Let´s talk about secret and beautiful villages in Teruel, one of the lesser-known regions in Spain. Europe is famous worldwide for its charming cobblestone streets. Nevertheless, while many amazing spots are already well-established on the tourist track, there´s always a place for the big unknowns! Especially in a country like Spain…

Only those in the know, who do their research or have local friends around, end up scouting out some real gems. The Spanish province of Teruel is exactly one of these big unknowns I´m talking about.

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Secret Spanish Villages of Teruel

Where is Teruel?

Teruel is part of the Autonomous Community of Aragón in Central Spain. Aragón includes the Spanish provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. It borders France to the north and is surrounded by several other Spanish regions, including Catalonia, Valencia, Castile–La Mancha, Castile and León, La Rioja, and Navarra. In addition to the city of Teruel, the entire province is also called Teruel.

Ever since my last trip to the city of Teruel, I’ve been eager to explore the charming villages surrounding it. After numerous road trips across the region and a weekend in Albarracín, I’ve compiled this list of the most unique villages in the Teruel region, perfect for fans of Spain’s hidden gems.

The Most Beautiful Villages in Teruel

1. Albarracin

For many years in a row, and according to several international travel publications, Albarracin has been named the prettiest village in Spain. With an official population slightly surpassing 1,000 people, this medieval town was declared a Spanish National Monument in 1961. The city’s unique ancient architecture, labyrinthine cobblestone streets, pinkish buildings tumbling into each other, wooden balconies, charming churches, and the ancient castle walls of the Murallas de Albarracín make it an unmatched destination, not only across Teruel but throughout all of Spain! You can read more about my recent weekend in Albarracín in this post.

Albarracin the most famous villages in Teruel
Albarracin – one of the most famous villages in Teruel

2. Valderrobres

While Albarracín receives occasional visits from international travelers, Valderrobres is a true gem of the Matarraña region in Teruel, often referred to as the “secret Spanish Tuscany.” If Valderrobres was more conveniently located near one of Spain’s major cities, it would likely be as popular as Besalú, which is often visited on weekend breaks from Barcelona. Valderrobres feels like a fairytale village frozen in time. With its Gothic castle and church, Renaissance town hall, and charming cobblestone streets, Valderrobres is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Teruel. You can read more about my trip to Matarraña in this post.

Puente de Piedra and Gate of San Roque in Valderrobres Teruel
Puente de Piedra and Gate of San Roque / Valderrobres

3. Cantavieja

Another lesser-known beautiful village in Teruel is Cantavieja, located near the border with the Castellón province, making it a popular stop on Castellón road trips. Its unique location on a steep rocky cliff offers breathtaking views! Some of the most impressive images of Cantavieja online feature a hilltop with houses shrouded in fog (which was not the case during my visit). The village retains an authentic atmosphere, with architecture and a vibe typical of traditional Spanish villages. Wandering through the streets of Cantavieja feels like stepping back in time, especially when exploring the ruins of the old castle, visiting the Plaza Mayor, and admiring the large Iglesia de la Asunción, which dates back to the 13th century.

Cantavieja the most secret and beautiful villages in Teruel
Cantavieja

4. Calaceite

Calaceite truly surprised me with its sophisticated architecture. It feels as though time has stopped here. While walking through the ancient streets, we even stumbled upon a telephone booth. I was also captivated by the majestic entrance to the local cathedral, Iglesia Parroquial de la Asunción. It was so grand that I had to look it up, as it seemed too impressive for a small village off the beaten path. Apparently, the church was built in the 17th century on the site of a Gothic cathedral, and the builders sought to replicate the style of the famous Zaragoza Cathedral, one of Spain’s most iconic and beautiful cathedrals. For archaeology and history enthusiasts, there are several ancient Iberian settlements surrounding Calaceite.

Calaceite villages in Teruel
Calaceite – one of the must-see villages in Teruel
Iglesia Parroquial de la Asuncion in Calaceite Teruel
Iglesia Parroquial de la Asuncion in Calaceite
villages in Teruel
Conjunto Historico Villa de Calaceite, while exploring Spain with kids

5. Mirambel

Mirambel felt like the hidden gem of all the Teruel villages, as even the road leading there was quite average (which is unusual for Spain, where roads are typically in good condition). With a population of just around 130 inhabitants, Mirambel feels like an open-air museum of medieval Spain. Reconquered from the Arabs in 1169, the town has long been associated with military orders, such as the Order of the Temple. Amidst the town’s ancient murals, coats of arms on the walls, wooden balconies, and ornamental arches, one piece of architecture stands out in particular – the Portal de las Monjas. This unique structure once belonged to the Convento de Monjas Agustinas, the local convent. Behind the curious geometric clay ornaments there used to be a cell or room, likely belonging to the convent’s founder, Sister Violante de Castellví. The lattices, designed to obscure her from view, allowed her to gaze out at the lively main street without being seen.

Portal de las Monjas in Mirambel Teruel
Portal de las Monjas, Mirambel
The streets of Mirambel in the province of Teruel
The streets of Mirambel

6. Puertomingalvo

Another secret village in Teruel that looks like a picture-perfect image of rural Spain is Puertomingalvo. This town was declared a site of cultural interest in 1982, thanks to its beautiful church, Iglesia de la Asunción, which dates back to the 16th century. Additionally, this hidden village is home to the ruins of castle Castillo de Puertomingalvo.

The views of Puertomingalvo in Teruel
Puertomingalvo
The streets of Puertomingalvo in Teruel
The streets of Puertomingalvo

7. Tronchon

Tronchon is a charming village nestled in the province of Teruel, which we got to visit on the recent Castellon road trip. This secret town is particularly famous for its artisan cheese, Queso de Tronchón, which gained historical prominence after being mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote“.

Check out my video from Tronchon

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