Eight of Spain´s Most Beautiful Villages

The Association of Spain´s Most Beautiful Villages has now reached 105 pretty places and every year there are many more applicants than are accepted, because the requisites are tough. Here we have a selection less than ten per cent of the beauties that are spread around Spain.

Potes
The village of Potes in Cantabria, way up in the north is located in the heart of the Valley of Liébana. It offers a spectacular ´wow´ landscape in autumn. The town of Potes is enchanting from its entrance through the Hermida Gorge, a winding road around 20 kilometres long that meanders up and down through mountains and the river, showing off its autumn colours.

The village itself has charming streets and alleys to discover its hidden treasures and ancient bridges. Head to Potes on the second weekend in November to enjoy one of the towns most popular celebrations, the Orujo Festival. This festival, over two days, celebrates Orujo the typical drink of Potes.

Its geographical location makes it the ideal to visit the Liébana Valley and the Valley of Liébana and a bit further afield the Picos de Europa.

Alquézar
Alquézar in Huesca’s Somontano region is situated on one of the mountain ranges parallel to the Pyrenees. The village merges perfectly with the impressive limestone landscape carved by the River Vero, which, over time, has created impressive cliffs and ancient caves.

The area of Alquézar is a paradise for nature lovers with its numerous hiking routes and mountain bike routes as the village is located at the entrance to Sierra & Cañones de Guara Natural Park.

Bubión
Bubión is located in the heart of the Alpujarra, the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Granada province. It has preserved its traditional architecture, which resembles the Berber constructions of the Maghreb mountains in north-west Africa, from the days it was inhabited by the Moors. On the mountain side it has steep streets and terraced houses with slate roof tiles that it adapted to the steep profiles of the terrain.
Facing south means that, even in autumn, its temperatures are mild, so being within the National and Natural Park of the Sierra Nevada, ideal for walking. It makes it a great escape from the crowds and ideal to enjoy the changing colours of autumn.

Fornalutx
Although most people think of the Balearic Islands as a summer destination, the truth they are also a great option in autumn. Privileged in their location in the Mediterranean Sea means a mild climate during autumn.
The village of Fornalutx is the highest on the island. A place where forest and mountains almost meet the sea, its steep streets and the richness of its folklore make it unique on the Balearic islands.

Valverde de la Vera
Valverde de la Vera, in Cáceres has water flowing through its cobbled streets thanks to the watering channels that flow to water the vegetable gardens. The local architecture combines ashlar masonry with
wood and brick or adobe and beautiful arcades on granite columns abound.
Near Valverde is the small waterfall, Charco de la Chorrera, in the Garganta Naval. The waterfall is located in a beautiful setting accessed by an easy walk, it´s particularly lovely in autumn.

Yanguas
Yanguas is located in the region of Soria, on the border with La Rioja and Tierra de Cameros Viejos.
Situated at the beginning of the long, 20km gorge that the River Cidacos has created connecting the village wtith the Arnedillo spa. With little more than 100 inhabitants, Yanguas is ideal for those who want to enjoy its tranquillity. During the autumn months the nearby beech forest becomes a spectacle with its reddish tones.

This village is also linked to one of the Spain´s most important works – Don Quixote. It´s said to be the location of the beating that Don Quixote and Sancho suffered by the muleteers.

Beget
Beget in Girona with a population of just over 20 inhabitants has preserved its peace and tranquillity over the years, by being away from the main tourist routes. A stroll through Beget takes us over two medieval bridges which cross the River Llierca and where the cobblestone streets blend in with the surrounding houses.
Beget is the starting point for hiking and mountain biking routes, and is a great stop to enjoy a traditional Catalan meal with local produce.

Capileira
Capileira is another charmer located in the heart of La Alpujarra and within the Sierra Nevada National Park and is considered the gateway to the Park, with its Berber-style, white painted, flat-roofed houses clinging to the mountainside and narrow, winding streets.
It´s stunning views are due to its altitude of almost fifteen hundred metres which get even better from the
peaks of Cerro Mulhacén and Picacho Veleta. During the autumn months it is a popular spot for photography lovers to capture the autumn colours and subtle lighting.