10 little-known villages not to miss this winter

Together with blasts of gelid air, the winter season brings snowcapped mountain peaks, azure nights, wood burning fireplaces, festive lights, cups of hot chocolate, and the familiar aroma of roasted chestnuts. The magic of the season’s snowfall and Christmas carols comes to life at nightfall in these villages, which shine as clusters of twinkling lights surrounded by nature. Here is a look at 10 little-known villages in Spain that could be scenes taken from a fairy tale.

Tucked away villages that dazzle in winter

Aín

The forests of the Sierra de Espadán in the province of Castellón envelop the village known as Aín (or Ahín). A beautiful village of white homes whose natural surroundings afford the perfect starting point for trekking enthusiasts.

In Aín, a visit to the castle of Arabic origins is a must see during the snowy winter season, which suits this place especially well.

Bonilla de la Sierra

A trip to the Corneja Valley in the province of Ávila brings one to Bonilla de la Sierra. History comes alive on its cobblestoned streets revealing the legacy of diverse cultures that have left their mark on this town’s surprising architecture.

Some points of interest in Bonilla de la Sierra are the collegiate church of Saint Martin of Tours, the old town wall, and the castle. Bonilla de la Sierra is a town with medieval flair that takes on a unique allure when the snow covers its rooftops.

Bosost

There are many spots in the Arán Valley that shine more than ever during wintertime. A case in point is Bosost (Bossòst), a little-known village in Lleida province where the river Garona splits the town in two.

Its traditional, French-styled homes harmonise with the stunning mountain scenery. Beyond visiting its picturesque churches and walking the trails of the surrounding forests, one can also partake of adventurous activities such as rafting.

Cerler

Cerler is another lesser-known village amid the mountains of Huesca province. The ski station and the breathtaking waterfalls around this village are some of Cerler’s great attractions.

Stone houses and snowcapped peaks create a little winter wonderland. At 1,540 metres above sea level, Cerler is the highest village in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Gúdar

Another Aragonese village, this time in the province of Teruel, perfectly suited to this shortlist of winter treasures, is Gúdar. Its ideal location, embedded on the rocky mountainside, opens onto an extraordinary landscape dotted with pine trees and waterfalls such as those found at Caños de Gúdar.

And no visit to Gúdar would be complete without setting off on a trekking trail. With only 70 residents registered in the village as of 2023, Gúdar is a nature lover’s paradise and is picture-perfect when blanketed in snow.

Mogrovejo

With the Peaks of Europe mountain range as a backdrop, the hamlet of Mogrovejo in Cantabria offers an appealing scene of traditional mountain architecture. The 13th-century medieval tower crowns a fairy tale village of fewer than 50 inhabitants. Mogrovejo is a highly recommended visit, especially if one wants to see where the Swiss Alps were recreated in the film Heidi: Queen of the Mountain.

Ortigosa de Cameros

The village of Ortigosa de Cameros in the province of La Rioja is another one of those places where the architecture blends itself with the environment. The snow covered terracotta rooftops and surrounding treetops paint an extraordinary panorama.

Parauta

The Genal Valley in the province of Málaga is home to one of Spain’s most enchanting villages. Mysterious figures and sculptures are tucked into the nooks and crannies of the façades of its white homes. Moreover, the Enchanted Forest of Parauta is full of carved mythological creatures and brush stroked fantastical images, making it an ideal family excursion during the Christmas holiday season.

Piornedo

Raised granaries (hórreos) and traditional Galician dwellings (pallozas) take centre stage in this pre-Roman settlement high in a valley of Lugo. Piornedo is an ideal spot to appreciate traditional Galician architecture and their time-honoured way of life.

In fact, some pallozas like the Casa de Sesto, have been restored in order to showcase how their ancestors once lived. Walking among these peculiar homes under a snowy covering is an exceptional sight to behold.

Sotres

The last on this list of lovely villages is found in the heart of the Peaks of Europe mountain range. The icy peaks of Asturias’ majestic mountains in the Cabrales district are home to the village of Sotres.

The stone houses sitting at more than a thousand metres above sea level offer a calm retreat as well as the starting point for numerous trekking trails. Cocooned under a captivating snowfall, Sotres transforms itself into a delight for the senses, where winter glows with a distinct intensity.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.