Best places to visit in the summer in Spain

When they have to choose the perfect holiday destination, most people make a choice based on a single fact: the beauty of their desired location. Luckily, Spain offers a wide diversity of places that stand out for being particularly charming in the summer, and they have an interesting historical and cultural side as well. These are the most beautiful villages to visit in Spain in the summer.

Inland Spanish villages that shine in the summer

Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is a picturesque village in Cádiz that stands out for its singular architecture, characterised by white houses built under massive rocks. The Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra streets are the most particular postcards, and a walk through them is a must.

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the Torre del Homenaje of Setenil’s ancient castle should be on every itinerary. The best part about visiting it in the summer is that you will be protected from the heat since its peculiar architecture acts as a refreshing shelter, an emblematic feature you will only find in this locality in Cádiz.

Besalú

Besalú is a charming medieval village that sits in Girona, and there is no other place like it. A sensational Romanesque bridge crosses the Fluvià River, welcoming every visitor. This construction is composed of seven uneven arches and a thirty-metre fortified tower.

A walk through its cobblestone streets, among historic buildings, feels like travelling back in time to remote eras. The Monasterio de Sant Pere, the Casa Cornellà, and the synagogue are mandatory stops. This locality offers a wonderful picture in any month of the year, but it hosts many summer cultural events that add a different touch to its permanent charm.

Almagro

Almagro sits 30 kilometres from Ciudad Real. It is famous for its surprising arcaded square and its corral de comedias, a seventeenth-century theatre that is still working today. Besides, it is the best-preserved patio de comedias in the world.

In this Manchegan village, culture is in the air. But it does shine even brighter in the summer during its International Classical Theatre Festival, an event that has been held here for around 50 years.

Ochagavía

To choose Ochagavía as a holiday destination is to choose calm. It sits in a privileged area in Navarra, the Valle de Salazar. A visit to this area is perfect to escape the high temperatures while enjoying its natural beauty and refreshing climate.

Its cobble houses with white roofs and flowery balconies are its most emblematic feature, a postcard you will never forget if you visit this village. Exploring its narrow streets is a nice activity, but you should also know that Ochagavía sits in the perfect spot to go hiking and to practice other outdoor activities.

Villages on the Spanish coast that you should visit in the summer

Frigiliana

We have to move to the coast to discover some other places that should be on this list. Frigiliana is one of them. This village sits in the Axarquía area. Frigiliana’s layout reveals its Arab influences.

Frigiliana stands out for its white colour, its cobblestone streets decorated with flowers, and, of course, its spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby mountains. But if that wasn’t enough, it hosts the Festival de las Tres Culturas in the summer, where music, gastronomy, and culture become one, and this place shines brighter than ever.

Peñíscola

On top of a rock, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, sits an impressive Templar castle that takes the breath away. It is so majestic that it appears on the local shield and is the main emblem of the city of Peñíscola, in Castellón.

A visit to Peñíscola’s most representative building is mandatory, but so is its old town centre, framed by narrow streets and white houses that create a captivating atmosphere. Its infinite, fine-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are the main tourist attractions that charm every visitor. Many festivities and other events take place in the lively Peñíscola in the summer.

Comillas

Comillas is one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria, and its rich heritage is the greatest proof of it. El Capricho de Gaudí and the Palacio de Sobrellano are its most emblematic buildings, and the main elements of modernist architecture.

Besides these popular attractions, the Fuente de los Tres Caños and the incredible Cemetery of San Cristóbal, where the sculpture of El ángel exterminador sits, should be visited too. This cultural and historical city has a special atmosphere in the summer, whose calm and insuperable climate are perfect for exploring.

Lastres

Those who have visited Asturias know that this region offers the most idyllic landscapes. One of them can be found in Lastres, whose traditional Asturian houses that hang over a cliff create an unforgettable postcard. Its steep streets wind down the hill, heading to the Cantabrian Sea. The route that leads to the fishing port is one of the most popular things to do in the area, because here one can enjoy the freshness of the surrounding waters while looking at unforgettable views.

The viewpoint of San Roque offers spectacular panoramic views of Lastres and the sea too, so do not forget to take a picture. And summer is the best season for trying the delicious local gastronomy at any of its terraces, where you can taste some traditional dishes while contemplating the sea.

Villages in the Spanish islands that you should visit

Deià

Deià should be on every beach and island lover's bucket list. This singular locality in the Sierra de Tramuntana is one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca. Located on the slope of a mountain, the best views of the mountainous landscape and the Mediterranean Sea can be enjoyed from its cobbled streets and stone houses.

If you are looking for a quiet place that offers the beauty of a unique natural environment, Deià is an excellent option. This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain for the summer.

Mahón

The capital city of Menorca, Mahón, is the perfect place to relax on its narrow streets while admiring its traditional architecture. A visit to the island (particularly in the summer) allows tourists to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets, events, and dreamy beaches.

The fortress of La Mola, the Menorca Museum, and the church of Santa María should be on every Mahón itinerary. Visiting this island in the summer months is perfect for soaking up the vibrant atmosphere found in Mahón's markets, events, and dreamy beaches.

Garachico

It’s time to leave the peninsula and head to the Islas Canarias, where Garachico awaits. It is a charming coastal village in Tenerife, whose cobbled streets and traditional Canary architecture add a magical touch to its charm, although it is better known for its natural pools of volcanic lava. Visiting them in the summer and taking a refreshing bath is a good idea, and they offer incredible sunsets too.

Garachico sits 60 kilometres from the capital. Due to its location, it used to host the most important commercial harbour on the island. Many goods sailed to other countries, such as Africa and America, from this area.

Puerto de Mogán

This village has earned the name ‘Venice of Gran Canaria’ and a visit is enough to understand why. This coastal village presents many canals and bridges, which add to the romantic atmosphere that charms every visitor. These canals, surrounded by white houses and decorated with vibrant, colourful motives, as well as its gorgeous beaches of golden sand, make it a magnificent place to live in but also a luxury destination.

The wide range of nautical activities, its climate, its relaxing atmosphere, and its many traditional restaurants make Puerto de Mogán a true Atlantic treasure. It is no wonder why it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria and one of the best destinations in Spain to spend the summer.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

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