Date of publication 16/08/2017
Rural tourism Villages with views that will take your breath away
DEIÀ (MALLORCA)
If one could define the formula for the perfect village, one essential ingredient would undoubtedly be the view. Beyond its cobbled streets, rustic craftsmanship, and honest cuisine, there’s a visual thrill rooted in the climb, the vertigo, and the reward. That’s exactly what happens in Deià, where the ascent to the Church of Saint John the Baptist offers a breathtaking panorama — a sweeping view over terracotta rooftops and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
RUPIT I PRUÏT (BARCELONA)
The Collsacabra region is a natural jewel sculpted by the flow of the Ter River, which has carved steep hills and created villages that seem almost miraculous. The most captivating of them all is Rupit i Pruït, a cluster of stone houses standing stoically atop a mountain ridge. The result is a sense of isolation that has turned it into a haven of stone and wood, both hypnotic and surprising. It also serves as a natural balcony, offering sweeping views over this playful landscape — whether from the village’s own terraces or from its iconic hanging bridge.
SIURANA (TARRAGONA)
The winding road leading to this charming village already hints at what awaits: breathtaking views over the Siurana River, Montblanc, and the Priorat region. Once you’ve left behind the narrow alleys and the timeworn stone houses, you reach the natural viewpoints that make Siurana so special. The most striking are the boat-shaped cliff extending beyond the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, and the terrace of the Ciriac Bonet mountain refuge, from where climbers can be seen scaling the via ferratas that line these dramatic rock faces.
CASARES (MÁLAGA)
The allure of the views from this village is twofold. Looking out from the Castle or the Church of La Encarnación toward the town reveals a panorama dominated by the dazzling white of its limewashed façades. Yet, when you turn your gaze outward, the Mediterranean Sea and the Costa del Sol steal the spotlight, captivating everyone who reaches the heights of this stunning and picturesque village nestled in the mountains of Málaga.
SAN ANDRÉS (TENERIFE)
This small fishing village is, in itself, a reward. Reaching it means you’ve either sailed along the wild coast of Tenerife or driven through the winding roads and trails that cross the Anaga Peninsula. Either way, the prize is the experience of that perfect harmony between unique houses and untamed nature that defines San Andrés — along with its unexpected viewpoints scattered across both its streets and its rugged surroundings.
OLVERA (CÁDIZ)
The majesty of Olvera can be measured in several ways.
First, through its significance as one of the most remarkable towns in the Sierra de Cádiz. Its monumental character is reflected in an impressive historic ensemble crowned by the Parish Church of La Encarnación and its castle.
Second, in the whitewashed blanket of houses woven together by winding alleyways. And third, in its commanding position atop the mountains, which makes it the most breathtaking viewpoint in the entire region.
BUITRAGO DEL LOZOYA (MADRID)
Its location, on a winding bend of the Lozoya River, has made it one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the Madrid region. In fact, locals once playfully claimed it as the real-life version of Tolkien’s Shire due to its resemblance to the village of Bree. Fantasy aside, what this remarkably well-preserved town truly offers are majestic stone walls and a circular walk where stone and water blend together to create unforgettable scenes.
EL GOLFO (LANZAROTE)
Lanzarote’s western coast preserves a wild, seafaring spirit that makes it truly unique. In the small fishing village of El Golfo, foodies eager to taste the catch of the day mingle with travelers who come here for another reason: to climb up the small peninsula that shelters the village and witness one of the island’s most striking natural wonders. This is the Charco de los Clicos, or Green Lagoon, whose vivid color comes from the Ruppia Maritima algae living within and the sulfur of its volcanic soil. The contrast with the black sand makes it a one-of-a-kind landscape — a must-see if you’re staying at a hotel in Lanzarote.
CORTEGANA (HUELVA)
As the province of Huelva rises inland, the pastures and rolling hills of the Sierra Morena begin to appear. Beyond the undeniable charm of Jabugo ham and seasonal wild mushrooms, the area is steeped in medieval allure. Its defensive importance during the Reconquista meant that many towns were built on high ground, fortified with castles and walls. One such example is Cortegana, whose castle has evolved from a watchtower into a beautiful viewpoint overlooking other whitewashed villages like Aracena, with sweeping vistas across the oak forests.
LLUCALCARI (MALLORCA)
This cluster of idyllic little houses captures the Mallorca everyone dreams of: sea, mountains, and forest. It’s no surprise that its estates and stone cottages are among the most coveted on the island. The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy it. Just a stroll through its narrow streets or a glance at the sea from any corner is enough to experience this natural paradise, barely touched by human hands—only shaped to make it livable.
