Adrian Berlutti
Beauty in Spain doesn’t always shout from the rooftops. Sometimes, it waits in the hush of a hillside town along the sun-faded walls of its streets. Such places feel lived in and rich, with stories etched into every doorway. What these ten towns offer isn’t just scenery—it’s a slower and deeper way to feel the country.
Besalu
Besalu’s medieval bridge spans the Fluvia River and leads into a well-preserved historic center. The 12th-century mikveh remains one of Spain’s rare Jewish ritual baths. Its former Jewish quarter retains its original layouts and structures, providing a direct look into Catalonia’s medieval religious and architectural history.
Cadaques
Cadaques borders Cap de Creus Natural Park and rests on a 450-million-year-old metamorphic rock. The unique coastal microclimate and north-facing bay make it cooler and calmer than neighboring resorts. Salvador Dali didn’t just live here; he absorbed its essence. The surreal surroundings around him became his art form’s inspiration.
Frigiliana
Located only five miles from Nerja, Frigiliana emerges as a pristine example of Andalusian-Moorish architecture. Whitewashed buildings, mosaic benches, and steep cobbled lanes tell stories of its 16th-century roots. Visitors can tour the old sugar cane factory or sip wine overlooking the sea. It’s beautiful without distractions.
Albarracin
Ever seen a town that wears pink? Albarracin does, and it pulls it off with flair. It feels like a fairy tale that hitched a ride through time and settled quietly in Aragon. Sandstone walls line narrow lanes, with castles clinging to cliffs above.
Cudillero
Fishing isn’t just a profession here—it’s a personality trait. Cudillero’s houses climb the hillside like a colorful mosaic, each painted more vividly than the next. Locals say the bright colors helped sailors identify their homes from the sea. You’ll come for the charm but stay for the seafood.
Ronda
Stand on Puente Nuevo, and you’ll swear you’re in a dream. Ronda’s dramatic perch above El Tajo Gorge isn’t just scenic; the view is a showstopper. Since the 18th century, this bridge has linked old and new Ronda, drawing artists like Hemingway. Don’t look down from there. Look closer.
Setenil De Las Bodegas
Imagine living under a rock—literally. Setenil surprises with cliff ceilings hanging low above cafes and homes, which create a streetscape like no other. Formed during the Moorish era, these dwellings were carved directly into rock for insulation and shelter. It’s an architectural solution born from the land itself.
Alquezar
Alquezar sits beside the Vero River canyon, shaped by centuries of shifting rule and faith. Once a strategic Muslim settlement, it later centered around the 11th-century Colegiata de Santa Maria. Stone paths wind through the town, where preserved architecture blends naturally with the surroundings and echoes its rich history.
Potes
Bring your hiking boots and appetite! Potes offers mountain trails, medieval bridges, and traditional cocido lebaniego stew. The weekend market features local cheeses and cured meats, drawing both locals and visitors. Surrounded by four valleys, the town serves as a practical base for exploring the Picos de Europa.
Mojacar
Tired of cookie-cutter coastlines? Mojacar gives you something different. Perched above Almeria’s edge, the town has a quieter seaside setting. Its domed rooftops and whitewashed walls line narrow alleys that open to sweeping sea views. The beautiful atmosphere calls for slow walks and stolen kisses.
