8 rural destinations for the perfect winter getaway in Spain
Some people like to spend the winter in their lovely homes. However, many others prefer to discover Spain’s most beautiful winter villages. And although this time of the year looks good in every town, there are a few villages that turn into magical settings when the coldest winds arrive. Let’s see the most charming Spanish villages that you should visit in the winter.
Sotres. | Shutterstock
The first village on this list is one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias. It sits at 1,050 metres of altitude and is home to less than 200 people.
Its economy is primarily based on livestock and handcrafts, and its gastronomy is especially popular—charcuterie, meat, and Cabrales cheese are extremely popular. This cheese, which ripens in many of the local caves, is renowned for its delicious taste. Besides its great gastronomical quality, this place is surrounded by the magnificent Picos de Europa. Sotres is a place that will leave you breathless.
Ochagavía. | Shutterstock
One of the most beautiful towns in Navarra lies 85 kilometres from Pamplona. The beautiful village of Ochagavía can be found in the historical territory of Sangüesa and serves as a gateway to the Irati Forest in the Salazar Valley.
Its picturesque houses, its pebbled streets, and its medieval bridges feed the unique charm of this village, the perfect destination for a winter getaway. The sight of its medieval bridge and its main church, as well as a walk through its town centre, are mandatory on every visit to Ochagavía.
Traditional pallozas in O Cebreiro. | Shutterstock
The Spanish village of O Cebreiro, whose official name is actually Santa María do Cebreiro, is located in the province of Lugo. This is one of the most beautiful villages you can visit in the winter. Its tiny parish church actually belongs to Piedrafita del Cebrero. This is the first Galician municipality on the French Way to Santiago.
The pallozas are its most characteristic feature, traditional stone constructions with a thatched roof that are very popular in the area and that were inhabited until the mid-20th century. The Santa María La Real Church can be found there, and it is one of the most visited temples in Galicia since it shelters a Holy Grail.
Durro. | Shutterstock
In the Catalan province of Lleida, you will find Durro, a gorgeous municipality in the Bohí or Boí Valley that sits at 1,384 metres of altitude. This is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and an excursion to this place in the winter is a memorable experience.
The slate roofs of its houses, its Iglesia de la Natividad, and the Sant Quirc Hermitage make it a unique spot. Since it is located in the heart of the Bohí Valley, a great number of its buildings are perfectly preserved. Its churches, together with other Roman churches in the Bohí Valley, have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Santa María de El Paular Monastery in Rascafría. | Shutterstock
Another good option for a winter trip is just an hour from Madrid. Rascafría is a small locality in Madrid that sits on the Lozoya Valley at 1,000 metres of altitude. This place is always spectacular, but winter suits it extremely well, covered by a thick layer of snow and the snow on top of the neighbouring mountains.
Santa María de El Paular Monastery should be on your itinerary. However, its Bosque Finlandés, which reminds of a true Nordic landscape, and Las Presillas, Rascafría’s natural pools, are worth a visit as well.
Pedraza. | Shutterstock
Pedraza is one of the loveliest Segovian municipalities, and it is considered a Monumental Complex. The pebbled streets of this walled medieval town, in particular, the Calle Real, will lead you to the Plaza Mayor, this locality’s heart. The town hall and some sixteenth-century nobleman’s houses can be found here.
However, the main tourist attractions are the Castillo de Pedraza, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Vieja Cárcel de la Villa de Pedraza, a prison reconverted into a museum whose cells are preserved the way they used to be. Undoubtedly, Pedraza is one of those places near Spain’s capital that you should visit in the winter.
Guadalupe’s Christmas lights. | Shutterstock
Guadalupe is one of the most charming municipalities in Spain and Extremadura’s brightest corner. This spot in Cáceres shines more than ever in the snowy season of the year; its Christmas lights are its main attraction.
Actually, this annual event enhances the beauty of the Guadalupe Monastery, the Santa María Square, and Guadalupe’s many streets, turning it into one of the best Spanish villages to visit during the winter.
Ronda. | Shutterstock
Thousands of visitors explore Ronda every year. This city in Málaga is another great choice for winter tourism. The cliffs covered by snow and its popular Puente Nuevo with Vistas del Tajo are some of the most beautiful postcards of the coldest season. In fact, it is a very common picture thanks to the frequent snowfalls that take place in the surrounding mountain range.
Its Arab baths, the Palacio de Mondragón, the Plaza de Toros, and the Aldehuela Viewpoint make Ronda one of the best cities to visit in Spain in the winter and at any season.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
