The three Spanish villages among the Best Tourism Villages 2023 according to World Tourism Organization

The Spanish villages of Cantavieja (Teruel), Oñati (Guipuzcoa) and Sigüenza(Guadalajara) have been chosen among the Best Tourist Villages of 2023according to the third edition of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The award recognises the villages from rural areas that are leading the way in preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. These villages also foster development and inclusion in rural areas, fight against depopulation and develop innovation through tourism while encouraging sustainable practices. In this third edition, a total of 54 villages from around the world were chosen from almost 260 applications, three of them being found in Spain.

Cantavieja

Located in Teruel, Catavieja features not only splendid monumental and architectural heritage, but also the echoes of ancient legends and battles. The town has one of the most complete monument ensembles of Aragonese Gothic. The ruins of its old castle preside over the town, and narrow streets and medieval-looking houses take visitors to the main corners of Cantavieja. The town is located on top of a steep rocky outcrop, which gives it an impressive silhouette and makes it a popular destination for hikers.

“Cantavieja - Maestrazgo - Teruel” by Manel Zaera, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

In the last years, Cantavieja has put a lot of effort in restoring and conserving its historical, religious and civil heritage and has developed a plan for the digitalisation of its monuments. In addition, tourism entrepreneurs in Cantavieja have implemented a carbon footprint offsetting campaign in associated establishments which helps financing a tree planting action each year. The town council, on its turn, provides aid, job offers and training activities in the tourism sector.

Oñati

At the heart of the Basque Country, Oñati takes up a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains on all sides except the southern one, where the giant Aloña limestone formation sits. A journey through Oñati means to go over a catalogue of art styles where there is barely anything missing, from the Gothic carvings at churches, hermitages and tower-houses, to vanguard art at Arantzazu. The most emblematic monument in Oñati is the University, with a Plateresque main front that has Renaissance elements. It is one of the most important buildings in Basque Renaissance architecture.

“University of Oñati” by Zarateman, licensed under CC0 1.0 DEED

Oñati’s tourism model is sustainable and inclusive, and is focused on a development based on the principles of integration, experience, and cooperation of all tourism agents. This model highlights the value of Oñati’s cultural and natural heritage with responsible and committed tourism products which attract the tourists who seek authenticity and sustainable experiences. Moreover, Oñati aims at becoming a Smart Tourist Destination with the implementation of the Smart Tourist Destination model developed by SEGITTUR (Spanish State Company for the Management of Tourism Innovation and Technologies).

Sigüenza

The lovely Sigüenza sits in the north of the province of Guadalajara and is home to an outstanding architectural heritage. The castle, the cathedral and the Plaza Mayor square are the three sights that cannot be missed, although the streets of Sigüenza are full of numerous exceptionally beautiful civil and religious buildings.

“Castle of Sigüenza” by Manuel Delgado Tenorio, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Sigüenza offers support for creating micro-enterprises for the promotion of tourism activities which favour the employment of the younger population as well as the integration of women into the labour market. Furthermore, Sigüenza’s Tourism Sustainability Plan gives priority to selective waste collection, the promotion of the use of public transport, the implementation of biomass heating in municipal buildings and the reduction of single-use plastics. Last but not least, the City Council is fostering the digitalization process with the launch of a marketplace which facilitates sales to tourists once they are back home.

You can learn more at https://www.spain.info/en/

If you have any questions, please contact us at