In our online Spanish lessons for adults learning about Spain, its culture, history, gastronomy and literature is equally as important as learning about grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation. The culture of a country or society is a key element of the language (and vice versa).
Some popular aspects of Spanish culture include tapas, stunning beaches, music such as flamenco, and literature like Don Quixote. However, there are also hidden gems to be discovered in the form of picturesque towns located in the interior of the country, nestled in valleys, mountains, and remote locations that only a local can reveal to you.
On January 1st of each year, the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain adds to its list the towns that have successfully been accepted into the association through the hard work and dedication of its citizens and authorities.
This year 2023, 6 new towns have been added to the 105 existing ones.
I invite you to discover the history, monuments, nature and gastronomy within these beautiful little Spanish towns.
On our Facebook group we have a variety of post types. Do you know which ones are the most popular among our members? The cultural posts about gastronomy, monuments, traditions, natural parks are particularly well-received. This highlights the interest our students have in the cultural aspect of learning the language.
In our online Spanish lessons for adults we enjoy teaching grammar, vocabulary, and colloquial expressions by using texts, videos, or audio recordings about Spanish cities, Mexican traditions, Peruvian food, and more. Our students love this approach and as teachers, we do too! Personally I love to learn about my students’ cultures when given the opportunity. For example, when discussing the most beautiful towns and villages in Spain, I would also love to talk with my students (in Spanish, of course) about the most beautiful towns in Scotland, Finland, Japan and other countries.
And although there are various motivations for learning Spanish such as accessing better jobs, communicating with Hispanic family and friends, navigating daily life in a Spanish-speaking country, keeping your brain active and continuing to learn. Travelling remains one of the main motivations when someone decides to start online Spanish lessons for adults.
So… let’s travel through the most beautiful towns in Spain in 2023!
This is the association that is in charge of evaluating the applicants and granting approval for a town to become part of this exclusive list. The association was born in 2011, following the example of the French association Les plus beaux villages de France (The most beautiful villages in France).
Every year, as of January 1, the members of the association’s committee approve the new towns that meet the requirements which are then added to this prestigious list. This year 2023, six new towns have been added to the existing list of 105 towns.
Some of the main requirements that a town must meet to enter the list are:
In response to these requirements, some of the most emblematic towns on this list are Aínsa, Almagro, Bagergue, Briones, Caleruega, Frigiliana, Peñíscola, Segura de la Sierra or Santillana del Mar.
Without a doubt, this will be one of the topics that we will explore this year in our online Spanish lessons for adults, because it is always exciting to discover the beauty of these hidden corners of Spain of unparalleled beauty.
1. Trevélez (Granada)
We start our trip in the south of Spain, in the Sierra Nevada National Park, in Granada. In this natural enclave, at 1,500 metres above sea level, is Trevélez, this beautiful little town that has Neolithic archaeological sites, with historic buildings such as the Church of San Benito or the Hermitage of the Virgen de las Nieves. Being surrounded by nature, there are beautiful hiking trails near the municipality such as the route of the Seven Lagoons or the Mulhacén peak. If you visit Trevélez you cannot leave without trying its gastronomic specialty, trout with ham.
2. Castrojeriz (Burgos)
This beautiful little town in the province of Burgos, is on the Camino de Santiago (on the one knows as the French Camino) and has beautiful buildings and monuments linked to it, such as the General Hospital of San Antón, the Collegiate Church of Nuestra Señora del Manzano or the Palace of the Counts of Castro.
Castrojeriz has an impressive history, as it already appeared in guides for pilgrims from the 12th century. For this reason, other essential visits are the Church of the Virgen del Manzano and the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. If you visit this town, just 40 km west of Burgos, you cannot leave without trying the famous and delicious morcilla de Burgos.
3. El Burgo de Osma (Soria)
This impressive walled town in the province of Soria has a great history behind it. Among its main buildings and monuments is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (12th and 18th centuries) with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles, the Episcopal Palace, the University of Santa Catalina and the Castle of Burgo de Osma.Being one of the most beautiful towns in Soria, you cannot leave Burgo de Osma without having eaten the traditional torreznos.
4. Arties (Lérida)
For the next three towns on our list, we journey to Catalonia, specifically to the province of Lleida. The small town of Arties is situated in the heart of the Aran Valley, very close to the border with France, at an altitude of more than 1,150 metres. It is located about 7 km west of the most famous ski resort in the Catalan Pyrenees, the Baqueira-Beret resort. For this reason, this little town is an ideal destination for enjoying the snow in winter. Like many rural areas in the interior of Lérida, Arties boasts a magnificent Romanesque cultural heritage, such as the Church of Santa María de Arties, the Church of San Juan, and the remains of the Entraigües Castle.
The typical Arties stew, staple the entire Aran Valley, and especially recommended in winter and in the cold months is the Aranese pot.
5. Garós (Lérida)
Just 3 km from Arties, we have the next small town on our list to visit. Garós, with a population of only 135 inhabitants, is characterised by its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. It also offers the same opportunities as Arties to enjoy skiing and snow activities in the winter. The most notable Romanesque building in this town is the Church of San Julián de Garós, dating back to the 12th century.
6. Durro (Lérida)
And finally, to end our trip through the most beautiful new towns in Spain for 2023, we travel to a region of Lleida that is a dream for lovers of mediaeval and Romanesque art. We journey to Valle del Boi, to the small village of Durro, with a population of only 80 inhabitants.
In this mediaeval village, you cannot miss the Church of the Nativity, with its original Romanesque carvings, and the hermitage of Sant Quirze, located on top of a mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. The local delicacy of the area is the snails a la llauna.
Spain has an impressive cultural, historical, artistic and gastronomic heritage. To savour it to the fullest, you can start with our online Spanish lessons for adults, where little by little you will discover and learn a language that will captivate you. The Spanish language is not only the key to enjoying Spain more intensely when you visit it, remember that this language is spoken in more than 20 countries around the world.
Our online Spanish lessons for adults are designed for you to enjoy and learn at the same time. Take a look at our catalogue of online Spanish classes, our Membership Program and book your trial class today with one of our accredited native teachers.
Discover an incredible culture through its language!
