The New 15 Most Beautiful Villages in Spain in 2020

During the last National Assembly of The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain Association, it was revealed which ones were going to be added to its already long list, which includes 79 municipalities. In 2020, 15 new towns are the most beautiful in Spain. This way, it has 94 beautiful towns from the 1st of January.

To be part of the list, the 15 municipalities have managed to overcome the more than 40 criteria requested by the association. Thus, among others, it is of vital importance the maintenance of the patrimony, cleanliness and harmony of the town, maintenance of parks and gardens, the optimal conservation of the facades and the interest in the traditions.

Alcudia, Mallorca

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Alcudia

One of the new most beautiful villages in Spain is Alcudia, on the island of Mallorca. It is an ideal destination to visit in one day, walking through its corners. The old town is one of the main reasons to visit Alcudia, with its majestic walls dating from the 14th century. In the town you can see the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, specifically the forum and the theatre. Furthermore, its 30 kilometres of coastline make it a destination with an offer that is adapted to every public, since the Albufera Nature Reserve is also located in the vicinity.

Atienza, Guadalajara

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Atienza

In the province of Guadalajara is the town of Atienza, another of the new most beautiful villages in Spain. Crowning the town is the most important thing to see there: its castle. Used by the Celtiberians, the Arabs and the Christians, occupied by Alfonso III and Alfonso I of Aragon, history runs through its walls. Its importance is so great that it is mentioned in El Cantar de Mío Cid, as Atienza is an essential enclave on the Camino del Cid.  

Nor should we miss its temples, such as the Church of Santa María del Rey, the Church of the Santísima Trinidad or the Monastery of San Francisco. Commemorating a historical fact, the Caballada de Atienza is an amazing Festival of National Tourist Interest. From here it is very easy to visit other places of interest such as Cogolludo, Hita or Jadraque.

Betancuria, Fuerteventura

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Betancuria

We now travel to the Canary Islands to visit one of the oldest villages of Fuerteventura, Betancuria. With a single glance you can understand how it has managed to be on the list of the most beautiful. Surrounded by a volcanic environment, its characteristic white houses and rich history related to pirates make Betancuria a must see if you visit the island.

Castellar de la Frontera, Cádiz

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Castellar de la Frontera

Castellar de la Frontera, Cádiz, is located on a steep rock, divided between the Old and New Castellar. In the first one you can find its famous fortress from the 12th-15th centuries. The castle is another monumental attraction to visit in Castellar de la Frontera. This fortification maintains a clear medieval appearance. The gastronomy is another of its strong points, with many recipes made with game meat. Nearby you can visit the Alcornocales Natural Park.

Castrillo de los Polvazares, León

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Castrillo de los Polvazares. | Shutterstock

It is perhaps one of the least known of the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain, although not for those who have done the French Way. Perfect for breakfast if you are doing the Jacobean Route, Castrillo de Polvazares is included in the region of La Magatería.

Declared a Historic-Artistic Site due to its monumental value, the inhabitants of this village were the “maragatos” muleteers. They lived in the well-known muleteer houses, the main tourist attractions at present. However, the gastronomy does not lag behind, since those who come to the town cannot go without tasting the absolute highlight of its cuisine: the cocido maragato. We also recommend other beautiful villages in Castile and León to add to your trip.

Culla, Castellón

beautiful villages
Most beautiful villages in Spain. Culla

This small medieval village is another one that has managed to enter the list of the most beautiful villages. Walking through its streets and cobblestone facades, the town looks solemn. A trip to the past in which you can discover the wall, the old hospital of the town or the castle, an example of the magic that Culla keeps.

Mogrovejo, Cantabria

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Mogrovejo

Mogrovejo is a village located in the town of Camaleño. From Potes to Fuente Dé there is a detour that ends in this village surrounded by mountains. When visiting one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, the popular houses Lebaniegas are a real eye-catcher. The medieval tower, from the end of the 13th century, is also worth seeing. As for the parish church, it has a rectangular nave surrounded by ribbed vaults. The sculpture of a Flemish Virgin, dating from the 15th century, is particularly noteworthy.

Monteagudo de las Vicarías, Soria

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Monteagudo de las Vicarías

This old walled town is one of the towns that well deserves to be on the list. Situated on a hill, it still has part of its medieval walled enclosure as well as a Gothic parish church and castle. Almost the entire fortress was built in 1415 by Juan Hurtado de Mendoza. Later, his grandson would be named Count of Monteagudo.

Olivenza, Badajoz

beautiful villages
Most beautiful villages in Spain. Olivenza

Besides being one of the most beautiful villages, it has a very interesting history. Did you know that this village has only belonged to Spain for two centuries? Although its origin is Castilian, it was given to the Portuguese, who built a large part of its monumental heritage. Nowadays the sovereignty of Olivenza is still claimed by Portugal. A visit to its castles, towers, churches, convent, fortifications and bridge can take a whole day. Another day can be dedicated to visiting Badajoz.

Pastrana, Guadalajara

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Pastrana

Guadalajara is in luck, as two of its towns have managed to enter the list of the most beautiful. Pastrana, is a ducal town that remembers the so-called Princess of Eboli, a character from the Spanish Golden Age. A refuge for stories and literary figures, the visit includes the Renaissance ducal palace, the museums, the collegiate church… Thus, one of the most important and celebrated dates in Pastrana is the Ducal Festivity, with activities such as the parade of Baroque and Renaissance costumes and the Historical Recreation.

Pollença, Mallorca

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Most beautiful villages in Spain. Pollença

Mallorca has also won with two towns on the list of the most beautiful towns for 2020. In the north of the island of Mallorca is Pollença. This town became famous for fighting off a terrifying attack by Turkish corsair Dragut. However, it is best known for its beautiful scenery, which has served as a model for many landscape painters

A destination for international tourism, this typical Mallorcan town stands out for its wide coves and paradisiacal beaches, its gastronomy and the friendliness of its neighbours. Those who like nature can visit the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. Another option is to discover the neighbouring town of Alcúdia.

Ponte Maceira, A Coruña

Most beautiful villages in Spain. Ponte Maceira

Near Santiago de Compostela is the beautiful village of Ponte Maceira, in A Coruña. Its cobbled streets are often visited by pilgrims who make the epilogue of the Way to Santiago to Fisterra. The unquestionable protagonist is the bridge over the river Tambre, A Ponte Vella. It is in charge of dividing the two municipalities, as one bank is from Ames and the other from Negreira, to which the town belongs.

Robledillo de Gata, Cáceres

Most beautiful villages in Spain. Robledillo de Gata

Without a doubt, one of the most curious among the most beautiful villages in Spain. In the Sierra de Gata is Robledillo de Gata. This village in Cáceres has a very special natural and rural environment. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, its buildings and houses in wood and adobe give it a characteristically mountainous appearance. It is one of the most picturesque villages in the sierra, with its balconies full of flowers and its waterfalls.

Teguise, Lanzarote

Most beautiful villages in Spain. Teguise

Although it suffered three centuries of devastating assaults by pirates, it became the economic capital of the island at the end of the 18th century. The beauty of the streets of Teguise and its various monuments on the Canary island of Lanzarote confirm this. It is the largest municipality on the island, with a heritage in which the castle of Guanapay stands out.

Vinuesa, Soria

Most beautiful villages in Spain. Vinuesa

The mountains of La Cebollera and Urbión and the unique Laguna Negra serve as a backdrop for the town of Vinuesa. In the heart of the Pinares region, this town in Soria stands out for its wonderful surroundings. Thus, the landscape of the mountain range and its glacial lake makes Vinuesa one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.


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