In 2025, the prestigious association Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España (The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain) expanded its ranks, adding seven new hidden gems to its official list. For expats and regular visitors, these additions offer the perfect excuse to head off the beaten path and discover the "real" Spain.
Here is a look at the seven newcomers you should add to your Spanish bucket list this year.
1. Poza de la Sal (Burgos)
Perched on the edge of the Bureba plains, this medieval village is famous for its salt-mining history. The village is a maze of cobblestone streets and traditional half-timbered houses.
Don't miss: The Salt Museum to learn about its Roman origins, and the Rojas Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the "Balcony of Bureba."
2. Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz)
Deep in the heart of Extremadura, this town is a monument to the Knights Templar. Its skyline is dominated by four spectacular Baroque towers that rival the best in Spain.
Don't miss: The Templar fortress and the Church of San Bartolomé, famous for its incredibly intricate and colourful ceramic facade.
3. Llerena (Badajoz)
Often called the "Little Athens of Extremadura," Llerena was once the seat of the Inquisition and a hub for master Mudéjar architects. The result is a town filled with grand squares and noble mansions.
Don't miss: The Plaza de España, arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the region, featuring the stunning Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada.
4. La Fresneda (Teruel)
Located in the Matarraña region (often called "the Spanish Tuscany"), La Fresneda feels like a film set. It is a place of golden stone, arched porticoes, and Renaissance elegance.
Don't miss: The 16th-century Town Hall and a hike up to the Santa Bárbara hermitage for views over the "Valley of Silence."
5. Berlanga de Duero (Soria)
History runs deep in this Castilian fortress town. From its Jewish quarter to its Renaissance collegiate church, Berlanga de Duero is a masterclass in Spanish architectural evolution.
Don't miss: The massive medieval castle and the unique San Baudelio de Berlanga hermitage nearby, known for its "palm tree" pillar and Mozarabic frescos.
6. Linares de Mora (Teruel)
Tucked away in the Sierra de Gúdar at over 1,300 meters above sea level, this is a destination for nature lovers. It is a quintessential mountain village of white walls and red-tiled roofs.
Don't miss: The Baroque Church of the Immaculate Conception and the surrounding hiking trails that lead to the "Pino del Escobón," a 100-year-old monumental pine tree.
7. Letur (Albacete)
Known as the "Pearl of the Sierra del Segura," Letur is perhaps the best-preserved example of Islamic urban design in the region. Water is everywhere here, with natural pools and streams running through the town.
Don't miss: A walk through the old quarter to see the traditional courtyards and the "Charco de Pataco," a crystal-clear natural swimming hole.
The Most Beautiful Villages brand isn't just a title; it’s a commitment to preservation and quality. Villages must pass a strict 40-point audit covering everything from cleanliness and traffic control to the conservation of their facades. Visiting these spots ensures you are seeing Spain at its most authentic and well-preserved.