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Most Beautiful Small Towns in Spain & What You May Find There

Small town in Spain by the seaside with a lighthouse

Spain’s big cities are all too well-known. A simple search on Pinterest will throw up tons of bucket lists with things to see and do in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada. So we’re moving deeper into Spain – to those small towns which still carry the old-world charm into the present-day. Here are the five most beautiful small towns in Spain and what you may find there.

1. Zaragoza

Located in northeastern Spain, Zaragoza lies between Madrid and Barcelona. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, the city has been home to the many, including the Romans and Moors. All have left behind some stunning architecture and added to the city’s present day culture. Even today, Zaragoza remains a top choice for expats looking to relocate to Spain.

Place To See

The Basilica del Pilar is a stunning baroque church that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is located on the banks of the Ebro River and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics

Aljaferia Palace, a stunning Moorish palace that was built in the 11th century

The Pablo Gargallo Museum is dedicated to the works of the famous sculptor Pablo Gargallo

Basilica del Pilar and Ebro river, Zaragoza
Basilica del Pilar by the banks of Ebro river

Local Food Specialties

Zaragoza is known for its Chilindron – a stew made with chicken or lamb.And Migas, a dish made with breadcrumbs and pork.

Chicken Chilidron
Migas with egg

2. Cuenca

A charming city located in the central region of Spain and was a strategic location during the Spanish Civil War. The city has a number of monuments that commemorate the conflict. Cuenca is also known for its music festivals, including the Festival Internacional de Música de Cuenca, which attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world.

Places To See

Cuenca’s Hanging Houses

The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas), are a row of houses that hang precariously over the Huecar River. The houses date back to the 14th century and are one of the most photographed attractions in the city.

The Cuenca Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

The Museum of Abstract Art, which is dedicated to contemporary art

Local Food Specialties

Try Morteruelo, a type of game paté, and Zarajos, grilled lamb intestines. The city is also known for its wine, particularly red wine from the La Mancha region.

Morteruelo
Zarajos

3. Avila

One of the most impressive walled cities in Spain, situated in the province of Castilla and León. Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish Mystic and Theologian who lived during the 16th century. When visiting Avila, you will find stunning architecture and its hilltop location with superb town views. The city is also home to religious festivals, including the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feast of Saint Teresa. 

Places To See

Walls of Avila

The Walls of Avila are a series of impressive fortifications that surround the city. The walls were built in the 11th century and are some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Spain. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The Avila Cathedral is a stunning Gothic building dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Local Food Specialties

Avila is known for Chuletón, a traditionally prepared grilled steak and Judiones, a type of white bean stew. Try the red wine from the Ribera del Duero region.

Chuleton
Judiones

4. Bilbao

A vibrant city located in the northern Basque region of Spain. At one point, Bilbao was an important center for steel and shipbuilding, and played a vital role in Spain’s development. 

Places To See

Guggenheim Museum, Bilabo

The Guggenheim Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry. The museum is known for its innovative architecture and impressive collection of modern art.

The Old Town in Bilbao, a charming neighborhood that dates back to the 14th century. The Old Town is home to a number of impressive buildings, including the Santiago Cathedral, a stunning Gothic construction.

The Bilbao BBK Live is an annual music festival that takes place in the city every summer. The Bilbao BBK Live features performances by internationally renowned musicians and bands across a variety of music genres, including indie, pop, rock, and electronic music. The festival takes place over three days in the Kobetamendi mountains, which provide a stunning natural backdrop for the performances.

Local Food Specialties

Try Pintxos, small dishes of food that are similar to tapas. And Bacalao Al Pil Pil, a cod dish cooked in garlic and olive oil. The red wine from the Rioja region is highly recommended.

Pintxos
Bacalao Al Pil Pil

5. Galicia

Home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic natural landscapes in Spain. The region’s coastline stretches for over 1,200 kilometers and is dotted with stunning beaches, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs.

Places To See

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Rías Baixas are a series of estuaries that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. They are particularly popular with tourists and known for crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.

Inland Galicia is equally impressive, with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The region is also home to the Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range that straddles along the border of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the region and the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Local Food Specialties

Pulpo A La Gallega
Caldo Gallego

Galicia is famous for its seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in Spain. Try the region’s signature Pulpo a la Gallega, or the Galician-style Octopus, which is boiled and served with potatoes and paprika. Other popular dishes include Percebes (goose barnacles), Empanadas (savory pastries filled with meat or fish), and Caldo gallego (a hearty soup made with beans, potatoes, and greens). Also try the wine, particularly the crisp and refreshing Albariño, which is grown in the Rías Baixas region. Discovering Spain With TwixAir eSIMs

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Exploring Thailand’s Temple Trail and Unique Local Experiences

Buddha Temple in Thailand at Sunset

Thailand is known for the warm and welcoming nature of its people. Which is probably why it is also called the Land of Smiles. Another rather interesting reason why so many people visit Thailand each year, is that it is situated in the middle of everything – it is about 3 hours from Hong Kong, 2 hours to Singapore, 4 hours to Bali, and halfway between Australia and Europe. And you can get to many places easily from Thailand.

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Thailand. Known for it’s beaches, elephant sanctuaries and the local food, Thailand is also home to hundreds of temples, each with its unique architecture and cultural significance. So we decided to explore Thailand through its rewarding temple culture, before diving into the must-have uber-local experiences.

Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple

A unique design makes Wat Rong Khun one of Thailand’s most unusual and visually striking man-made attractions. The White Temple is the creation of Thai artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat, who worked on the project as an act of faith. Chalermchai’s aim was to make the temple one of the world’s greatest works of art and wanted visitors from around the world to enjoy the labour of love he has undertaken in his home village.

Temples at Ayutthaya

The Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree is one of the most recognizable images from Thailand. This ancient temple was built during the 14th century, but was reduced to ruins in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam. Later restored in 1950s when the Department of Fine Art began restoration work in Ayutthaya.

Wat Pho and Wat Arun

Wat Pho is famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand’s capital. The reclining Buddha illustrates his passing into nirvana. 

Known as Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Arun. It was here that, after the destruction of Ayuthaya, King Taksin stumbled upon a small local shrine and interpreted the discovery as an auspicious sign that this should be the site of the new capital of Siam.

Silver Craftsmanship of Chiang Mai

To the south of Chiang Mai’s walled Old Town lies the traditional silver-making district of the city. Centering on Wualai Road, this area is dotted with silver shops. The temple here was first founded in 1501 under King Mengrai and given the name Wat Srisuphan Aram. The panels are full of intricate details depicting an eclectic range of subjects ranging from the life of Buddha to comic-book heroes. Most of the work is carried out using aluminum or zinc alloys with precious silver being reserved for the holiest images.

Discovering Thailand like a local

Traveling solo, with family or friends, these curated local experiences are the surest way to explore Thailand and get intimate with its culture and ways.

Thailand has all it takes to be your next international travel destination. “It is a place where a smile is never far away, and the senses are constantly stimulated..” thus wrote John Hoskin, the British Writer who lived in Bangkok for more than 32 years. And we stand by his words.

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