9 of the Best Small Towns in Spain

Segovia is famous for the Alcazar of Segovia, a beautiful castle rumored to be the inspiration for many Disney® castles. It's been renovated and restored over the years, and, these days, both kids and adults alike will enjoy admiring its turrets and armored knights.

Beyond the castle, wander around the Roman Aqueduct—a stone marvel and UNESCO–listed attraction that dates back to 50 BC—or stop by the massive Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain. Happily, Segovia is an easy day trip from Madrid; take the train or bus on your own, or opt for a sightseeing tour that includes transport.

A real hidden gem in Spain, Cudillero is a tiny village that overlooks the sea in the lush, green region of Asturias. It’s perfect if you who want to venture off the beaten path and explore more natural landscapes. Plus, the colorful town was rumored to have been founded by the Vikings, and it somehow remains beautiful even on rainy and foggy days (of which it sees a lot).

Although there isn’t much to do in this quiet fishing village, Cudillero has plenty of hills, cliffs, and viewpoints from which you can observe the sprawling natural landscape and sea. During your visit, make sure to sample fresh seafood as well as fabada Asturiana, a hearty bean stew ideal for chilly days.

One of the most famous small towns in southern Spain, Setenil de las Bodegas has all the trappings of a typical Andalucian village: white homes adorned with charming flowerpots and winding, narrow streets surrounded by orchards and olive trees.

The best thing to do in Setenil de las Bodegas is to simply wander, soaking in the atmosphere. But what makes this town truly special is that it was built into a rocky overhang, and many houses are carved directly into or beneath the rock—you can even spend the night in one of these cave houses. Additionally, it makes for an easy day trip from Malaga, and is typically combined with a visit to Ronda.

One of the most picturesque villages on the island of Mallorca, Valldemossa has it all. It’s a historic town in Spain, situated close to both the mountains and the sea, and it offers a genuine taste of authentic Spanish countryside. Some walking tours of Mallorca will take you through the village, or you can explore on your own—it’s just a 15- to 20-minute drive from the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca.

Plus, Valldemossa sits amid the Tramuntana Mountains, and its hilly, cobblestone streets feature attractions such as the Carthusian Monastery (where Chopin once lived) and the Palace of King Sancho, a royal stone mansion.

Albaraccín, located in Aragón, brings together Spain’s Moorish and medieval past, starting with the city walls that date back to the 11th century. Going back even farther in time, the city also plays host to a Roman aqueduct and artifacts from the post-Palaeolithic era.

There’s plenty of history to discover here, but what makes this village so memorable is how striking it is. Albaraccín sits perched on a cliff, where reddish buildings and roofs overlook painted hills. Make sure to visit the main square and the Cathedral, which showcases varying architectural styles.

Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes to explore Albaraccín, as the hilly streets are cobblestoned and there are many stairs to climb around the village.

No visit to the sunny island of Tenerife is complete without discovering Garachico, an oceanside town that dates back to the 15th century. You’ll easily spot it from afar when arriving, as the brightly hued buildings juxtaposed against the crashing waves of the blue sea are photo-worthy in and of themselves.

Once in the town proper, you can wander through the center and stroll the seafront promenade on your own, shopping, drinking, and dining along the way. Or, consider taking a Tenerife ATV tour or bike tour—some of them make stops in Garachico. You can also swim in Garachico’s one-of-a-kind, naturally formed lava pools, backed by the San Miguel Castle.

Altea is less than a 20-minute drive from Benidorm, but it couldn’t be more different. The tranquil hilltop town is filled with white houses topped with blue domes that overlook the Mediterranean. Here, admire the bougainvillea-lined streets and crumbling city walls, stopping into boutiques, art galleries, and the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo Parish Church, which has a beautifully tiled dome of its own.

Then, snap photos of the panoramic views from the Cronistas de España viewpoint—you can see all the way to Benidorm and beyond. Afterward, head down to walk the seafront promenade, which has art sculptures, children’s play areas, and plenty of restaurants and bars that overlook the water.

Castellfollit de la Roca is often one of the most striking villages in any Spain travel guide, thanks to its location on a 164-foot-high (50-meter-high) basalt cliff overlooking forest greenery in Catalonia. Visit on a day trip from Girona or Barcelona—many tours include stops at other nearby villages, such as Besalú, Vic, and Santa Pau.

The village is small, but you can view the 13th-century Church of Saint Salvador and climb its bell tower. And don’t miss visiting the Sausage Museum, which highlights Spain’s history with pork. Castellfollit de la Roca is also situated within the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which offers numerous walking and biking trails, as well as more than 40 volcanic cones and 20 lava flows.

One of the best day trips from Seville is to Arcos de la Frontera, which may be the most famous of all of Andalucia’s white villages. It’s also about a 40-minute drive away from the vast beaches of Cádiz. The highlight of the town is the Basilica of Santa Maria, a 15th- to 16th-century church built on the site of a 9th-century mosque.

After you've seen that, take a stroll through Cabildo Square, a viewpoint offering impressive vistas of the Guadalete River and the Andalucian countryside in the distance. Couples should snap a photo in the popular “Bésame en este Arco,” an archway where you can kiss your loved one and get it on camera.