Spain's Under-The-Radar Fairytale Village Is A Mountain Gem With Cobbled Streets - Islands

"As a sunny dream destination in Europe for digital nomads, Spain is a popular vacation hotspot, thanks to its famous cities and year-round sunshine. Overtourism is becoming a big problem in Spain, so if you prefer quiet, rural locales as opposed to crowded big cities, consider visiting the under-the-radar mountain village of La Alberca. Located about 45 miles east of the Portugal border in the province of Salamanca, La Alberca is found within the Sierra de Francia mountain range at an elevation of over 3,500 feet."

"With a population of a little over 1,000 people, La Alberca is known for its scenic cobbled streets and medieval architecture. It is a quiet village compared to major Spanish tourism sites, with the bulk of travelers visiting during summer, especially those who are embarking on the Camino de Santiago, Europe's equivalent of the Appalachian Trail. If you want to avoid fellow tourists, consider traveling outside the warmer months."

"La Alberca's history dates back to the 1300s and beyond, and some buildings from hundreds of years ago are still standing today. While walking through these historic streets, you can see emblems from the Spanish Inquisition, a 15th-century home belonging to a duke (now a theater), and the historic Plaza Mayor square. It's easy to see why La Alberca was Spain's first rural town declared a National Historic Monument."

La Alberca sits in the Sierra de Francia mountains in Salamanca province at over 3,500 feet elevation, about three hours from Madrid and three-and-a-half hours from Porto. The village has a population of roughly 1,000 residents and features scenic cobbled streets and preserved medieval architecture dating back to the 1300s and earlier. Visitors can observe emblems from the Spanish Inquisition, a 15th-century ducal home now used as a theater, and the historic Plaza Mayor. La Alberca was the first rural Spanish town declared a National Historic Monument. The 18th-century Church of La Asuncion is a notable landmark. Tourism peaks in summer and on Camino de Santiago routes; traveling outside warmer months reduces crowds.

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