While Spain’s southern and eastern coasts continue to prove popular with tourists and expats, there are also many other hidden gems in other parts of the country, and today we’re heading north coast. Throughout the regions in the north of Spain, there are countless villages of immense beauty that quite simply ooze both charm and history. For those who want a life filled with peace and quiet, surrounded by nature, these are also some of the best places to live in northern Spain.
In recent years, an association known as the ‘Most Beautiful Towns in Spain’ (Los pueblos más Bonitos de España) has decided to bring together all these municipalities to promote them and in turn spread their fame around the world. These wonderful towns are not only a great place to visit, but these charming villages in Northern Spain are also among the best places to live in Spain, as they maintain their authenticity. Here at idealista, we have prepared a fantastic route for you to escape the tourist hotspots of the south and get to know the most beautiful villages in the north of Spain not to be missed.
Liérganes
Our first stop on our tour of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain takes us to Liérganes in Cantabria. Life in the Cantabrian town of Liérganes revolves around the legend of the “Fish Man”. This ancient tale tells of Francisco, an inhabitant of Liérganes who, sent by his mother to work in Bilbao, one day jumped into the water in the Bilbao estuary and disappeared.
5 years later, in 1679, fishermen from the coast of Cadiz found a man covered in scales who did not speak, just one word: Liérganes. He returned to live with his mother in the village, but he was never the same again. 9 years after his return to Liérganes he disappeared once again and the whole village assumed that he returned to the sea.
When you visit Liérganes, one of the best places to live and visit in Northern Spain, don’t miss the Roman Bridge that crosses over the river Miera with the Fish Man Museum right next door in an old mill, plus a commemorative sculpture of the Fish Man himself.
Lastres
Lastres, a picturesque coastal village located on the Asturian coastline, has gained widespread popularity in Spain due to its association with the television series “Doctor Mateo.” The town’s unique layout, resembling a staircase gradually descending into the Cantabrian Sea, captivates numerous visitors, infusing the place with a distinctive and vibrant ambiance that persists year-round, particularly during the summer season.
The best thing to do when visiting the wonderful village of Lastres is to start at the viewpoint of San Roque (on a clear day you can see the Picos de Europa mountains from here) and continue along the fishing port, past the church of Santa María de Sábada, the Clock Tower, the Chapel of Buen Suceso and the chapel of San José. At the end of this very pleasant walk, all that’s left to do is relax and enjoy some of the town’s top-quality local seafood, some of the best in Spain and the world.
Laguardia
Our selection also includes one of the best medieval towns in Northern Spain. Laguardia is a small town in the province of Álava in La Rioja. This beautiful medieval village is a real hidden gem that is off the beaten track and will make you feel like you’re going back in time, as walking through its streets takes you back to the 15th century. As if that wasn’t enough, its location on top of a hill offers a spectacular and endless views of the famous vineyards of La Rioja.
The village exudes a strong medieval atmosphere, enhanced by its town wall, approximately 2 meters in height, encircling the entire settlement and safeguarding five original medieval gates that serve as entry points. With its complete pedestrianisation and prohibition of cars within its limits, the village offers a delightful environment for leisurely strolls, earning its reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain.
Laguardia offers you, on the one hand, an idyllic setting for rest and relaxation, and on the other hand plenty of bars for great local tapas and excellent wine from La Rioja Alavesa.
Mondoñedo
Mondoñedo is a small town but one of the most important in the Mariña Lucense region of Lugo in Galicia. This beautiful village is just a step away from the famous As Catedrais beach with its incredible rock formations and truly is Galicia in all its essence.
If you’re after some peace and quiet to really disconnect from the stress of everyday life, then the old town with its narrow stone streets will take you to its amazing cathedral, with its lovely rose window and superb façade. Other must-visit places in the historical centre of Mondoñedo are the district of Os Muiños, the Seminary, the centre of interpretation of the Camino de Santiago and the birthplace of writer Alvaro Cunqueiro.
Bárcena Mayor
Our final stop takes us back to Cantabria to discover the village of Bárcena Mayor. This small Cantabrian village near Los Tojos was declared a “historical-artistic site” for the splendid conservation of its old farmhouse and serves as a time machine to get to know what the mountain villages of northern Spain were like centuries ago.
Nestled within a captivating natural setting, this secluded haven resides amidst a magnificent landscape adorned with babbling streams and flourishing woodlands. It presents an ideal retreat for those seeking an invigorating yet serene vacation, as these elements combine to evoke a sense of tranquility, enticing visitors to explore the myriad hiking trails that meander throughout the village.
Take your time to take in all the surroundings, including the traditional architecture and the 17th-century Church of Santa Maria. Another must is to enjoy the food in one of the few restaurants in the village, made the same way it was centuries back.
