The medieval social and economic order gave rise to a type of town and village that we consider charming today. They were compact, walled centres built around the church, the market square, and the castle, if one existed.

The streets were narrow, just wide enough for carts and wagons to pass, and artisan guilds formed neighbourhoods (or boroughs). Everything had its place, and everyone had a specific role in the vassalage.

Today, we struggle to see the muddy streets, the smells of spices, cheeses, and meats from the market, or the unsewered roads, and we can’t imagine the heavy footsteps of cows, the cries of an innkeeper, or the cracks of the feudal lord’s whip. Euro Weekly News presents 20 Spanish medieval towns you might want to visit soon.

1. Tossa de Mar ( Girona )

Tossa de Mar is the only example of a fortified medieval settlement still standing on the Catalan coast. The wall was built in the 13th century. The castle no longer remains, and the lighthouse stands in its place. It’s curious: where people once repelled one another with weapons, they now welcome each other with light. In addition to the beaches and the three towers, you’ll find it satisfying to stroll through the narrow streets. During Tossa’s heyday in the 15th and 16th centuries, approximately 80 small houses and their microhistories were clustered here. We recommend a guided tour.

2. Besalú ( Girona )

The Besalú Medieval Festival is held on the last weekend of August. A huge success. It’s hard to find a medieval town as well-preserved as this one. In a very short space, temples, civil buildings, and the entire heritage of Besalú’s medieval Jewish community are woven together. During the festival, there are battles, artisans, grand dinners, and shows—a total immersion in the Middle Ages.

3. Albarracín ( Teruel )

A delve into the etymology reveals small gems of information about the history of Albarracín.   A Muslim group belonging to the Ibn Racin lineage settled here in the 11th century. Albarracín Castle was then the citadel of the Razin family. The town also still preserves the Andador tower and the original layout of the village. Albarracín did not belong to the Crown of Aragon until the 14th century. The visible defensive system is a consequence of the constant war tension it suffered.

4. Aínsa ( Huesca )

At first, it was a castle. Later, it became a wall, the capital of the county of Sobrarbe, and was eventually annexed to the Kingdom of Aragon. Aínsa, in addition to being one of the most beautiful medieval villages, was never conquered by the Muslims. It was so combative that even its church was also conceived as a defensive temple with archways (from which to shoot arrows or spears). Aínsa has been a Historic-Artistic Site since 1965, featuring a castle (11th century), walls, gates, a church (12th century), Arnal House, and Bielsa House (16th century). And the landscape.

5. Ávila

Ávila is a city, yes, but it has an undeniable medieval past. The land of Ávila was a frontier, a no-man’s land, during the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Raymond of Burgundy, a relative of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile, repopulated these lands in the 11th century and strengthened them by fortifying the city. The wall gives its character. And it is the symbol of Ávila. During the 14th century, the wall had a moat and drawbridges.

6. Ronda ( Malaga )

Ronda’s medieval Islamic period stands out for the cultural legacy that survives today in its traditions, farming systems, cuisine, and urban planning. In other words, for its influence. Ronda once served as the capital of Takurunna (one of the provinces into which al-Andalus was divided). Ronda’s role during the Nasrid reign of Granada was essential as a border crossing. However, the most significant monuments we admire today in Ronda, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and the Plaza de Toros (Bullring), date from the 18th century.

7. Frías ( Burgos )

The first documented mention of Frías dates back to the 9th century, one of the many settlements that appeared during the occupation of the Upper Ebro during Navarre’s struggle against Castile. Yes, Frías belonged to the Kingdom of Navarre. Its name derives from “Aguas Fridas” (Frida Waters), and it seems that Frías’s rise and prominence came during the reign of Alfonso VIII (12th century). High, narrow, and watchful, Frías looks eternal.

8. Olvera ( Cádiz )

In Olvera, there are nooks and crannies typical of the network of alleys. There are also facades of stately homes and small squares, as well as albarradillas (terraces to ease the slopes), at the foot of the castle and the archpriestal church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. All white. Its origins date back to the 12th century, during the Nasrid period, near the Arab castle. The town extends following the levels of the slope, between curves and squares.

9. Olite ( Navarra )

From medieval Olite, we recall the famous fortress-palace, the remains of the Jewish quarter, and the Order of Saint Anthony the Abbot. The House, Monastery, and Hospital belonged to the Antonians of Olite, a town that in the 13th century had 5,000 residents, and its farmland had been granted the Charter of the Franks of Estella. The Jewish quarter, adjacent to the royal palace, had a synagogue (now defunct) and around 16 families. They were part of the artisan, doctor, and moneylender communities. At the end of the Middle Ages, around the 15th century, the kings of Navarre rebuilt the Royal Palace of Navarre, making it one of their principal headquarters. That Olite was splendid.

10. Castellfollit de la Roca ( Girona )

Castellfollit de la Roca is and was one of the smallest municipalities in Catalonia. Today, it is a village with 1,000 inhabitants and an area of ​​1 km2. It is built on a basalt cliff , between the Fluvià and Toronell rivers. The houses are constructed with volcanic stone from the surrounding area. The old town developed in the 13th century, situated on the edge of the cliff and surrounding the Church of Sant Salvador. The streets are narrow and shady. The views are panoramic.

11. La Alberca (Salamanca)

Folk houses are built with stonework and wooden frames. Few towns are as well-preserved as La Alberca. Folk architecture is a gem, preserved not only in museums but also integrated into the daily lives of its residents as if nothing had happened. Throughout its history, La Alberca was influenced by the French and received intense ritualistic encouragement from the Christian religion. La Alberca was repopulated during the 12th and 13th centuries under the leadership of Raimundo de Borgoña, a French nobleman married to Doña Urraca. The history of this place is endless.

12. Pedraza ( Segovia )

Pedraza rises on a hill. Since 1991, it has been declared a Monumental Complex and has become famous for its musical festival held on the first two Saturdays in July: the Candlelight Concert. More than 35,000 candles are lit in the Plaza Mayor, the centre of medieval and modern life in the town. In this arcaded square are the mansions and palaces of Pedraza’s former nobility. Also noteworthy is the 13th-century Church of San Juan Bautista. The cobbled streets and the general aesthetic give it an air that we can’t quite put into words: authentic. We don’t know. The prison used to be located at the only entrance. The prisoners would be the first to fall (literally from the window) on the enemy.

13. Buitrago de Lozoya ( Madrid )

The oldest part of Buitrago is “the town,” in the upper part of the walled enclosure. From there, following the repopulation movements initiated by Alfonso VI (11th century), the population grew so much that two suburbs were formed: the southern one, San Juan, and the northern one, Andarrío, across the Lozoya River. There were four churches in the town, of which Santa María del Castillo remains, and a hospital, founded by the Marquis of Santillana (15th century). Few places boast such a well-preserved Arab defensive system.

14. Peñafiel ( Valladolid )

Peñafiel was captured by the Arabs in the 10th century and conquered by the Christians in the 11th century. A rare and ingenious castle dominates the skyline, arranged like a linear ship on the hill. At its feet, the town. None other than Prince Don Juan Manuel, nephew of Alfonso X the Wise, took possession of Peñafiel. The town prospered, eventually boasting 18 churches and cultivating a thriving artistic movement. Its heritage includes the Plaza del Coso, the Castle, the Clock Tower, and the well-preserved popular architecture, as well as four outstanding churches.

15. Sigüenza ( Guadalajara )

Sigüenza is the quintessential medieval town in Guadalajara. During the Muslim era, Sigüenza was dedicated to defence: the castle (the citadel) overlooking the Henares Valley dominated the town’s life. The Christians conquered Sigüenza around the 12th century, although it was not pacified. The town preserves its medieval layout, and the influence of the bishopric is evident during six centuries of cultural domination. The walls, the Casa El Doncel, the Plaza de la Cárcel, and the Cathedral are the main monuments of medieval Sigüenza. And it’s gastronomy.

16. Alquezar ( Huesca )

Alquézar is located in Huesca . This town is located above a canyon shaped by the Vero River, which has become a paradise for canyoning and birdwatching. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Somontano, Alquézar offers a wide variety of hiking and mountain biking trails. In the town centre, don’t miss a visit to the castle, which crowns the town and offers the best views of the surrounding area. We also recommend visiting the Plaza Mayor, the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Museum of Sacred Art, the dam, and the bridges of l’Albarda and Villacantal.

17. Maderuelo ( Segovia )

At the beginning of the Riaza River Gorges in Segovia is Maderuelo. A walled medieval town declared a Historic-Artistic Site, it sits on a hill surrounded by the Linares Reservoir. In addition to enjoying incredible views, Maderuelo offers the opportunity to visit the Romanesque churches of San Miguel and Santa María. Also worth a visit is the tower, which was once the castle, the Castroboda hermitage, and the Santa Cruz hermitage. The Hoces de Riaza Natural Park is home to one of the largest vulture reserves in Spain.

18. Siurana ( Tarragona )

In the Priorat region lies Siurana de Prades, a breathtaking medieval village. It sits at an altitude of over 700 meters, perched on a cliff. Its location makes Siurana a luxurious vantage point in the Montsant Mountains, overlooking the valley and the river.

19. Alcalá del Júcar (Albacete)

With just 1,200 inhabitants, Alcalá del Júcar is one of the most picturesque towns in Castilla-La Mancha. Located in the province of Albacete, the Roman bridge spanning the Júcar River is its most iconic attraction and a popular spot for photos. In addition to a 15th-century medieval castle and an inspiring historic centre, the town’s most significant features include its cave houses, particularly the Devil’s Caves and Masagó Caves, which are scattered throughout the area.

20. Allariz ( Ourense )

Allariz is tradition, legend, and history. This small town in Ourense was born around a fort located on the banks of the Arnoia River. Now a Historic-Artistic Site, its intense heritage began to take shape back in the 11th century, when King Alfonso VI ordered the construction of a castle. Centuries later, Sancho IV, not without reason, said of Allariz that it was “the key to the Kingdom of Galicia.” Today, its charm is evident and can be felt in every street, where legends such as those of the Werewolf or Santa Mariña das Augas Santas emanate, without forgetting the figure of Vicente Risco, an essential figure in the history and defence of the Galician language.

Iran and Israel continued trading missiles and air strikes on Saturday, with both sides reporting deaths. Iran reported that an Israeli attack on a housing complex left 60 people dead, including 20 children. Tel Aviv said Iranian missiles killed three people and injured dozens.

Reuters reported that sirens sent residents into shelters as a barrage of Iranian missiles streaked across its skies, while interceptors were launched to meet them. The British news agency said an Israeli official reported Iran had fired about 200 ballistic missiles in four rounds.

The news outlet also said there are increasing fears that “outside powers” will be dragged into the conflict, which all news outlets and governments have stopped short of calling a war, in an attempt to prevent it from escalating into an all-out regional conflict.

Calling on an Iranian uprising

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to rise against their Islamic clerical rulers, while Iran called on its people to unite in defence of the country, Al Jazeera said.

Official Israeli reports revealed that Iranian fire continued to strike residential districts in Israel, prompting Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, to say Iran’s leadership had crossed a red line. “If (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn,” he added.

Iran’s missile barrages came in response to intense Israeli strikes on Friday that killed several top Iranian generals and most of the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Guards’ air arm.

Among those killed in the Israeli aggression are the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the chief of staff of the armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri. Prominent Iranian nuclear scientists are also among the dead, Al Jazeera said in a separate report.

Despite nuclear negotiations

The Israeli strikes took place despite negotiations between Iran and Israel’s principal ally, the United States, over the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Israel has long said represents an existential threat to its nation.

“If we don’t attack, then it’s 100 per cent that we will die,” Netanyahu said in a video speech he posted X. “So even if it’s not perfect, we have to do it, because we have to change the direction of Iran’s military build-up, both its ballistic weapons and nuclear weapons.”

The prime minister assured his intelligence officers had identified that Tehran had embarked on a nuclear programme, including the monthly production of 300 ballistic missiles.

Israeli attacks will continue as long as needed

“We will not allow Iran to advance toward a nuclear [bomb]. We will not allow the development of missiles intended to harm us,”  Netanyahu said, when announcing that the current “operation would continue for as many days as necessary to remove this threat.”

Tehran also warned Israel’s allies that their regional military bases would come under fire too if they continued to help shoot down Iranian missiles, Iranian state television reported. The US has assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles.

Iran’s ally, the Yemeni Houthi group, fired missiles at Israel on Friday night. However, at least one of them went rogue, injuring five Palestinians, including three children, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

So, what’s the hottest European destination for Americans right now? Here’s a hint: it isn’t Paris, and you won’t find them queueing outside the Colosseum for a selfie with a gladiator.

Nope, 2025 is the year American travellers decided to zig where they used to zag. Maybe it’s the TikTok travel influencers, maybe it’s too many hours on Netflix, or maybe—after all those years of “If it’s Tuesday, this must be Belgium”—people are craving something a bit less obvious.

Greece travel boom: Why it’s no longer just for honeymooners

Let’s start with the wild card: Greece. Once upon a time, Americans would stick a pin in Mykonos or Santorini, spend three days melting under the blue-domed churches, then fly home with a suitcase full of olive oil. Not anymore.

This year, Greece is topping the “must go” list for US travellers—searches have jumped a ridiculous 350 per cent. If you’re picturing sunburnt tourists piling onto cruise boats, think again. What’s really happening? Americans are sniffing out the quieter spots—Crete’s sleepy fishing towns, the untouristy side of Paros, wild corners of the Peloponnese. Some say it’s the endless blue, others the “it’s five o’clock somewhere” spirit, but mostly, people want somewhere to just…breathe.

Ask a returning traveller and they’ll tell you: “We spent a week in a stone cottage with three tavernas and two goats for neighbours. I barely wore shoes. I think I might be Greek now.”

Croatia, Portugal and Beyond: The new old world

But it’s not just Greece on the rise. Croatia is up 83 per cent in searches. There’s something about the Croatian coastline—jagged, wild, dotted with medieval towns and beaches that actually live up to the hype. It’s like Americans have finally heard the secret Europeans have been whispering about for years: skip the crowds, grab a ferry, and try the local wine.

Portugal’s up 25 per cent too, and it’s not only about Lisbon’s pastel tiles. The Algarve, Porto, even inland towns are popping up on more American itineraries. There’s a real hunger for somewhere smaller, friendlier, maybe just a touch off the tourist grid.

France and Italy, those eternal classics, are still high on the booking charts (France takes the crown for actual stays, with 32 per cent of bookings). But the big shift is what people do when they get there. Forget bucket lists—Normandy and Dordogne are suddenly booming. Why? Because after years of “Paris in two days”, Americans are ready for long lunches, market days, and rambling through fields that aren’t full of other tourists.

Slow travel trend: Why escaping the rush is the ultimate luxury

It’s funny: just a few years ago, the trend was to rack up as many countries as possible—“I did eight countries in ten days!” was practically a badge of honour. Now? It’s all about the “slow holiday”.

Ask Oliver Bell of Oliver’s Travels, and he’ll say it’s about privacy, authenticity, and living like a local. Americans want space to cook, a garden to read in, and maybe a grumpy village baker who doesn’t speak English. It’s the little things: morning coffee overlooking olive groves, a neighbour dropping off eggs, finding the best picnic spot by accident.

Tuscany, Provence, Puglia, the Loire—all those postcard-perfect regions—are seeing longer stays and bigger groups. And if you’re wondering why Normandy’s up 600 per cent in search popularity, or Dordogne’s up 250%, it’s not just the cheese. Americans are discovering the joy of renting a cottage, buying too much bread, and pretending—just for a week—they’re French.

American holiday bookings: Where are they actually jetting off to?

Dreaming is one thing; putting your money down is another. France is still top for bookings, but Italy, Spain, and yes—the UK!—are close behind. (Maybe those Cornish pasties and Cotswolds walks are more appealing than we thought.)

The real takeaway? Whether they end up in a Greek village, a Croatian harbour, or a French farmhouse, American travellers are done chasing landmarks. They’re after moments: a market stall discovery, a swim at dusk, the world’s slowest lunch.

Travel Trends 2025: American wanderlust is getting more sophisticated

So, next time you spot a lost-looking American in a sleepy Dordogne village, don’t be surprised. Odds are, they’re not lost—they’re exactly where they meant to be. Maybe they’ll stay longer than planned. Maybe, like so many before them, they’ll start dreaming of moving here for good.

One thing’s for sure: the new American invasion is more about finding joy in the everyday, whether it’s a villa garden in France or a sun-bleached stoop in Greece. Maybe they’re on to something.

Where’s your dream slow holiday? The map’s wide open—just follow your nose, and don’t forget the wine.

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