When a blessed week arrives and a few free days appear, many plan a getaway with family or friends. Spain’s landscape is rich with towns and villages that are completely worth visiting, each brimming with charm. There are plenty of places to spend a few days filled with history and great food.
Seeking a chance to travel without long leaves and restrictions after two years of pandemic, this guide highlights some of Spain’s most beautiful cities for a short escape. The aim is to inspire memorable trips and easy pathways to discovery.
Combarro, Pontevedra
This Galician town sits along the shore of the Golden Horn in Pontevedra. It attracts attention with a beautiful historical heritage, charming stables, and scenic cruises that are well worth a visit. The town has a small population of around 1,800 people and stands out as one of the most peaceful spots to spend a few days in the region.
Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
This Cantabrian town is renowned for its medieval beauty and its rich historical and architectural heritage. The main square or Santa Juliana College Church serves as a prime example. It houses a replica and museum of the Altamira caves, earning the village the nickname often summarized as the village of three lies because it is not holy, it is not flat, and it has no sea.
Nearby Santillana del Mar, other places worth visiting include Bárcena Mayor, Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera, and the famous Soplao caves.
Aracena, Huelva
Aracena is a beautiful town in the northern region of Huelva, nestled in the Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aroche Natural Park. It is a major tourism hub thanks to its historical heritage, natural surroundings, and well-preserved historical texture. The region is known for Jabugo ham. The historic center was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in 1991 for its significant heritage. Key sights include the castle, the Cave of Wonders, and the Ham Museum, making it a favored stop for curious travelers.
Lastres, Asturias
Choosing a single standout in Asturias is nearly impossible. The rugged nature, friendly locals, lush greenery, and delicious food win over visitors, and Lastres is a quintessential example. This fishing village sits on a hill overlooking the sea, featuring a historic core, a port, and a beach area. Nearby attractions include the Astilleru beach and the Jurassic Museum, which add a touch of paleontological wonder to the coastal experience.
Guadalest Castle, Alicante
Guadalest appears to rise straight from the valley’s rock and serves as a striking backdrop to the surrounding marsh. The village is split into two quarters connected by a tunnel, offering easy exploration from the lower to the upper parts. Visitors can also explore nearby Alcozaiba, San José Castle, the Orduña house, and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It remains one of the most scenic mountain towns for those seeking dramatic landscapes and scenic views.
Albarracín, Teruel
Albarracín is a place that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. The Plaza Mayor, with its Town Hall, forms a perfect starting point for exploring a town filled with monuments and museums. The cathedral, the churches of Santiago and Santa María, the Noble House-Museum of the Pérez and Toyuela families, the Municipal Museum, and the Episcopal Museum all contribute to a rich cultural tapestry.
Elizondo, Navarre
Elizondo sits in the Baztán Valley and is a favorite among visitors drawn to the Basque Country. Framed by a privileged rural landscape, it showcases the best of regional architecture and offers access to the Foral Community’s scenic stretches. The town is known for its traditional farmhouses and palaces with grand balconies, and it sits close to natural attractions like the Señorío de Bértiz Natural Park and the Xorroxin waterfall, inviting exploration and photography alike.
Beside Girona
The region around Girona hosts several small medieval towns that charm visitors with cobblestone streets, wall fortifications, and Gothic architecture. One such town, Waltz, attracts many weekend visitors who enjoy easy strolls through compact lanes, even without grand monuments or museums. The ambiance itself becomes the main lure for travelers seeking a tranquil escape on the Costa Brava.
Ronda, Málaga
Ronda is often described as one of southern Spain’s crown jewels. Its dramatic geography, history, and panoramic views draw travelers from near and far. The town’s silhouette, with ancient walls and bridges spanning deep gorges, invites exploration. Historic influences span Celtiberian roots, and traces of Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish presence appear through the centuries, culminating in a rich tapestry that culminates in the later Christian reconquest.
Moraira, Alicante
Teulada-Moraira is a coastal town in Alicante divided into two communities: inland Teulada and coastal Moraira. The Santa Catalina Church and Castle, the Jury and Hall of Justice, and the Cap d’Or watchtower are among the main attractions. The coast offers stunning beaches, with El Portet standing out as one of the region’s finest stretches of white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a relaxed day by the sea.