Parts of Spain may be overcrowded with housing deficiencies and overtourism, but there are still many places in the country that are peaceful and tranquil whose locals warmly welcome new residents and visitors.
'Empty Spain' or La España Vaciada is the name given to the large swathes of the country that are underpopulated and don’t get many visitors at all. To give you some idea, 79 percent of Spain's municipalities are home to just 10.4 percent of the Spanish population.
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If you’re considering a move to an underpopulated region of Spain or want a holiday without the hordes of other tourists, then there are plenty of places to choose from with charming architecture, natural wonders and unique culture.
These villages are not only some of the quietest in Spain, but are some of the most beautiful too.
Potes, Cantabria
Potes sits at the point where four valleys, as well as the Deva and Quiviesa rivers converge, just on the edge of the grand Picos de Europa Natural Park. It was named Rural Tourism Capital 2020, but five years on and it still has a lot to offer the visitor. The quaint village is known as the town of bridges and towers, because of its interesting architectural heritage, where colourful houses sit either side of the river with charming wooden balconies. Don’t forget to sample some of the famous cocido lebaniego while you’re there – a thick and hearty stew.
La Alberca, Castila y León
La Alberca is located in the province of Salamanca in the western part of the country, bordering Portugal. Christians, Arabs, and Jews all made their mark on the village, which is filled with winding cobbled streets and unique architecture made from granite with large wooden beams, often decorated with colourful flowers. It was the first town in Spain to be declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1940, and in 1949, it became the first town in Spain to be designated a National Historical Monument too.
Ponte Maceira, Galicia
An enchanting village set in the forest in the province of La Coruña, Ponte Maceira is named after its famous Romanesque stone bridge which straddles it. Lying along the Tambre River, quaint farmhouses line its banks. Today, it has little more than 60 inhabitants but that only adds to its charm. Besides the bridge, one of its best sites is the 14th century Pazo do Cotón, a historic mansion, which includes the Chapel of San Mauro.
Valderrobres, Aragón
Located in the province of Teruel, Valderrobres is part of the Matarraña region, which has been dubbed ‘the Tuscany of Spain’. It’s named after the Matarraña River – a delightful hiking spot winding its way through rocks and past medieval and renaissance villages. The village itself is crowned by a grand castle, connected to the Gothic church of Santa María la Mayor. It also has several palatial mansions, which can be reached via a graceful stone bridge.
Puebla de Sanabria, Castila y León
Situated within the province of Zamora, Puebla de Sanabria lies minutes from the border of northern Portugal. Sitting at the confluence of the Tera and Castro rivers, means it has been strategic point for centuries and was the site of many battles. Today it’s been named a Historic-Artistic Site, as well as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Honey-coloured stone architecture sits around a 15th century medieval fortress with a huge central keep and a draw bridge. Coming here is like stepping back in time, expecting to see a knight on horseback at any turn.
La Vera, Extremadura
Just northeast of the historic Extremaduran city of Cáceres sits the area of La Vera, right on the edge of the Sierra de Gredos Natural Park. Here chestnut and oak trees sit alongside verdant meadows and picturesque villages home to traditional houses made of wood and stone. Filled with gorges, springs and natural pools, it’s a scenic hiking spot perfect for taking dips in the hot summers. One of the most interesting sites here is the Monasterio de San Jerónimo de Yuste, which was founded in the 1400s and is the final resting place of Emperor Charles V. The area is also famous for its paprika and you’ll often see peppers hanging from balconies to dry.
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