In Spain, depopulated rural villages are emerging as an alternative to the overcrowded beach towns that have been inundated with tourists. The association Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España has highlighted 116 of Spain’s most beautiful villages for their cultural heritage, architecture, and green spaces. One example is Anento, a village in Zaragoza that has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years, attracting visitors with its turquoise natural spring and striking Gothic church. Other towns, like Libros in Teruel, are leveraging their unique qualities to promote tourism and combat depopulation.
Libros, despite its name meaning ‘books’ in Spanish, did not have a library until recently. The village, which suffered from depopulation after its mines closed in 1956, has reinvented itself as the literary capital of Spain. Through the efforts of the Mi Pueblo Lee association, books from around the world have been donated to the village, and plans are underway to build a hotel-library to house the collection. Libros has named streets after famous writers and plans to create a literary avenue with quotes from books on lamps. These initiatives have already attracted tourists and are helping to revive the village’s economy.
Guadix, located just two hours from Malaga, is enticing tourists to its rocky interior with its unique underground homes and cave hotels. The town earned the designation of European Capital of Caves and has seen a growth in tourism, thanks in part to its UNESCO Geopark status. The town now boasts more than 2,000 cave hotels, and new ones continue to be built. The caves offer a sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation option, with a constant temperature and natural ventilation system. In addition to cave hotels, Guadix has wineries, restaurants, spas, and even chapels located in the underground network.
Tourists visiting Guadix can explore not only the underground homes and hotels but also historical sites such as a Roman theatre, a Baroque cathedral, and a Moorish fortress. The underground chapel in the San Pedro Poveda parish attracts over 50,000 visitors annually, seeking peace, positive energy, or a place for reflection. The cave settlement is what sets Guadix apart on the European map, offering a unique and tranquil experience for tourists looking to get away from the crowds. The town’s tourism industry continues to grow, with more visitors coming in each year to experience the allure of the cave settlement and its offerings.
