Spain is known for its pretty towns and villages, but many of them are packed with tourists. Luckily for those hoping to avoid the crowds and still visit, there is a peaceful medieval town in a quiet corner of the country that might be the perfect choice.
What also helps is the fact that Albarracín, in the Aragón region of eastern Spain, was named the most beautiful village in the country by El País in 2018. It has pink-hued houses, narrow cobbled streets and stunning views, making it look like something out of a storybook, but few tourists know about it.
The town sits on a rocky hilltop in the province of Teruel, around two hours from Valencia.
Despite its stunning appearance, Albarracín remains relatively untouched by international tourism, although it is a popular summer spot for Spanish visitors.
The region it lies in, Aragón, welcomed just over four million visitors in 2024, including a 12% rise in foreign tourists.
Most came from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal.
But unlike other parts of Spain battling overtourism, Aragón is actually asking for more visitors.
Tourism minister Manuel Blasco previously said it was important to build a steady flow of tourists throughout the year to help local businesses and workers.
Albarracín is one of the region’s hidden gems.
The town is known for its medieval walls, the 16th-century Catedral del Salvador, and the ancient Murallas de Albarracín, which offer panoramic views from the Torre del Andador.
Its cobbled streets are filled with historic houses, some with wooden balconies hanging over narrow alleyways.
Surrounded by mountains, the town is also popular with hikers and climbers.
There are scenic trails, waterfalls like El Salto de San Pedro, and even mushroom hunting in the nearby Mycological Park.
For food lovers, Albarracín offers hearty local dishes made with produce from the region.
These include migas, rabbit and lamb stews, trout, and traditional desserts such as almojábanas.
Tapas bars and taverns serve both classic and modern Spanish dishes.
There are a handful of hotels in the area, and while most locals speak Spanish only, the town’s charm lies in its quiet, authentic feel.
