Ever dreamed of traveling back in time?
If you’re passionate about the Middle Ages, this guide will take you not only to the most iconic, must-see spots you should visit at least once in your life, but also to some lesser-known gems.
These are places where time seems to stand still, where you can wander without rushing and discover hidden corners steeped in history.
If you’re ready to leave the crowds behind and dive into a truly historic adventure, keep reading.
1. Toledo
If you love the Middle Ages, Toledo is a must. This walled city has preserved its impressive historic quarter for centuries.
It’s known as the “City of Three Cultures” because Christians, Jews, and Muslims once lived here together a heritage reflected in its architecture and the atmosphere of its streets.
While strolling, you’ll discover the magnificent cathedral, the imposing Alcázar overlooking the city, and even ancient synagogues and mosques.
Its location, just a short trip from Madrid, makes it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Explore our experiences with local cooks.
2. Ávila
Want to be transported straight to medieval times? Ávila is the place.
Its claim to fame: the best-preserved medieval wall in the world over 1.5 miles long with 87 towers.
You can walk along the wall, both inside and out, for spectacular views of the entire city.
Inside the walls, you’ll find churches and palaces that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Its history is closely tied to Saint Teresa of Ávila, and the local cuisine especially the famous chuletón (steak), adds another reason to visit.
3. Segovia
While the Roman aqueduct is Segovia’s most famous landmark, its old town is a medieval treasure.
Here you’ll find the stunning Gothic cathedral, nicknamed “The Lady of Cathedrals.”
But the real fairy-tale moment comes at the Alcázar, a castle that looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie, with towers and walls rising above the landscape.
You’ll also find Romanesque churches and charming corners that make you feel like you’ve stepped back centuries.
4. Cáceres
Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved historical complexes in all of Europe.
Wandering through its narrow streets, you’ll find a maze of palaces, towers, churches, and noble houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, almost untouched by time.
It’s often used as a filming location for period movies and TV shows.
The Plaza Mayor, the Torre de Bujaco, and the Palacio de las Veletas will immerse you in an authentic medieval atmosphere.
5. Santillana del Mar
Although its name might be a bit misleading (it’s not by the sea, it’s actually a few miles inland), this is one of Cantabria’s medieval jewels and without a doubt a living museum of the Middle Ages.
Strolling along its cobblestone streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Its stone manor houses, many with coats of arms carved into their houses, wooden balconies, and the impressive Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque gem, create a truly unique architectural ensemble.
It’s a small village with enormous charm, perfect for a leisurely walk and for fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of another era.
Traditional Asturian menu with mountain views in a rural setting near the Picos de Europa
6. Besalú
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a history book, this is the place.
Its most famous feature is the breathtaking 11th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, one of the most iconic medieval sights in Spain.
Inside the town, you’ll find a well-preserved Jewish quarter, remains of the medieval walls, and the grand Church of Sant Vicenç.
7. Frías
This village in the province of Burgos, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain will take you by surprise, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Ebro River.
Its skyline, with the castle at the very top and tightly packed houses cascading down, looks straight out of a storybook.
Why visit? Mainly for its hanging houses that seem to defy gravity, its steep, winding streets, and the imposing Velasco Castle that dominates the landscape.
To top it off, the medieval bridge spanning the river is another one of its unforgettable highlights.
8. Pedraza
If you’re looking for a place with special charm and an untouched medieval atmosphere, this village in Segovia is your ideal destination.
What makes it so unique? First, its Plaza Mayor one of the most beautiful in Spain, the heart of the village, surrounded by period buildings with wooden arcades.
As you wander its perfectly preserved streets, you’ll feel transported to a noble past. And with its defensive walls and the castle perched at the highest point, it’s easy to imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages.
9. Peratallada
Now we head to a village in Girona whose name already gives you a clue about what to expect: “carved stone.”
This village quite literally rises from the rock, complete with a defensive moat and medieval walls that are still visible today.
But it’s much more than that you’ll find narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and medieval arches that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into another era.
10. Albarracín
This village in Teruel seems to have defied gravity, perched high on a rocky hillside much like the previous one.
What really sets it apart are its reddish-hued houses and steep, narrow streets, creating a storybook landscape that feels like another world.
Add to that the wall surrounding the village and the castle at the very top, and you’ll have breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
11. Olite
This village in Navarra is a must-see for any lover of the Middle Ages.
Its main attraction is the Royal Palace, not just any castle, but one of the most lavish and unique Gothic castle-palaces in all of Europe, with towers of varying shapes and heights that give it a truly distinctive silhouette.
The village of Olite itself, with its medieval walls and narrow streets perfectly complements a visit to the palace.
12. Tossa de Mar
This village is a gem on the Costa Brava that offers a unique medieval experience, a fortress by the sea.
So, if you love history but don’t want to give up the beach, this is your perfect destination.
Here you’ll find the Vila Vella, an impressive 12th-century walled enclosure perched on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean.
It’s the only fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast that has been preserved in such excellent condition.
13. Morella
If you’re looking for a silhouette that will impress you from the very first moment, this medieval city in Castellón will captivate you.
The sight of Morella, with its imposing castle at the top and the wall that embraces the entire town, is simply spectacular.
Designated a Historic-Artistic Site, its steep, winding streets are packed with history.
As you wander through them, you’ll come across the majestic Arciprestal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, a true Gothic treasure, along with countless corners that will transport you straight into the past.
Taste the Flavors of the Past with Sazón The Folk Cook
And with this final stop, we wrap up our journey through Spain’s most fascinating medieval towns.
Now that you’ve explored Spain’s history and architecture, it’s time to immerse yourself in what truly defines us: our cuisine.
At Sazón The Folk Cook, we invite you to enjoy an unparalleled culinary experience, right in the heart of real Spanish homes.
This is your chance to go beyond traditional tourism and live our culture in its most authentic, unfiltered form.
Are you ready to connect with the people, the place, and above all the flavor of Spain?
We can’t wait to welcome you!
