2023's Award-winning villages
Spain is ending the year on a high note after taking top honors in two destination rankings. Three of the country's villages have won awards, and one of its towns is home to the most beautiful street in Europe, according to UNESCO. If you're planning a trip to Spain in 2023, be sure to check out these off-the-beaten-path locations.
Best places to live in Spain
Where is the most beautiful street in Europe?
UNESCO has officially named Calle San Pedro, a small street in the Andalusian town of Osuna, as the most beautiful street in Europe. Osuna has a population of around 17,000 and is located in the south of Spain. Calle San Pedro has been called a "walk through the 18th century," and the buildings lining the street are exceptional examples of Andalusian baroque style that have undergone few modifications over the years. The street is filled with villas and mansions showcasing the evolution of Spanish architecture, with the Marquises de la Gomera Palace being a standout attraction. The palace is decorated with pale stone gargoyles, twisting columns, and family crests. Calle San Pedro has been described as an "open-air museum of architecture" by the Seville tourism board and has been a "Historic-Artistic Site" since 1967.
The most beautiful villages in the world
Spain has also topped the United Nations World Tourism Organization's annual list of the best villages for tourism around the globe. The list highlights the best small community tourism destinations with a focus on social and environmental sustainability. Out of the 32 towns that made the list, three are located in Spain. The other winners in Europe include Andermatt in Switzerland, Rasinari in Romania, and Isola del Giglio in Italy.
One of the best places to live in spain is Rupit, a Catalan town with a castle. The town's streets and houses, which are carved from natural rock, surround a 10th century castle. The town is surrounded by the rocky and forested Collsacabra natural protected area, which is popular for hiking. From the town's Hanging Bridge, you can get a great view of the Rupit river below.
The mountain town of Alquézar in Aragon also made the list. The town is located on a limestone outcrop and has a population of around 300. It is named after the Arabic word for "fort" or "castle" and is built around a medieval castle. The town is located in the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park, where you can go abseiling, rock climbing, and canyoning. There are also over 60 limestone caves with prehistoric paintings in the surrounding forest, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
The third of Spain's award-winning villages is Guadalupe in the Extremadura region. The village is known for its magnificent 14th century Santa Maria de Guadalupe monastery, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. The complex is a blend of Gothic carving, delicate mudejar decorations, and monumental crenellated towers. Guadalupe is also famous for its regional cuisine, which includes Iberian sausages, cold "ajo blanco" soup, and the "torta de aceite" biscuit.
If you not only want to live in the best places in Spain, but you also want to conduct business, do not miss our article on the unspoken cultural nuances of doing business in Spain.
Tip: Back in 2020, Spain was at the head in optic fiber penetration in the EU. According to ON5g, Spain has the largest fiber optic network in Europe. If you're unsure of the accessibility to cable internet in your preferred destination, you can check here the specific penetration in your preferred zone.
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