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The World Tourism Organisation has published its list of the 32 ‘Best Tourist Villages’, which includes three Spanish towns: Rupit (Barcelona), Alquézar (Huesca) and Guadalupe (Cáceres). This list includes those villages that are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with accredited cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community values, products and lifestyles and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects: economic, social and environmental. The main objective of this Programme is to ensure that tourism helps to reduce inequalities, depopulation or boost digitalisation and infrastructure, among other aspects.
As we know that another of the attractions of rural destinations is their gastronomic offer and their homemade and traditional food, we have compiled the best restaurants in Rupit, Alquézar and Guadalupe, so that you can start your rural route in Spain eating deliciously.
Rupit (Barcelona)
This ancient medieval village, located 100 km from Barcelona, has incredible views of the Natural Area of Les Guilleries and the Montseny Natural Park, among many other attractions. If you visit this small town of just 339 inhabitants, you must see its old town centre, made up of old stone houses from the 16th to the 18th century, with the church of Sant Miquel Arcàngel and other historical monuments.
One of the most popular activities here is hiking. While the typical dishes are broad beans, escudelles or stews made with game meat. We recommend two restaurants to check them out.
Estrella
This restaurant is located in an attractive family-run inn founded in 1946. It is currently part of the Hostal Estrella. It is a place to enjoy quality Catalan cuisine, with local and seasonal products, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and cavas. There are two menus (€26 and €36) where you can enjoy dishes such as Catalan-style stew soup, creamy rice from Pals with mushrooms and cured sheep’s cheese, Catalan-style cod snout with sultanas and pine nuts, or river trout with almonds and ham. On the menu you will also find specialities such as grilled Collsacabra lamb with aioli or grilled Girona beef sirloin.
Fonda Marsal
The Fonda Marsal restaurant is a traditional and cosy place that offers delicious homemade food at a very good price. On the menu you will find mainly traditional Catalan dishes such as soups, grilled or stewed meats. And other specialities such as grandma’s stuffed potatoes, an assortment of local sausages, the house cannelloni or the exquisite homemade desserts. You can also stay at the Fonda to make your stay in the village unforgettable.
Alquézar (Huesca)
This medieval village in Huesca has plenty of attractions for a unique getaway. From visiting the Sonrisa del viento viewpoint, which offers views of the whole village, to the Gothic Portal, a Gothic arch where the tour begins with the stone streets and details in the buildings. Some essential stops should be the Collegiate Church or the church of San Miguel.
But it also has other natural attractions, such as different routes through the surrounding area or a visit to the Vero River Cultural Park. As for gastronomic proposals, here are two restaurants that you must try.
Casa Pardina
On their website they welcome you to the Rincón del Aceite, where you can taste the best extra virgin olive oil in the area. Run by Ana and Mari, here you can try traditional and modern cuisine full of flavours and paired with the best Somontano wines. They offer two menus: one for 49 € and the ‘Casa Pardina’ menu for 39 €.
Cueva Reina
In this restaurant you will taste a delicious meal while enjoying the incredible views of the Vero river canyon. An experience full of flavours, contrasts and textures based on the traditional products of Somontano. In addition to the à la carte menu, they have a daily set menu for 22 € and a weekend menu for 31 €. Among its specialities are the pork cheek stewed in port sauce, the aged beef entrecote with mushrooms and potatoes, the chickpea and cod stew ‘our way’ or the artichokes with foie chantilly and orange honey, among other options.
Guadalupe (Cáceres)
The Royal Monastery of Guadalupe was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993, so you can already tell just how beautiful this town will be. Its streets display typical mountain architecture as you stroll through the Plaza de Santa María de Guadalupe, the Colegio de Infantes or Grammar School, a former teaching centre for the humanities and singing. There are also five medieval arches spread over two walls.
As for gastronomic proposals, you will find a wide variety of restaurants offering traditional Extremaduran cuisine.
Posada del Rincón
Located inside the hotel of the same name, here you will have direct views of the Royal Monastery. On the restaurant’s menu you will find extraordinary flavours and products from Extremadura, including typical dishes seasoned with avant-garde touches and a variety of food and wine pairings. The chef’s suggestions include Galician beef sirloin, grilled entrecote or venison carpaccio. You can also try the assortment of Iberian cured meats, zorongollo or migas, among many other options.
Guadalupe Jordá
In this traditional restaurant you can try the best Extremaduran cuisine, starting with a varied selection of Iberian cured meats and cheeses from the area, good homemade croquettes, traditional Extremaduran migas or Iberian pork or lamb and kid, among other specialities. And all with excellent service and good value for money.
If you want to continue your gastronomic route discovering other places in Spain, you can discover 7 restaurants in Cuenca, Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2023 or visit the 18 T de Oro restaurants of Tapas Magazine.
