Sabinosa, Frías, Redes and more – discover the smallest villages in Spain
Imagine being able to take a peaceful stroll through the streets of a tiny village surrounded by nature, or perhaps wander along medieval walls, where houses sit overlooking a rocky outcrop or on the edge of a cliff. Places full of pedestrianised streets lined with colourful houses and monuments that form part of the local artistic, religious, cultural and historical heritage. Would you like to visit some of these tiny Spanish villages?
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Frías, Burgos
The smallest city in Spain can be found 80 kilometres from the city of Burgos: Frías. Although it has fewer than 300 inhabitants, King Juan II of Castile granted Frías city status in 1435. Frías is a joy to behold: a tiny group of houses perched on the La Muela crag. Did you know that its streets are so narrow that cars are not allowed to drive through them? Of course, this means that if you're travelling by car, you'll need to park before you enter the city.Frías is still home to such medieval treasures as the nine-arched bridge on the banks of the River Ebro, or the city wall that safeguards the Velasco Castle, which was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, along with its drawbridge and moat. If you have the chance to climb up to the keep, you'll enjoy views of the city and the Obarenes mountains.
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Redes, A Coruña
Redes is located in the Ares estuary, just over half an hour from A Coruña. Did you know that its picturesque casas indianas (houses built by returning emigrants who had made their fortune in the Americas) overlooking the sea have been used as the setting for films by the famous Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar?The vast majority of the streets in Redes are pedestrianised. However, as soon as you arrive in the village, you'll see a sign with directions to the car park. It's quite small, but free to use and situated just 100 metres from the main square: Plaza de O Pedregal. This is a great place to have a spot of lunch on one of the terraces while you enjoy views out over the port, before continuing on to visit the sailing club and enjoy some water sports or even kayaking.
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Sabinosa, El Hierro
To the west of the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands), you'll find the Mencáfete Nature Reserve. The tiny village of Sabinosa sits on one of its slopes, a cluster of beautiful white houses in the heart of a juniper forest. The town almost seems isolated on its own little island, as this is the smallest village in the whole of the Canary Islands and the one with the fewest inhabitants. In Sabinosa, they take great care of their local customs, which is perhaps why their wines have such a good reputation. If you're a wine buff, be sure to visit the traditional lagares (wine presses) and try the wines produced in the Golfo valley.
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Nava del Rey, Valladolid
Back in the day, Nava del Rey was the biggest producer of barrels and casks in the region. It's also renowned as a land of traditions, such as its delicious pastries and wines. In fact, the city falls under the Rueda Designation of Origin, and therefore also forms part of the Rueda Wine Route.Although it only had a population of around 2000 people, King Alfonso XII granted Nava del Rey city status. This is a place with a rich cultural, religious and historical heritage. Among its monuments, the Gothic church of Los Santos Juanes stands out – just imagine how impressive its tower must be to have earned the title of "Giralda of Castile"! If you'd like to pay it a visit, contact the Tourist Office in summer, or the city council at any other time of the year.Nearby, you'll find the Chapel of the Virgen de la Concepción. When you arrive, you can relax
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