Towns in Spain

One of the most photographed spots in rural Catalonia, the town of Castellfollit de la Roca is set on a narrow basalt cliff at the foot of the Pyrenees mountain range. The unique shape of the cliff is due to the erosion of the two surrounding rivers, Fluvià and Toronell, on the remains of the cooled volcanic lava thousands of years ago. The medieval town is tiny, with less than 1sqkm (247 acres) making up its walkable area. The volcanic-rock houses blend with the Renaissance-style buildings on the narrow pathways of this eye-catching town.

Andalusia is filled with emblematic white villages dotted around its countryside and Frigiliana is one of the best-kept of them all. Settled on the side of a mountain, east of Málaga, the medieval town is a postcard image of Arab architecture. The old town is preserved intact and displays a typical Moorish center, with a labyrinth of steep, winding alleys climbing the hill and white buildings adorned with colorful flower pots. The 9th-century Moorish Lízar Castle perched on top of the mountain is another vestige of the region’s past.

A typical fishing village, Llastres is nestled along the rocky Atlantic coast in Spain’s Asturias region. About a 30-minute drive east of Gijon, the largest city of Asturias, Llastres has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants and a long-standing fishing tradition. From the San Roque lookout point, you’ll get some stunning panoramic views of the town built on the hanging cliffs, with the Sueve Mountains as a backdrop. The old town is filled with historic buildings from Palacio de los Vallados to the famous Clock Tower built on a 15th-century lookout spot. Unmissable is the auction at the fish market, down by the seaside. Asturias is a rather rainy region, so the best months to see Llastres are from June to September.

In the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, there is a medieval town called Aínsa. A highlight of a visit to this town is undoubtedly the Aínsa Castle, which is found at one end of the Plaza de San Salvador. Parts of the castle are from the 11th century, although much of the building comes from the 16th century. Two of the towers of the castle itself have been transformed into museums: the Ecomuseo, where you can learn more about the Pyrenees, and the Espacio del Geoparque de Sobrarbe.

On the Spanish island of Mallorca, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range, you’ll find the charming village of Deià. The village has long been popular with expats who flock to the scenic spot for steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as well as countless olive groves. Literature lovers will appreciate that Deià was the home to author Robert Graves, whose residence is now open to the public for tours. Deià also boasts a beautiful coastal inlet called Cala de Deià that is only accessible by foot.

To see what Spain might have looked like in medieval times, there is no better destination than the town of Besalú. Located in Catalonia, Besalú is a completely walkable town packed with historic attractions. Don’t miss the magnificent and beautifully preserved Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River and dates back to the 12th century, the historic Jewish synagogues and the 11th century Church of Sant Pere. Be sure to walk across the bridge, which is closed to vehicle traffic, to take a few photos of the quiet, medieval town from this spectacular vantage point.