the Counts. All this in addition to the Plaza Mayor, of course, which was declared the fourth material wonder of the Community of Madrid.

Among the typical festivals of the town are La Pasión de Chinchón, which has been named of National Tourist Interest, carnivals, the medieval market and the Patron Saint Festivities of August.

These are 11 of the most beautiful towns in Spain and they deserve that you take the time to visit them, explore them and thus be able to learn more about the history and culture of the different parts of this country. In this way you can build the map of Spain, by provinces and towns, visiting the different Autonomous Communities and what they have to offer.

The list is for guidance only, everyone has something different and interesting to offer, from the first to the last, in an indistinct order. Also, if after walking through these towns in Spain you want to know more and visit the big cities, you can check which are the must-see museums in Valencia, the hidden-places of Madrid or the best things to do in Barcelona.