Discover the Charm of Spain’s Best Rural Villages: Agaete and Ezcaray Recognized by UN Tourism

Published on November 20, 2025

With the commendation of the United Nations for the best tourism villages of 2025, Agaete of Gran Canaria and Ezcaray of La Rioja, Spain, reiterate its leadership in the promotion of rural and sustainable tourism. The Agaete and Ezcaray villages are the best representatives to showcase Spain’s rural tourism offerings that embrace the culture and nature of the country. Their charm, combined with the accessibility of their beautiful nature and a variety of activities based on local culture, makes them correct choices for people seeking relaxation and immersion in Spain’s rural culture.

The declaration of these villages opens a window to the potential of rural tourism in Spain to create activities that enhance the culture and environment of the target location. There are numerous rural villages across Spain, and extrapolating the lessons learned from these villages opens opportunities for an in-depth exploration of Spain, its tourism, nature, and rural villages.

Agaete Gran Canaria

Agaete lies towards the northern extreme of Gran Canaria, thanks to the pleasant climate, picturesque sea, and warm weather, together with a mix of the sea and tradition.

In the northern part of the island, in the land nearby, the wind and an inactive volcano, the village maintains an unusual silhouette, a contour that has become a symbol of the district.

Agaete, for the sea, the plain, and the diver. Nearby Puerto de las Nieves is a placid and lovely small village by the sea with small whitish homes and a rocky beach with sea and fish restaurants. You can also eat the Canarian dish.

Agaete also produces tropical fruits like the age-old avocados, the younger mangos, and the unusual coffee. Valle de Agaete, a mountain and a lush coffee low valley, has a climate for tropical, highly desired, and integrated organic for coffee, avocado. Two units at the bottom, with the opposites of the mountain, with the sea.

Visitors interested in the culture and history in the region may visit some cultural points of interest in the municipality, such as the Our Lady of the Snows Church and the Agaete Cultural Centre, where they can appreciate the island’s particular customs, arts, and celebrations. For those seeking outdoor activities and for those who prefer a restful stay at the seaside, Agaete’s easy-going charm and splendid rural beauty enhance the range of possibilities for the rural tourist.

A Picturesque Village in La Rioja: Ezcaray

Located in the La Rioja region of northern Spain, Ezcaray has been a hotspot for those who wish to enjoy a typical rural experience in the northern part of the country, more specifically in the vicinity of the region’s wine production area. The easy access and the striking beauty of the Sierra de la Demanda mountains, as well as the town’s gentle rural charm and the romantic feel of the wine country, are a favourite to those who enjoy outdoor activities and nature, as well as those who appreciate the rural heritage of Spain.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Ezcaray to experience the breathtaking landscape no matter the time of year. Skiing and snowboarding take centre stage in the winter at the nearby Valdezcaray Ski Resort. In the summer, visitors flock to the area to hike and mountain bike. There are also places to go horseback riding. The Sierra de la Demanda mountains provide plenty of trails where visitors are able to appreciate the verdant forests and beautiful landscapes of the region.

The village of Ezcaray itself is also beautiful and charming with its historic center, cobblestone roads, and stone houses. It is also the location of the Plaza de la Constitución. It is filled with the village’s cafes, shops, and eateries, which is where visitors sample the region’s wines, assorted cheeses, and cured meats. It also has a plaza where visitors empty their chairs and join in the many cultural festivities of the village. These include the Semana Cultural and Fiesta del Vino, which take place to celebrate the area’s agriculture and wine.

Ezcaray is also close in proximity to the Rioja wine region, the most famous in the country. Tourists take planned trips to the area’s wineries to experience the Spanish culture in the form of wine. The wineries are popular for their red wines, and after a short lesson about the winning process, is followed by a tasting.

As one of the many destinations in Spain that are slowly embracing rural and sustainable tourism, Agaete and Ezcaray are pioneering the field. Escaping to places where one can appreciate nature and culture while experiencing the true essence of sustainable tourism is a focus that these small towns have captured. With the emphasis on eco-friendly farming and activities, these small towns are helping to maintain the natural and cultural heritage of Spain.

The award granted to Agaete and Ezcaray as Best Tourism Villages of the World 2025 by the UN certainly places value on these initiatives. The award and the subsequent publicity will position Spain’s rural villages as places providing immersive tourism while offering sustainable practices, access to local culture, and a variety of outdoor activities. The award will also increase tourism in these rural villages and promote responsible tourism, which will directly benefit the population of these villages.

An Ideal Choice for Nature and Culture Enthusiasts

Agaete and Ezcaray together present the perfect nature, culture, and history combination, making them fitting spots for people who wish to experience the rural charm of Spain. Be it hiking on the volcanic coast, delightful consumption of the local mountain village produce, or the stillness of the mountain village, these villages provide a serene, slower-paced experience the modern traveller seeks.

Agaete and Ezcaray’s focus on local multi-activity culture and sustainability assists Spain’s recently acquired status as a forerunner in rural tourism. If you wish to experience the true essence of Spain, these villages offer an unparalleled opportunity to make a meaningful connection.

Conclusion

With the rush for more eco-friendly tourism, Agaete and Ezcaray are small rural villages that show how tourism can continue to develop in the countryside. Right these unique locations are still Unsung tourism heroes in Spain, with an rich historia and gorgeous countryside. As these two villages receive UN Tourism accolades, expect an even bigger increase in numbers as they offer the tourism and rural Spain experiences..