Spain's Albarracín - Instead of Mallorca and Madrid, opt for a trip to this captivating Moorish village.
The cities of Ávila, Córdoba, and Salamanca in Spain are known for being overcrowded with tourists. However, the sparsely populated interior is often overlooked. Just two hours northeast of Valencia is the village of Albarracín, a medieval settlement perched on a mountain at the foot of the Sierra of the same name. This idyllic village, home to 1,000 people, was founded in the 11th century by the Moors and retains its original fortified walls and towers.
The rocky promontory has been shaped by the Guadalaviar River over millions of years, creating deep ravines on three sides. The old city wall stretches across the mountain ridges like a comb. There's no public transportation that can reach here, allowing the village to retain its untouched charm.
One of the most beautiful spots to relax is at the Plaza Mayor, where you can sit on a warm stone bench in front of a tavern as locals chat away. The innkeeper brings a bowl of olives, bread, and aioli with your beer. Children splash in the fountain water, and teenagers check their smartphones. The town hall clock tolls across the street, while swallows circle overhead.
The village is well-preserved, with no signs of decay or over-renovation. The preservation even ensures that the bank's logo and sign are discreetly positioned on the facade. It's a peaceful idyll, free from the Spanish economic crisis. Fortunately, UNESCO has yet to grant Albarracín a spot on the World Heritage List, keeping it off-limits to tourists.
Lodging: Hotel Arabia offers clean, well-maintained rooms in historical masonry with terraces, canopy beds, and family rooms and apartments, starting from 50 euros. Cuesta de Teruel 2, +34/978710212, www.hotelarabia.es
Dining: Restaurante Alcazaba serves tapas both indoors and outdoors on a large square between the old merchant houses. C/Portal de Molina 10, +34/610 215 556
Sights: The Old Town features narrow alleys, deep ditches, and the beautiful Bishop's Palace with the Diocesan Museum and the Cathedral El Salvador, built in the 16th century in a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles.
Also worth a read:
Mallorca before the tourist boom: Discover the island as it was before mass tourism
340 million euros "Ecotasa": Follow the journey of Mallorca's ecological tax funds
Dream Cottages: Visit Mallorca's most picturesque beaches
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