Charming villages and hidden monuments: surprising Spain
Spain is so much more than the picture postcards we are all so familiar with. Beyond the big capitals and famous beaches, there are places that will leave you impressed. In every corner of the country there are charming villages, stunning landscapes and monuments that stand the test of time. Spain.info takes a look at the lesser-known cultural Spain that has attracted the most attention on our social media channels.
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Castellfollit de la Roca
Situated on a 50-metre-high basaltic cliff between two rivers, walking through this beautiful village in Girona, Catalonia, is like stepping into its medieval past, with its cobbled streets and traditional stone houses. Castellfollit impresses with its determination to stay still. We recommend a visit to the Josep Pla square-viewpoint. The views are simply stunning!- How to get there You can take a flight to Girona airport. Next, a train will take you to the town in just 15 minutes.How to complete the visit?Castellfollit de la Roca is one of the gateways to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. There you can find a wide range of activities including excursions on foot, cycling, donkey rides and even carriage rides. If you like adventure sports, take the opportunity to go hot-air ballooning, canyoning or climbing.
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Muralla de Finestres
Did you know that in the region of Ribagorza, in the province of Huesca, there is one of the most amazing geological formations in Spain? The Muralla de Finestres is a set of imposing limestone strata that emerge from the earth like gigantic vertical sheets, creating a landscape that is as unique as it is spectacular. - How to get there Huesca has an airport and a high-speed train connection. From there, the best way is to go by car to the municipality of Estopiñán del Castillo, from where there is a 12-kilometre track that can be covered on foot, by bike or by off-road car. - How to complete the visit The region of Ribagorza has some fantastic medieval villages to lose yourself in, such as Montañana and Benabarre.
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Laguna Negra
This lagoon lies hidden in the north of Soria province, and offers an ideal setting for nature lovers. The beauty and silence of the place create a magical atmosphere, perfect for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Furthermore, it is surrounded by trees that form part of one of the densest pine forests in Europe. Any hiking route will impress you.- How to get there From Madrid you can reach Soria by train and then catch one of the available buses that connect to the village of Vinuesa. Another short bus trip will take you to the lagoon.- How to complete the visitIn the area around the lagoon there are activities to enjoy a full day out, such as a via ferrata or an adventure park in the town of Vinuesa, perfect for all the family. We also recommend that you take advantage of your visit to Soria to discover its Romanesque architecture, particularly the monastery of San Juan de Duero and the Shrine of San Saturio.
@visitspain This place looks edited ❄️✨ Laguna Negra is wild. #VisitSpain #ThinkyouknowSpain #SpainSustainable #Soria #CastillaYLeón ♬ sonido original - visitSpain -
Medieval buildings in Olite
Located in the heart of Navarre, Olite is one of the most charming medieval villages in Spain. It’s a pure delight to wander through its historic centre, full of stately mansions with imposing coats of arms on the façades. The castle-palace is also a must-see.How to get thereOlite has its own train station, so it’s easy to get there from cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.- How to complete the visitIt's not just about architecture and medieval buildings. Olite also has a great winemaking tradition, with several wineries open to the public. Take the opportunity to visit one and discover the regional wines.
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La Muralla Roja in Calpe
Calpe is synonymous with beaches and tourism in summer. But it hides so much more. If you stroll through its streets you will be surprised by one of its most iconic buildings, La Muralla Roja (The Red Wall) designed by the Brutalist architect Ricardo Bofill. What is most surprising? Its geometric and chromatic aesthetic, which many recognise for its resemblance to scenes from the popular series Squid Game.- How to get thereThe best option is by bus from Alicanteairport, but there are also buses available from Valencia.- How to complete the visitThe Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is located in the same town, one of the most visited natural areas and with spectacular views of the Costa Blanca.
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The Ruins of Old Belchite
Have you ever visited a village in ruins, yet full of charm? This describes Belchite, 50 kilometres from Zaragoza. The municipality was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and was not rebuilt to serve as a site of memory. To learn about its history, descendants of those who lived there offer guided tours to explain what daily life was like.How to get there Zaragoza is well-served by high-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona. From the city, there are direct buses for a journey time of less than one hour.How to complete the visit15 minutes by car from Belchite is Fuendetodos, the birthplace of the painter Francisco de Goya. There you can visit his birthplace; a house built in the early 18th century. Its interior is a recreation of what rural dwellings were like at the time when the Aragonese artist was alive.Are you up for this journey to discover a Spain that surprises even those who think they already know it?
@visitspain Just 50km from Zaragoza is Belchite. ✨ Walk through its streets, admire its 15th-century Mudejar towers and maybe even catch a glimpse of a mythical faun (okay, not the one from Pan's Labyrinth, but still). Continue by visiting Fuendetodos, Goya's birthplace, located just 15 minutes drive from Belchite. A nice roadtrip to discover more from Aragón. 🏰 #VisitSpain #YouDeserveSpain #SpainRuralTourism #Aragón #Zaragoza @turismodearagon ♬ sonido original - visitSpain
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