Let me share my secret obsession with discovering lesser-known villages in Spain. Here are a few villages with stunning architecture and a traditional feel that you have most likely never heard of.
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Lesser-known Small Towns to Visit in Spain
Where is less touristy in Spain?
The most visited areas in Spain are the coastal regions of Catalonia, Valencia, Alicante, Southern Spain, and the Spanish islands. Additionally, the city of Madrid attracts a fair share of visitors as the country’s capital. The less touristy areas of Spain are the central and some northern regions, including Castile-La Mancha, Aragon, Extremadura, and Asturias. You can discover all of Spain’s hidden gems, away from the tourist crowds, in my blog section Undiscovered Spain.
Before becoming an expat in Spain 15 years ago, I went through all the phases of admiring the country’s most famous landmarks, such as Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, the imperial charm of Madrid, and the unique Mudejar decorations in Granada’s Alhambra. However, the more I travel across Spain, the more I realize that tourists flocking to popular destinations often miss the most authentic places the country has to offer. In fact, many of Spain’s most popular destinations today no longer feel truly Spanish, as locals tend to avoid them. Those who remain living there are often less friendly than the average Spaniard. For example, Barcelona is a unique city, but rising rental costs have pushed many locals out, not to mention the ongoing anti-tourism protests and significant pickpocketing issues. As a result, Barcelona feels more like one of the world’s popular capitals than a Spanish city. These days the best way to experience the authentic essence of Spain is by exploring its underrated cities and lesser-visited small towns.
If you’re new to the topic of small towns in Spain, I recommend checking out my posts on Spain’s top charming small towns and medieval villages first. In this post, I’ll cover hidden villages in Spain from different regions of the country that remain off the radar for most international travelers.
10+ secret villages in Spain you´ve never heard of
1. Alcala de Jucar / Albacete
Alcalá del Júcar is one of the most unique small towns in Albacete, Central Spain, considered one of the top places to visit in the Castile-La Mancha region. The most emblematic landmarks of Alcalá del Júcar are the Castle, the Roman Bridge, and the impressive caves where locals once lived. There are three main caves that you should visit in this small town to gain more cultural insights into the region: Cueva del Diablo, Cuevas de Masagó y Duende, and Cueva del Rey Garadén. Additionally, during Easter week, the little town of Alcalá del Júcar transforms into one of the coolest medieval fairs in Spain.


2. Medinaceli / Soria
The small town of Medinaceli in Castile-Leon was part of my recent road trip around Madrid, although many travelers visit this village on the road from Madrid to Barcelona. The Roman Arch of Medinaceli dates back to the 1st century A.D. and is considered one of the most unique Roman ruins in Spain. The site’s elevated setting offers truly magical panoramic views of the region. It is the only three-door arch remaining in Spain from Roman times. The village itself is full of ancient architecture and cobblestone streets, perfect for wandering around.


3. Villanueva de los Infantes / Castile-La Mancha
Villanueva de los Infantes, near Ciudad Real in Central Spain, is one of the unique hidden villages often associated with the famous Spanish novel Don Quixote. One of the most renowned Spaniards, Miguel de Cervantes, is believed to have made Villanueva de los Infantes the home of Don Quixote in his book (although it’s not directly mentioned and there is still debate around it). There is a unique monument to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza in the central Plaza Mayor. This small town is full of beautiful architecture and notable buildings like the Convento de Santo Domingo, El Hospital de Santiago, Casa del Arco, La Casa de los Estudios, the Tribunal de la Inquisición, Plaza de San Juan, and the Casa Palacio de Marqués de Entrambasaguas. You can read more about Don Quixote landmarks in this post.

4. Culla / Castellon
The Spanish village of Culla is a lesser-known gem in the region of the Valencian Community and a popular stop on any road trip across the Castellon province. It is a picture-perfect location, full of cobblestone streets, the ruins of an ancient Arab castle, and breathtaking views – all of which make Culla a must-stop in the province of Castellon. While located far from the major Spanish cities, Culla is a great village to combine with a visit to Morella and the nearby villages of Teruel.



5. Valderrobres / Teruel
Valderrobres is one of the biggest gems of the Matarranya region in Teruel, often called the secret Spanish Tuscany in the national media. If Valderrobres were more conveniently located near either of Spain’s biggest cities, it would be one of the top medieval towns in Spain. However, for now, it remains a hidden gem for fans of Undiscovered Spain. With its Gothic castle and church, Renaissance town hall, and charming cobblestone streets, Valderrobres is definitely one of the must-see villages in Teruel!

6. Ares del Maestre / Castellon
Ares del Maestre immediately captures your attention on the road with its unique landforms and panoramic location by the Muela de Ares mountain. This small town overlooks the entire province of Castellon from 1,195 meters above sea level. Top things to see in Ares del Maestre include the ruins of an ancient castle, the Santa Elena Chapel, La Cova Remigia with its rock paintings (declared a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Antigua Lonja (Medieval Market) with its Gothic-Mudejar arches. You can also combine your visit to Ares del Maestre with a trip to nearby Morella, one of Spain’s top fairytale destinations, and the haunted sanctuary of Zorita del Maestrazgo.


7. Mirambel / Teruel
Mirambel is one of the smallest hidden villages in Teruel. With only 130 inhabitants, it feels like an open-air museum. Reconquered from the Arabs in 1169, the town has been connected for centuries to military orders, such as the Orden del Temple. Amidst the old, sophisticated decorations, ancient murals, coats of arms on the walls, wooden balconies, and ornamental arches, one piece of artwork stands out in particular – Portal de las Monjas. According to the local website, this peculiar structure was part of the local convent, Convento Monjas Agustinas. Behind these curious geometric ornaments, made of clay, is a cell or room. It most likely belonged to the founder of the convent, Sister Violante DeCastellvi, and the lattices prevented her from being seen as she looked out at the lively atmosphere of the main street.


8. Alquezar / Huesca
While I can’t include all of the beautiful villages in the Spanish Pyrenees in this post, Alquezar is one of my absolute favorites. This charming medieval town was a complete discovery during my first trip to the Pyrenees mountain range on the Spain-France border. Although the town gains popularity every year thanks to housing one of the most unique hikes in Spain, Pasarelas del Vero, I always recommend making a stop in Alquezar on any pre-Pyrenees itinerary.


9. Maderuelo / Segovia
Maderuelo is one of the hidden villages in Spain with a rather special atmosphere. It’s not on my list of Spanish haunted places simply because there’s no official data to support it. But honestly, there’s something strange about this place… Maderuelo is located near Segovia and Burgos, but you won’t find it between the popular travel destinations of the region. This village is full of eerie, abandoned buildings, and there’s little information available about its history.
Maderuelo was settled by Christians in the 10th century and was frequently attacked by the forces of the Arab general Al-Mansur. It was one of the border regions between the Arabs and the Christians, and people were often afraid to settle here. However, during the Spanish Reconquista in the 11th century (you can learn more about this event in my list of Spanish documentaries), Maderuelo proudly stood as part of the front line of Spanish defense. This tumultuous past led to the construction of medieval walls and castles. Yet, as you walk around, you can’t shake the feeling that history is hiding something from you here. The Romanesque churches of San Miguel and Santa Maria clearly indicate that Mederuelo held great importance during the Middle Ages, yet the historical narrative of this place remains elusive.


10. Vilafames / Castellon
Vilafamés is another picture-perfect place that could be visited on a day trip from Valencia, Peñíscola, Benicassim, or even as a stop on the road between Barcelona and Valencia. Its old town is extremely charming, full of ancient buildings, winding streets, and colorful flower pots. Vilafamés, set on top of a mountain, offers some beautiful views of the region. In addition, the village houses a Contemporary Art Museum, one of the secret museums in Spain, with 39 rooms showcasing the evolution of Spanish avant-garde, visual poetry, abstract, and contemporary art.



11. Alarcon/Cuenca
Alarcon is such a picture-perfect village in Central Spain, often called one of the top hidden gems of the province of Cuenca. It can be visited on the road from Valencia to Madrid, yet many travelers miss out since many don’t know of its existence. Alarcon is an absolute storybook location in Spain, known for some of the best-preserved medieval walls in the country. Its castle houses the Parador de Alarcon hotel, where you can even stay overnight. Also, you can check my IG Reels on Alarcon for more inspiration.

Map of secret Spanish villages
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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I’d love to visit all of these places!
Jennifer
There’s nothing like visiting all those hidden gems when you’re on an overseas vacation, the places that usually only the locals know.
Spain is SO SO SO high on my list – if not actually at the TOP of my list!! <3 I need to go so badly!
I love the Gaudi Art Works in Barcelona! I love the architecture. Great photos! I want to visit Spain soon!
Those places in Spain look amazing!! My friend is from Spain I wonder if she has been to any of them. I will have to ask her.
Absolutely incredible. I truly feel inspired to travel to Spain now after reading this. I cannot believe all of these hidden geographical gems around the world. I have been to a cave house before, but this one looks incredible compared to the one I visited. Wonderful blog post.
Thank you so much, Sarah! I so agree – at times can´t believe all of these hidden gems across the globe myself.
No lie, I haven’t heard or read about any of these before! I would love to visit “Maderuelo “.
I have never travelled to Spain but it looks like a magical place to explore and I really loved your travel photography.
You have a beautiful website and I hope to continue to follow.
When I travel, I like to go to less touristy type places, so thanks for these. I would love to visit any of the spots you mention.
I would love to visit Spain one day. I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful!
Medinaceli is definitely a must visit for me! I think the visuals would be breathtaking
So glad I found this! Few years back I was in the French countryside and had such an amazing, wholesome time, that this year I’ve been planning to travel to similar places. Your photos are so beautiful they make me want to go to Spain immediately!
Thank you, Celma! I also really enjoyed the French countryside!
Bookmarked this article for reference. Spain is high up on my travel bucket list and I hope to be able to visit it someday. These secret villages are so beautiful! What an experience it must be to be able to walk those streets and explore these little known places.
Thank you, Eileen! The fact that they are quite unknown is absolutely the best!
These are true gems. I have been to Spain but truly never heard of these places as the focus was only on the major cities. Wish I could actually visit these beautiful villages sometime.
Oh wow I am loving all your piccys…these places look truly beautiful. I would love to visit these villages xx
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I haven’t even heard of any of these, let alone visited. We were just in Bilbao, and it has made me want to explore more. Would love to visit Medinaceli!
Yes absolutely true I have never heard of this beautiful places. Thanks for sharing with us. Hope to visit few of this places in near future.
Spain is just so beautiful! I want to cover the whole of Europe someday and Spain is very high up on my bucket list!
I’m in love with the allure of visiting a medieval town! Heading to Spain later this year so will plan a few day trips as well!
These photos are absolutely stunning- I love Spain and am working my way through seeing as much of it as possible so I’m definitely adding these to my list!