Spain is such a diverse country to explore! It’s got a heap of history and a load of the best Spanish towns to visit that are dotted all over the country.
From the breathtaking heights of Ronda, and the stunning Salamanca to the totally delicious vineyards towns in La Rioja; they’re totally stunning to see.
Now, some of the best places in Spain to visit are pretty well-renowned. Obviously, you’ve got the impressive cities of Barcelona or the Basque city of Bilbao in the North, though there’s so much more to Spain than the familiar spots.
After all, that’s the beauty of a place like Spain. It’s so totally diverse and unique and has a heap of stunning places and the best Spanish towns to visit that are more off the beaten track.
Honestly, it really doesn’t matter what region you visit, you’re bound to find a few local spots and towns that are totally gorgeous.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the best towns in Spain to visit on your next trip.
1.) Salamanca
This northwest city is sometimes forgotten by some people who visit Spain. It’s so easy to just think, ‘let’s go for a city trip to Barcelona or see the towns on the south coast’. Honestly, there is so much more to Spain than the more popular spots.
For me, Salamanca is that place!
It’s a totally beautiful and incredible place to visit in Spain. Okay, first off, Salamanca is a city but I really couldn’t resist mentioning it to visit, especially if you’re already exploring the north-west.
Just make sure to spend lots of time wandering its unique heritage that has so many influences throughout the years. From the Celts, Spanish, Romans, North Africans and Spanish, there’s a heap of eclectic mixes that makes Salamanca incredible to explore.
Once here, make sure to visit the central Plaza Mayor and see the totally iconic Salamanca Cathedral, too. It really is a stunner.
Afterwards, pop over to Casa Lis that has a world-class mix of arts to see. Oh, and for some great photo spots of the cathedral, pop over to Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, an intimate little garden that’s picture-perfect.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
2.) Setenil de las Bodegas
This tiny little town in Cádiz is one of the best towns in Spain to visit when you’re already heading to Ronda.
Perched on the side of a hillside, the streets actually carve through and within the hillside.
What some people don’t know is that the town is actually pretty famous for its delicious chorizo. This means it’s the perfect place to gorge in all the little restaurants that line the streets here.
It’s a pretty cool little spot and well worth exploring whilst part of a wider road trip around this region.
Read more: Best things to do in Ronda
3.) Casares
Casares is a southern Spanish town that is often bypassed for its glitzier sister, Marbella.
That being said, if you want less gloss and more history and charm, pop over to Casares.
It’s one of the best towns in Spain to visit that’s really accessible if you’ve flown into Malaga.
Oh, also, if you’re planning a visit soon, make sure it coincides with the town’s Pilgrimage of Virgin de Rosario del Campo. It’s a ceremony that the whole town turns out to celebrate.
4.) Xativa
Heavily influenced by its Islamic Era (somewhere around the 13th Century), Xativa is home to some of Spain’s most stunning Arabesque Architecture and well worth seeing whilst exploring.
Mixed alongside Spain’s Catholic heritage, Xativa is one of the best towns in Spain to visit that’s steeped in history. Once here, take a wander around the town and spot the impressive Royal Monastery of the Assumption, too.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
5.) Ronda
Ronda is one of my all-time favourite towns in Spain to visit. A few hours’ drive from Malaga, Ronda is a place like no other.
Legend has it that the residents of the town fought over many years until the town was ripped apart by an exasperated god.
Thankfully, the town reconciled and built a bridge to once again connect the town and its non-feuding residents.
Whatever the case, it’s totally incredible to visit.
We decided to stay for two nights and it was bliss! That being said, if you’re short on time, you can easily squeeze a short day visit, too.
Read more: Our time exploring Ronda
6.) Santillana del Mar
If it’s good food you’re after, then take a wander around Santillana del Mar and enjoy some of Spain’s best seafood.
Just make sure to try monkfish (and their cheeks) which is surprisingly delicious. We gorged and loved the monkfish so much.
After gorging, soak up a bit of history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cave of Altamira which is nearby. It’s totally lovely.
7.) Vielha
A mountain-lovers dream, Vielha is the perfect place to explore the mixing of Spanish and French cultures. It’s easily one of the best towns in Spain to visit that’s pretty off the beaten track. In fact, you won’t find many visitors here and those that do visit are usually interested in sports like; skiing or hiking.
Now, to get here, it might be easier to fly into France (via Toulouse). That being said, it’s sometimes easier to just fly into Barcelona and head across from there.
8.) Olot
Perched around 100km north of Barcelona, Olot is technically a city but with a town feel.
Take a stroll through its many windy streets and explore one of the best towns in Spain to visit when heading up to the French border. Also, be sure to head inside the Can Trincheria Museum that’s totally beautiful. It might not be the largest, but it’s such an ornate house and museum to see.
Truth be told, Olot is definitely heating up! Well, why wouldn’t it be with its four volcanoes that call the area home? 😉
After exploring Olot itself, head out and explore Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and Volcà del Montsacopa with its extinct volcanoes!
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
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