Do you know the 'Best Tourism Villages' in Spain?

Aragón: Alquézar, Aínsa and Cantavieja

Alquézar, in the province of Huesca (Aragon), offers a perfect blend of culture and nature. Vero River Cultural Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its cave paintings, is almost an open-air prehistory museum. Its castle-collegiate church of Santa María La Mayor, built on an old defensive bastion from the 9th century located on top of a hill, presides over the town. To enjoy its natural heritage, visit the Alquézar walkways, a spectacular three-kilometre route above the ravines of the River Vero. Plus, Somontano is a region of excellent wines.Without leaving the Guara Sierra and Canyons Nature Reserve, you'll find Aínsa, in a spectacular location in the Aragonese Pyrenees, Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park and Posets-Maladeta Nature Reserve. This charming medieval village, surrounded by walls and Romanesque architecture, is located in the Sobrarbe region. Every summer, in its awe-inspiring castle, a music festival featuring pop, rock and folk is held.Located on a rock 1,300 metres above sea level is Cantavieja, epicentre of the region of Maestrazgo; in the province of Teruel and the scene of historic battles. It boasts architectural gems such as the churches of San Miguel and La Asunción, the medieval La Nevera gate and its arcaded main square. If you want to explore breathtaking landscapes included in the Natura 2000 Network, don’t miss the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Muelas y Estrecho del Río Guadalupe, Maestrazgo y Sierra de Gúdar, and Rambla de las Truchas. In addition, Cantavieja is part of the Camino del Cid and has a motorhome parking area.

Castilla-La Mancha: Sigüenza

Siguënza, in the province of Guadalajara, is one of those places that allows you to travel back in time. Its castle, transformed into an idyllic Parador de Turismo, the cathedral, of Romanesque origin with later Gothic elements, and the Plaza Mayor are just a part of its extensive architectural heritage. In the Serranía region you will be able to visit protected natural areas such as the Dulce River Ravine Natural Park or the Saladares del Río Salado reserve. Also, if you are in Madrid and want to visit this town in La Mancha, which is only 130 kilometres away, you can do so sustainably, thanks to the Sigüenza Train. Troubadours, knights and princesses will liven up your journey on board with music, theatre and tastings of delicious sweets such as yemas del Doncel.

Catalonia: Mura and Rupit

Less than one hundred kilometres separate the two towns in the province of Barcelona, recognised by UN Tourism. Mura is located right by Sant Llorenç del Munt and l'Obac Natural Park and is known for its cultivation of grapes for wine. You can see it for yourself if you take the Tinas Route, visiting the original traditional stone structures that remain among the vineyards. Its charming historic centre, with narrow streets and picturesque squares, along with the Mura Running Trail initiative – offering routes for all levels so everyone can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery – are also fantastic options.Upon arriving in Rupit, you'll be amazed by its suspension bridge dating back to 1945. Two other notable monuments are the 10th-century hermitage of Sant Joan de Fàbregues and the castle, located 800 metres above sea level. Although the most fascinating thing will surely be to soak in views of the Sallent waterfall, with a spectacular drop of more than 100 metres. The 'Night Sky Quality' environmental seal also ensures excellent visibility of the natural surroundings of this medieval village at night.

Region of Valencia: Morella

A nearly two-kilometre-long medieval wall, still preserving seven gates and ten towers, encircles the beautiful town of Morella, in Castellón. It has very important sites, such as the Cave paintings of Morella la Vella and dry stone constructions, declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the top of the town sits its impressive castle, more than a thousand metres above sea level. Special mention should be made of its excellent cuisine, featuring locally sourced foods, its distinctive croquettes known as 'croquellanas', which are triangular or half-moon in shape, as well as the star product: black truffle.

Extremadura: Guadalupe

The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly the iconic landmark of this historic destination with cobblestone streets in the province of Cáceres. The library of this Gothic-Mudejar style monument houses the codices known as Illuminated Manuscripts. The porticoed houses, Gil Cordero's house, the 17 fountains scattered throughout the town and the Mudejar gallery are other points of interest. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the network of Caminos a Guadalupe,13 pilgrimage routes to explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback, passing through breathtaking natural landscapes such as Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark. If your trip coincides with the Geodisea Festival in November, you can participate in a multitude of activities related to geology, adventure, cultural heritage and local cuisine.

Navarre: Lekunberri

In the heart of the Larraun valley in Navarre and less than 50 kilometres from Donostia-San Sebastián is where you will find this town with a spectacular natural and cultural heritage. From its old town, with stone houses dating back to the 12th century, to the Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar, with more than a thousand years of history. The Plazaola Greenway allows you to enjoy more than 60 kilometres of unique nature on foot, by bike or even on horseback. At the Beigorri adventure park you can zip-line through the grove, and from the Mendukilo Cave, you can get some breathtaking views.

The Basque Country: Oñati

Another cave, the Arrikrutz Cave, is one of the essential places in this town of Gipuzkoa. The historic centre of Oñati has buildings of great interest such as Sancti Spiritus University, a prominent example of the Basque Renaissance; the 15th-century Gothic Church of San Miguel; the 16th-century Bidaurreta Monastery; and the Antia, Madinabeitia and Baruekua palaces. Another recommended visit is the famous Arantzazu Sanctuary. You will taste delicious local products such as Idiazábal cheese, talo (corn tortilla) or txakoli. In short, an ideal destination for lovers of history, art, gastronomy and nature.