12 Fairytale Villages in Spain That Will Make You Believe in Magic Again
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Spain is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Among its many treasures are picturesque villages that seem to have leaped straight from the pages of a storybook. Whether nestled in the mountains, perched on cliffs, overlooking the sea, or known for its uniquely beautiful and historical architecture, each of Spain’s fairytale villages invites you to explore its unique charm and timeless beauty.
Are you planning your Spanish escape? Make sure to go beyond the large cities and the famous Spanish island destinations. Nothing lets you experience the best of rural Spain like these 12 fairytale villages.
Valldemossa, Mallorca
It is no secret that Mallorca is full of picturesque villages, and Valldemossa is one of the most breathtaking. Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains, Valldemossa is the perfect definition of a storybook village. Winding cobblestone streets, stone houses with red-tiled roofs, and flowers blooming from every window—it’s hard not to fall in love.
The 14th-century Valldemossa Charterhouse is the town’s crown jewel. This palace is a former residence of King Sancho. Here, you can wander through the serene gardens or take a short piano concert.
Beyond the village’s limits, olive groves and almond trees cover the hills. You can hike to the summit of Puig de sa Moneda for panoramic views of the beautiful island of Mallorca and the surrounding sea.
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Frigiliana, Málaga
When in Malaga, spare time for the picture-perfect Frigiliana, a scene out of a painting. As you wander its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll be surrounded by immaculately preserved Moorish architecture, with buildings painted in bright whites and pastels. Head to the El Fuerte viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside covered in almond and olive groves.
Additionally, this town is known for its sweet wine and artisanal products, like almond oil, honey, and ceramics.
The local cuisine is also a highlight. Restaurants serve mountain-grown produce, fresh seafood, and regional specialties such as migas — breadcrumbs fried with garlic, melty cheese, and scrambled eggs. Wash it all down with a glass of Frigiliana’s aromatic muscatel wine.
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Potes, Cantabria
Potes may seem secluded, but its peaceful solitude gives this Cantabrian village its fairytale-like charm. Its cobblestone streets and stone houses with red-tiled roofs seem unchanged since the Middle Ages. As you wander the quiet lanes, you’ll stumble upon Torre del Infantado, a 14-century defensive tower that is centrally located in Potes. Going up the tower allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the entire village.
The Deva River meanders through Potes, adding to the village’s enchanting charm. Its clear waters reflect the surrounding greenery and create an idyllic setting. Additionally, this village is a perfect starting point for bird-watching, rock climbing, and mountain biking adventures to the Picos de Europa mountains.
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Albarracín, Teruel
Albarracin is a village that captivates the imagination with its fairytale charm and rich cultural heritage. Albarracín’s history is deeply rooted in its medieval past, evident in its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets. The village’s layout, featuring winding alleys and stone staircases, reflects its medieval origins. Moreover, as you stroll through Albarracín, you’ll encounter ancient stone houses adorned with wooden balconies.
Among this village’s most iconic structures is the Casa de la Julianeta, a picturesque house that exemplifies the village’s architectural charm. The house’s irregular shape and overhanging upper floors are characteristic of the local style. That aside, this village is surrounded by the Sierra de Albarracín, a mountain range that offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking.
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Besalú, Girona
Besalú dates back to the early Middle Ages, around the 10th century. During its peak, Besalú was a crucial political and administrative center. It played a significant role in the region’s medieval politics and economics. The remnants of its walls, gates, and towers tell stories of its importance.
One of the most iconic symbols of this village is the 12th-century Besalu Bridge, which stretches gracefully over the River Fluvià. Another iconic spot to swing by is the Besalú Castle, which once served as a formidable fortress. Its medieval structure still dominates the skyline and is well-worth your time when in Besalu.
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Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Though small, Santillana del Mar packs a lot of charm into its fairytale setting. A day here feels like stepping into another era, where you can almost imagine knights and princesses strolling the streets.
As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you’ll notice many well-preserved medieval buildings like the Collegiate Church of Santillana, with architecture dating back to the 12th century.
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For a glimpse into the town’s history, head to the Museum of Altamira, highlighting the famous prehistoric cave paintings found in nearby caves. After exploring the museum, sample traditional Cantabrian cuisine at one of the charming restaurants around the main square.
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Setenil de las Bodegas, Cádiz
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Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque village known for its cave homes. The town gets its name from the wineries (bodegas) built into the rock face along the Guadalhorce River gorge. The dramatic rock formations and cave dwellings give it an otherworldly atmosphere that has a way of impressing tourists.
Today, many of the caves have been converted into homes, restaurants, and shops. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll find whitewashed houses perched on top of the rock and cave entrances beckoning you inside. Stop for a drink at one of the bars within the caves, where you can sip sangria and enjoy some tapas as you marvel at the engineering prowess behind the village.
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Aínsa, Huesca
Tucked in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, the storybook village of Ainsa is a delight to explore. This medieval town has remained unchanged for centuries, with cobblestone streets, stone houses, and a hilltop castle providing a perfect fairytale backdrop. Exploring it feels like walking back in time.
Take a walk in its narrow lanes, and you’ll stumble upon Plaza Mayor, the historic main square surrounded by porticos. The 12th-century Santa Maria Church is also worth a peek inside.
Just outside town are more natural attractions, like the stunning Ordesa Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers hiking trails through forests and cliffsides. The Monte Perdido National Park is another option for outdoor recreation, with rock climbing and rafting in the summer.
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Mojácar, Almería
In Mojacar, life moves slowly, allowing you to enjoy simple pleasures and discover the charm of this enchanting village. Endowed with whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and quaint plazas, it’s easy to see why this picturesque village attracts artists and travelers seeking solace.
The Old Town, is a maze of winding alleys perfect for getting lost in. As you meander through the narrow streets, pop into unique shops selling pottery, textiles, and other locally-made goods.
There is more to do in Mojacar. You can lounge on its long beaches, pose for photos in its charming streets, or go hiking in the nearby mountains.
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Calatañazor, Soria
If you want to unwind in a rustic yet refined place bursting with old-world charm, visit Calatañazor . This tiny village is a magical step back in time. Home to less than 100 inhabitants, the narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses seem frozen in the Middle Ages. Calatañazor’s 12th-century castle ruins still stand guard over the village.
Spend a day wandering the quiet alleys, soaking in the atmosphere, pop into the church of San Miguel Arcangel to admire its architecture, or go hiking in the nearby Cascada de La Fuentona.
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La Alberca, Salamanca
La Alberca is a beautiful village in the Sierra de Francia mountain range and one of the best-preserved villages in Spain. Surrounded by pine forests and granite peaks, the town has barely changed in over 500 years. As you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairytale.
The village is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the Parador de la Alberca Hotel, once a pilgrim’s hospital. Additionally, many houses still have their original wooden balconies and granite doorways.
The Plaza Mayor town square has ancient arcades and wooden galleries, perfect for enjoying coffee or a glass of wine.
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Cadaqués, Alt Empordà
Boasting whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and the majestic Cap de Creus natural park surrounding it, it’s no wonder famous artists like Dali were drawn here.
As you wander the winding lanes of Cadaqués, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The town has barely changed since the early 1900s, with many original buildings still intact. The historic center is a maze of alleys that open onto charming plazas, and the waterfront promenade offers gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Creus.
Cadaqués has also been a haven for fishermen and seafarers for centuries. Even today, the village retains its strong connection to the sea, a perfect exploration opportunity for adventurous tourists.
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