The most beautiful town in northern Spain: it's neither Llanes nor Santillana del Mar
Boundless forests and breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea are two reasons why northern Spain fascinates so many. But quite a few towns found amid these extraordinary settings appeal for additional motives.
The Cantabrian Sea and the countless mountain contours forge an unparallelled sight, where villages are intimately woven into extraordinary natural surroundings. Choosing the region’s most beautiful towns will inevitably omit plenty of outstanding candidates, but here is a look at the top spots that explain why the north of Spain is so beloved.
The travel community’s picks
When searching for the most beautiful towns and villages of northern Spain, España Fascinante relies on the expertise of our readers, who know the region well and are generous enough to share their insights with us.
And according to our readers, the north of Spain is indeed a marvel. Likewise, some placenames appear more than once, so let’s discover which places received the most votes from the travel community
The chosen few of northern Spain’s most stunning villages
Travellers’ preferences provide an extraordinary shortlist. Elantxobe, in the province of Bizkaia, is one name that immediately stands out. This charming fishing village, perched on the sloping hillsides of Cape Ogoño, lies along the Biscay Coast within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
The third-most voted village is Potes, a timeless classic lying in the heart of the Liébana region in Cantabria. This enchanting town fuses the grandeur of nearby mountains with one-of-a-kind municipal charm. In fact, Potes is known as the Burgh of Bridges and Towers.
The runner-up in the ranking needs no introduction. Perhaps Asturias’ most photogenic town, Cudillero sits along a rugged stretch of coast where the town’s colourfully-painted homes cascade from steep mountainside, forming a natural amphitheatre embracing the harbour.
The king of the North: another Asturian seaside treasure
The village voted northern Spain’s prettiest is Lastres. Much like Cudillero, it too is nestled along the Asturian Coast with tiered homes clinging to cliffsides. The village’s cobblestone streets lead down to the port, where greenish-blue hues dominate a panorama of striking beauty.
Long acclaimed as one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, Lastres has often appeared as the setting for films and television series. The palaces and stately homes of Lastres’ old quarter harmonise with majestic terrain, while the local cuisine promises delights that are bound to make any visit a memorable one.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
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