UYTUR

Located on the other side of the Arno river, Oltrarno is a vibrant, bohemian district replete with artisans’ shops, hearty trattorie, and fashionable restaurants. If an authentic taste of Florence is what you’re after, then this 4-hour walking food tour through Oltrarno might be right up your alley. From crostini to lampredotto (cow stomach sandwich), you’ll have the chance to discover and sample some of the area’s most famous delicacies while strolling down the neighborhood’s atmospheric cobblestone streets. The experience includes numerous food and wine tastings at 8 authentic locales, including topnotch gelato, typical Tuscan cheeses & finocchiona (Florentine fennel-spiced salami), as well as a hearty traditional soup/stew in a local trattoria.

Seeking out authentic gastronomic experiences is always a priority when visiting Tuscany, but few of them actually compare with a “zero kilometer” meal in an agriturismo or a farm-to-table restaurant. One such place is Il Canto Del Maggio, a delightful Slow Food establishment nestled in the Valdarno countryside, around 40 minutes from Florence. Owner Mauro and his daughter Simona serve dreamy Tuscan fare lovingly prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients straight from their colorful, organic orta (garden). Meals take place in a quaint, convivial atmosphere – either in the traditional dining room or outside on the gorgeous terrace – and are accompanied by delicious local wines.

With marvelous Gothic architecture, fantastic osterie, and an epic horse race dating back to the 6th century, Sienna is a veritable feast for the senses. And no visit to this splendid Tuscan city would be complete without tasting its typical dolci. Cavallucci (anise-flavored biscuits with candied orange peels), ricciarelli (soft almond cookies), and the famous panforte (spicy cake with dried fruits) are all steeped in ancient times and sold in the sweet-smelling pasticerrie lining the city’s picturesque honey-colored streets. You’ll find the best Sienese pastries at Nannini, the oldest pastry shop in town and one of the most illustrious in the whole Italy, but there are piles of delightful bakeries around town to satisfy your sweet tooth. Established in 1944, Pasticceria Bini is another Sienese institution famed for its crispy, almond-studded cantuccini, while Pasticceria Sinatti dishes out a killing Panforte Margherita. Also, locals swear by the delightfully chewy, freshly-backe...

Few dishes are more quintessentially Tuscan than bistecca alla Fiorentina, the thick, perfectly grilled T-bone cut from the region’s highly prized Chianina cattle breed. So if it’s melt-in-your-mouth steak you’re after when in Florence, Del Fagioli is one of the best places in town to get it. Established in 1966, this family-run trattoria in Santa Croce specializes in authentic home-style Florentine classics, served in atmospheric wood-paneled dining rooms, along with delicious house Chianti. The menu is bursting with staples of Tuscany’s cuccina povera like ribollita (traditional bread soup), penne strascicate (scrambled pasta), and bollito misto (mixed boiled meats), but locals are particularly fond of their signature fagioli all’olio (white beans drizzled with olive oil) and the flawlessly done bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is among the best in Florence.

As one of the world’s culinary meccas, it’s no surprise even the tiniest, most remote village in Tuscany celebrates its local specialty with a sagra (local food festival). The region is overflowing with fairs honoring everything from fresh wine and olive oil to truffles, chestnuts, and wild boar. Most of these take place during fall and are an excellent way to delve into the culture and discover the area’s most esteemed products. One of the most famous is Boccaccesca, an annual food and wine extravaganza taking place on the narrow medieval streets of Certaldo Alto. Traditional Tuscan dishes like porchetta and ribollita soup are available to sample during the event, and so are local cheeses, cured meats, and revered wines like Chianti Classico or Brunello of Montalcino. Other notable gastronomic festivals include the White Truffle Fair in San Giovanni d’Asso, Sagra del Cinghiale di Chianni (the Wild Boar Festival of Chianni), Il Desco in Lucca, and Cookstock in the historic center o...

Stretching from Pisa all the way to Prato, the Chocolate Valley is where you’ll find some of Italy’s leading artisan chocolatiers, along with their small factories and gourmet boutiques. A pioneer in the production of chocolate in Tuscany is Roberto Catinari, who opened his legendary chocolate shop in Agliana over 30 years ago after studying with Swiss chocolatiers for two decades. His rich, velvety pralines, which come in more than 100 varieties, are still regarded as some of the nation’s finest. The area also includes the spa resort of Monsummano Terme, where Andrea Slitti, the first non-Frenchman to win the prestigious Grand Prix de la Chocolaterie de Paris, serves up decadent treats in a charming café; as well as the village of Pontedera, where widely-famous Amedei, run by the Tessieri family, produces what is arguably the best chocolate bar in the world. Another must stop on your Chocolate Valley tour is Casa De Bondt in Pisa, whose Dutch-born confectioner has been chosen am...

You can’t leave Italy’s premier wine-producing region without visiting some of the area’s fantastic wineries. And if you only have time for one, let it be the famous Castello Banfi – a family-owned estate/hilltop castle hotel with a storybook setting in Montalcino. Featuring 7,000 acres of vineyards, it produces some of Italy’s finest red wines, including award-winning Brunellos, which can be tasted at their delightful Enoteca Alle Mura, along with grappa, Salsa Etrusca, and a selection of Tuscan sheep cheeses and cured meats. Try to plan your visit around lunch or dinner, as the two Tuscan restaurants on the premises (La Taverna and La Sala dei Grappoli) serve splendid regional food with a haute twist in glorious surroundings.

Fresh fish and seafood reign supreme in Livorno, a vibrant multiethnic port town on the Etruscan Coast. Known especially for its cacciucco (fish stew) and torta di ceci (chickpea pie), the city is a veritable foodie’s dream, with one of the biggest covered markets in Europe and buzzing, reasonably priced restaurants galore. The local cuisine is honest, simple, and influenced by the various cultures that have passed through and settled here throughout history, most notably the Jews. For a true flavor of Livorno, head to Cantina Senese, a charmingly unpretentious eatery in the historic center, where harbor workers and neighborhood families crowd in to feast on divine mussel soup, fried cod and anchovies, and the ubiquitous cacciucco a Livorno. Other tasty options include Trattoria Antico Moro and Osteria del Mare, both specializing in fresh, authentic home-style seafood dishes.

Tuscany may be synonymous with wine tours, but sampling the area’s liquid gold is an equally rewarding foodie experience. Nestled in the fertile hills of Lucca, Fattoria Di Fubbiano is known for producing some of the world’s finest extra-virgin olive oils, plus some award-winning Colline Lucchesi DOC wines. Centered around a 17th-century villa, the farm resembles an ancient Tuscan hamlet and offers guided tours of the winery, as well as wine and olive oil tastings on request. To sample a slice of the farm life and learn about the oil and wine making process, visitors can also spend their vacation in one of the traditional apartments on the estate.

Hidden away in the quaint medieval town of San Gimignano, Gelateria Dondoli is worth the trip alone. Run by former gelato world champion Sergio Dondoli, this is arguably the best place in the world to indulge in homemade Italian ice-cream. The shop is located in the town’s main square, Piazza della Cisterna, and specializes in creamy frozen treats prepared with the freshest local ingredients – think organic raw milk and fruits, Sicilian pistachios, and San Gimignano DOP saffron. Some of the most beloved specialties include Rosemary Baby (with raspberries and rosemary), Crema di Santa Fina (orange cream with Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, San Gimignano saffron, and pine nuts from Pisa), and Vernaccia Sorbet made with the best vintage Vernaccia wines of the area.

Tuscany’s culinary experiences are endless, but hunting for truffles is definitely the ultimate epicurean adventure. The most exquisite of all is tartufo bianco pregiato (the prized white truffle), found between September and December in San Miniato, halfway between Florence and Pisa, but different varieties of this precious Italian delicacy grow year-round in the Tuscan woods. Searching the countryside for this rare and exciting product is a wonderful, unique activity, and there are lots of opportunities to enjoy it. Giulio Benuzzi (aka Giulio the Truffle Hunter) is one of the best expert truffle hunters around and offers everything from guided walking tours through a Florentine forest with his trained dog Eda to workshops, cooking classes, and gourmet truffle tastings.

Set into a small bay along the breathtaking Argentario coast, Il Pellicano feels straight out of The Talented Mr. Ripley. This is one of Italy’s most enchanting and storied addresses, where beautiful, carefree socialites have been coming to live out their dolce vita fantasies ever since the ‘60s – whether lounging by the glistening pool, soaking up the sun on the fashionable rocky beach, or lingering over luscious alfresco lunches overlooking the sweeping Tyrrhenian Sea. This legendary hotel near the pretty seaside town of Porto Ercole is a destination in and of itself, one that captures nearly everyone’s vision of a perfect Italian summer. And this being a country of sensory pleasures, food is very much at the center of the experience. You don’t need to be a guest to savor a marvelous candlelit dinner at the Michelin-starred Pellicano Restaurant or to feast on the day’s catch at Pelligrill’s open-air terrace perched above the Med. Depending on your mood, you can sip on superbly mi...

Tuscany is currently home to 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, but a time-warp stone hamlet in the Maremma region is perhaps the last place you would expect to stumble upon one. And yet, there it is – tucked into a stone house amidst the quiet cobbled streets of Montemerano. Run by much-admired chef Valeria Piccini and her husband Maurizio, Da Caino serves memorable two-star Michelin meals in an elegantly inviting 9-table dining room. The cuisine, although deeply rooted in the regional identity, is experimental and refined, with dishes like wild boar with fennel or fresh Argentario anchovies with tomato sorbet.

There is an absurd amount of cooking classes on offer in Tuscany, tailored to every level of experience and interest. You can learn how to make your own pasta or foccacia in a traditional farmhouse, discover the secrets of homemade gelato under the guidance of a professional Italian chef, and even enjoy a full-week cookery course in a private villa. For the ultimate foodie getaway, however, head to Villa Bordoni, a splendid countryside retreat in the hills outside Greve in Chianti, whose culinary credentials extend far beyond the sensational Tuscan fare served in the charming onsite restaurant. They boast a carefully curated wine cellar featuring more than 200 labels from some of Italy’s best producers, and plays host to the Chianti Cooking School. The latter welcomes both hotel guests and outside visitors to learn the art of Italian cooking in all its forms, from rustic cucina povera to sophisticated fine dining. Held by a professional chef in the hotel’s open kitchen, classes are...

There’s hardly a better way to uncover the true essence of Tuscany than with a tour of the picturesque rolling hills and charming medieval villages of the Val d’Orcia. This 9-hour enogastronomic outing from Siena combines sightseeing with delectable food & wine tasting in some of the area’s most celebrated destinations. In addition to exploring the enchanting hilltop towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano, partakers have the opportunity to visit a couple of wineries, sample delicious local wines (including Nobile di Montepulciano) and food, and learn the art of making pecorino cheese in the pretty UNESCO-listed Renaissance town of Pienza, where it originates.

Though based on peasant traditions, Tuscan cuisine it’s so fresh and flavorful, it wouldn’t be out of place in a fine-dining New York restaurant. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding, the ambience wonderfully inviting, and the wines to die for. Beauty, art, and romance await at every turn in this stretch of Italy, and so do endless epicurean adventures. Wine tasting in Chianti and a hearty lunch in a characterful osteria are a must for most visitors, but true foodies may want to go a step further and immerse themselves in the local food culture, deconstruct the story behind each meal, and get a full taste of the region. Spending a dolce vita kind of afternoon crowned with the day’s catch at sea-view Il Pellicano or enjoying a smooth, creamy scoop of gelato in the shadow of San Gimignano’s medieval towers are among the best food experiences in Tuscany. There can be no complete list – not in such a bountiful, heart-warming place, anyway – but if you’re seeking an unforgett...

If you happen to spend your vacation in Marbella, or anywhere in Andalusia or Costa del Sol, you should try the grilled fresh fish on the beach. Do not bother to find a restaurant, the Andalusian beaches are equipped with some ingenious boats filled with sand, where the fishermen themselves cook some of the most delicious sardines on burning coals. A nice, healthy, and cheap meal, just perfect for a hot summer day on the beach! In the end, I would like to mention that each meal I’ve served in Spain, in any area of the country and any of its beautiful islands, began with a traditional introduction – usually consisting of bread (toasted or not, black or white), a bowl of green marinated olives (sometimes accompanied by marinated little onions), and the ubiquitous alioli (sometimes replaced with butter). These being said, I hope my article will help you add a bit of flavor to your Spanish experience!

I would say that one of the things that impressed me the most in Spain were those crowded long bars above which were hanging, instead of chandeliers, some huge chunks of jamon. So surprising at first sight, and yet so familiar after a week or two of bar hopping through Madrid! Enjoying a drink in a delightfully old-school establishment while the bartender cuts you impossibly thin slices of the delicious ham is a great, authentic experience that everyone should try while in Spain!

I’ve always thought alioli, allioli, or aioli means the same thing – a Spanish mayonnaise with lots of garlic. Well, I couldn’t be more wrong. Apparently, this garlic mayonnaise popular all over Spain called alioli is neither Spanish, nor French, and not even Italian – it actually originates in the Middle East, according to Jamie Oliver, and I have no choice but to believe him. Allioli, on the other hand, is a Catalan sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and salt – no eggs at all, while aioli is a Provencal term describing the same garlic and olive oil emulsion. Think this is confusing?! Just wait to see Spain’s crazy coffee varieties! Anyway, I first ate alioli in Spain, and for me it’s a Spanish sauce, albeit a very addictive and tricky one. With such a simple recipe, alioli should be very easy to prepare. Well, it isn’t, at least not for me, that’s why I prefer to eat it in Spain…with just about anything – tortilla, fish, baked potatoes, anything but sweet. Oh, Spain, I miss you s...

Queso Manchego, also known as “The Cheese of Don Quixote“ due to the fact that Cervantes mentioned it in the legendary “Don Quixote of la Mancha”, is a very tasty cheese made of sheep milk. The original Manchego cheese is exclusively prepared in La Mancha region from a specific sheep breed called “Manchega”, but, lucky for us, it can be consumed all over Spain. I was lucky to try it in Madrid, and I can say that its wonderful intense flavor has totally impressed me from the very first bite. Amazing!

I am usually quite reticent when it comes to seafood, but believe me, gambas ajillo in Spain are simply delicious! Whether served as tapas or as a main dish, garlic prawns are very quick and easy to prepare: take some fresh prawns, cook them in a little olive oil with garlic and chili flakes, and, in about 10 minutes, you’ll have one of the tastiest meals on your table. Buen provecho!

Many say that crema catalana and the French crème brûlée are the same thing, but there are some tiny differences between the two fabulous desserts. For example, the French always bake their crème brûlée in bain-marie and serve it warm, while the Catalan cream is always served cold and it has a custard infused with lemon rind and cinnamon, instead of vanilla, being much more refreshing than its stylish French sister. I like them both, I love vanilla, but for a hot summer day, nothing compares with a crema catalana at a shady pavement café in Barcelona!

Like most Spanish dishes, gazpacho can be cooked in more than one way. Warm or cold, soup, salad, or even stew, this staple of Andalusian cuisine is generally made from tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, a little olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, and sometimes (rarely) ham. My favorite gazpacho is a refreshing soup made of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt – all blended, served with croutons, ice cubes, and an addition of fresh, chopped vegetables. Perfect for a late, refreshing lunch in the sizzling south of Spain!

Paella is a traditional rice dish originating in Valencia. In Spain, there are three common types of paella: Paella Valenciana (white rice, vegetables, chicken, duck and rabbit meat, land snails, beans, and spices), Seafood Paella (rice, seafood, and seasoning), and Paella Mixta, which is actually a freestyle mixture usually made of rice, chicken, seafood (including clams), vegetables, olive oil, saffron, and other spices. I love paella mixta, especially served directly from paellera, as a romantic dinner on the beach in a late summer evening, accompanied by a cold glass of sangria and…the breeze.

First time in my life when I’ve tasted tortilla I was on a ferryboat on my way to Ibiza. I remember it was a big “bocadillo con tortilla”, a tortilla sandwich. I liked it so much that I could not resist and ate three of them. Later, I’ve discovered that there are actually many forms of tortilla, some of them with a thicker texture and other thinner and softer. However, this traditional Spanish omelette always consists of potatoes, eggs, onion, salt, and pepper, being the most common dish in the country. Although they say tortilla is very easy to prepare, I’ve always had a problem in cooking it, never managed to bake it properly in the middle, I wonder why. The recipe goes like this: Cut the potatoes into thick slices and fry them in a pan with a little olive oil until soft, not brown. Next step – drain the potatoes and mix them lightly with the chopped onions and the raw beaten eggs. Put the mixture back in the pan (preferably a ceramic, lid-like utensil), let it fry first on o...

It’s almost impossible to emulate the gastronomical variety of Spain. There are so many regions – each with their own traditional dishes and cooking techniques, that tourists will find themselves overwhelmed by the diversity of fragrances and tastes that emerge from this passionate and bountiful land. Spain is famous for many things – flamenco, football, and the long, lazy sunny days, to name just a few. It’s the birthplace of Picasso and siesta, and prides itself with gorgeous beaches, stylish islands, and some of the most striking architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Its warm, friendly locals have incredibly long names, and their sweet, melodious language is one of the most widely spoken on Earth after Mandarin Chinese. Not only will you find raucous nightlife and fiestas here, but this vibrant area of the Iberian Peninsula is also widely known for its delicious food. Whether enjoyed in a humble tapas bar in Andalusia or a Catalan restaurant awarded three Michelin stars,...

It’s almost impossible to emulate the gastronomical variety of Spain. There are so many regions – each with their own traditional dishes and cooking techniques, that tourists will find themselves overwhelmed by the diversity of fragrances and tastes that emerge from this passionate and bountiful land. Spain is famous for many things – flamenco, football, and the long, lazy sunny days, to name just a few. It’s the birthplace of Picasso and siesta, and prides itself with gorgeous beaches, stylish islands, and some of the most striking architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Its warm, friendly locals have incredibly long names, and their sweet, melodious language is one of the most widely spoken on Earth after Mandarin Chinese. Not only will you find raucous nightlife and fiestas here, but this vibrant area of the Iberian Peninsula is also widely known for its delicious food. Whether enjoyed in a humble tapas bar in Andalusia or a Catalan restaurant awarded three Michelin stars,...

Known as the “Gibraltar of Valencia”, Peñíscola was for a long time just a basic fisherman village but with the passage of time and ever growing tourism, this town “in the sea” is truly a heaven on Earth. Visit the Castle of Pope Luna which stands on top of the Peniscola hill and get a perfect 360° view. Peniscola is a must-visit for the fans of worldwide famous TV show Game of Thrones because some of the famous scenes from Meereen were shot here.

You can travel back to Roman Empire because Mérida has without any doubt one of the best-preserved Roman ruins. The capital of Extremadura is home to one of 45 UNESCO sites in Spain and the most iconic is the Puente Romano – the longest Roman bridge ever built nowadays used only by pedestrians. The Roman Theatre was built in 16 BC and it could accommodate almost 6000 spectators which was at that time equal to some of the biggest football stadiums today. All the ruins in Mérida are close one to another so you can do the tour by foot.

To get the real picture of Frigiliana, we could compare it to Santorini in Greece. Whitewashed houses and cobbled narrow streets on the hill which overlook sunny Costa de Sol. An interesting fact is that Frigiliana was several times named as the most beautiful village in Spain due to its Morisco-Mudéjar district famous for its distinctive architectural style. The most popular event held in Frigiliana is the so-called Festival 3 Culturas with numerous live stage performances and  street performers throughout the village. Particular is “the route of tapas” race and the rules are simple: for only 1.50€  a piece you can try different kinds of tapas and drinks and restaurants prepare special menus with Jewish, Arab or Christian food.

Setenil is probably the most unusual town on this list. We don’t exaggerate when we say that Setenil is a town underneath a rock. That’s right – the whole town with population of 3000 residents lives under a rock. Many say that people living here deliberately decided to build their homes inside of a rock because provides shade during hot summer days and keeps heat in the winter. This little town evolved from fortified Moorish settlement and it got its name after wineries which were once built inside these rocks (bodega means wine cellar in Spanish). Today the residents of Setenil mostly focus on producing olive oil, almonds and wine.

Salamanca is the perfect example of how the modern meets the old. Although it is not really a “small town” in terms of population, it definitely deserves to be visited. The most iconic building in Salamanca is its university which was founded in the 13th century which makes it the oldest university in Spain (and third oldest in world!). Even the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes himself was once the student at this university! Visit the impressive Old and New Cathedral which are one of Spain’s most recognizable gothic buildings. Visitors are allowed to climb the towers which are perfect for having a spectacular panoramic view.

We might as well call it “the twin sister” of Cuenca because the town of Ronda is also built on rocks, above the El Tajo canyon. The town is famous for its three bridges: Puente Romano, Puente Viejo and Puente Nuevo which crosses the canyon. You thought bulls were popular only in Pamplona? Well, in Ronda you will find  the oldest bullfight arena in Spain which can host up 5000 spectators and you can also visit the museum of Plaza de Toros for 7€ (8.50€ with audio guide). Not many people know that Ronda inspired Ernest Hemingway’s novel For Whom the Bell Tolls – allegedly, the description of the execution of Fascists who were thrown off a cliff is said to be modelled on Ronda and El Tajo canyon.

This small town of merely 3000 residents has a palace which could stand side by side to some of the world-known palaces. We’re talking about the Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite which is actually a fortification and it consists of three main parts: the Old Palace, the New Palace and the church of Santa María la Real. The fairytale-like design of the palace is what makes it so special – it’s because the palace wasn’t built all at once, but it is actually a result of expansions throughout the centuries. The mild Mediterranean climate has also made Olite the capital of Spanish wine, so make sure you sign up for a wine tasting tour and give your palates an unforgettable experience!

Although it is not a big city (counts around 50 000 residents), Cuenca is actually the capital of the homonymous province of Spanish autonomous community Castilla-La Mancha. This town is particular because it was built on top of steep rocks at an altitude of 956m, and on top of that (no pun intended) the town was listed as UNESCO World Heritage due to well preserved cultural infrastructure. The main monument in Cuenca is Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, also known as the first gothic cathedral in Spain. The central square is called Plaza Mayor where you will see baroque Town Hall. Probably the most famous part of Cuenca are the so-called las casas colgadas or the “hanging houses”, the example of the traditional Cuenca houses built on the rocks. Today some of them house restaurants and the Museum of Abstract Art.

ou thought only Barcelona had famous works of Antoni Gaudí? Well, you were wrong because the town of Comillas will amaze you with its El Capricho building. The building is characterized by its unique style which is similar to a Persian minaret. Visit marvelous Sobrellano Palace, situated next to El Capricho. The palace is currently under the property of Government of Cantabria and it was turned into a museum. To enter the museum, you will have to pay only 3€. Only 12 kilometres from Comillas is located Oyambre Natural Park in small village of San Vicente de la Barquera. The site offers numerous surfing schools where you can learn how to ride waves.

Besalú is a typical medieval Spanish town which remained intact over the years. This fortified town in the province of Girona is full of narrow cobbled streets so it’s advisable to wear proper footwear. The street from the bridge will take you to the town square Plaça Major, which used to be the centre of  Besalú few centuries ago.The most significant monument in Besalú is its medieval bridge which looks like it came out from some kind of fairytale about brave knights and on top of that, it gets illuminated in the evening. Also, don’t miss to visit Museum of Miniatures and Microminiatures which has an exhibition of scenes from the 19th century. Some of the miniatures are so detailed that you need a microscope to see them.

To see what Spain might have looked like in medieval times, there is no better destination than the town of Besalú. Located in Catalonia, Besalú is a completely walkable town packed with historic attractions. Don’t miss the magnificent and beautifully preserved Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River and dates back to the 12th century, the historic Jewish synagogues and the 11th century Church of Sant Pere. Be sure to walk across the bridge, which is closed to vehicle traffic, to take a few photos of the quiet, medieval town from this spectacular vantage point.

On the Spanish island of Mallorca, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range, you’ll find the charming village of Deià. The village has long been popular with expats who flock to the scenic spot for steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea as well as countless olive groves. Literature lovers will appreciate that Deià was the home to author Robert Graves, whose residence is now open to the public for tours. Deià also boasts a beautiful coastal inlet called Cala de Deià that is only accessible by foot.

In the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, there is a medieval town called Aínsa. A highlight of a visit to this town is undoubtedly the Aínsa Castle, which is found at one end of the Plaza de San Salvador. Parts of the castle are from the 11th century, although much of the building comes from the 16th century. Two of the towers of the castle itself have been transformed into museums: the Ecomuseo, where you can learn more about the Pyrenees, and the Espacio del Geoparque de Sobrarbe.

Once a small fishing village on the northern coast of Spain, Cudillero is now a popular spot for tourists who want access to the beach and great seafood without the crowds. Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, you’ll be able to see beautiful buildings like the palace ground of the Fundacion Selgas-Fagalde and the historic church called Iglesia El Pito. Scenery is unparalleled in Cudillero, and some of the town’s most picturesque spots include the overlook of Cabo Vidio and the blue waters at the beach called Playa del Silencio.

Where the Fluvià and Toronell Rivers meet, a basalt cliff was formed. On this crag, which was created thanks to ancient lava flows, an entire town is perched. When you approach Castellfollit de la Roca, stop and take some photos, because the best views are actually from below the town looking up. Once you’re in the basalt cliff town of Castellfollit de la Roca, take time to explore attractions like the Pont Trencat, or Broken Bridge, and the 13th century Sant Salvador Church.

In the province of Navarra in Northern Spain, the ancient town of Olite stands. History declares that Olite was founded in the seventh century by the Visigoths, but it truly came to life in the 12th century. The spectacular Palacio Real de Olite, a Gothic castle from the 13th century, was once the seat of Charles III of Navarre and is now open to the public. While in Olite, you can also visit the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Real, do some wine tasting at the Museo del Vino or learn about Spanish medieval history at the Galerias Medievales Museum.

Morella is an ancient walled city found in the province of Castellon. Architecture and history are the main attractions in Morella, and you won’t want to leave without seeing the Morella Castle, the Gothic Santa Maria la Mayor Basilic Church with its incredibly ornate interiors or the ancient Morella Walls. As a delicious treat, head to a bakery for the local culinary specialty known as flaons, or sweet pastries filled with cheese. Morella can also serve as a home base for exploring the surrounding Maestrazgo Mountains.

The small town of Casares in the province of Málaga is known for its whitewashed buildings, designed in the Moorish style, that hug the cliffs overlooking the Alboran Sea. If you’re an architecture buff, you’ll also want to see the stunning Casares Castle, which was built in the 13th century, as well as the Church of La Encarnacion. The area is popular for horseback riding, and you may want to join a group riding horses right on the beach. There are also several golf courses in the area perfect for teeing off and soaking up the Spanish sunshine.

The town of Alquézar is found in Aragon, Northern Spain, and serves as the region’s hub for outdoor recreation. Just a few hundred residents live in Alquézar, which is situated on a limestone outcropping and dates back to the 11th century. Today, a main reason to explore Alquézar is to admire the historic architecture, visit the collection of artifacts at the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor Museum and get active outdoors. Popular pastimes include trekking along the Río Vero Canyon, canyoning, birdwatching and even quad biking.

In the province of Girona, and in a coastal region known as the Costa Brava, is the beachfront town of Cadaques. This town is perhaps best known for being the home of painter Salvador Dali, and art fans can still visit Dali’s House, which is now transformed into a museum. The tiled walkways of Cadaques lead you between charming seafood restaurants and local boutiques, but the main draw to the town is the gorgeous beach and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

This small town in Cádiz is so famous because its many building are, quite literally, built underneath a rock. Located along the a river gorge of the Rio Trejo, Setenil de las Bodegas was built with the gorge’s rock serving as an external roof wall. For thousands of years, locals have lived in caves in the region, and this village is merely an extension of that. You’ll definitely want to dine in one of the cafes where the outdoor patio is shaded by an enormous cliff, something you can only do in Setenil de las Bodegas.

In Malaga, there is a small mountain town called Frigiliana. Most of the homes are built in the traditional Andalucian style, and even the narrow streets are whitewashed. Frigiliana is the perfect place to stroll from spot to spot, keeping an eye out for the tiled signs explaining the history of the town. Ctra Circunvalacion is the heart of this small town, and it is where you can shop for food, souvenirs or the handicrafts sold weekly at the Thursday market. From the overlooking balcony at Ctra Circunvalacion, there is an excellent view over the countryside towards the sea at Nerja.

Albarracín is a picture-perfect town in Teruel, located in Aragon. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, Albarracín was a thriving town named after a Moorish leader. Today, much of that early architecture remains, including the Albarracín Cathedral and much of the city’s walls. Development seems not to have arrived at this town, which is very rural and situated in the mountains. The pink buildings of the city are built right into the natural landscape in a canyon, making this one of the most stunning destinations that will instantly transport you to centuries past.