Posted by Old towns are like fine wine: the older, the better – and sometimes a bit confusing. In Spain, you’ll find not only winding alleys and cobblestones, but also history at your fingertips. Here are the 10 most beautiful old towns in Spain that you shouldn’t miss.
A quick overview:
1.Toledo
2.Córdoba
3.Ronda
4.Santiago de Compostela
5.Segovia
6.Ávila
7.Granada
8.Cáceres
9.Girona
10.Cuenca
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1. Toledo – The City of Three Cultures
Welcome to the Middle Ages! In Toledo, Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived peacefully side by side – something you can still feel on every corner today. Churches, mosques, synagogues? They’re all there. And the Alcázar towers above like a museum guard.
Tip: Just go with the flow – and wear comfortable shoes. The alleys have their own agenda.
2. Córdoba – Orient Meets Spain
The old town of Córdoba is a veritable labyrinth. But a beautiful one. The focal point: the Mezquita – a mosque with a church inside (or vice versa?). Surrounding it: white houses, flower-filled courtyards, small tapas bars.
Tip: In May, everything blooms – then the famous patios are also open.
3. Ronda – An Old Town with Depth
This old town doesn’t just hang over the abyss metaphorically. The Puente Nuevo spans a 120-meter-deep gorge and connects the Moorish old town with the new town. Beyond, cobblestone streets, a bullring, and spectacular views await.
Fun fact: Hemingway once drank his wine here.
4. Santiago de Compostela – Pilgrimage Destination with Old Town Flair
Whether you’ve walked the Camino de Santiago or simply parked cleverly, Santiago’s old town rewards you with granite, Gothic grandeur, and plenty of atmosphere. The cathedral is the center, surrounded by alleys, arcades, and happy pilgrims.
Tip: Sit with a coffee on the Praza do Obradoiro and watch the pilgrims’ happy arrival.
5. Segovia – Romanesque and Romance
Segovia is small, but full of wow. There’s the aqueduct, which simply marches through the middle of the city. The Alcázar looks like something out of Disney (seriously!). And the old town has this wonderfully quiet charm once the day-trippers have left.
Tip: Try the suckling pig – a culinary treasure!
6. Ávila – City Wall Deluxe
The old town of Ávila is a dream for medieval fans. A completely preserved city wall encloses churches, monasteries, and quiet squares. It feels like you’re in a historical role-playing game – only with better coffee.
Tip: You can walk along the wall – great for an overview (and Instagram).
7. Granada – Old Town with a View of the Alhambra
The old town districts of Albaicín and Realejo exude a Moorish flair with an Andalusian touch. Narrow streets, white houses, courtyards lined with orange trees. And again and again: that view of the Alhambra. In the evening: Flamenco in a cave? Sure.
Tip: Getting lost is allowed – you’ll end up at a tapas bar anyway.
8. Cáceres – The Underrated Star
The old town of Cáceres seems like it’s from another era. No garish signs, no neon signs – just stone, towers, and silence. So quiet that series like Game of Thrones were filmed here. Hardly overcrowded with tourists – so: go there!
Tip: Especially beautiful in the evening when the sun bathes everything in gold.
9. Girona – Between the Cathedral and Game of Thrones
Small but mighty! Girona’s old town boasts a steep cathedral, well-preserved city walls, and a Jewish quarter that seems barely changed. Plus: Parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here – a must-see for nerds.
Tip: Gustave Eiffel’s bridge is also there. Not Paris, but red.
10. Cuenca – Old Town with Hanging Houses
Cuenca is spectacularly situated between two gorges. The old town sits perched on a cliff – and a few houses literally hang over the precipice. Brave, brave. Behind them: quiet alleys, old churches, and a fantastic modern art museum.
Tip: The “Casas Colgadas” (hanging houses) are THE photo opportunity.
✅ Conclusion: Old town fever guaranteed!
Spain’s old towns are more than just historical backdrops – they are vibrant, full of history, and invite you to stroll, marvel, and linger. And if the cobblestones get too much? Just drop into the nearest bar and order some tapas.