Away from the crowds, you’ll discover rural life and learn more about Spanish history.
Castellfollit de la Roca is located in the spectacular natural park of the La Garrotxa volcanic zone, with around 40 inactive volcanoes and lava fields, and is one of the most picturesque places in the whole country. Just a two-hour drive from Barcelona (or 45 minutes from Girona city), it is an ideal destination for hiking and great views.
Castellfollit de la Roca has been inhabited since the Middle Ages. It is located between basaltic rocks formed by lava flows at the confluence of the rivers Fluvià and Toronell. Many of the narrow streets and squares of the historic centre were built from the volcanic rock quarried nearby, which makes Castellfollit fit in perfectly with its surroundings.
Don’t miss the 11th century Romanesque church of Sant Salvador, perched on the cliffs. After exploring the countryside and streets on foot, a cool beer at Poch’s Cervesa Artesana, the village’s microbrewery, is just the thing to relax.
The elegant Puente Romano stone bridge welcomes visitors to Alcalá del Júcar, surely one of the most romantic cities in Spain. From panoramic squares to cosy cafes and cave bars, this place offers something for every traveller and every season.
Built on a cliff overlooking the Júcar River, Alcala offers a fairytale-like setting with narrow streets and whitewashed houses clinging to the rock. The 15th-century San Andrés church, with its Gothic and neoclassical decorations, should be your first stop after crossing the river.
Climb the ravine, through the dense sea of houses, to the Vistas panorámicas de Alcalá del Júcar, the best vantage point in the city. On the west side of the village is the Castillo de Alcalá del Júcar, which is a must-visit.
If you’re looking for small towns and Spanish villages and you’re in Costa del Sol, you can’t miss Mijas. If you look at a map of Spain, you’ll see that Mijas is actually a municipality made up of many different places. We recommend visiting the whitewashed mountain village, located in the mountains between Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
For many years, this picturesque village has offered curious travellers stunning views and a taste of authentic rural life. However, make sure your Spanish is in excellent condition, as you’ll probably need it when talking to the locals.
Whether you arrive during the day or in the evening, you will not be disappointed. A popular activity is a carriage ride through the cobbled streets, where you can grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or buy a unique gift in one of the many souvenir shops.
To make the most of this charming village, arrive in the late afternoon or be there in time for sunset. All in all, Mijas is a village in Spain not to be missed if you want to take a break from the beach.
It is probably the busiest village in Spain (especially on hot summer days), and this is because it is easy to reach from Benidorm or Alicante.
Guadalest is a fortified village located at the top of a granite mountain. To reach the upper village, you have to go through a tunnel carved into the stone. It dates back to the time when the castle was built during the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 12th century.
Guadalest has a long and somewhat complicated history – there have been many owners, several earthquakes that destroyed the village and wars. In 1994, the castle was finally purchased by the city and turned into a museum.
Today, the village has only 300 permanent residents. If you stay after the excursionists have left, it is a wonderfully quiet place to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.
The views of the mountains and coastline are breathtaking, and there are many slightly odd museums (from a torture museum to one dedicated to salt and pepper shakers). The streets of Guadalest are narrow and cobbled, there are craft shops selling local produce and an excellent cafes and restaurants.
Visit for the tranquility and Mediterranean charm, enjoy the local food and wine.
The coastal town of Garachico on the north coast of Tenerife was once the island’s most prosperous port. Founded in the 15th century by Genoese banker Cristóbal de Ponte, it was an important hub for European and African trade – until a volcanic eruption in 1706 changed the course of history.
Over a period of several weeks, the lava entered the bay, destroying the life of the city. Part of the city centre was also destroyed. Against all odds, Garachico has made great efforts to always protect its most precious cultural and natural treasures – and today we can enjoy them as tourists.
In the historic quarter, you will find the Plaza de la Libertad, the main square of the city, the Parroquia de Santa Ana church and the mighty Castillo de San Miguel, which towers over the city. To the west, you can take in the views from the Mirador del Emigrante, stroll along the waterfront on the Charco de Los Frailes path or swim at the small beach of Playa de Garachico. Don’t miss a boat trip to the rock of St. Michael, a volcanic formation with sea caves.
Less than an hour’s drive from the capital, Garachico is a welcome change from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and a great place to learn about the island’s history.
65 Arkadias st.,
115 27 Athens, Greece
Phone: +30 6936 952113
Email: info@littletravellers.gr