Albarracín, Teruel

Four villages in Spain for a fairytale getaway

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You will find colourful villages by the sea, ancient walls and interesting medieval stories. Keep reading and discover some of the most beautiful and peculiar villages in Europe. Perfect for escaping the routine, getting away from the big cities and getting lost in a fairytale getaway. 

CastellFollit de la Roca, up on the wall

Located in Catalonia, in the province of Gerona, CastellFollit de la Roca is a small village on top of a vertiginous basalt wall over 50 metres high. Almost levitating and ignoring gravity, it will surprise you from afar and make you fall in love up close. With the Garrotxa Zona Volcánica Nature Reserve on both sides, you will walk between small houses and medieval alleys. You will travel in time amid volcanic stone from thousands of years ago. And you will discover its history, getting lost in yours. 

Aerial view of the small village of CastellFollit de la Roca at 50 metres high in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Nature Reserve, Catalonia

Alcalá del Júcar, a stairway to heaven

Considered one of the most charming villages in Castile-la Mancha, Alcalá de Jucar climbs imposing rocky slopes over the meander of the Júcar river. Classified as historic and artistic buildings and a property of cultural interest since 1982, in Júcar you will discover Roman bridges. You will walk between white and ochre-coloured houses, toasted by the sun, and you will enter authentic natural caves such as the Cueva del Diablo, Cueva del Duende and Cueva del Rey Garadén.Little by little you will climb to the top. You will skirt the Hermitage of San Lorenzo and the Church of San Andrés. You will discover its imposing fortress, a beautiful castle of Almohad origin and Islamic appearance. You will see a unique natural enclave. You will start with your feet on the ground, to finish touching the sky. 

Views of the Roman bridge and the village of Alcalá del Júcar in Castile-La Mancha

Albarracín, a paradise between walls

Located in the province of Teruel and declared a National Monument since 1961, Albarracín is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Aragon. You will start your route walking between a legendary ring of walls, dating back to the 14th century. You will move on to climb sun-coloured stairs.You will be surprised by irregular houses from other times. You will stroll through picturesque streets such as Azagra, known for its stacked roofs, large wooden doors and traditional arches. You will steer your course along calle de Postigo, one of the most picturesque in the village. You will arrive at the Plaza Mayor square, from where you will see the gardens of the Guadalaviar river. And you will discover the Andador castle, and look at the far-away Sierra de Albarracín and the protected area of the Pinares de Rodeno. Discover breath-taking canyons, sleep-stealing deep ravines, and vast forests where you will let go of all your worries. 

Tourist walking along a hillside overlooking the village of Albarracín, Teruel

Tossa de Mar, a crystalline jewel

Found in the province of Gerona, in Catalonia, Tossa de Mar is a small village between the sea and the mountains. Gently lapped by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. An authentic paradise of plant and animal life, where you will discover imposing walls, long beaches and crystalline coves. You will sink your feet into the sand of Mar Menuda beach, north of Tossa Bay.You will be surprised by the historical legacy of Villa Vella, a spectacular walled enclosure with three imposing defence towers: Codolar, Hores and Joanàs. You will discover hundreds of legends. You will confirm that there are no pirates in sight. You will fall in love with one of the few coastal medieval fortresses in Catalonia. You will discover the Gothic style of the church of San Vicente. And you will find Sa Roqueta, a beautiful fishing neighbourhood where you will experience feelings you will want to repeat.  Visit the most beautiful villages in Spain and discover fairytale routes. Ideal to erase the routine and rewrite yourself.  

Aerial view of the small village of Tossa de Mar, between the sea and the mountains of Gerona
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