7 Medieval Spanish Towns You Must Visit in 2026
There’s something magical about stepping into a medieval town that feels like walking through a portal in time. Spain, with its rich and layered history, is home to some of the most enchanting medieval towns in Europe. In 2026, as travelers seek deeper, more meaningful experiences, these seven medieval Spanish towns should be at the top of your list.
1. Besalú, Catalonia
Address: Besalú, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Besalú is one of those towns that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Located in the heart of Catalonia, this medieval gem is famous for its stunning Romanesque bridge, which arches gracefully over the Fluvià River. The bridge, built in the 12th century, is a marvel of medieval engineering and a symbol of the town’s rich history.
As you wander through Besalú’s narrow, winding streets, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of medieval architecture. The Jewish Quarter, with its labyrinthine alleys and ancient stone houses, is a testament to the town’s diverse cultural heritage. Don’t miss the Mikveh, a 12th-century Jewish ritual bath that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
One of the highlights of Besalú is the Church of Sant Pere, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The church’s intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.
For a truly immersive experience, visit Besalú during one of its medieval festivals. The town comes alive with costumed performers, traditional music, and reenactments that transport you back to the days of knights and nobles.
2. Ronda, Andalusia
Address: Ronda, Málaga, Andalusia, Spain
Perched dramatically on the edge of a deep gorge, Ronda is one of Spain’s most breathtaking medieval towns. The Puente Nuevo, a stunning 18th-century bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge, is the town’s most iconic landmark. But Ronda’s history stretches back much further, to the days of the Moors and the Reconquista.
The old town, known as La Ciudad, is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses that seem to cling to the edge of the cliff. Here, you’ll find the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Built in the 18th century, it’s a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage.
For a taste of Ronda’s medieval past, visit the Palacio de Mondragón, a stunning Moorish palace that now houses the town’s museum. The palace’s intricate tilework and lush gardens are a reminder of the town’s Islamic roots.
3. Albarracín, Aragon
Address: Albarracín, Teruel, Aragon, Spain
Albarracín is often called one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Spain, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Albarracín mountains, this town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient stone houses, and stunning views.
The town’s most striking feature is its medieval walls, which wind their way around the hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Albarracín Castle, perched on the highest point of the town, is a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
One of the highlights of Albarracín is the Cathedral of El Salvador, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.
4. Cáceres, Extremadura
Address: Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
Cáceres is a medieval town that feels like it’s been frozen in time. Located in the heart of Extremadura, this town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient stone houses, and stunning plazas.
The town’s most striking feature is its medieval walls, which wind their way around the old town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Cáceres Castle, perched on the highest point of the town, is a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
One of the highlights of Cáceres is the Plaza Mayor, a stunning example of medieval architecture. The plaza’s intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.
5. Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
Address: Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain
Toledo is often called the "City of Three Cultures" for its rich history of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim coexistence. This medieval town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient stone houses, and stunning plazas.
The town’s most striking feature is its medieval walls, which wind their way around the old town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Alcázar of Toledo, perched on the highest point of the town, is a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
One of the highlights of Toledo is the Cathedral of Toledo, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.
6. Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha
Address: Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha, Spain
Cuenca is a medieval town that feels like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale. Perched on the edge of a deep gorge, this town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient stone houses, and stunning views.
The town’s most striking feature is its medieval walls, which wind their way around the old town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Cuenca Castle, perched on the highest point of the town, is a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
One of the highlights of Cuenca is the Hanging Houses, a stunning example of medieval architecture. The houses’ intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.
7. Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Address: Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain
Santillana del Mar is often called the "Town of Three Lies" because it’s neither a saint (santo), nor flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). But this medieval town is no lie when it comes to its beauty and charm.
The town’s most striking feature is its medieval walls, which wind their way around the old town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Santillana del Mar Castle, perched on the highest point of the town, is a testament to the town’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
One of the highlights of Santillana del Mar is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The church’s intricate carvings and towering presence are a reminder of the town’s religious significance during the Middle Ages.