Fall in Spain: Beautiful Villages to Visit

Fall is a season full of senses. The smell of rain, the sound of leaves cracking under your feet, the ochre and reddish colours of forests… Certain landscapes come alive with magical colours during Fall, making them the perfect spots to visit at this time of year. Here at Civitatis, we’ve put together a list of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Fall in Spain.

Ochagavía, gateway to the Irati Forest

We’ll begin our list of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Fall in Spain in Ochagavía, Navarre. This town is the perfect place to stroll down narrow streets or to look out over its stone bridge over the Salazar River.

Located in the heart of the Irati Forest, it’s the second largest beech and fir forest in Europe, after the Black Forest in Germany. This area’s natural beauty becomes enchanting in the Fall. The best way to enjoy this time of year in Ochagavía is by exploring one of the trails that run through this stunning natural area. Why not take a trip to the Irati Forest from Pamplona?

Castellfollit de la Roca, Fall in the volcanic region of La Garrocha

The next stop on our tour of beautiful villages to visit in the Fall is Castellfollit de la Roca. This town stands on a spectacular basalt cliff, at 50 metres (164 feet) high and almost 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) long! Get lost in its narrow streets and end up at the Sant Salvador Church! What’s more, at the end of the cliff, there’s also a fabulous viewpoint with stunning views. Don’t forget your camera!

Another attraction of Castellfollit de la Roca is its location as a gateway to the Garrocha Volcanic Zone Natural Park. You may be surprised to learn that this forest is located on the old Croscat volcano’s outflow. Especially in the Fall, it’s the ideal place to visit on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback! You can also enjoy a day trip to Girrocha from Girona.

Cangas del Narcea and the Muniellos Nature Reserve

Cangas del Narcea is, without a doubt, another of the most beautiful villages to visit during Fall in Spain. It’s found southwest of the principality of Asturias, in the centre of the so-called Gateway to Asturias. Nearby is the Muniellos Nature Reserve, a true paradise in northern Spain!

This forest is the largest oak grove in Spain and one of the best preserved in all of Europe. In the Fall, it’s utterly enchanting, with the ground covered with golden leaves. Not only is it home to oak trees but there are also birch and beech trees dotted with holly and yew trees, the perennial Kings of Fall in Munillos.

El Tiemblo and the chestnut forest of the Iruelas Valley

Our tour of beautiful villages to visit in the Fall in Spain continues in El Tiemblo, in the province of Ávila, just 90 kilometres (56 miles) from Madrid. From here, you can embark on a hiking route through its chestnut grove, which will make you feel like you’re in a real-life fairy tale!

Within the Iruelas Valley Nature Reserve, this chestnut grove is home to a 100-year-old tree that has gained popularity as a tourist destination. The striking contrast in colour between the pine, holly, oak, and chestnut trees characterises the walk to this tree.

Torla-Ordesa, in the heart of the Ordesa Valley

A stroll through the countryside is delightful at any time of the year. However, when you’re surrounded by the colours of Fall, it’s even more magical. Following these rugged paths, we reach the municipality of Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to the Ordesa Valley in the Aragon’s section of the Pyrenees.

Wandering down these streets, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back to Medieval times. The church of San Salvador, the Ethnological Museum, which used to be an old castle, and the traditional houses make it seem like time has been put on pause here. As for nature, the Ordesa Valley is scattered with small waterfalls, streams and the ochre colours of beech, fir, pine and aspen trees. For those in search of adventure, you can enjoy activities such as canyoning or the via ferrata.

A Fall adventure in Sepúlveda and the Gorges of the Duratón River

Sepúlveda is enchanting all year round, but even more so in the months of Fall. This charming Medieval town, with its narrow stone streets and Romanesque churches, is right next to a natural park where the waters of the river create a distinct landscape in Castile and León.

The Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park is a natural environment where you can do everything from hiking routes to kayaking, or enjoy its viewpoints and admire birds such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

Sos del Rey Católico, Fall in the Alto Aragón region

Along this journey through the most beautiful villages to visit in the Fall in Spain, we’ve come across authentic natural paradises that come alive in the final months of the year. Although Sos del Rey Católico is surrounded by unparalleled landscapes, today we’re focusing on its historical legacy.

This Aragonese town was the birthplace of Ferdinand II and represents a small but significant part of Spanish history. You can enjoy visits to its palaces, churches and fortresses in the Fall. Strolling through its colourful forests and watching the sunsets from one of its viewpoints is also a real delight. If you’re in Zaragoza, don’t miss out on a trip to Sos del Rey Católico.

Tejeda, a mild Fall in the Canaries

Tejeda is another beautiful village to visit in the Fall in Spain. Just over 40 kilometres (50 miles) separate this town from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Thanks to its incredible beauty, culture and art, in recent years it has become one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.

If you’re looking for a holiday in the Fall in Spain, this is the perfect place! With a milder climate than continental Spain, you can enjoy a range of leisure activities! You can discover everything from the rich archaeological heritage of the Canary Islands to its impressive natural sites, such as Roque Bentayga. Don’t forget to visit La Cruz de Tejeda to marvel at one of the most spectacular views of Gran Canaria.

Lastres, Fall hues on the Costa Verde

Finally, we head to the Costa Verde in Asturias to reach Lastres. It’s considered one of the most charming villages in the area and, of course, one of the most beautiful towns to visit in the Fall in Spain.

Its port, its landscapes and its picturesque narrow streets mean that we had to include it in our list! Lastres is stunning at any time of year, but it’s also an excellent place to visit in the Fall. Fall is the perfect time of year to beat the summer crowds!