Date of publication 09/08/2017
Charming villages From Madrid to Barcelona via secondary roads
It’s undeniable that Spain’s two largest cities are parallel universes. Madrid is tradition 2.0, bursting with grand museums and vibrant culture. Barcelona, on the other hand, is the metropolis by the sea, where modernism and modernity blend seamlessly into one. Yet when you follow a road trip route between the two, you’ll uncover a string of delightful surprises that turn the drive into an entertaining journey—one that begins in the heart of Castile and ends by the sea. Or the other way around.
BRIHUEGA
At the heart of La Alcarria lies a town of noble charm and monumental heritage. Its streets are carved from pure stone, where water seeps through fountains like the one of the twelve spouts, and its ancient walls still stand tall. The same masonry was used to build one of the most unique bullrings in Spain, while its Romanesque churches, arcaded square, and balconies overlooking the Tajuña River share the same timeless aesthetic. At the highest point of the village rise the gardens of the former Royal Cloth Factory, a neoclassical gem that recalls the town’s deep connection to the textile industry, thanks to the lavender fields that surround it. Each summer, these fields transform the region into Spain’s very own Provence.
SIGÜENZA
Sigüenza is one of those medieval cities that has preserved the layout and aesthetic of bygone eras. It wears its history proudly, from the Alameda promenade to its imposing castle. On this hill rises a cathedral that once served as a fortress, and within its walls lies El Doncel, perhaps the most remarkable Gothic sculpture in all of Spain. The Plaza Mayor balances the charm of its arcades with the cobblestones underfoot, while further uphill you’ll find other must-see landmarks such as the Casa del Doncel and the Puerta del Hierro. This visual feast is enhanced by a highly innovative gastronomic scene, led by renowned establishments like Restaurante Nöla, La Granja, and the legendary Alameda Tapas Gastrobar.
MEDINACELI
The A-2 highway welcomes travelers to the province of Soria with the striking image of the Roman arch that crowns Medinaceli. A crossroads of civilizations for millennia, this strategic point preserves unique remnants from each of its glorious eras. From Antiquity, it still keeps this iconic gateway—its silhouette famously inspired Spain’s national monument signage—along with Roman mosaics displayed inside the Ducal Palace. This imposing building is just the tip of the iceberg of a medieval architectural ensemble that includes the Convent of the Poor Clare Sisters and a fortress of Arab origin. All of it framed by panoramic views that command the fields of Soria and the flow of the Jalón River.
SANTA MARÍA DE HUERTA
Nine centuries ago, Santa María de Huerta stood on the frontier between Castile and Aragon — a strategic point during the Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Its location encouraged the founding of religious communities whose mission was to settle new colonists and give thanks to God for each victory. Thus, this monastery rose from nothing, built along the banks of the Jalón River in what was once an uninhabited landscape. Its Cistercian magnificence, most evident in the breathtaking refectory and the monks’ hall, continues to capture the eyes — and redirect the GPS — of those traveling through these lands.
MONASTERIO DE PIEDRA
Few places blend the wonders of nature with the artistic hand of humankind as harmoniously as this one. Here, the waterfalls and pools sculpted by the Piedra River merge with the serenity of the monastery that bears its name, forming an unmatched union where peace and awe coexist. A visit calls for sturdy shoes and a spirit of adventure as you follow the river upstream to discover magical corners like the Cola de Caballo waterfall. And once there, step inside its cloisters and dare to explore the ruins of the ancient church.
ALCAÑIZ
The capital of the Bajo Aragón region boasts a charm with two sides. On one hand, it’s a lively and ever-growing city, offering a diverse range of leisure and dining options. On the other, it has been a town of power and prestige for centuries, earning it an impressive density of monuments per square meter. Though its list of landmarks is long, any proper visit should at least include a stroll through the Plaza de España, with its Gothic market hall and the collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor; a climb to the Castle of the Order of Calatrava; and a leisurely walk through its winding old town.
CALACEITE
Calaceite stands as one of the true symbols of the Matarraña region, one of the most beautiful and distinctive corners of Spain. Its charm lies in a kind of rural exoticism — so close yet so far — embracing modern rural tourism while preserving its traditional architecture like a hidden treasure. That is precisely its greatest allure. Losing yourself in its streets feels like traveling back in time, to an era shaped by Gothic arches, arcaded squares, and wrought-iron balconies. It’s a slow wander worth taking in with care, as every corner, every narrow alley reveals a church, a portico, or an unexpected, inspiring nook.
POBLET
From every angle, this Gothic marvel rises as the most beautiful monastery in Spain — or at least in Catalonia. It is the Cistercian mother house, a grand abbey modeled after Fontfroide in southern France. There isn’t a single hall or wall that isn’t crafted with grace and precision, as though devotion here found its purest expression through aesthetics. If you must choose, the Chapter House and the Lavatorium stand out as the most captivating spaces within, while the exterior enchants with its stoic presence amid vineyards.
SITGES
It’s hard to believe that just 40 kilometers from Barcelona lies such an authentic and beautifully detailed town. In Sitges, boats share space with art galleries, wide beaches meet winding alleyways, and beach bars (here stands the very first one in Spain) sit alongside eclectic and opulent mansions. This blend is what makes Sitges so captivating — a place where sunshine and culture coexist in perfect balance, turning a simple stroll through its streets into an experience that is both invigorating and deeply relaxing.
