Best rural places to visit in Spain
Everyone knows Spain’s vibrant cities and golden beaches. But what do you know about another Spain – quieter, older, and truly authentic? This is Spain with hidden mountain roads, ancient villages and family-owned taverns. These places offer a genuine sense of the country and invite you to experience its unique pace of life.
Is this the adventure you are looking for? We have prepared a special guide for you! This trip starts in Barcelona and goes through the most beautiful, rural corners. Let’s hit the road and explore Spain’s secret paths!
Stop 1. Val d’Aran – a Pyrenean secret corner (3.5-hour drive from Barcelona)
The adventure begins in the Catalan Pyrenees. Here, you find yourself literally in a tale – bright alpine meadows and stone villages with wooden houses. Val d’Aran differs from the rest of Spain. People here speak Aranese, the food has French touches, and everything around reminds you of Switzerland. You can stay in Vielha, the capital of the valley. Cozy guesthouses and holiday villas in Spain are open for travelers year-round. Make sure to taste the local specialties – river trout and oca amb naps (duck with turnips).
Stop 2. Alquézar – a scenic medieval place (3 hours to the west)
Now we move southwest to Aragón. Let’s stop in Alquézar, a village that looks carved from stone. The place is tiny but packed with history and adrenaline. You will walk along Pasarelas del Vero, a metal walkway fixed to the canyon walls or go canyoning if you’re brave enough. Then enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the old stone taverns.
Stop 3. Albarracín – Spain’s most enchanting village (2.5 hours to the south)
Next stop is in Albarracín. It’s rightfully considered the most magical village in Spain. Colored roofs and stone buildings will make you feel lost in time. You can wander the narrow streets or climb up to the old tower. Stay in a small guesthouse to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Stop 4. Ribeira Sacra – a famous wine region (6 hours to the northwest)
This is a longer part of the trip, but it’s worth it – you will enjoy every kilometer. In this wine country, vertical vineyards cling to canyon walls above the Sil River, and the forests hide ancient monasteries. Stay overnight in a rural case in Monforte de Lemos. Here, you can cruise the river and taste the local Mencía wine.
Stop 5. Cudillero – a colorful fishing port (2.5 hours to the north)
Then, we go through the green northern coastline east into Asturias. Here, we will stop at Cudillero. It’s not a tourist spot, but a traditional fishing village with its special beauty. Walk along the narrow stairways and stop to enjoy a grilled octopus by the sea. This place will remain in your memory.
Stop 6. Ronda – a cliffside wonder (9 hours to the south, or break into two travel days)
It’s time to head south. This is a long drive to Andalusia awaits. Ronda is fantastic. The town spreads on the edge of a deep gorge, and the Puente Nuevo bridge links both sides high above the valley. There are plenty of historical buildings here. And the nearby Sierra de Grazalema offers a lot of fun to hikers.
Stop 7. Las Alpujarras – a final stop (2.5 hours to the east)
Our trip ends in Las Alpujarras. This region of mountainous villages is located beneath the Sierra Nevada range. Each village will impress you here with its authentic vibe. Time literally stops here. Make sure you try local mountain-cured ham and fried breadcrumbs with pork.
Summary of the trip
- Barcelona – Val d’Aran (Vielha) – approximately 300 km
- Val d’Aran – Alquézar – approximately 180 km
- Alquézar – Albarracín – approximately 200 km
- Albarracín – Ribeira Sacra (Monforte de Lemos) – approximately 650 km
- Ribeira Sacra – Cudillero – approximately 220 km
- Cudillero – Ronda – approximately (you can plan it for two days with a night in Extremadura or the Madrid area)
- Ronda – Las Alpujarras (Pampaneira) – approximately 170 km.
Final thoughts
This rural trip is a discovery of a different Spain. The route is 2,600 km and is ideal for 10-14 days. It gives you enough time to enjoy each rural destination without a rush. It will be ideal if you can spend one or two nights in each place and plan even longer stays in spots like Val d’Aran or Ronda.
You will not meet crowds of tourists here. And there are not too many souvenir shops here either. But you will get something more valuable during this trip. You will listen to real stories, enjoy food you have never tasted before and meet locals who are glad to welcome you into their little villages.
So, if your dream is to see a bit different side of Spain, you will love this route. Just fill the tank, pack light, and leave space for wine and memories.
