12 Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain That Will Make You Want To Ditch the 21st Century

When people hear Spain, they instantly conjure images of long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, sunny skies, and delicious tapas. However, the country offers more than tasty food, scenic natural landscapes, and good weather. Spain is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

The best thing you can do if you want to learn more about Spain’s history and culture or admire its fascinating architecture is to visit one of the nation’s many medieval cities and towns. Across Spain, you can discover beautiful locations that tell a story. To learn more, here are 12 beautiful cities and towns in Spain you should visit.

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Ronda

The first medieval Spanish city on our list is Ronda, one of Spain’s most impressive and picturesque tourist destinations. Jam-packed with Spanish charm and history, this cliff-top city is a sight to behold. It can be found in the Andalusia region in Southern Spain and is famed for sitting on either side of a deep gorge called El Tajo.

The gorge separates the city’s 15th-century New Town from the Old Town, which was first settled in the 6th century B.C. Luckily, they’re brilliantly connected via Puente Nuevo, a stunning 18th-century bridge offering spectacular views of the medieval city. Ensure you visit the Arab Baths Archaeological Site, Casa del Gigante, and Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor.

Besalú

Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain, Besalú — © Miguel Moya Moreno / Shutterstock

With breathtaking architecture, lush countryside surroundings, and cobblestone streets crammed with historic buildings, Besalú is easily one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval towns. Located in northeast Spain on the outskirts of Girona, Besalú is best recognized for Viejo Bridge, an 11th-century bridge that crosses the Fluvia River.

This bridge is where you should start your adventure in the town. It’s 492 feet (150 meters) tall, features several arches, and has a storybook appeal. After, head into the town to get lost among the winding cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Jewish Quarter, the Mikveh (a Jewish ritual bathhouse), Sant Pere de Besalú Monastery, and Església de Sant Vicenç de Besalú.

Ávila

Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain, Ávila — © Bill Perry / Adobe Stock

One of our favorite medieval cities in Spain is Ávila, a beautiful city northwest of Madrid, Spain’s capital. Famed for its impressive granite city walls, we love how the city appears as though it belongs in a fairy tale. Ávila‎ was founded in the 11th century to defend the Spanish territories from attack.

Completed between the 11th and 14th centuries, the Walls of Ávila still proudly surround the city, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the past. As such, the city is dominated by more than 80 watchtowers and nine gates, including the iconic El Alcázar. Once you’ve walked along the city walls, step down into the city and discover the 12th-century Gothic cathedral, San Vicente de Ávila, and the Royal Monastery of Santo Tomás.

Carmona

With a history dating back to 206 B.C., Carmona is one of the oldest towns in mainland Europe. It’s best known for its gorgeous medieval architecture and beautiful natural scenery. Located approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Seville, you can visit on a day trip. In Carmona’s historic center, which is enveloped by medieval walls, you’ll find many examples of Roman ruins, the Necropolis being the most exciting site.

However, the best attraction is the Alcazar de la Puerta de Seville, a sizeable defensive gate and fortress built between the 14th and 15th centuries. The fortress is Moorish, and the gate is Roman. Other notable attractions in the town include Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, Church of Santa Maria, and the Gate to Cordoba.

Laredo

Not to be confused with a city in Southern Texas, Laredo is a small town in the Cantabria region of Northern Spain best known for its picturesque beaches and cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. The town has been well-documented since the 11th century, but evidence does suggest its history dates back to the Roman era.

When you’re not soaking up the sun on Playa de la Salve or swimming in the turquoise waters, explore the town’s beautiful Old Town. You’ll find most of the town’s historical heritage in the streets of the Old Town, including mesmerizing churches, medieval mansions, tower houses, old gates, and Cantabrian houses and palaces.

Peñíscola

Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain, Peñíscola — © Andrés García / Adobe Stock

Another Spanish medieval coastal town with a spectacular coastline and medieval fort is Peñíscola in Eastern Spain. The highlight of a trip to the town is Castillo de Peñíscola or Peñiscola Castle. You might recognize this 14th-century castle from television, as it was one of the filming locations for Mereen in Game of Thrones.

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The castle sits on a ridge that overlooks the city. Therefore, it’s an exciting place to explore and offers impressive views of the town and beach. Other notable attractions include Iglesia de la Ermitana, La Casa de les Petxines, and the Lighthouse of Peñiscola. Meanwhile, the narrow, vibrant streets of Peñíscola are filled with old-time charm and fascinating buildings.

Ainsa

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The following medieval Spanish town on our list is Ainsa, the main town in the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipal territory in Northern Spain. Situated at the confluence of the Cinca and Ara Rivers, it’s a picture-perfect destination offering natural beauty, historic landmarks, and many things to see and do.

Ainsa boasts a beautiful Old Town jam-packed with exciting architecture and authentic Spanish restaurants. At the heart of the Old Town is the historic Plaza Mayor. This medieval beauty features a stunning Romanesque church, cobblestone streets, and beautiful medieval arches. Exciting landmarks like Plaza del Castillo, Monumento a los Fueros del Sobrarbe, and Villa de Ainsa are just outside the plaza.

Toledo

With breathtaking architecture, lush scenery, and many things to do, Toledo likely appears on many lists of beautiful places in Spain. However, the ancient city makes our list because it allows tourists to step back into the past. Easily one of Europe’s most stunning medieval walled cities, Toledo sits on a picturesque hill in Castilla-La Mancha, Central Spain.

You’ll be treated to impressive landmarks, historical buildings, and vibrant streets lined with shops and traditional restaurants at every turn. Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo is the city’s most iconic sight. Built in the 15th century, it’s not to be missed. Other noteworthy landmarks include Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, San Martin’s Bridge, and Alcázar de Toledo.

Dalt Vila

Ibiza is most famous for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife scene. However, many people don’t realize that the island is also home to some of the most beautiful towns in Spain, including the old town of Dalt Vila. Dalt Vila, which translates to “Upper Town,” is a lovely old town perched on a small mountain overlooking Ibiza Town.

Originally called Ibosim, this fortified ancient city draws travelers in with the promise of incredible views and fascinating historical landmarks, the main highlight being the Castle of Ibiza. Dalt Vila is also home to the 13th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, the Portal de ses Taules gateway, and Soportales del Rastrillo.

Montblanc

The penultimate destination on our list is Montblanc, not the mountain. Montblanc is a medieval town in the Spanish province of Tarragona in northeast Spain. Just a 30-minute drive from Tarragona, it’s a popular road trip destination. Montblanc’s historic center lies within its tall stone defensive walls that are 5,577 feet (1,700 meters) long and 20 feet (6 meters) high.

To reach the town’s beautiful 13th and 14th-century streets, you’ll enter the town through an ancient defensive gate. Once inside, get lost in the town, keeping your eyes peeled for fascinating sights. You don’t want to miss Portal de Sant Jordi, Placa Major, the Church of Sant Miquel, and Dels Jueus Street.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is arguably Spain’s most beautiful medieval town on the picturesque Catalan coast in northeast Spain. Perched on a verdant cliffside overlooking a long golden-sand beach, the town features a magnificent fortification designed to protect it from pirate attacks.

Built in the 12th century, the fort’s tall stone walls and watch tower offer spectacular views of the town and coastline. In Tossa de Mar, you’ll likely spend most of your time strolling down the narrow streets lined with charming stone houses and quaint stores. You’ll also want to spend time searching for epic viewpoints, of which there are many, and sunbathing on the beach.

Frías

Medieval Cities and Towns in Spain_Frías — © David Andres / Adobe Stock

Last but certainly not least is the Spanish town of Frías in the northern part of the Burgos region. Despite being one of the least populated towns in Spain, Frías is steeped in history. It once belonged to the kingdom of Navarre under Alfonso VIII, who decided to repopulate the town to create a defensive center.

The town is beautiful, but the Castillo de los Duques de Frías, or Frías Castle, steals the show. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the town, this gorgeous castle was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Remarkably, part of the castle appears to be constructed directly into the hill rockface. Once you’ve explored the castle, wander through the town’s narrow streets.