Spanish villages

In Pontesco, a municipality in A Coruña, Galicia, the abandoned village of Candelago is for sale on idealista for €150,000. Perched on the Costa da Morte with sea views, the hamlet has been on the market for several years. It recently made headlines after the owners cut the price by €50,000, down from the original €200,000.

When people talk about Magic Towns in Spain, they’re not just talking about pretty villages with a nice view and a decent lunch spot.

Across much of inland Spain, villages have been losing residents for decades. La Rioja is among the regions where shrinking populations are putting pressure on schools, health services and local businesses.

Madrid is brilliant, but the size, noise and constant movement can feel like a lot after a while. One of the big perks of living here or spending time in the city is how easy it is to step away for a day.

Galera is a small village in northern Granada province, with just over 1,130 people on the books. What sets it apart locally is that it’s growing, while nearby villages are quietly emptying out.

Mallorca is renowned for its beaches, Mediterranean charm and bustling resorts. Yet beyond the crowds, the island is home to tiny villages where time seems to slow. Exploring these hidden gems offers a peaceful way to experience the island.

Altea is one of those Costa Blanca towns you stumble upon almost by chance – and it lingers in your memory. On arrival, the whitewashed houses clinging to the hillside immediately catch the eye, their roofs twinkling in the sun, topped by the striking blue dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation.

Spain is full of cliff‑top villages, hanging walkways and suspension bridges that will test even the bravest travellers.

Ferrero Rocher’s annual Christmas lights competition returns to showcase the breadth of traditions, landscapes and local talent across Spain.

During the Christmas holidays, many towns in Spain transform into enchanting fairytale settings, where lights, nativity scenes and local traditions create a truly magical atmosphere.In this guide, compiled from sources including National Geographic Travel, Time Out Madrid and Condé Nast Traveler Esp

Two Spanish communities made the UN’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025.

As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to start dreaming of a new life in the Spanish countryside.

It is said that behind every "witch" there is a disobedient woman. If you want to step into that world and discover the settings of some of Spain’s most mysterious legends, don’t miss this shortlist of Spanish towns where witches once lived.

The province of Málaga is renowned worldwide for its beaches and the vibrant atmosphere of the Costa del Sol. Yet beyond the coastline, its landscape is dotted with countless towns that have preserved their authentic charm.

Mojácar really gets under the skin in the best way. Think sugar-cube houses tumbling down a hillside into a long strip of sand, proper tapas culture and a pace that lets you breathe.

With the arrival of autumn, Spain’s towns are painted in shades of gold, red and copper.

The average price of homes for sale in Barcelona province is €3,023/m², rising to €4,991/m² in the city, according to idealista. These record highs make access to housing difficult for many. Yet one town stands out for its far lower prices: Sant Llorenç Savall. Here, homes average €956/m² – more than three times cheaper than the provincial average and over five times cheaper than in the city.

Slate roofs dusted white, church bells on cold air, and a tasca stove bubbling with stews sum up winter in Spain's snowy villages.

Seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye is a rare experience, possible only in a few places worldwide.

Travel back in time and explore the most enchanting medieval towns in Spain. These historic villages offer a perfect mix of charm, history, and architecture, ideal for an autumn or winter getaway.

The province of Castellón, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, holds some of the peninsula's best-kept secrets.

Girona is home to medieval towns brimming with history and charm, where streets and monuments preserve the spirit of centuries past. Visiting them offers a chance to explore unique traditions and landscapes that bring the past to life.

The depopulation of rural Spain, often called España vaciada or 'Empty Spain', is a long-standing issue.

Tucked away in the mountains and along the coasts, you’ll find some of Spain's real treasures – its little villages, which often get overlooked.

The phenomenon known as 'España vaciada', or 'Empty Spain', refers to the demographic shift leaving many of the country's rural areas sparsely populated. This trend presents a continuing social and economic challenge for the nation.